Tomball Bible Church

9/6/2026Truth: Every believer must work out his or her own salvation. We don’t work for our salvation, but the Bible is clear that we must all act upon saving faith. Yet, there is a pernicious and devious lie that lurks close by all well-intentioned believers. This subtle deception is this: “You’re not the Christian you’re supposed to be, and you know it; so, do better.” Our enemy would love nothing more than for the Church to be filled with tired, disheartened, and defeated Christians. We pause in our study of James to focus on Philippians 2:12-18 and see the incredibly freeing truth that we work out our salvation through the power of God, not personal effort. Philippians 2:12-18

August 30, 2026Having explained that true faith loves God and lives by His standard, James returns to the subject of a believer’s speech. How we use our words really matters, especially for those set apart as teachers. Our words can either be a fountain of life that blesses God and others or a poisoned well that dishonors Him and harms all who draw from it.James 3:1-12

August 23, 2026James 2:14-26 unmasks false expressions of faith and reveals the face of true, saving faith in Christ. By clarifying often-misunderstood terms, we will discover how genuine faith expresses itself through love for Christ and obedience to His Word.James 2:14-26

August 16, 2026James continued his exhortation to Christians to follow God's moral  standards rather than the world's standards.  In this section he commanded Christians not to show partiality, meaning show no preference or favor to one person over another on the basis of outward appearances.  James gave a troubling example of showing partiality to a rich man over a poor in the church, and how outward appearances are unreliable. Showing partiality based on outward appearances is sinful and unloving.James 2:1-13

August 9, 2026Having called believers to faithful obedience to God's Word, James concludes the chapter with three marks of authentic religion (James 1:26-27). We honor Christ's perfect, royal law by exercising self-control in our speech, showing compassionate care for the vulnerable, and pursuing a life of personal holiness. Where these qualities are absent, James warns that our religion is not merely weak; it is empty and worthless.James 1:26-27

August 2, 2026Which would you rather be, blessed or deceived? Silly question, right? Given a choice, we would choose blessing every time. However, when we know about God in His Word but do not act on it, we are deceived. This is not an information problem. This is a heart problem that the Holy Spirit enables us to overcome. James 1:21-25 teaches us that knowing the Word and acting upon it results in God’s blessing.James 1:21-25

July 26, 2026Anger is a very human emotion. And with it, comes all sorts of problems. Just like all of our human traits and emotions, anger can reflect the image of God that we bear. But most often, it gets the better of us and what we reflect is something far less than God’s righteousness. Our text will help us address this problem and set a course for producing the righteousness of God.James 1:19-20

July 19, 2026James provides two motivations for Christians not to give in to temptation. The first is the truth that succumbing to temptation leads to a destructive, deadly outcome. The second is the goodness and unchanging character of God. Our response to temptation will reveal if we truly believe God is always good and the giver of all the good we could ever want or need.  James 1:16-18

July 12, 2026Trials are inevitable, but our response defines us. Testing is God's sovereign tool for growth, while temptation is the heart's internal pull toward sin. To 'Raise the Standard' in our lives, we must distinguish between God's refining tests and our own desires, ensuring we do not blame God for the sinful reactions that rise from within our hearts and minds. James 1:12-15 provides the theological foundation that should enable us to reflect Christ in our trials.James 1:12-15

July 5, 2026We live in a world that ascribes value and status based upon wealth, creating an enduring divide between "The Have’s" and "The Have Not’s". However, for those "in Christ," status is defined not by wealth but by our secure position as children of God. This identity will be constantly tested by worldly pressures, requiring us to remain steadfast by fixing our eyes on Him, refusing to let the world's appraisal dictate our worth, and instead viewing ourselves and others through the lens of how God sees His Son.James 1:9-11

James 1:5-8

June 21, 2026Everyone goes through trials and temptations. We can either respond in a Christlike way or in a worldly way. When we raise the standard of our response to trials to Christ’s standard, the Lord matures our faith and builds up our spiritual endurance. Confident in God’s character and what He will produce in us, James challenges us to face every trial with pure joy.James 1:1-4

June 14, 2026Life is a series of choices. For the believer, God demands more than human wisdom or worldly standards; He calls us to align our lives with THE Standard: Jesus Christ. In his epistle, James provides practical instruction for godly wisdom, challenging the Church to prove the genuineness of their faith through transformed lives. This sermon series will call and equip each of us to raise the standard of every aspect of our lives as we aim to honor Christ.

