Shoal Lake Baptist Church - Messages

Why do we keep doing the very things we hate? In Romans 7, Paul exposes the war within us: the struggle between our desire to obey God and the power of sin still at work in our flesh. The Law reveals our sin, but only Jesus can rescue us from it. This message explores the Christian’s battle against sin, (as well as a pre-conversion interpretation of Romans 7), the hope of the gospel, and why our cry of desperation can become a song of praise: “Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.”

If grace covers our sins, does it actually matter how we live?In this episode, we dive into the second half of Romans 6, where the Apostle Paul tackles a provocative question: “Since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning?”The answer is a resounding "Of course not!" We explore the powerful metaphor of slavery and the reality that we are all "slaves" to whatever we choose to obey—whether that is sin leading to death, or obedience leading to righteousness.In this episode, we discuss:The "Trench" of Sin: How small compromises can carve deep paths in our lives, making sin easier and obedience harder.Lordship vs. Mastery: Understanding that calling Jesus "Lord" is a daily commitment to follow His lead as our new Master.Fruit vs. Works: Why salvation isn't earned by works, but will always produce "fruit" in a transformed life.Take Up Your Mat: A look at the healing of the paralytic in Mark 2 and why Jesus commands us to carry the very things that once bound us."But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." — Romans 6:22–23

All this talk about grace in the Book of Romans may leave you with some questions. In Chapter 6, Paul aims to answer some of these questions. The first: if grace covers our sin, should we keep sinning? “By no means.”Through union with Jesus Christ in His death and resurrection, believers are no longer slaves to sin but alive to God. Sin’s power has been broken. Grace now reigns.This means the Christian life is not marked by defeat, but by freedom—the real ability to turn from sin and live in righteousness. Not under law, but under grace. Not ruled by sin, but ruled by Christ.

Jesus has flipped the script, and rewrote the story. Through Adam, sin and death entered the world—shaping our nature and placing all humanity under condemnation. But through Jesus, everything changes. Where Adam brought death, Christ brings life. Where sin reigned, grace now reigns.This is the power of the Gospel: your story is no longer defined by sin, but rewritten by grace. In Christ, there is forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life.

In this message from Epistle to the Romans, we arrive at the powerful result of the Gospel: peace with God.Because of Jesus Christ, we are justified by faith, brought into grace, and restored into right relationship with God. No more striving. No more distance. Through the cross, we now stand secure, forgiven, and fully accepted.This peace changes everything - giving us hope, shaping us through trials, and anchoring us in the unshakable love of God. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us - and through His life, we are saved.This is the good news: from enemies to reconciliation, from condemned to justified, from broken to whole. Peace with God.

Easter declares this truth: there is no one like Jesus Christ!He is the only One who lived without sin, died in our place, and rose in victory over sin, death, and the grave. Not just a teacher. Not just a prophet. He is God, King, and Savior—the only way to life.Because Jesus paid it all, He is worthy of it all. This message is a call to stop holding back and fully surrender your life to the One who gave everything for you.

On Good Friday, we reflect on the cross through the lens of Book of Genesis 22 and the story of Abraham and Isaac—a powerful foreshadow of the sacrifice to come.Where Isaac was spared, Jesus Christ was not.In this message, we see that God Himself provided the Lamb, fulfilling His promise through the death of His Son. Jesus willingly took our place—bearing our sin so that we might be forgiven and made right with God.This is the heart of Good Friday: life for life, grace for sinners, and a response of deep gratitude for the One who died so we could live.

In this message, we continue our study through Epistle to the Romans, focusing on what it means to be justified by faith. Looking at the example of Abraham, the Apostle Paul the Apostle shows that being made right with God is not earned through works, but received as a gift through faith.This truth, rooted in the Book of Genesis and echoed in the Psalms, reminds us that salvation is by grace alone. It frees us from striving to earn God’s favor and calls us to live fully convinced of His promises.As we look ahead to Good Friday and Easter, we remember that this faith is grounded in the death and resurrection of Jesus—given for our sins and for our justification.Faith isn’t just the beginning of the Christian life—it’s the way we walk every day.

