Pastor Gary Faith Baptist Church

001 Suffering before Celebration

1 Peter 1:1-4 - When Peter first followed Jesus he looked forward to the glory that would follow him as he witnessed Jesus ascend to the throne and restore the glory of the kingdom of Israel. What he did not understand was that suffering comes before glory. Now he writes this letter to the scattered churches and reminds them that the celebration is coming, but we will have to suffer first. 

Crying out to God

Psalm 6 we read about David's heart and how he cried out to God as he was suffering. But not only was he suffering, he was in distress about his relationship with God and the enemy having victory over God's people. Yet he knew that if he would cry out to God, God would hear him. Do we cry out to God so that we can be closer to him? Do we cry out to God in order that his work will be done on this earth?

The Four Laws of Marriage

How can we have a successful marriage? The only way is to follow the instructions or the laws of marriage. Genesis 2:23-25 instructs us on the four laws of marriage. 

Run the Race

2 Corinthians 5:10, Philippians 3:10-14Christians have been forgiven for their sins because of the blood of Christ. But all Christians will appear before the judgement seat of Christ. We will give an account for how we live our lives and we can gain rewards by being faithful to Jesus.  We can also lose rewards by not finishing the course. 

When it is Time to Separate

Acts 13:36-41 - There are times when good people don't see eye to eye.  Paul and Barnabas were two great men of God who came to an impas.  The conflict was so strong that they ended up going their separate ways. There are times when believers don't get along. There are times when they may separate. But that does not mean that one is right or one is wrong. In the end, God in His love continues to work in the lives of His servants.

Why the Cross?

Galatians 2:11-21 Paul declares that we are saved by faith without the works of the law. But he also adreses the question, if it is that easy, can we just do what we want and have fire insurance? The answer is emphatically no. The cross not only saves us, we live through the power of the cross. We are saved by faith and we live by faith. Paul says that he is crucified with Christ, he no longer lives but Christ lives in him. Many times we trust the power of the cross to save  us but not for us to live the Christian life. 

Smile on Us

Psalm 80 Three times this psalm askes God to shine on them. In other words they were seeking God's favor in their lives to restore them to their former glory. As we begin the new year, we need the presence and power of God.

Utilizing Our Time

James 4:113-17 - As we begin the  new year, it is helpful for us to analyze how we are using our time. Are we using our time as wisely as we could? James warns us that we need to use the opportunities that we have and not rely on having another day. He tells us that it is sin to know what we need to do and not do it. 

Given to Give

Ephesians 3:7-12 The Christmas story is about giving. But often we only get half of the story. We are given in order that we would give to others. The true meaning in giving is not just to get for ourselves but to give to others. One of the gifts we receive is love. But love is only understood when we love others.

004 Are You Justified?

Romans 3:19-31 Romans 3:24 tells us that we are justified by faith. A better question to ask than if you died today would you go to heaven is if you were to stand before God today, are you justified in His sight? The only way we can be justified by faith is if we have the imputed righteousness of God. This is a result of the price that Jesus paid on the cross so that you and I can go free.