Sermons
Sermons from Bay Vista Baptist ChurchThe End Begins
The arrival of the Christ child represents the beginning of the final act of human history. Much of its significance is in the prophecies He fulfilled; what does that tell us about prophecies yet to be fulfilled? While we wait for their fulfillment, we must not neglect the great salvation He has provided for us.
An Advent Song of Love
God’s love is steadfast, strong, and true. This psalm rejoices in God’s enduring love, celebrates His loving acts, and does not give up even when life turns to chaos.
An Ode to Joy in Two Stanzas
Joy can be a rare occurrence; this world is not a terribly joyful place. The “ode to joy” of Psalm 126, though, shows us how we can truly have joy – by trusting that the same God Who has moved in our lives before will do so again.
God's Advent Gifts
As we focus on peace, we look at a psalm that celebrates the salvation which Jesus brings. His coming brings gifts that restore our wholeness and remove threats, leading to a lasting peace.
A Cry for Hope
It might seem strange to look at a psalm of lament as we open the season of Advent. However, this psalm shows us that, while things may be going poorly, there is hope for resoration and deliverance.
How Should We Live?
James finishes his letter with instructions to his readers on various aspects of life. The believer’s life should be marked with integrity, faith, and grace that clearly distinguishes us from the world.
Life's Challenges
As James begins drawing his letter to a close, he encourages believers to persevere throughout three different challenges of life: waiting for the Lord’s return, dealing with those around us, and enduring through suffering.
Truly Committed
While we can make plans for the future, we truly do not know what the next hour, day, week, or year will bring, and our commitment level to these plans does little to change that. For the believer desiring to follow God, it is much better to seek His will and include Him in our plans; failing to do so amounts to little more than practical atheism.
What's All the Fighting About?
In today’s passage, James continues to address tough issues. We live in a world filled with conflict, and the source of this conflict lies within us. Our natural bent toward selfishness does not lead to peace. There is a way out of this conflict, though - repentance and submission.
Bite Your Tongue
This message deals with some of the toughest words James writes; controlling our speech is very difficult. In fact, James says that if anyone can do it, they are perfect! For the rest of us, though, we must learn that the tongue is powerful, can be destructive, and must be controlled - and the only way this can happen is through a new nature.