Dixon General Baptist Church

We've quietly accepted a gap between what we believe on Sunday and what we do on Monday. But James asks the uncomfortable question: what good is faith that never moves? Even demons have correct theology. The difference is whether the Spirit has made our faith alive enough to produce action. Through the unlikely pairing of Abraham and Rahab, and Jesus's parable of the sheep and goats, we see that genuine faith doesn't keep score: it just responds when it sees need. The question isn't whether you're doing enough, but whether the Spirit has opened your eyes to see the person you've learned to walk past.

Most of us have quietly decided that witnessing is someone else's job, mistaking our silence for humility when it's often fear. But Peter and John couldn't be stopped because they had been with Jesus—and that proximity, not eloquence, made them unstoppable. The Spirit is already at work in the people around you, preparing them to ask about your hope; your job is simply to answer honestly when the question come

In the opening message of our series SENT, we begin, not with a call to action ,but with a promise - the Holy Spirit is already in you. Drawing from Acts 1:8 and John 14:15–21, this message explores why mission is not something we manufacture through willpower or spiritual readiness, but something the Spirit produces through us as we cooperate with what he is already doing. Whether you feel depleted, disqualified, or simply unsure where to begin, this is where the conversation starts.

Before the world was fully awake, a group of women walked toward a tomb carrying spices and grief — not expecting a miracle, just trying to finish what Friday had interrupted. What they found changed everything.In this Easter sunrise message drawn from Luke 24, we sit with the stone that was already rolled away, the question that reorients everything, and the strange grace that met a doubting, broken Peter in his wondering. Whether you came this morning full of faith, full of questions, or simply unable to stay away — there is room for you in this story.He is not here. He has risen. And he was looking for you before you started looking for him.

You didn't just hear about the resurrection. You experienced it. Past tense. Accomplished.Paul's radical claim in Colossians 3:1-4 isn't about someday—it's about right now. "Since you have been raised to new life with Christ..." The same power that shook the ground outside Jerusalem already lives in you. Your old self? Crucified with Christ. Sin's power? Broken, not just weakened. Your real life? Hidden with Christ in God, where nothing can reach it.Easter asks a personal question: He is risen. Now what? Will you live Monday like someone who believes the tomb is empty? Will you reckon yourself dead to sin and alive to God, not as wishful thinking but as settled fact? The cross you picked up six weeks ago wasn't the destination - it was the gate. Resurrection is what's on the other side.Stop acting like the old life still owns you. It doesn't. Not anymore.

"Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives." - John 12:24What are you holding that God has been asking you to plant?This Palm Sunday, we stand at the gates of Jerusalem with a seed in our hand. The crowd is shouting Hosanna, but Jesus is already looking toward Friday - already consenting to the ground, already trusting a harvest they cannot yet see. He's not calling us to endless sacrifice. He's inviting us into the faith of the seed: the kind that holds in the dark, that doesn't require the outcome to be visible before it trusts the hand that holds it.

Before Jesus went to the cross, He knelt. With a towel and basin, the Son of God washed the feet of twelve men - including the one who would betray Him hours later. This wasn't a leadership lesson. It was a revelation of what love looks like when it refuses to protect itself.Here's the truth that changes everything: Jesus washed Judas's feet. Not because Judas deserved it. Not because it would change what was coming. But because that's who God is. The same grace offered to Peter was offered to the betrayer. Both received the washing. Only one received what it meant.You don't have to be ready to be loved by God. His Spirit is already pursuing you, already kneeling before you. The question Jesus asked that night still echoes: "Do you understand what I am doing?" Pick up the towel. Let Him wash your feet. Then go wash someone else's.

You cannot carry a cross and carry a grudge at the same time.Peter thought he was being generous offering to forgive seven times. Jesus shattered his scorekeeping and elevated it to seventy times seven. Translation? Stop counting. Stop keeping ledgers. You were forgiven an impossible debt - ten thousand talents, roughly 150,000 years of wages. Can you really not forgive the comparatively small debts others owe you?Here's the truth: unforgiveness doesn't punish them, it imprisons you. That person living rent-free in your head? They're going about their life while you're the one in chains. Forgiveness isn't saying "it's okay" when it's not. It's saying "I release you from the debt because I've been forgiven of so much more."Who are you carrying that you need to release? The same grace that forgave you at the cross empowers you to forgive others. When you release them, you'll discover the one who walks out of prison is you.

