Sermons
Sermons from Bay Vista Baptist ChurchJoyful Faith
This morning, Brother Danny takes us through Habakkuk chapter 3, verses 16-18. In these passages, Habakkuk gives us three lessons regarding our faith. The first lesson is that waiting quietly on the Lord can result in a heart of hope. The second lesson is that when we are honest about our circumstances can cause us to rely on the Lord. Finally, when we remember who God is, we can have joy in the toughest of times.
Salvation
Brother Danny takes us further through the third chapter of Habakkuk this morning, with a message of hope. In our passage for today, Habakkuk recals the mighty deliverance of God as he brought his people from their bondage in Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the promised land. With his eye on God’s faithfulness in the past, he turns his eye towards the future and God’s continued promise of deliverance for his people. Likewise, we can look back on the finished work of Christ and know that, as Paul says in Philippians, he who began a good work in you will see it through to completion!
A Change of Heart
As Brother Danny takes us into the third chapter of Habakkuk, we see a change of heart in the prophet, from the angry and indignant questioning of the first two chapters to the heartfelt plea for mercy that we find here in chapter three. In these first tow verses of the chapter, we learn that God is instrumental in this change of heart, by three actions: First, by making Himself known through his word. Second, by the work that He does in our lives. Third, God changes our hearts by humbling us and leading us to desire mercy for others.
Silence
This week, Brother Danny wraps up our look at the book of Habakkuk with what may be the most important and overlooked command in all of scripture. Over and over again, God’s people have to be reminded that God is in control, He is on his throne, and we need to be silent and trust him.
Hopeless Idols
This morning, Brother Danny shares with us two verses that are seen, not only in Habakkuk, but visible in every book of the Bible. Over and over, God’s people are warned away from idolatry, and over and over, we can see that warning is ignored, at our own peril. Even though we may not carve idols from wood or cast them from gold, the idols of work, relationships, money, and power can and do often lead us astray.
Cruelty
As Brother Danny continues leading us through the book of Habakkuk, we look at verses 12 through 17 of chapter 2 this morning. Woes to the cruel. In this passage, God’s prophet pronounces calamity against the Babylonians for their cruelty to their enemies. There are three aspects of this cruelty that are called out by the prophet. The first aspect of cruelty comes from our selfish desires. The second comes from our mocking heart. The third from the human thirst for violence. However, lest we think that these woes do not apply to believers, Brother Danny also shares scripture written specifically to the church that talks about the same issues.
Hubris
This morning, as Brother Danny continues leading us through the the book of Habakkuk, our focus is on chapter 2, verses 5 through 11. In this passage, God’s prophet warns the Chaldeans (Babylon) against the danger of arrogant pride, or hubris. But, before we can say that the warning doesn’t apply to us, we should also note that there are many places in God’s word where this same warning is given to God’s people. An attitude of Hubris refelcts a mindset of arrogance, leads to the exploitation of others, and ultimately results in a shame filled judgement on the one who is so arrogantly prideful. May this sin be far from the people of God.
Wait for It
As Brother Danny continues leading us through the prophecy of Habakkuk, this week’s focus is on the suficiency of God’s revelation. God’s revelation speaks to His purpose in this world, in His timeline. Since His revelation is true, it is trustworthy, and will come to pass, though it requires us to have patience. As we let God work his purpose in our lives, we must also exercise faithfulness while we wait for His plan to come to fruition.
But It's Not Fair
As Brother Danny continues leading us through Habakkuk’s prophecy, he reminds us of three principles from Habakkuk’s writing that will get us through those situations when it’s just not fair. First, we need to hold onto the basic principles of our faith; remembering that God’s characvter never changes. Second, we must be willing to have a much-neded conversation with God; not just a safe prayer, and not just a list of ailments. Finally, We need to keep our hope in the God who responds to our cries for help. Even when things are not fair in this world, we serve the One who always brings about the best for those who love Him.
Doing the Unexpected
As brother Danny continues walking us through the prophecy of Habakkuk, this morning we are reminded that God does things that sometimes don’t make sense tous, as His people. He may (and often does) use calamity, suffering, and hardship to trun His people from their own stiff-necked understanding and ways and turn them back to him.