City Baptist Church - Weekly Sermons

"Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell" - James 3:5-6 James reminds us that when ruled by our flesh, the tongue can truly be a destructive thing. But when we allow the Spirit of God to take control, it becomes a way for us to edify, encouragement, and share His love with others. Only in Jesus Christ, can we get our tongue under control!

"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." - James 2:26 Last Sunday's message gives us a challenging truth. Our faith must be shown by our work Our works for the Lord are a result of an overflow of our faith and love in Jesus Christ. Faith without works, is dead.

"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons." - James 2:1 James chapter 2 starts with a challenging truth. God's unconditional love is extended to all - no matter the background or situation. Just as He has freely shown love to us, we ought to show it to whoever is in need. We look on the outside, but God always looks at the heart.

James main concern for the scattered believers was that their faith would result in action. As Christians, God's foremost desire is that our belief in the Word of God, would be revealed in our willingness to live out the Word.  James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves..

Our study of James continues as we see how the outside trials of life, will often move to an inward temptation. James gives us some warnings and encouragement to face temptation, with a victorious attitude that only comes through our relationship with Christ. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

James 1:5-12 is an important passage when facing unexpected trials and temptations in life. The good thing is, God has and answer for you, and it can be found in today’s message. James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

In this first sermon of a new series in the book of James. We begin by looking at James encouragement to live joyfully, even in the difficult situations of life, because God is working through that situation for your good. James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Having Spiritual Vision, or seeing the world and your circumstances with a spiritual lens is an important aspect of living the victorious Christian life. In the middle of uncertain circumstances, we see Elisha encourage us to remember that if God is for us, who can be against us. 2 Kings 6:16-17 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

God’s power is something that every believer needs in their life. In today’s message, we look at how we can get back to seeing God’s power in our lives through a familiar story in the life of Elisha. 2 Kings 6:6-7 And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. 7 Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.

This teaching series is all about people that God can use in an extraordinary way. In 2 Kings 5, we see the story of how God used a servant girl, to change a mans life forever. 2 Kings 5:2-3 And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife. 3 And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.

A temptation that many believers face is that we so easily resign ourselves to believing that God cannot use us any more. When the opposite is actually true, God wants to do great things with your life, however, we have to approach Him with a heart that desires His work. Not because of their own strength, or wealth, or ability, but because of Christ within us. Psalm 40:4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

As the mantle of leadership is passed from Elijah to Elisha. We see in Elisha’s response to God’s call, examples of how we can approach the will of God for our lives. When we surrender to His will, holding nothing back, that we can truly experience a greater eternal impact. 1 Kings 19:19 So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.

The showdown at Mt. Carmel was complete, the fire from heaven had fallen, the false prophets had been removed from Israel, and even the rain had returned by the miracle of God. You would think Elijah would be thrilled, but things were not perfect, and soon great discouragement came to his life. In today’s message, we look at encouragement when we are in a difficult place. 1 Kings 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

As Israel continues to struggle with their commitment to the one true God. Through Elijah, God orchestrates a showdown on Mt. Carmel to prove once and for all that He is the one worthy of worship. As the people are confronted with this truth, their hearts are challenged to make a decision, either serve God, or serve the false idols they had been giving themselves too. 1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

As we pick up from last week, we continue a new series at City Baptist Church about the life of Elijah and Elisha, ordinary people who God used in a remarkable way. In this weeks message, we continue the story of Elijah, and how God prepared him for service, through some trying and difficult circumstances. 1 Kings 17:23-24 And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth. 24 And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.

In this first sermon of 2019 from City Baptist Church. We take a look at the first mention of the Prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 17, and how that before he became the mighty Prophet that we know and love, God had to take him to a place of total dependance. As we look to 2019, the challenge is that we would be a people who are completely dependent upon God, which will then open the door for Him to use us for His glory. 1 Kings 17:2-4 And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, 3 Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. 4 And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.

If you were asked what is the most important part about Christmas, you would more than likely say “worshipping Jesus.” But are you really worshipping Him? In today message, we will hear the second part of a familiar Christmas story how each of us can grow in our worship during the Christmas Season. Matthew 2:2 Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

If you were asked what is the most important part about Christmas, you would more than likely say “worshipping Jesus.” But are you really worshipping Him? In today message, we will see from a familiar Christmas story how each of us can grow in our worship during the Christmas Season. Matthew 2:2 Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

The Christmas season is a wonderful time of connection with family and friends. Yet in the middle of all the parties and family gatherings, it can be very easy to miss out on the spiritual importance of the season. In this new series at City Baptist Church, we will look at the simple truths of Christmas, and the personal impact the birth of Jesus can have in our lives. Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

A heart of thankfulness is at the core of a life of worship. In this final message of our series, Pastor Paul encourages us with a challenge to be a grateful church, that allows our heart of thankfulness to God make a sincere impact in our lives. 1 Chronicles 16:8 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.