What if true freedom isn't found in climbing higher, but in going lower?Today, we are looking at one of the most countercultural truths of the Christian faith: humility isn't weakness - it's the posture of a disciple. Through Philippians 2:1-11, we witnessed the breathtaking descent of Jesus, who didn't cling to equality with God but chose to become human, to serve, and ultimately to die on a cross for us.Here's the beautiful paradox: the way down is the way through. When we're secure in Christ's love, we're free to stop protecting our position and start serving others. We can step back, make space, and let go of our need to be seen - because we're already fully known and completely loved by God.Who do you need to step back for this week? What are you clutching that needs to be held with open hands? The mind of Christ transforms everything when we let His love settle deep within us.

What are you actually living for? Not what you say matters most, but where your time, money, and energy really go. That gap between intention and reality is exactly what Lent invites us to close.Jesus didn't mince words in Mark 8:34-38. "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me." This isn't about religious obligation or self-hatred. It's about a fundamental reorientation—shifting from "What do I want?" to "Where is God leading?" It's about being willing to be visibly different because of who you follow, even when it costs you the approval of people you want to impress.Here's the beautiful paradox: the life you try to hoard, you lose. The life you give away for Christ's sake, you save. Jesus walked this road first—through Gethsemane, through Calvary, through the empty tomb. He knows what He's asking, and He goes with you.Will you follow?

What if the most countercultural thing you could do this week is...nothing?We live in a culture that glorifies hustle and wears exhaustion like a badge of honor. But Jesus reminds us in Mark 2:27 that "the Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath." Rest isn't weakness - it's worship. It's trusting God enough to believe the world won't fall apart when you stop.God himself rested on the seventh day, not because He was tired, but to establish a rhythm for our souls. Disciples rest in God's sufficiency, not their own productivity. This Sunday, we explored how Sabbath is the disciple's rest - a weekly declaration that you are not defined by what you do, but by whose you are.

We have more food, entertainment, and comfort than any generation in history. And we are still not satisfied.Jesus looked at our overflowing lives and said one word: "Fast." Not as punishment, but as freedom. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus teaches that fasting isn't about impressing others—it's about encountering God in our desperation. When we voluntarily go hungry, we discover a deeper truth: "Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."Fasting reveals what controls you. It trains you to choose God over immediate gratification. It sharpens your sensitivity to His voice in the noise of constant consumption.What if the freedom you're searching for is on the other side of one simple choice?

You can't run on yesterday's spiritual charge. Just like your phone needs daily power, your soul needs daily Scripture. When you're depleted and temptation hits hard, you need God's Word, not willpower. Plug into the power source. Read. Pray. Let God charge you for what's ahead.

Prayer isn't a performance or formula - it's the disciple's breath. Just as you can't survive on one breath all week, you can't thrive spiritually on Sunday prayer alone. Start with 15 minutes daily. Use the Lord's Prayer as your framework. Keep breathing spiritually.

The most important moment in your spiritual life this week won't happen on Sunday morning. It'll happen on some random Tuesday when nobody's watching and you're too tired to care.Jesus said it clearly in Luke 9:23 - we must take up our cross DAILY and follow Him. Not once. Not occasionally. Daily. Most of your Christian life isn't lived in big, dramatic moments. It's lived in ordinary ones - in hundreds of small decisions nobody else sees.Discipleship isn't a one-time decision; it's a daily commitment. Every morning you choose: Will I live for myself today, or will I live for Jesus? Will I surrender my will to His? The paradox is beautiful - you find real life by losing it. You save your life by giving it away.

