St. Paul (Peoria) | Pastor Deveraux Hubbard

What happens when you do everything right and still feel like it's not enough? Proverbs offers a reframe about how to work and who you are while you're working. In this message:- Why hustle and avoidance are two sides of the same broken question- What Proverbs actually says about work (and what it doesn't)- The difference between working for approval and working from calling- How to build rhythms of rest and diligence that aren't in conflict- What it means to let Christ be your wisdom on the job, in the home, and in the grind

In this message: * Why your words are evidence, not the actual problem * What the Flint water crisis reveals about unaddressed sources in our own lives * Why Proverbs 4:23 is a command you cannot keep by willpower alone * How Jesus fulfills what Ezekiel promised — a new heart, not a repaired one * Four practical ways to stay connected to the Spirit who is already at work inside you

Nothing in your life is outside of God's sovereign control, and nothing that reaches you is beyond his ability to redeem.In this message:- Why feelings of being out of control are real but are not the final word- The default systems we lean on instead of God (and why they always have a limit)- What the name Yahweh actually communicates about who we are trusting- What "acknowledge him in all your ways" means for the compartments we keep from God- How Jesus walked the full path of humanity so he could walk yours with youScripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 | Sermon notes available at https://spbaptist.org/sermons#Proverbs3 #TrustInTheLord #WhenLifeIsHard #ChristianFaith #SermonOfTheDay #BlackChurch #StPaulBaptist #LiveAndLoveLikeJesus #BibleStudy #SundaySermon

In this message:- Why having more information hasn't made us more steady -- and what's actually missing- What Solomon means by "the fear of the Lord" and why it's not about terror- How algorithms and culture are forming us whether we notice it or not- Why wisdom in Proverbs shows up as a person, not a principle- What it looks like practically to consult Jesus like he's actually presentThis week, try going against the grain of everything in you and interacting with Jesus like you believe he's real. Not just in your theology -- in your actual day. In the shower. Before you respond. Before you decide. Ask him what he thinks. God's wisdom works because it's built into the very structure of reality -- and the one who holds that reality together is still present, still speaking, and still inviting you to trust him with the weight of your life.- Scripture: Proverbs 1:1-7 | Series: Street Smart Faith (Quarter 2, Week 2) | Sermon notes available at spbaptist.org/sermons#Proverbs #StreetSmartFaith #WisdomOfGod #FearOfTheLord #BetterWayToLive #ChristianSermon #BlackChurch #StPaulBaptist #LiveAndLoveLikeJesus #FaithThatWorks

Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him—our faith begins and ends in Him.

Will you finish what you started in your walk with Jesus? Drawing from Matthew 21 and Hebrews 12, this sermon contrasts the crowd that shouted “Hosanna” with the reality that many later fell away by slowly drifting and no longer showing up. In this sermon, we’re reminded to lay aside the weights that trip us up, resist the pull to shrink back, and run our race with endurance, trusting that God has already mapped the path. Ultimately, the encouragement is clear: fixing our eyes on Jesus is the only way to keep going, not by our strength, but by His.

Whether God gives us miraculous deliverance or we walk through hardship, our hope is the same: Jesus has already secured the final victory. One day, when Christ returns, every promise will be fulfilled. Every tear will be wiped away. Every act of faith will be rewarded.Until that day, we live by faith.

Faith determines how we respond to God's activity in our lives.In this message:• Why faith is not the absence of fear—it's movement in the presence of fear• How faith starts small but grows through obedience• Why we might not be seeing God work because we don't trust His plan• The truth that your past doesn't have to hold you back

We use the word "calling" constantly but rarely define it. The result is pressure without purpose and anxiety without direction. Stop treating your current life as a waiting room until you "discover your calling." Moses didn't wait for clarity on everything—he acted on what God made clear. He chose obedience to God over comfort. He valued a different currency. He embraced suffering with God's people rather than fleeting pleasure. Walk in conformity to Christ wherever you are, and you're walking in your calling.In this message through Moses' story:Why obedience to God is greater than obedience to people (even when it costs everything)How identity in Christ is the ultimate identity—not your career, your politics, or your platformThe difference between suffering and inconvenience (and why we confuse them)Why kingdom currency is more valuable than anything this world offersHow to act on God's word before the evidence arrives

Faith lets go, knowing God never takes without givingsomething better back.

What do you do when you've done everything right and still things don't work out?This week, Pastor Hubbard confronts one of scripture's most unsettling phrases: "They all died in faith, although they had not received the things that were promised." They died still waiting, still trusting, still believing—without seeing fulfillment.So how do you walk by faith when fulfillment seems distant?In this message:• Why being "so heavenly minded you're no earthly good" is actually backwards• How to distinguish between what's significant and what's ultimate in your identity• Why heavenly-minded people engage earth most courageously• The truth that God is not ashamed to put His name on youGod is not ashamed to call you His. And when that settles in your heart, you stop living like you have something to prove and start living free.Scripture: Hebrews 11:13-16

What do you do when God has promised, but hasn't produced? Most of us don't struggle believing God can do the impossible. We struggle believing He'll do it for us. We've learned to say "God is able" in church, but we're not sure we believe it applies to our situation. This week, Pastor Hubbard tackles the hardest part of faith, which is believing God can do the impossible for you, even when the dream looks dead, the door is closed, and the waiting has stretched on for years.In this message:- Why death of a dream is not a problem for God- How to trust when delay doesn't mean denial- The truth that disobedience doesn't disqualify you from God's promises- How God turns doubt into laughter and pain into praise