June 7, 2026The 4-week series, Resolute Together, explores the four core commitments of TBC membership: protecting the unity of the church, joining the mission of the church, supporting the life of the church, and serving the ministry of the church. The challenge for TBC is not whether we should be resolute, but how we can ensure we stand resolute together as a church family. This week, we ask, “Will we serve the ministry of the church?” While serving often brings to mind volunteer roles and ministry opportunities, Scripture reminds us that service begins with the heart. Before we discover our gifts or find places to serve, we are called to develop the humble, servant-hearted mindset of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve.Philippians 2:3-8

May 31, 2026The 4-week series, Resolute Together, explores the four core commitments of TBC membership: protecting the unity of the church, joining the mission of the church, supporting the life of the church, and serving the ministry of the church. The challenge for TBC is not whether we should be resolute, but how we can ensure we stand resolute together as a church family. This week we ask, “Will we support the life of the church?”2 Corinthians 9:6-15

May 24, 2026The 4-week series, Resolute Together, explores the four core commitments of TBC membership: protecting the unity of the church, joining the mission of the church, supporting the life of the church, and serving the ministry of the church. The challenge for TBC is not whether we should be resolute, but how we can ensure we stand resolute together as a church family. This week, we ask, “Will we join the mission of the church?”Ephesians 4:11-16

May 17, 2026The 4-week series, Resolute Together, explores the four core commitments of TBC membership: protecting the unity of the church, joining the mission of the church, supporting the life of the church, and serving the ministry of the church. The challenge for TBC is not whether we should be resolute, but how we can ensure we stand resolute together as a church family. This series opens with the crucial question, “Will we protect the unity of the church?”

May 10, 2026Peter’s first letter to the Church concludes with a series of Church community commitments. These commitments set Christians apart from the world around us. This is a shared, resolute pursuit that requires mutual exhortation and encouragement and will receive God’s blessings and strength to persevere until Christ’s appearing.1 Peter 5:6-14

May 3, 2026In this passage, the Apostle Peter offers a direct and sobering charge to those entrusted with spiritual leadership. Elders are called to shepherd God’s people willingly, eagerly, and humbly. Not for personal gain or power, but as examples to the flock. It reminds us all that leadership church leadership isn’t about control or status, but care and service. At the same time, the congregation is called to respond with respect and humility, recognizing that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. This message challenges both leaders and members alike to embrace a posture of humility under Christ, the Chief Shepherd, who alone defines what faithful leadership looks like.1 Peter 5:1–5

April 26, 2026Our sorrows are not meant to be stuffed down deep inside or covered over with a facade of positivity. Unlamented pain and loss will inevitably surface in unhealthy or potentially harmful ways that affect us and those around us. God has graciously provided lament, a form of prayer that expresses our hurts as well as our trust in Him. We will look at a dangerous myth, a precious truth, and a helpful way to lament in the midst of our hurts and suffering.1 Peter 4:19; Psalm 62:1-8

April 19, 2026In 1 Peter 4:12-19, Peter provides believers with the essential perspective needed when facing suffering for our faith. While God rarely reveals the specific "why" behind our hardships, He has given us everything required to view our circumstances through His lens. Every trial permitted in the lives of God's people serves to prepare us for the moment we meet Jesus face-to-face. Knowing and recalling God's viewpoint on suffering for His Name empowers us to respond in faith, a response He will eternally reward.

