Wilkesboro Baptist Church Podcasts

Title: Children and Families Made Holy in Love and Leadership Text: 1 Corinthians 7:14Chris HefnerFour Implications for Parenting and Families Parents who remain together illustrate our covenant-keeping heavenly Father. Parents are responsible for the cultural and spiritual liturgies they encourage and allow.Parents and families need the support and gospel partnership of the church family. Parents and families, we must embrace and share Jesus as the most real relationship we can have. Please reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Marriage Enrichment: Navigating the Tensions of MarriageTad CraigPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Title: Singles Made Holy in Life and Focus  Text: 1 Corinthians 7:6-8, 11, 15, 17, 25-35Chris HefnerPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected] is singleness? For some, singleness is a gift. For some, singleness is a calling. For all, we should not define singleness by negation. For some, singleness is a challenge. For some, singleness is a conundrum or curse. For any, singleness can be a privilege.What are some reasons to embrace singleness?The distresses of present circumstances when life is short.The pressures (troubles) of married life when singleness can offer freedom.The concessions regarding singleness when marriage demands permanence.  What does the church do with this message? Embrace a gospel-oriented view of humanity and identity.Embrace community and be embraced by community.Be embraced by Christ and embrace Christ and his call.  

Marriage Enrichment: Languages of MarriageTad CraigPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Marriage Enrichment: Languages of MarriageTad CraigPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Title: Marriage Made Holy in Love and Struggle Text: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40 Three Marriage Principles Concerning Love and Life Chris HefnerLife is too short to be anxious about the trivial or idolatrous. Marriage is too significant to be encumbered by extraneous anxieties or activities. Extraneous activity/idolatry #1: Put your spouse or child/children in the place of God. Extraneous activity/idolatry #2: Give something/someone else the attention your spouse deserves. Love is too important to be sidelined for less significant priorities.  Please reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Ambassadors of Reconciliation2 Corinthians 5:11-21Chris HefnerPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Title: Marriage Made Holy in Purpose and Privilege Text: 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 Chris HefnerThree General Observations about Belonging Christians belong to God through Jesus Christ in the covenant of salvation. Belonging to God through Jesus means that spouses belong to each other through the marriage covenant. This covenant belonging, first to God, then to each other requires certain marriage behaviors. Three Marriage BehaviorsEmbrace a biblical sexual ethic. Remain together. Live the gospel in your marriage/home. Please reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Title: Dry BonesText: Ezekiel 37 Chris HefnerThe Power of God’s Promises to Dry Bones One Principle: God’s promises reflect the magnitude of his name/glory not the significance of our situations. Two Precepts: 1. The Word of God displays the power of God to the people of God.2. The Spirit of God through the Word of God gives life to the people of God. Three Purposes: 1. For the glory of the name of the Lord (36:16-22).2. That we (the people of God) will know the Lord is God (37:6, 13, 14).3. That the nations will know the Lord is God (36:36-38; 37:28). One Person who makes God’s promises possible: Jesus Christ, the Son of David, crucified King, Risen Savior. Please reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Title: Temple of the Living GodText: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1Chance Freeman

