Sermons
Sermons from Bay Vista Baptist ChurchThe Sacrifice of Love
As we turn our thoughts toward love on the fourth Sunday of Advent, we take a look at the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Romans 5:8 epitomizes this love - while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!
Be Glad and Rejoice
Zephaniah’s message from God was not pretty; however, after prophesying doom, he ends his book with a message of joy. The King would come to be with them, ending all their fear and despair, and would actually sing for joy over His people.
The One Who Prepares
When John the Baptist was born, Zechariah (his father) was able to speak for the first time in 9 months. Some of his first words were a prophecy of both his son and the One for Whom his son was sent to prepare the world. Like John, Christ should be the focus of our lives, and we too are called to bring light and peace into a dark and tumultuous world.
The Righteous Branch
Israel had been taken captive - the northern kingdom by Assyria, the southern kingdom by Judah. Jeremiah prophesied a return for the southern kingdom, but he also prophesied of a coming King unlike any they had seen up to this point - a righteous, fair ruler Who would bring safety and salvation to His people.
Give Thanks to the Sustainer
We conclude Psalm 136 with a look at how God preserved the Israelites as they moved toward the promised land. His enduring love is for us; He does not forget us, and hears us when we cry out to Him.
Give Thanks to the Redeemer
As we continue looking at Psalm 136, we look back to God’s judgment of Egypt, and His release of His people across the Red Sea. While judgment is not a pleasant thought, its reality makes our redemption very meaningful, and should inspire gratitude.
Give Thanks to the Creator
Psalm 136 is a celebration of God’s love; its repetitions of “His love endures forever” remind us that no matter how high and lifted up God is, He still chooses to extend love to us. The first part of the psalm expresses gratitude to the true, good God Who created heaven and earth.
Growing Up
Peter concludes his letter to the early church by reminding them to grow in both the grace and the knowledge of God. This is the way the church under fire can withstand adversity, both from without and from within.
Always Be on Guard
Peter is nearing the end of his letter, but he uses the first part of his conclusion to remind his readers of their vulnerability to false teachers. He calls Christians to be committed to God’s Word, and to remain in fellowship with other believers, to help us resist being carried away from the faith.
How, Then, Shall We Live?
In view of what Peter has just laid out for his readers regarding the impotency of false teachers and the surety of Christ’s return, he asks and answers the question of how we should live. We should be eager for Christ’s return, while living holy lives marked with peace and gratitude.