April 12, 2026God expects Christians to respond to life’s hardships in the same way Christ did. How we handle these difficulties matters. A Christlike attitude stands in stark contrast to the world. The more we look like Him in the midst of hardship, the more we are set apart from those around us. And that is the point! Our suffering is a platform to witness for Christ to a watching and hurting world.1 Peter 4:1-11

April 5, 2026Jesus Christ is risen! He, who was perfect and righteous, gave up his life for us, who are unrighteous before God in our sin. But because He conquered sin and death, we have a living hope that is ours through our faith in His Name. And now, He will preach through us to proclaim His salvation to those who remain dead in sin that they might be made alive. May God find us faithful!1 Peter 3:18-22

March 29, 2026Life is hard. Everyone suffers, and Christians are not exempt. Some suffering is deserved, but at times, it’s unjust and undeserved. When we suffer in those moments as believers, we are faced with a choice: we can respond like the world, or we can respond in a way that reveals the hope we have in Christ. This hope rises above the injustice and pain we endure. The Apostle Peter teaches that when we respond with gentleness and respect, setting Christ apart as Lord in our hearts, our lives become a witness. Christ is honored in us as we give a reason for the hope within us. And this hope is not wishful thinking or empty optimism. It’s real. It’s beautiful. And it’s reasonable, even when everything around us is not.1 Peter 3:13-17

March 22, 2026Peter gives instructions to Christians, beginning with how they should relate to fellow believers. He emphasizes heart-centered traits that should shape their relationships. He turns to how Christians should respond to those who mistreat them, commanding not retaliation, but blessing—repaying evil, abuse, and insults with kindness. This calling reflects Jesus Himself.  Peter draws from Psalm 34, showing that those who pursue righteousness and choose to bless even their enemies will experience God’s blessing. The psalm further affirms that believers who live this way can trust God to deliver them from trouble and affliction.1 Peter 3:8-12

March 15, 2026A transactional marriage is the opposite of God’s design. Unfortunately, “If you treat me that way, then I will treat you this way,” is more common than God’s best. It’s so easy to fall into this trap in our relationships, especially in marriage. Ephesians 4:29-32 provides the much-needed antidote to have and to hold to God’s best for our marriages.Ephesians 4:29-32

March 8, 2026We continue our study of God's ideal standards for godly marriages. Godly wives submit to their own husbands. God husbands lay their lives down for their wives in love and honor. God's standard is directly opposed to our default wiring. To meet His standard, we must devote ourselves first to the Lord and then to our spouse. We have the opportunity to deepen love and honor in our marriages. Let's take it.1 Peter 3:7

March 1, 2026The biblical concept of a wife’s submission to her husband is often misunderstood and misapplied. What God intended to be a blessing for both spouses is labeled as a curse by many people in the world, as well as in the Church. This week, we will dive into the tumultuous waters of biblical submission in marriage and see the power and blessing of God’s calling when godly wives submit to their husbands, even those who do not follow Christ.1 Peter 3:1-6

February 22, 2026People are going to people… We are around people all the time, whether we are at home, school, or our workplace. We often consider our places of work as mundane—a place we have to go to earn a paycheck. When it comes to the people in these spaces, we can be passive in how we engage our coworkers or bosses. Passivity can breed contempt in us, and we can begin to speak and act toward those around us as if they are “the problem.” What if we viewed our workplace as an opportunity to show the work of Christ in our lives? What if, instead of responding passively to our work and our bosses, we sought to live in a way that glorifies Christ and generates gospel conversations among the people around us? We have been called into this good gospel work, so let’s be people who don’t simply view work as work, but rather see our workplaces as opportunities to show Christ.1 Peter 2:18-25

February 15, 2026As a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for God’s own possession (1 Peter 2:9), the Church has an incredible identity! We are also called “servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16). This Sunday, we will explore what this means for us. We will discover that the Christian life is a constrained life; a life lived in submission to God, regardless of our circumstances or the government authorities over us.1 Peter 2:13-17