Easter SundayText: Hebrews 10Tad CraigPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Title: Faith in Prayer and Soul Winning Text: James 5:13-20 Chris HefnerMusicWhat an Awesome GodHow Great is Our GodHis Mercy is MoreTurn Your EyesThree Opportunities to Practice Genuine Faith 1. When sick and suffering, pray to the God who heals, but also praise with one another. 2. When troubled by sin in self and others, pray to the God who judges, but also confess to one another. 3. When burdened by those who are lost and astray, pray to God who seeks and saves, but also go and share with one another. Please reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Paul's Ministry of the Gospel2 Corinthians 4Chris HefnerPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Title: Faith As Patient Endurance Text: James 5:1-12Chris HefnerThree Reminders that Display Genuine Faith   Heed the warning against self-indulgence. Hoarding Fraud Self-indulgenceMurder Hear the invitation to patient endurance. Be patient like the farmer. Establish your heart. Do not grumble. Look to past examples. Look to the mercy and compassion of the Lord. Honor the truth with your promises. Please reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Title: Faith Versus Boasting Text: James 4:11-17 Chris HefnerThree Commands that Reveal Genuine Faith Don’t be judgmental. When we are judgmental, we’re acting as if we’re superior to one another. The gospel teaches that we’re not better than others. Don’t be boastful. When we boast, we’re putting ourselves in the place of God. The gospel teaches that God alone is sovereign. Do what you know is good. When you do what is good, you’re believing God and his gospel. The gospel teaches that we do good, not for salvation, but from salvation.  Please reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Strategic Planning Committee Town HallPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Love2 Peter 1:5-8Steven MercerPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Title: Faith Versus Worldliness Text: James 4:1-10Chris HefnerTheme: Regarding faith versus worldliness, there is something we need to see, there are some things we need to do, and there is Someone we need to experience. 1. There is something we need to see: Observe the pattern of faithless desires. 2. There are some things we need to do: Practice the imperatives of faithful living. 3. There is Someone we need to experience: Receive by faith the grace that transforms our hearts. Please reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Brotherly LoveJosh PinkertonPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Title: Authentic Faith: Wisdom from GodText: James 3:13-18Tad CraigQuestions to Recognize and Display Wisdom from GodAre you trying to gain intellectual points? Are there any ulterior motives behind your instruction?Are you seeking to create order in the relationship?Did you genuinely listen before forming your own opinion? Do the people you speak to know that you care about them? Is the transforming love of God being displayed through your words and actions? 

Adding GodlinessSteve MeltonPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Title: Faith through SpeechText: James 3:1-12Tad CraigSpeech is instructional. A Genuine Faith shows the awareness of your teachingSpeech is influential.A Genuine Faith shows the awareness for self-controlSpeech is powerful.A Genuine Faith shows the awareness of the intentions of wordsSpeech is inconsistent.A Genuine Faith shows the awareness of motives Please reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Adding to Your Faith: SteadfastnessDustin DealPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Title: Genuine Faith: Having a Living FaithText: James 2:14-26Tad CraigA living faith produces works of love.A living faith produces works of understanding.A living faith produces works of obedience.A living faith produces works of transformation.Please reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Supplementing Faith with Self-ControlChance FreemanPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Title: The Sin of Partiality—The Need for UnderstandingText: James 2:1-13Steve Robinson1. A Call to Understand the Principle (2:1-4) * The exhortation against partiality is rooted in the deity and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. * Favoritism is defined as a biased judgment based on external circumstances with no regard for inner reality. * The rich man was favored for his outward appearance while the poor man was despised.2. A Call to Understand the Problem—Inconsistency (2:5-11) * Showing partiality is inconsistent with God’s choice (2:5) * Showing partiality is inconsistent with man’s actions (2:6-7) * Showing partiality is inconsistent with God’s Word (2:8-9)3. A Call for Consistency (2:10-13) * The final appeal from James regarding favoritism is to conform our lives to the Law of Liberty. * Consistency is measured by the Law of Liberty.Please reach out to us via email at [email protected]

The Commands of ChristTam Hutchinson

VirtueBruce NisleyPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Genuine Faith: Eternal Reminders for Genuine Faith James 1:19-27Tad CraigEternal Reminders for Genuine FaithQuick to understandSlow to speakSlow to angerProduce righteousness of GodPut away wickednessReceive God’s wordPractice the truths of the BibleWorship through loveGuard yourself from the stains of the worldPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Blueprint for Spiritual Growth2 Peter 1:5-11Steve RobinsonPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Title: The Blessing of Being Steadfast Text: James 1:12-18 Chris HefnerThesis: We are blessed if we remain steadfast under trials. Three Questions about Remaining Steadfast:Why should we remain steadfast? Three Reasons: 1. Because of the certainty of future rewards. 2. Because of the consequences of present trials. 3. Because of the contribution of Divine grace. How do we remain steadfast? Three Responses: 1. Receive and live by the Word of truth. 2. Anticipate temptation's internal and external deceptiveness. 3. Be loved by and love God.Who do we look to when we fail to remain steadfast? Please reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Deacon Commissioning Chris HefnerPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Great Expectations: James 1:5-11Josh Pinkerton4 ExpectationsExpect God to grant wisdom generouslyExpect doubt to limit our prayersExpect our lowness to bring highnessExpect His Highness to bring lowness4 Applications:Pray for wisdomPray in faithHope in the KingdomChase things that lastPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected]