What do you do when your soul feels dry and discouraged?Psalm 42 gives us an honest picture of a believer wrestling with sorrow, doubt, and the question, “Where is your God?” Instead of hiding his pain, the psalmist brings it before God, speaks truth to his soul, and chooses to remember God’s faithfulness.This message reminds us that while our emotions are real, they are not ultimate—God’s character does not change, even when our feelings do.Be encouraged to bring your struggles to God, stay rooted in truth, and continue pursuing Him in community and worship—even in hard seasons.

After several episodes of facing the hard truth of sin—that all are guilty, condemned, and unable to save themselves - Romans reaches a breathtaking turning point: “But now God…”In this message, we step into the heart of the Gospel. Though we could never make ourselves right with God through effort or religion, He has made a way. Through the sacrificial death of Jesus, sinners are justified, redeemed, and fully forgiven—not by works, but by faith.This is the good news: the verdict over our lives can change. The guilty are declared righteous. The condemned are set free. The hopeless are given new life.If you’ve ever wondered how you can truly be right with God, this passage gives a clear and powerful answer—trust in Jesus Christ.

As Paul continues building his case in Romans, he brings humanity to a sobering conclusion: every person stands guilty before God. Religious heritage, moral effort, or knowledge of God’s law cannot make us righteous. Instead, the law exposes what we often grow accustomed to ignoring—the deep reality of our sin.Quoting throughout the Old Testament, Paul makes the verdict unmistakably clear: “There is no one righteous, not even one.” The purpose of the law was never to save us, but to reveal our need for a Savior.This passage leaves us with nowhere to turn but to Christ. When the weight of sin is fully seen, the good news of the gospel shines all the brighter—because what we could never accomplish through our own efforts, God has accomplished for us through Jesus.

In Romans 2, Paul confronts a dangerous assumption: that knowing God’s law, teaching it, or possessing outward religious markers makes someone right with Him. It is possible to be confident in spiritual knowledge and moral standards while quietly failing to live them out.External signs, religious activity, and moral conformity are not enough. What God desires is not merely outward obedience, but a transformed heart.True righteousness is not about impressing others or earning their approval—it is about seeking praise from God alone. In this message, we are invited to examine our motives, lay aside spiritual pretense, and pursue the kind of heart-change only the Spirit can produce.

After exposing humanity’s downward spiral in chapter one, Paul turns the spotlight on the self-righteous heart. It’s easy to condemn “those people” and assume we are the good guys. But Romans 2 confronts us with a sobering truth: when we judge others while ignoring our own sin, we stand condemned as well.This message wrestles with God’s justice, the reality of judgment, and the tension between faith and works. Our deeds matter—not as the basis of salvation, but as the evidence of genuine faith. One day, every secret thought and action will be laid bare before Christ. Yet for those who trust in Him, the Judge is also the Savior. Justice is real, but so is grace.Romans invites us to humility, repentance, and readiness for the day we stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

In this message, we continue through Romans as Paul explains humanity’s great exchange—trading the truth about God for a lie. From denying the Creator to worshiping created things, Scripture reveals the downward spiral that follows when God is rejected.Romans 1 confronts us with the seriousness of sin, both its natural consequences and God’s righteous judgment. Yet this passage is not written to condemn “other people”—it is preparing the ground for the good news. Before we can understand the power of salvation, we must understand what we are being saved from. The diagnosis is sobering, but it sets the stage for grace.

Referenced as the “Cathedral of the Christian Faith,” and the "The Most Precious Pearl" by William Tyndale, the book of Romans stands as one of the most profound and life-shaping letters in Scripture. In this opening message, we begin our journey through Paul’s masterpiece, exploring his introduction, his passion for the church, and his bold declaration: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation.”Romans confronts us with both our deep need and God’s greater grace. The gospel is not religious advice or moral improvement—it is the announcement of a new King and the saving power of God at work through faith in Jesus Christ. As we begin this series, we are invited to stand unashamed, rooted in the truth that through Christ, God makes us right in His sight.