What are you holding onto so tightly that you can't grab hold of Jesus?In this message we explore the powerful moment when the disciples left their nets and Paul abandoned his impressive credentials - all to follow Christ. Both discovered a transformative truth: you can't take hold of Jesus with hands that are already full.

What does it really cost to follow Jesus?In this message, we're confronting one of the most challenging passages in Scripture: Luke 14:25-33. When crowds flocked to Jesus, He didn't capitalize on His popularity. Instead, He turned and said something shocking: "Count the cost before you follow Me."Jesus never used bait-and-switch tactics. He was brutally honest about what discipleship requires: radical priority (putting Him above even family), bearing your cross daily, and surrendering everything. He's not interested in crowds who want benefits without commitment. He wants disciples who know what they're signing up for.Here's the beautiful truth: when you count the cost and decide Jesus is worth it, you discover that what you gain far exceeds what you lose. Yes, discipleship costs everything - but Jesus Himself is worth everything.Are you all in, or are you just part of the crowd?

What would you do if Jesus walked up to you today and said, "Come, follow me"?Two thousand years ago, ordinary fishermen heard those words and left everything to follow Him. Peter, Andrew, James, and John didn't have all the answers. They didn't have perfect theology. They just had Jesus - and that was enough.This year, we're embarking on a 12-month journey exploring what it means to truly be disciples of Christ. It starts with the same invitation Jesus gave those fishermen on the shores of Galilee: "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people" (Mark 1:17). He's not asking you to be perfect. He's asking you to take the next step. To leave your nets - whatever is holding you back - and follow Him.

Standing in a valley of dry bones, the prophet Ezekiel faced an impossible question: "Can these bones live?" As we close this year, many of us stand in our own valleys - surrounded by broken dreams, shattered hopes, and disappointments that feel beyond repair.But here's the gospel truth: God specializes in resurrection. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead can breathe life into your deadness. When God asked Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, something miraculous happened - not through human effort, but through divine power. The bones came together, flesh appeared, and finally, God's breath brought them to life (Ezekiel 37:1-14).Your broken dreams don't have to destroy you. Why? Because you're united with Christ - your identity isn't in the dream working out, but in the One who holds you. As you step into the new year, remember: hope isn't a feeling you manufacture. Hope is a Person - Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life. He's not finished with your story yet.

The first people to hear about Jesus weren't religious leaders or royalty - they were shepherds. Overlooked. Marginalized. Considered unreliable. Yet God chose them to receive the greatest announcement in history: "Good news for ALL people. A Savior has been born."This Christmas, you have the same invitation. Maybe you've felt too broken, too far gone, or too ordinary for God's love. The shepherds prove you wrong. ALL means ALL - including you. The question isn't whether you're invited. It's whether you'll come and see.Jesus is still accessible. Still inviting. Still offering peace to all who respond. Will you go and see for yourself?

Today, we are looking at the radical life of John the Baptist - a man who lived his entire existence for one purpose: to point people to Jesus.Think about that. No backup plans. No personal brand. No building his own following. Just one laser-focused mission.John understood this truth: "I am not the light; I am only a witness to the light."And here's the beautiful paradox - when John embraced being small so Jesus could be big, he found complete joy. Not the temporary happiness of applause, but deep satisfaction in fulfilling his God-given purpose.This Advent season, stop trying to shine on your own. Just reflect Jesus.

Welcome to this week's episode of our Advent series, "The Sound of God Knocking," where we explore the profound theme of Love through the story of Mary and the life-altering invitation she receives. In this thought-provoking sermon, we delve into Luke 1:26-38, unfolding the extraordinary encounter between the angel Gabriel and a young woman in the small, overlooked town of Nazareth.Today we will see how God's gracious approach often bypasses power and prestige, reaching out to the unlikely and unexpected with an invitation to participate in the divine plan. Discover how Mary's response of faith and willingness to embrace the unknown challenges us to respond to God's own invitations in our lives today.Whether you're someone who has never said yes to Jesus, someone looking to renew your commitment, or someone in a season of waiting, this message speaks to the heart of what it means to say "yes" to God's call. Come and be inspired by Mary's courage, and consider what God might be inviting you into this Advent season. Will you echo Mary's words: "I am the Lord's servant. Let it be to me according to your word"?Tune in, reflect, and prepare your heart for a transformative encounter with God's unfailing word.

