Sermons
Sermons from Bay Vista Baptist ChurchGod Proves Us Through Adversity
The word “adversity” likely doesn’t bring a smile to your face. However, in today’s Scripture, James instructs his readers that they should maintain joy in their adversity, and view it as a way for God to bring His people to maturity.
The Road Less Traveled
The poet Robert Frost wrote about taking a road less traveled, saying that this decision made “all the difference.” In today’s Scripture, Jesus warns His followers that there is indeed a great difference between the two available paths in this world, and that only one leads to the Kingdom.
A Few Good Men
This week, we took a break from the Sermon on the Mount, as we ordained a new deacon and installed two others who had been previously ordained. In this message, we are reminded that service is a spiritual act, and that God wants all of us to be willing servants for Him.
The Promise of Answered Prayer
Today, we look at the second time Jesus brought up prayer in the Sermon on the Mount. There are no magic incantations, no code words, and no secret formula. Rather, persistent prayer can move God - or is it us who are moving closer to Him?
The Danger of Judging
“YOU CAN’T JUDGE ME!” People who don’t know Jesus and don’t know the Bible know that, in the Bible, Jesus said we shouldn’t judge people. Today, we look at this oft-taken-out-of-context passage, and what it really means to citizens of the kingdom of God.
When Worry Controls Us
Worry is a go-to emotion for some people. In today’s passage, Jesus warns His followers that it is unproductive, unnecessary, and can actually keep us from enjoying the benefits of being citizens of the kingdom of God.
How to Lose a Reward
When given the option to have $100 now, or $1,000,000 later, choosing the former is foolish and unwise. However, this is not too terribly different than the people Jesus described in these verses, who traded their eternal reward for the contemporary attention of man.
Beyond Getting Even
“Don’t get mad, get even!” This may sound good, but it is directly contrary to the teaching of Jesus that we encounter this week. Jesus deals with both heart and actions, teaching us that we are not only to not return evil for evil, but we are to go even further and love those who mistreat us.
Promises
This week, Jesus moves outward from our hearts to our actions, specifically those that rely on integrity. While none of these sins are unforgivable, Jesus uses marriage and vows to illustrate the importance with which a kingdom citizen should view promises.
Matters of the Heart
As Jesus began explaining how He was fulfilling the law, He started with two of the most common areas where people thought they were not sinning. This was the first time He explained that sin is not just a matter of what we do; it is a matter of the heart.