Sermons
Sermons from Bay Vista Baptist ChurchA Prayer of Thanksgiving and Truth
As Brother Danny continues taking us through the book of Ephesians, he shares chapter 1, verses 15-23 this morning. In these verses, Paul expresses his prayer of thanksgiving for the Ephesian believers. Paul thanked God for their growth, their love for other, and their love for God. As we examine this prayer of Paul’s, it would be healthy to consider whether our lives would inspire such a prayer from Paul.
The Praise of His Glory
As Brother Danny wraps up Paul’s introduction in the book of Ephesians, he reminds us that our salvation was planned by God before the foundation of the world. Gentiles were not “plan b” in the kingdom of God. Also, he shows us that it is Jesus the Son who makes the gospel of salvation, and the fulfillment of God’s plan, possible. Finally, we have the presence of the Holy Spirit as the downpayment of our salvation and the glory which we will recieve. In this the whole Godhead is present, and our response should be praise and worship.
In the Beloved
In this morning’s message, Brother Danny explains what Paul means when he says that we are in Jesus. Being in Jesus means that we are redeemed, paid for, at a very high price. Being in Jesus means that we are forgiven, the wall of sin is destroyed. Finally, being in Jesus means that we are part of His plan. From the foundations of the world, God had a plan for each of his children.
In the Heavenly Places
Brother Danny explains the opening benediction in the book of Ephesians, beginning with verses 3 through 6. In these verses, Paul gets caught up in expressing the greatness of God’s love for his people. Before the foundations of the world, God chose his people for adoption into the family of God. With that adoption comes the command to be set apart, holy for God’s plan. This doctrine of elections shouldn’t be something that God’s people ignore, rather it should cause us to glorify God even more fully.
Lessons in a Salutation
Today, Brother Danny shares with us from Ephesians 1:1-2, a passage that is often overlooked for anything of spiritual significance. This salutation from Paul to the churches in and around Ephesus, serves as a reminder for us that God calls us into His purpose to live as saints, holy ones set apart. We are called to be set apart for the service that he commands of us, a service to reach the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ. And he equips us with the community of the church, to uplift and encourage each believer.
Faith Informs Life
Brother Bill begins a series on the book of Hebrews with a look at the message given to God’s people through the ages. Though the messenger may change, the message has never changed. God desires our obedience, our worship, and our active ministering to those around us.
The Lord's Supper
Looking into 1 Corinthians 11, Brother Bill shares with us the importance of being mindful of the unity of the church as we approach the Lord’s table. Paul had admoinished the Corinthian church about their divisions effecting the mission of the church, and we need to be cautious not to have that same issue in the life our congregations.
New Years Resolutions
As we begin the New Year, Brother Danny reminds us of the history of the New Year’s Resolution, and helps us to understand that this is a good time to resolve to do some things in our spiritual lives, with God’s help.
What Do We Celebrate
On the day we light the Christ Candle, Brother Danny reminds us of four essential truths about what we should be celebrating at Christmastime. First, that this is a celebration of the eternal Word of God. Second, we are celebrating the Light that conquers darkness. Third, we celebrate the gift that brings us into the family of God. And, finally, we celebrate the fullness of God made flesh.
An Amazing Love
On the fourth Sunday of Advent, Brother Danny shares with us the amazing nature of God’s love toward His people. In the first chapter of Matthew, we see the story of Jesus’ birth, from the prespective of Joseph. Matthew shows us the love that Joseph and Mary had for God, the love that Joseph had for Mary, and the love that caused God to send his son for his people.