The hope of the world came as a baby - vulnerable, dependent, born into poverty. God could have overwhelmed us with power, but love that is forced isn't love at all. So He came as a child, extending an invitation we're genuinely free to accept or reject.But don't miss who this child really is: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The Creator entering His creation. God with us.The light has come. It's shining all around you. But here's the question that confronts us this Advent season: What will you do with this promise? The light doesn't drag us into itself against our will. We must choose to walk toward it.

Today we look at a powerful truth from the book of Ruth: God doesn't just meet our needs—He exceeds them.Ruth came to Boaz's field as a poor widow, hoping to gather leftover grain from the edges. She expected scraps. Instead, Boaz said, "Come over here. Come to the table." She went from gleaner to guest, from surviving to feasting—and she still had leftovers to take home.That's how our God works. We come as spiritual beggars, and He invites us to His table. We come expecting just enough, and He gives us abundance.True gratitude always leads to generosity. When we truly understand how much we've been given, we can't help but give to others.This week, as we gather around tables loaded with food, let's remember: we're all just gleaners who have been invited to feast. Everything we have is grace. And that grace is meant to flow through us, not stop with us.From gleaner to guest to generous reaper—that's the journey of gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving, friends. May we feast with gratitude, then give with joy.

You are never forgotten by God. Not in the silence. Not in the waiting. Not when circumstances haven't changed. Not when prayers seem unanswered. Not when you feel invisible.God remembers Noah. God remembers you.As we approach Thanksgiving, may your gratitude be rooted not in perfect circumstances but in a perfect God. Give thanks not because everything is perfect, but because you are remembered.

In a world that feels increasingly chaotic - with international tensions, political division, and personal struggles - where do we find peace? Not by obsessively scrolling through news feeds or by completely tuning out, but by remembering whose hand we hold.Jesus made an incredible promise the night before His crucifixion: "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." Notice He didn't promise peace when circumstances settle down. He promised peace IN HIM, right in the midst of the chaos.This week, instead of letting anxiety consume you, try this: Set boundaries on news consumption. Convert one worry into prayer. Focus on your actual sphere of influence - your family, workplace, neighborhood. Channel concern into service. Remember that today's headlines are temporary, but God's kingdom is eternal.The same God who sits enthroned above the chaos, who grieves over human rebellion yet never abandons His redemptive purposes, invites you to walk through the storm with supernatural peace. Not peace because everything is under control, but peace because HE is in control.You don't have to carry the weight of the world. Jesus already carried it to the cross and rose victorious. Your job is simply to hold His hand and trust Him through whatever comes next.

In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, where headlines scream crisis and uncertainty reigns, how do we find peace?This message, "God's Sovereignty in a Chaotic World," reminds us of a powerful truth: We serve a God who remains unshaken on His throne, not because He causes every event, but because His wisdom and power are sufficient to accomplish His purposes despite human choices.Remember: • God grieves over human rebellion but is never thwarted by it. • Our peace doesn't depend on quieting the chaos, but on knowing whose hand we hold. • We're called to be active peacemakers, not anxious spectators."But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them." - Psalm 2:4

Have you ever felt lost in the fog of uncertainty? You're not alone.Today's message reminds us that even when we can't see the path ahead, God can. His plans for us are good, even when they don't match our expectations.Remember: • God's understanding is limitless, even when ours is limited • His timing is perfect, even when it doesn't align with our schedule • His guidance is available as we seek His will"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding." - Proverbs 3:5You may not know what tomorrow holds, but you can know who holds tomorrow. And that's enough.