This message explores the biblical truth that God’s calling is not limited to “spiritual” moments or ministry roles, but extends to every part of life. Beginning with the Creation Mandate, we see that humanity was created in God’s image to cultivate, steward, and build the world with Him. From work and family life to routine tasks and responsibilities, all of life can be lived with purpose, devotion, and joy as service unto the Lord. To follow Jesus is to embrace a calling that includes creating, working, and living for God’s glory in everything we do.

At the heart of the gospel is the Father’s relentless love for the lost. In this message, we listen to Jesus’ parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son to see God’s heart on full display—a God who searches, rejoices, and restores. The Great Commission flows from this very heart: those who have been found are now sent to seek and save alongside Him. To follow Jesus is to share His mission, bearing witness to what He has done and inviting others home. We are called to Christ, called to Church, and called to the Commission.

Many people believe they can follow Jesus without being part of a church—but Scripture tells a different story. This message explores God’s call not just to individual faith, but to shared life in Christian community. Through powerful biblical images—building, body, family, priesthood, and nation—we see that believers are designed to grow, worship, serve, and persevere together. Church is not an optional add-on to the Christian life; it is central to God’s plan for shaping His people and displaying His Kingdom. To follow Christ is to belong to His Church.

What is God’s plan for your life? Before we ask what we are called to do, Scripture points us to who we are called to follow. This message explores the foundational calling shared by every believer: the call to follow Jesus. Drawing from the Gospels, we see that to be a Christian is to belong to “The Way”—to be with Christ, to become like Him, and to do as He did. True calling is not about status, success, or self-fulfillment, but about ordering our entire lives around Jesus. The world needs more followers of Christ.

If you knew you were God's masterpiece and that every one of your days were designed by God, would you live differently? Most of us bury our questions about purpose under the noise of hurry and materialism. But the story of Scripture is a story of God calling the most unlikely people—the runaways, the sellouts, and the uneducated—to do the impossible.Join us as we go from Moses to the disciples to see why your "disqualifications" are actually the credentials God uses. You are made on purpose, for a purpose! The question isn't whether your called. The questions is, "Will you answer His call?"

A special podcast featuring believers testifying and praising God for what He did in 2025!

Throughout Scripture, waiting is an act of love. From Simeon and Anna longing for the Messiah, to the Church awaiting Christ’s return, God’s people have always lived with expectation. This message explores the powerful biblical image of the Church as the Bride of Christ and looks ahead to the coming Wedding Supper of the Lamb. Advent reminds us that Jesus came in love—and He is coming again to complete His work once and for all.

As another Christmas approaches and time seems to move faster than ever, this short homily reflects on the shepherds’ simple yet powerful response to the good news of Jesus’ birth. In the middle of ordinary life and real responsibilities, they chose to go and see what God was doing. Christmas reminds us that what matters most is responding to Jesus’ invitation—not just to visit the manger, but to follow Him with our lives.

Why does our world feel less peaceful than ever — even after the coming of the Prince of Peace? In this message, we trace the sweeping storyline of Scripture to see how God has been confronting evil from the very beginning, from Genesis to the prophets to the arrival of Jesus Himself. The Bible reveals that the real conflict isn’t only “out there” in the world, but within the human heart — and God’s peace plan addresses both.We follow the thread of God’s promise from Eden, through Noah, Abraham, Moses, the prophets, and ultimately to Jesus’ first coming, where He brought peace with God, with ourselves, and with one another. But the story isn’t finished: Christ will return again to defeat evil once and for all and bring the fullness of the peace we long for. This message invites us to anchor our hope in God’s unfolding plan — the peace He has brought, is bringing, and will complete in the end.

In this first message of the Advent season, we explore the deep tension between the world-changing arrival of Jesus in Bethlehem and the brokenness we still experience around us. Why do sickness, conflict, and sorrow remain when the Messiah has already come?Scripture gives us a compelling answer: what Jesus began in His first coming, He will finish in His return.This episode traces the hope-filled anticipation of God’s people—from the prophetic promises of Isaiah, to the fulfilled hope of Christ’s birth, to the future hope of His return. We look at why Advent is not only a celebration of the manger, but a reminder that Jesus is coming again “once and for all” to complete the work He started.Through prophecy, parables, and the words of Jesus Himself, we learn how to live with anticipation, remain awake and ready, and anchor our hope in the promise that the story is not yet finished.If you’ve ever wondered why life still hurts even after Christ’s victory… or if you’re longing for a hope sturdy enough for both the present moment and the future to come, this message is for you.