What if God asked you to move without telling you where you're going? Most of us want clarity before commitment. We need the route planned, the hotel booked, the backup plan ready. But Abraham shows us that faith begins with trusting the One who's guiding you.In this message:- Why faith trusts the Maker, not the map- How to embrace a pilgrim's mentality in a world that demands we settle- The power of lived faith that transfers to the next generation- How to live for what's coming while being faithful where you areThe challenge: Stop making permanent attachments to temporary things. This world is not your home. You're just passing through. What would it look like to loosen your grip and trust God's guidance, even when you can't see the next step?If your faith was the only example someone had, would they be more like Jesus?

This week, don’t ask God for a new direction. Ask God one simple question this week: ‘What is the next clear step You’ve already shown me?’ and take it, even if it feels small. Are you moving like you believe Him?

A life that pleases God is lived in alignment with Him, moment by moment!

What you build in faith today becomes the echo of God’s story tomorrow.

We’re starting a new series in Hebrews 11 by asking a simple but demanding question: what does it actually sound like to live by faith?Through Hebrews 11:1–3, we learn that:• Faith gives hope a voice through action, not just belief• Faith has always been the defining rhythm of God’s people, even in uncertainty• Faith tunes us to a deeper reality shaped by God’s word, not just visible outcomesIf you’re wrestling with unanswered prayers, delayed promises, or uncertainty about your next step, this message offers a grounded reminder: faith is not waiting for certainty, it is standing on God’s character and acting accordingly.

Christmas is right around the corner, and we're looking forward to celebrating this Sunday with joy, hope, and wonder! Come join us as we make room in our hearts for the true meaning of Christmas: Jesus Christ!

When we prioritize what truly matters, we experience a more intentional and meaningful life that reflects God’s purpose for us.

Disconnecting from distractions allows us to rediscover an authentic faith that brings clarity, peace, and purpose.

Gratitude doesn’t stop with us—it overflows to bless others. Living with a thankful heart inspires joy and generosity in the world around us.

Expressing gratitude strengthens our relationships, creating a culture of appreciation that reflects God’s love to those around us.

Gratitude in difficult seasons deepens our trust in God’s faithfulness and helps us see His presence, even in challenges.

True joy is found in appreciating life’s small blessings. When we practice gratitude, we discover God’s goodness in everyday moments.

Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, helping us resist greed and embrace contentment in God’s provision.

A fulfilling life isn’t about possessions; it’s about prioritizing relationships, purpose, and serving others with an eternal perspective.

Belief shapes our mindset, mindset fuels our behavior, and together they tell the story we trust.Belief is the truth you hold.Mindset is the lens through which you think.Behavior is the life you build.

Simplicity frees us to focus on what truly matters. Letting go of the pursuit of "more" opens our hearts to contentment and purpose in Christ.

The Holy Spirit gives us confidence and peace, assuring us of our relationship with God and empowering us to live boldly in His love.

Living under the influence of the Holy Spirit transforms every area of our lives, enabling us to walk in alignment with God’s will.

The Holy Spirit is our seal of salvation, offering assurance of God’s promises and giving us confidence to live with faith and hope.

The Holy Spirit intercedes for us in prayer, understanding our hearts and giving us peace when we don’t have the words.

Today's sermon talks about deepening spiritual discernment to wisely overcome challenges and step confidently into God’s next level assignment.

Walking in the Spirit produces lasting transformation in our lives, reflected through the fruit of the Spirit in our character and actions

Every believer has been given spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit to serve others and make an impact for God’s kingdom.

The Holy Spirit reveals truth and equips us to live authentically, aligning our lives with God’s wisdom and purpose.

The Holy Spirit is our ultimate guide, offering wisdom, strength, and insight far beyond anything the world can provide.

When we seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance, He leads us into God’s purpose for our lives, helping us move with confidence and clarity in every step we take.

Bold prayers activate the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, giving us strength and courage to overcome challenges and trust God for the impossible.

The Holy Spirit equips us to be agents of change, inspiring and empowering us to transform the world around us through faith and action.

The Holy Spirit empowers us to live boldly for Christ, making a positive impact in our communities and influencing others for God’s kingdom.Influence isn’t built through performance—it’s received through the power of the Holy Spirit. When we let the Spirit shape us, we become the kind of people others want to follow because they see Jesus in us.

Through perseverance in trials, God shapes our character and fills us with hope that sustains us, even in the hardest times.

God is still writing your story. Even in moments of brokenness,His work in your life brings healing, purpose, and new beginnings.

God’s power is made perfect in our weakness, teaching us to rely on Him and to embrace His strength in every challenge.

God can use the pain and struggles we experience to comfortothers and reveal His greater purpose for our lives.

Thriving in life comes from building meaningful connections—with God, who gives us purpose, and with others, who reflect His love.

As the Good Shepherd, Jesus provides guidance, protection, and abundance, inviting us to live a life of trust and peace under His care.

Jesus, the Bread of Life, provides the ultimate satisfaction andfulfillment that nothing in this world can offer.