Fear is a universal human experience, but it doesn't have to control your life. God hasn't left us defenseless against fear. He's given us everything we need to conquer it through faith in Him and confidence in His promises.Today we discover that: Fear is often about future 'what-ifs,' not present reality God's presence transforms our perspective on threats Courage isn't the absence of fear, but action despite fear God has given us power, love, and self-discipline to combat fear"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." - 2 Timothy 1:7Whatever you're facing today, know this: God sees you, He's with you, and He's bigger than your fears. Choose faith over fear and watch how God moves in your life!

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by life's burdens, unable to face another day?You're not alone. Jesus sees you and offers a profound invitation:'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.' - Matthew 11:28This isn't just a nice saying. It's a lifeline from the Rabbi who wants to share your load and teach you a gentler way to live.Your overwhelming feelings aren't a sign of weak faith. They're an opportunity to experience God's strength in a new way.Whatever feels too heavy today, bring it to Jesus. He's waiting with open arms to give your soul the rest it desperately needs.In His yoke, there is rest - real rest.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed? You're not meant to face life's challenges alone!This message reveals the incredible power of praying in agreement with others. When we unite our hearts in prayer:• We create a spiritual symphony • Jesus promises to be present among us • Our prayers receive heavenly approval Remember, you have access to the greatest power in the universe. Don't go it alone - partner up and pray!

Do you ever feel alone in your spiritual battles? God never intended it that way! Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us that "A cord of three strands is not easily broken."In today's message, we explore how partnership in Christ empowers us to: • Stand Together • Strive Together , and• Suffer Together Remember, you're not alone in the lighthouse of faith. Reach out, connect, and let's keep the light burning bright together!

Have you ever felt the power of worshipping together? There's something truly special when believers gather as one. Today, we explore why corporate worship matters:• It energizes our faith • It expresses our hope to the world • It extends our love to one anotherRemember, you can be a Christian without attending church, but you can't be the Christian God intends you to be without regular corporate worship.

Two are better than one in ministry, but what are YOU doing for Jesus?In Mark 14, we see Mary pouring out expensive perfume on Jesus' feet - an act criticized as wasteful, but praised by Jesus as beautiful worship. He said, 'She has done what she could.'What if we all did what we could for Jesus?• With the gifts we have • While we still can • Giving our very best • Despite criticism • Remembering small acts matterYour unique contribution is vital. Together, our acts of devotion create a tapestry of service that glorifies God and touches lives.Don't wait. Pour out your 'alabaster jar' today. What the world calls waste, God often calls worship.

"Two are better than one, and a cord of three strands is not quickly broken." - Ecclesiastes 4:12In a world that often celebrates independence, God's Word reminds us we're created for connection. In this message, we explore the Power of Partnership:• How two can accomplish more than twice as much as one • Why isolation leaves us vulnerable, but partnership provides strength • The transformative power of making Christ the center of our relationshipsRemember: You need someone, and someone needs you. This is God's design for our lives and our faith journey.

The Book of Revelation isn't just about apocalyptic doom—it's a message of hope, renewal, and Christ's ultimate victory!In today's sermon, we see • Jesus is the central figure, revealed as the majestic King of Kings • God's justice is certain, but His purpose is always redemptive • Our faithfulness matters, even in the face of cultural pressure • The 'end times' are really the beginning of God's glorious new creationRemember: Those rumbles you hear in our troubled world? They're not the sound of everything falling apart. For those who trust in Christ, they're the birth pangs of something beautiful and new.

In a world of shifting truths, are we willing to stand firm for what really matters?Jude's powerful message reminds us that sometimes love requires us to defend the light of truth against those who would dim its saving glow. Like a vigilant lighthouse keeper, we're called to:~ Recognize spiritual sabotage ~ Build a strong faith foundation ~ Engage others with wisdom and compassionRemember: "To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory!" - Jude 24-25

Are you a Diotrephes or a Gaius in your church? 3 John reveals two paths: self-promotion or selfless service.

In a world where truth seems up for grabs, the tiny book of 2 John packs a powerful punch!Key takeaways:• Truth isn't just an idea - it's a Person: Jesus Christ• Knowing, walking in, and protecting truth are essential for our faith• Love and truth must go hand-in-hand"Can we handle the truth?" In our relativistic culture, 2 John challenges us to:1. Commit to knowing the truth2. Practice walking in the truth3. Participate in protecting the truthRemember: We're called to be truth-keepers in a post-truth world - not with arrogance, but with conviction and compassion.Let's stand firm in God's unchanging truth!

