To Live is Christ (Philippians 1:19-26)

In a recent survey of the most common phobias (fears), a few of the most common are: Mysophobia—Fear of Germs, Acrophobia—fear of heights, Ophidiophobia —fear of snakes, and Arachnophobia—fear of spiders. What isn’t always at the top of the list but should be is Thanatophobia—fear of death because the main reason we are afraid ofContinue reading "To Live is Christ (Philippians 1:19-26)"

The Gospel Advances (Philippians 1:12-18)

After thanking God for the Philippians’ partnership in the Gospel and praying for them to abound more and more in love with discernment, Paul updated the church in Philippi on what has been happening with him in Rome; letting them know that even though he is in a difficult place, the Gospel advances because GodContinue reading "The Gospel Advances (Philippians 1:12-18)"

Thanksgiving & Prayer (Philippians 1:1-11)

This morning we begin a new sermon series on the Letter of Paul to the Philippians. Paul wrote this letter to the Christians/Saints in Philippi while he was imprisoned in Rome. Philippi was an important city to Paul. This was where Lydia was converted, Paul and Silas were imprisoned, and the “Philippian Jailer” was convertedContinue reading "Thanksgiving & Prayer (Philippians 1:1-11)"

Grace and Mercy (Philemon)

The Apostle Paul spent much of his later years in prison because of his faith. Most likely, Paul was in Rome when he wrote this letter to Philemon. Rome was hostile to Christianity in the 1st Century and relentlessly persecuted Christians, especially during the reign of Nero (54-68 AD). This letter was probably sent along withContinue reading "Grace and Mercy (Philemon)"

Italy Mission Team – September 2019

Three members of First Baptist Church, along with 4 members of other Cape Girardeau Baptist Association Churches just returned from a mission trip to Belluno, Italy. Belluno is a town in northeast Italy of about 30,000 people. Belluno sits at the south of the Italian Alps. We arrived in Belluno Thursday, September 12th. That nightContinue reading "Italy Mission Team – September 2019"

Everyday Missionaries Everywhere (Acts 1:8)

Our Italy mission team leaves this week! Our partnership with the Evangelical Church of Belluno is in its 4th year. God is doing great things in Belluno and the difference in the local church since 2016 is remarkable. Each year the team has gone we have seen new faces and growing enthusiasm. In 2016, weContinue reading "Everyday Missionaries Everywhere (Acts 1:8)"

Are we a Great Church? Our Measures

Most churches want to be great. Rarely do you find a church that wants to fail, close, or bring dishonor to the name of Christ. Most churches want to be great, but how do you know when a church is actually great? We have learned in this sermon series that it is God who determinesContinue reading "Are we a Great Church? Our Measures"

What Makes a Church Great?

What makes a church great? It depends on who you ask. There are some people who consider a church to be “great” when its average attendance reaches a certain point (e.g., 250 or 500). Only a great church—they argue—could attract that many people. The presence of many people is their proof that it is aContinue reading "What Makes a Church Great?"

Jonah, why are you angry? (Jonah 4)

https://soundcloud.com/firstbaptistscottcity/jonah-why-are-you-angry-jonah The people of Nineveh repented and God relented of the destruction He had prepared for them because of their wickedness. This is a vivid reminder to us of what the Lord declared through the Prophet Ezekiel “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? ...Instead, don’t I take pleasure when heContinue reading "Jonah, why are you angry? (Jonah 4)"

Jonah, What did you Say? (Jonah 3)

https://soundcloud.com/firstbaptistscottcity/jonah-what-did-you-say-jonah-3 The end of the sermon was not recorded. Our apologies. The first two chapters of Jonah are very instructional for those who would try to run from God. The Lord told Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach, but Jonah decided to go as far away from Nineveh as he possibly could: Tarshish. JonahContinue reading "Jonah, What did you Say? (Jonah 3)"