February 8, 2026The Christian life is a journey. A journey full of ups, downs, beautiful meadows, rocky mountains, gorgeous sunrises, and storms that shake the very fabric of life. The Christian walks this journey though from a position of victory, hope, and deep purpose. We have been called, chosen, set apart, and made new to show the excellencies of the one who has rescued us. We walk through this journey knowing we are loved by the Father, secure in Christ, and kept by the Spirit. Therefore, as we journey through this world we must not become like this world but rather show the world who the Lord is. We are to journey faithfully in obedience to Christ and be anchored in the only hope that actually gives life, Christ Jesus risen from the dead. Embrace your sojourning through this world, for the one who called you is guiding you home.1 Peter 2:9-12

February 1, 2026Edmund Clowney wrote, “The church is found where the saints are found, and where they are fulfilling their calling from Christ.” (The Church. p. 114) On Sunday’s it’s common to say, “We are going to ‘church.’” But where is the church on Monday or any other day? All believers share in a high and holy calling as priests to God. Not feeling very priestly? Let’s dive into 1 Peter 2:1-8 to explore this special calling for all who are in Christ. 

January 25, 2026God’s people are loved by the greatest and most unconditional love, His own. The love of God, demonstrated by Jesus’ perfect sacrifice for sin, has caused believers to be born again. We have already seen that we have been born anew to a living hope. Now in 1 Pt 1:22-25, we are born again into a deep, mutual, and genuine love, starting with our relationships in the Church, then radiating out to a world in desperate need for love.1 Peter 1:22-25

January 18, 2025The standard of living for a Christian is holiness, a life set apart from sinful ways, devoted and obedient to God. Holiness is the primary theme of 1 Peter 1:13-2:10. A holy life begins with a mindset, a made-up mind that is determined to reject ungodly ways and pursue God’s best in all circumstances.1 Peter 1:13-21

January 11, 2026Our hope of salvation through Christ is marvelous; even the angels are swept up in wonder! In the past, God spoke through the prophets to indicate what the Messiah would do and what He would be like. Isaiah prophesied about a Suffering Servant who would also rule as Judge over all things. We now see fully what the prophets only saw in part. Yet, are we as mindful of our salvation and new life in Christ as they were?!  1 Peter 1:10-12

January 4, 2026Exiles! Aliens! Foreigners! These titles reflect the reality that Christians are, firstly, citizens of God’s kingdom. While Christians faced suffering for their faith, Peter reminded the churches that it was their very faith in Christ that would produce hope and joy in the midst of mistreatment and persecution in their daily lives.1 Peter 1:1-9

December 28, 2025As we stand on the threshold of a new year, Psalm 1 invites us to pause and consider the path we are walking. Scripture presents two ways before us—the way of the righteous, rooted in God’s truth and flourishing like a tree planted by streams of water, and the way of the wicked, unstable and ultimately empty. This psalm calls us to examine our desires, choices, and direction as we look ahead, urging us to choose the way that leads to life, endurance, and lasting fruit in the year to come.Psalm 1:1-6

December 21, 2025As Christmas arrives in a few sleeps, we are reminded of the deep, abiding, and perfect love of God that is ours in Christ Jesus. God’s love came at an incredible price, but it was one that Jesus gladly paid. This love of God that abides in us is the very love that should overflow into our love for one another. We were born in Christ for this!1 John 4:7-12

December 14, 2025“Joy to the World” is what is proclaimed at the birth of Christ. Christ ushers in a joy that is not made or fueled by human invention. His joy transcends all people, circumstances, and materials. Jesus says in John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” The key here is knowing what Jesus spoke to them: abide… To engulf ourselves in Christ and through the Spirit see how marvelous Jesus Christ is through the Scriptures and in the created world. The joy that we are given in Christ is one that has the condition of abiding in Him. For the joy of Christ to transcend people, circumstances, and materials, all of which are good gifts that can make us joyful, yet they are intended to point us back to the one who IS joy for us. John 15:1-11