Do you ever wonder if your faith is real? If what you believe about God, Jesus, and salvation is actually working in yourlife?In his letter, the apostle John offers us a spiritual lens to bring eternal life into focus. He presents five indisputablefacts that form the foundation of our faith:- God gives eternal life- This life is in His Son, Jesus- Whoever has the Son has life- Whoever does not have the Son does not have life- You can KNOW that you have eternal lifeJohn provides three tests to evaluate the authenticity of our faith:- The Head Test: What we believe about Jesus- The Hands Test: How we live like Jesus- The Heart Test: How we love one anotherTrue faith transforms our beliefs, our behavior, and our love for others. It's not about perfection, but direction.Remember: If you have the Son, you have life - not someday, but right now. And that life will continue into eternity."Dear children, keep yourselves from idols." - 1 John 5:21

In his final letter, the apostle Peter challenges us to examine what we truly know about our faith and how that knowledge is transforming our lives.Are you:• Growing in your knowledge of God?• Showing that knowledge through changed character?• Committed to spiritual growth, even when it's not instant?Remember, there are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity. But the journey leads to a life of purpose now and "a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."Join us as we dive deeper into 2 Peter and discover how to live a life that God recognizes as His own.

In a world that often rejects Christ, how do we face trials with unwavering faith?The Apostle Peter, writing from a Roman prison, reminds us that our sufferings aren't meaningless. They refine us like gold, draw us closer to Christ, and offer a powerful testimony to the world.We all should:- Expect trials - they're part of following Jesus - Remember that Suffering for Christ is different than suffering for our mistakes - Prepare our hearts now for future challenges - Keep our eyes on eternity - this world is not our home"These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold." - 1 Peter 1:7Are you facing a fiery trial today? Take heart! The God who sustained martyrs through flames can sustain you through any challenge.

James 1:27 challenges us: "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."Are we living out an authentic faith or settling for a cheap imitation? True faith isn't just about Sunday services - it transforms our:Words: Do we speak with grace or criticism? Actions: Are we actively caring for the vulnerable? Character: Are we resisting worldly values?Authentic faith is one that controls our tongues, softens our hearts, and purifies our souls. Nothing else will do.

In a world of endless options, one choice stands above the rest: Jesus Christ.Today's sermon from Hebrews reminds us that following Jesus isn't just another religious option – it's the fulfillment of everything we've been searching for. When life gets tough and doubts creep in, remember:• Jesus offers what nothing else can: complete forgiveness, intimate relationship with God, and eternal life. • Our past experiences with God are powerful reminders of His faithfulness. • We're not alone – we have a community of believers to stand with us. • Every small choice to follow Jesus shapes who we become."So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." - Hebrews 10:35-36What choice will you make today to show that Jesus is worth everything?

As we continue our journey through the books of the Bible, we stop at Paul's Pastoral Letter to Titus. Paul teaches us how our daily actions and attitudes can either beautify or disfigure the gospel we profess. From the workplace to our homes, every interaction is an opportunity to make Jesus look good!

We are all building something with our lives. Are you building gallows, that will rob you of life, or are you building a life of faith. Join us as we explore the story of Esther and the Easter story.

Jesus declared, "I am thirsty," when he hung on the cross. Today, we take a look at these three words, some of the last words spoken by Jesus on the cross.

Paul encourages his young protege, Timothy, to stand up for Jesus and not give up the faith. His words are just as much of an encouragement for us today.

Paul's first letter to Timothy offers encouragement to help the church survive and thrive in that difficult situation's by them of the importance of who they are as the church, Godliness, and their conduct when they are not gathered together for worship.

The Apostle Paul offers encouragement to the young church in Thessalonica that was confused about the Second Coming of Jesus. His words are just as encouraging to us today.