Sermons
Sermons from Bay Vista Baptist ChurchReceiving Rewards
Jesus had done a lot to discourage people from following Him, telling them that He was offering a difficult life, not an easy one. In this passage, though, He shifts a bit and gives us principles regarding the rewards that are connected to faithful service.
Criteria for Judgment
Although some interpretations vary on today’s text, there are a few principles we can glean from it. The judgment described in this passage is based on service that demonstrates an active faith. As James put it, quite bluntly, faith without works is dead.
Living in the Light of Christ's Return
Jesus is coming back. So what? This is not a heretical question; what impact is the knowledge of Christ’s impending return having on us as we live and serve day-to-day? More importantly, what does the Bible say that impact should be?
What a Good Deacon Brings to the Table
When the early church was experiencing growing pains, the apostles decided that they should appoint seven people to help with the work. As these men ministered, they strengthened the unity of the church, brought it focus, and enabled even greater growth. This is the prototype of today’s deacon.
You, from God's Perspective
Gideon was hiding from his oppressors when God came to him with word that he would lead the army God would use to deliver His people. However, God addressed Gideon in terms of how He saw Him - not as a coward, but as a mighty man of valor.
Assurance that God Remembers
As we serve God, we will likely go through struggles; at times, we may wonder if what we are doing is what God wants us to do. Today, though, we see an assurance that God does not forget His servants, particularly in those times when they need Him.
Serving in the Time of Hurt
Contrary to popular belief, being a Christian does not mean we are exempt from pain or hurt. As Paul opens his second (or third) letter to the Corinthian church, he asserts that hurt is not only normal, it more greatly enables us to minister to a hurting world.
Are We Ready to Be Sent?
The prophet Isaiah had a great impact both in his day, and in all of Christianity. As we shift our focus to “Connecting People to Service,” we see that his willingness to be used by God - even when he did not know what the task was - is the same willingness we need to develop in our lives.
Our Brother's Keepers
“Am I my brother’s keeper?” was Cain’s question to God after he had murdered his brother Abel. Thousands of years later, when Paul is writing to the church in Galatia, he answers that question with an emphatic “yes.”
Jesus Believes in Small Groups
Shortly after Jesus began His ministry, He called out 12 men to be in His inner circle, where He taught them and prepared them for ministry. What can we learn from how Jesus used this “small group” of men?