From Genesis to Revelation, the story of the Bible is the story of God drawing near to His people — from walking in the garden, to dwelling in the tabernacle, to taking on flesh in Jesus, and now making His home within believers by the Holy Spirit. In this message, we explore the promise Jesus gave that He would baptize His followers in the Holy Spirit, and we trace how this filling appears throughout Acts as God empowers His people for boldness, holiness, and witness. The filling of the Spirit is not a one–time moment, but an ongoing invitation to seek God, desire His presence, and receive His power. As we prepare to gather and wait on the Lord, this message calls us to hunger for more of God — believing that He still moves, still fills, and still draws near to those who seek Him with their whole heart.

How do ordinary believers address the very real brokenness in our world, our families, our churches, and even in our own hearts? In this message, we explore the spiritual gifts—God’s perfectly-designed gifts, empowered by the Holy Spirit, given to every Christian for the building up of the church and the advancement of the Kingdom. Walking through the New Testament passages on gifts, we discover how these gifts work, why they’re given, and how they equip us for the mission Jesus has entrusted to us. Be encouraged to recognize, desire, and faithfully steward the gifts the Spirit has placed in you.

On this special Sunday celebrating 145 years of ministry, we reflect on God’s faithfulness and explore three vital themes: Remember, Proclaim, Engage. From Scripture and church history, we see the importance of remembering God’s mighty works, proclaiming His deeds to the next generation, and engaging in the mission He has set before us. Be encouraged to see how your life, your church, and your calling fit into God’s ongoing story.

Everyone in Christ has been designed by God with a specific gift that is intended to be used for the church's building up and God's glory. Listen into this episode to discover what Scripture tells us about spiritual gifts.

The fruit of the Spirit isn’t a checklist to complete — it’s the evidence of a life connected to Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit. In this message, we look at how each fruit of the Spirit was perfectly displayed in the life of Jesus — love that forgives enemies, joy that overflows, peace in the storm, patience with slow learners, kindness that stops for the broken, goodness with a backbone, faithfulness that never wavers, gentleness with great strength, and self-control that chooses obedience. This is what the Spirit produces in us when we remain in Christ.

Following Jesus today means learning to walk by the Spirit — to trust His leadership in every step. In this message, Pastor Joel draws on Galatians 5 to show the contrast between walking in the flesh and walking in the Spirit, reminding us that the fruit of the Spirit isn’t something we produce through effort, but something that grows as we follow Him closely. Like a child trusting a good father to lead the way, the Spirit invites us to lay down striving and live in step with His gentle, powerful guidance — a life marked by love, joy, peace, and true freedom.

In this message, we explore how the Spirit purifies our lives, transforms our desires, and makes us the new temple of God. When we repent and “clean house,” we make room for the fullness of God’s presence and power. If you’ve been longing for a deeper move of the Spirit, it begins here — with holiness, repentance, and renewal.

Have you ever felt like your relationship with God has grown routine — full of right beliefs and good habits, but missing real connection and relationship? In this message, we’re reminded that faith isn’t just about knowing about God, but truly experiencing Him. From the psalms that cry out for God’s presence to Jesus’ promise that He stands at the door and knocks, this sermon invites you to open your heart again — to encounter the Holy Spirit, to rekindle love that’s grown cold, and to discover the deep intimacy God desires with His people.

Have you ever really needed help—but just couldn’t bring yourself to ask for it? Maybe you’ve tried to push through life’s tight corners with an “I’ve got this!” attitude, only to be left with scars and frustration. The truth is, following Jesus isn’t something we were meant to do alone. That’s why, on the night before His crucifixion, Jesus promised His disciples “another Advocate”—the Holy Spirit.In this message, we explore what Jesus meant when He introduced the Paraclete in John 14. The Holy Spirit is our Helper when we’re weak, our Comforter when we’re overwhelmed, our Advocate when we can’t stand on our own, and our Counselor who guides us into truth. Far from leaving us as orphans, Jesus sends the Spirit to be with us and in us, forever.If you’ve ever felt the weight of trying to follow Christ on your own strength, this message is an invitation to rediscover the Spirit’s presence and power.

