Sermons
Sermons from Bay Vista Baptist ChurchShining on for Jesus
Thank you for bearing with our technical difficulties. This morning, Brother Danny shared the final message in the “Why Are We Here” series, with a look at Matthew 5:14-16. In this very familiar passage, Christians are reminded that we are a light that can make a difference in this world. We are a light, because of Christ in us. Thus, that light should never be hidden. We cannot be effective as gospel light-bearers if we withdraw from the world. And finally, letting our light shine in this world will bring glory to God, by letting the world see what a difference christ makes in our lives.
Making Excuses or Making Disciples
This morning, on Reformation Day, Brother Bill shared with us the importance of believeing God and obeying His commands as we seek to fulfil the statement found in Romans 1:17 “the righteous shall live by faith.” As we seek to do so, we can be obedient to both the great commandment found in Matthew 22:37-40 and the great commission in Matthew 28:18-20.
What if I Don't Have What It Takes to Minister?
This morning, Brother Danny shared from John’s gospel, chapter 6, verses 1 through 13, the feeding of the 5000. In this passage, there are some important principles for the believers within the church to hold onto as we minister in our families, in our congregation, and in our communities. First, we need to recognize that ministry is something we cannot do by ourselves. We may need other believers, and we always need the Holy Spirit in order to be successful. Second, we need to assess the resources that we have available for ministry. We cannot forget that we have the indwelling presence of God to help us as we are obedient. Finally, we need to remember that God will bless whatever we give for the ministry that He has prepared for us to do.
Caring Enough to Do Something
This morning, Brother Danny encouraged the church to care enough to do something. Using the parable of the good Samaritan found in Luke 10, verses 25 through 37, we are encouraged to remember that involved ministry requires us to have hearts of compassion. In order for the church to be successful at this, we need to turn our hearts over to the Lord. We must also have a willingness to help “whoever.” Finally, we need to remember that this kind of ministry has a cost, and we need to be willing to pay that cost.
Sanctified, Made Useful
This morning, Brother Danny continued with his series on “Why are we here” looking at 2 Timothy, Chapter 2, Verses 20 through 22. In this small passage, Paul reminds his readers that one of the ways we honor God is by living sanctified lives. While sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, our cooperation with the Spirit is what makes that sanctification effective. We also honor God by being useful in the kingdom. Our usefullness is directly related to our sanctification. Finally, we honor God when we are prepared to serve, when He wants us to serve. We need to recognize that all believers have been called to serve.
Hearts Given to Ministry
In this morning’s message, Brother Danny encouraged the church to consider if we can say that we have hearts that are given to ministry. There are three questions for the believer to ask of themselves on a regualr basis: Are we ready to minister when we see a need? Does our presence bring gladness? and Does our willing service help others to continue their service. Every believer should be able to answer these questions with a “yes” if we truly have hearts to minister to others.
Restore One Another
This morning, Brother Danny wrapped up his segment on fellowship within the church, with a message about our role as ministers of restoration. In order to be successful in that ministry, first we must not clothe ourselves in the in the ways of the world. Paul calls the Colosian believers to put off things like anger and envy and strife and to be clothed instead with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. When those are the characteristics that show in our lives, the way we treat one another will be different. This leads us to the ability to forgive one another, and to restore our relationships to where they ought to be.
Strengthen One Another
This morning, Brother Danny shared with us the importance of strengthening one another within the church body. Sometimes, we need help remembering who we are. We sometimes forget that following Christ should have a practical impact on our lives. Sometimes, we need help when we feel discouraged. When we are willing to walk through the valley together demonstrates our love for one another. And sometimes, we need help when we’ve been weakened by life’s battles. Every member of the church has a responsibility to help other members grow.
Profit and Loss
This morning, Brother Danny exhorted us to be bringers of profit to one another, taken from the text of 2 Timothy 1:15 through 18. In this passage, paul talks about the two different kinds of people we encounter in this world: those who bring loss to others and those who bring profit. People who bring loss are motivated by fear, un willing to risk opening up to others, and so they fail to be faithful. As Christians, our motivation should be the command of Christ to love one another at all cost, to risk everything for the sake of our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to rely on God’s strength to be obedient.
We're in This Together
This morning, Brother Danny xshares with the church the importance of being together as one body. As Christians, we are no longer outsiders. Rather, we belong to God’s household. God’s household isn’t built on shaky ground. It has the firmest of foundations in the faithfulness of God Himself. Also, we are not a finished construction. The church is not a building, or a campus. It is the called out believers in Jesus Christ, throughout all of human history, regardless of nationality, gender, skin color, or anything else.