December 7, 2025Oftentimes, the word peace is associated with war or conflict, and rightfully so. We often don’t think of ourselves or others as being at war with God or with one another, yet for the person who is not in Christ, they are indeed at war against God and others. But Christ, such a beautiful conjunction, has come and fought the war for us, and in his victory, he births in us his peace. Peace first with God and with those who are found in Christ. Our response, both individually and as the whole body of Christ, is to cherish Christ’s peace so that we may glorify God and not ourselves. Born in us is a peace that isn’t temporary for just the Christmas season, but one that brings deep and eternal satisfaction in Christ. It is a peace that tears down the walls of hostility between people from every tribe and tongue and builds a kingdom full of people who have one means of being at peace with one another, King Jesus. Ephesians 2:11-22

November 30, 2025The advent of Jesus has brought eternal hope to the world. Hope has been born in all those who trust in Christ as their Savior and Lord through the Holy Spirit. Hope is born in us today, Church! From Romans 15:1-13, we will see that our hope in Christ is directly linked to how we treat one another as His people and representatives in the world. Romans 15:1-13

November 23, 2025The final verses of the Bible hold Christ’s incredible promise for His people. He is coming soon! Every generation of believers must live in light of our Savior’s imminent return. We must also pay close attention to living faithful lives and sharing His message of hope and salvation. Take heart, Church, our King is coming soon. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!Read Revelation 22:6-21

November 16, 2025All believers in Christ have an eternal home, the City of God. This special section of Scripture gives us a glimpse into what dwelling in God’s presence will be like. It is in our eternal home where we “will see His face, and His name will be on our foreheads. And night will be no more. We will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be our light, and we will reign forever and ever.” What a day of rejoicing that will be!Revelation 21:8-22:5

November 9, 2025At the end of Christ’s 1,000 year reign, everyone will come before the Lord for final judgment. For those who rejected Christ, they will enter eternal punishment in hell. For those who believed in Christ, righteous and unrighteous deeds will be judged as they receive their eternal rewards. Faith in Christ as our Lord and Savior is the difference between eternal outcomes. How will this future reality shape the choices we make today?Revelation 20:11-21:8

November 2, 2025Christ is returning! This event will usher in a 1,000 year time of peace and righteousness on the earth as Jesus Christ personally and physically reigns on the earth. Satan will be imprisoned for the majority of this time, and redeemed saints will reign with Christ in various ways. Our future reign with our Savior should powerfully motivate our faithfulness and pursuit of a holy life.Revelation 20:1-15

October 26, 2025The Apostle John describes his vision of the Second Coming of Jesus, the future event when Jesus will return to earth, conquer His enemies, and reign as King of the world. Every Christian on earth and in heaven is united in anticipating this climactic event. It is the culmination of the Book of Revelation and the highlight of the history of the world. At the end of the seven-year tribulation, the Antichrist's army will march to Israel to fight a “winner-takes-all” battle against Jesus, commonly called the Battle of Armageddon. Then Jesus will return to earth, destroy the Antichrist’s army with a word, cast the Antichrist and his false prophet into the lake of fire, and establish His Kingdom on earth. A decisive victory.Revelation 19:11-21

October 19, 2025Revelation 19:1-10 is rich in reasons why God alone deserves the praises of heaven and earth. Once again we are transported to the courts of heaven where our One, True God receives all glory and honor. Come and worship together, Church, for our God is worthy of all praise.

October 12, 2025This week, Pastor Morris Ogenga from Mbale, Uganda brings a message from Isaiah 6:1-8. This text captures the holiness of God and the holy calling given to His prophet, Isaiah. In Christ, we share in a high and holy calling to the Lord. May we, like Isaiah, take up our call with humility and faithfulness.Isaiah 6:1-8

October 5, 2025John’s vision of the final fall of the Antichrist’s empire culminates in the destruction of his commercial hold over the world. This week, our focus is on God’s judgment against the empty pursuits of wealth, power, and sexual immorality. Until this time of judgment, these vices stand as threats to the world and God’s people in every generation.Revelation 18:1-24

September 28, 2025Before John is given the glorious vision of Christ’s Second Coming, he sees and hears of the final fall of Babylon, the false, global religious system used by the Antichrist to lead the world against Christ and His people. This week, our focus is on the dangerous, alluring appeal false religion holds over the hearts of humanity, and if we’re not alert, the Church as well.Revelation 17:1-18