What if I told you it’s better to have the Holy Spirit living in you than to have Jesus sitting across the table from you? That’s exactly what Jesus Himself said in John 16:7. In this third part of our series on the Holy Spirit, we explore where the Spirit is, who has Him, and how He works in the world and in the lives of believers. From sustaining all life, to indwelling those who put their faith in Christ, to filling and empowering His people again and again, Scripture paints a picture of God’s presence that is personal, powerful, and available. Join us as we unpack the reality of walking in the Spirit—and why this is God’s very best for us today.

Many people think of the Holy Spirit as a “New Testament thing” — showing up at Pentecost or in the 20th-century Pentecostal revival. But in reality, the Spirit of God has been active since the very beginning.In this message, Pastor Joel walks through the Old Testament to show how the Holy Spirit has always been at work — empowering Joseph to interpret dreams, filling Moses and the elders with wisdom, giving courage to the judges of Israel, rushing upon kings like Saul and David, and raising prophets like Ezekiel to speak God’s word.The Spirit is not a novelty or an afterthought. He is eternal, good, and essential for fulfilling God’s calling on your life. If you’ve ever wondered how the Old Testament believers experienced the Spirit, and what that means for us today, this sermon will give you a firm biblical foundation.Join us as we continue building our understanding of the Holy Spirit, learning to yearn for His presence, and discovering what it means to walk in His power.

Who is the Holy Spirit? A mysterious force? A quiet whisper? A power to be tapped into? Like the Force in Star Wars? A Person to know and walk with?This fall, we’re diving into a brand-new series on the Holy Spirit — exploring His story in Scripture, His work in our lives, and how He equips us with gifts, fruit, and power for mission.Whether you’ve followed Jesus for years or are just curious about faith, this series will challenge, inspire, and invite you deeper.

Listen in for the conclusion of the Choose Joy series, looking into the final verses of Philippians revealing transformative reasons why we can choose joy in Christ.

Anxiety has a way of stealing our peace and robbing us of joy. In Philippians 4, Paul gives us a better way: thankful prayer, gentle love, and trust in a God who is always near. This message unpacks how choosing joy isn’t about denying our struggles, but about experiencing the peace of God that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. If worry has been weighing you down, this passage offers real hope and a practical path to joy.

Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle of struggle, battling the same challenges over and over? Maybe it’s anger, anxiety, or a habit you long to break free from. In this podcast, we’re diving into a heartfelt message about forgetting what’s behind and pressing on toward the prize in Christ Jesus. As we continue in Philippians, we’ll explore how God’s forgiveness allows us to let go of guilt and shame, and how, as citizens of heaven, we’re called to live for a greater purpose. No matter where you are in your journey, this is a message of hope, healing, and transformation.

Continue in the Philippian journey as Pastor Joel preaches about the joy we find when we come to recognize one powerful truth, "I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."

In this episode, here about a person who made one faithful decision to serve God in a small way that was used for incredible influence in the Kingdom of God!

Continue discovering the truths of Philippians of why we can Choose Joy with Pastor Joel.

How can someone choose joy amidst the struggles and trials of life? Listen in as Pastor Joel uncovers another way in Psalm 103.

In this message, hear about the holy person of Jesus and the ultimate example of how to live. (Because of a technical issue, our audio quality is different this episode.)

Pastor Nic continues on through Philippians entering into chapter 2, offering insights from Paul's exhortations to believers to live in unity.

Listen in to Part 5 of the verse by verse study through Philippians.

So far, we've seen that Paul is unexpectedly joyful while writing to the Philippians from prison. Listen to this message to as we continue to see Paul's source of joy revealed.

Continue in the book of Philippians and see how trials become triumph through the way of Jesus.

Jump into the rich text of Philippians with Pastor Joel in the second episode of the series, "Choose Joy." Hear of one of the ways Paul had joy even in the midst of trials and tribulation and how that same joy can be yours today!