James: Genuine FaithJames 1:1-4Tad Craig1. Find joy in your change of perspective. *You cannot escape trials, so change your mental narrative. *Recognize that the testing is to build strength.2. Understand the value of the tests. *Build your faith past your emotions. *Equip your faith for strength beyond yourself.3. Only through maturing in the Holy Spirit will your faith become genuine. *The tests of our faith allow us to practice for improvement. *The Holy Spirit fills the real needs in our lives.Please reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Message: Jesus as GodText: Matthew 1:22-23Chris HefnerJesus as God Means Three GiftsImmanuel: “God with us.”God. Christmas means we get the gift of knowing God.With. Christmas means we get the gift of God coming down.Us. Christmas means we get the gift of a relationship with God.Please reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Sermon: Jesus as KingText: Ephesians 1:22-23Chris HefnerJesus as King is a gift to the church.The Dimensions of Jesus’ KingdomThe Nature of Jesus’ Kingdom is Theological.The Tenure of Jesus’ Kingdom is Eternal.The Extent of Jesus’ Kingdom is Cosmic—Universal, Political, Spiritual.The Front of Jesus’ Kingdom is Ecclesial.The Gifts to the Church of Jesus’ KingdomWe don’t have to fear the powers of lesser kingdoms.We are and we get the inheritance of the kingdom.We get the fulfillment and joy of Jesus as our King and Bridegroom.Please reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Elder Commissioning Chris HefnerPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Title: Jesus as Priest who Gives Us Salvation   Text: Hebrews 7:23-25 Chris Hefner As Priest Jesus gives the gift of Salvation. Four Questions about Jesus and his priestly office:What does a priest do?A priest represents people to God and God to people.What does Jesus uniquely do as the Great High Priest?Jesus saves through his priestly ministry.Jesus intercedes through his priestly ministry.What gifts does Jesus, our Priest, give us?Gift of salvation—receive by faith.Gift of access—practice it by prayer.How are these gifts possible?Please reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Titus: The Gospel as the Baseline for Sound DoctrineChris HefnerPlease reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Title: Jesus as Prophet who Gives Us the Word  Text: Hebrews 1:2; Luke 4:16-22Chris HefnerJesus gives the gift of His Word as he is God’s Prophet.Two Aspects of Jesus’ Prophetic MinistryJesus tells us the truth about God—Revelation.Jesus tells us the truth about ourselves—illumination. Five Gifts that Jesus’ Prophetic Ministry BringsGospel—good news to the spiritually poor.Freedom—from sin, self, society, Satan.Healing—from spiritual and relational brokenness.Justice—for those oppressed by the enemy.Jubilee—restoration of God’s creation.Please reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Title: Reject or Receive: “Leah: God’s Gracious Generosity to an Unwanted Girl” Text: Genesis 29 and 30Chris Hefner Three Reasons We Need the Good NewsThe comprehensiveness of our sins.The depth of our longings.The futility of our solutions (idols). Three Ways God Intervenes with the Good NewsGod intervenes long before we notice—His Sovereignty.God’s interventions are always worthy of praise—His Worth.God intervenes in order to redeem—His Purpose.

Titus: Sound Doctrine in Daily LifeChris HefnerPlease reach out to us via email at: [email protected]

Title: Reject or Receive: “Rachel: The Danger of Self-Absorption as Idolatry” Text: Genesis 29:15-20; 30:1-3; 14-18; 22-24; 31:19; 34-35; 35:17-20Chris Hefner Two General Observations about IdolatryWe can idolize what we have.We can idolize what we don’t have.Six Symptoms of IdolatrySmugnessEnvyStrifeResentmentObsessionDissatisfactionOne Solution to IdolatryWe need to know and worship the One True God.Please reach out to us via email at: [email protected]

Titus: The Character and Necessity of Sound DoctrineChris Hefner

Title: Reject or Receive: “Jacob: The Blessing of a Broken Man Wrestling with an Electing God”Text: Genesis 32:22-32Chris Hefner Stages of ConversionThe journey reveals our need.a. We need to experience the consequences of our sin.b. We need to develop a true view of God.The wrestling match illustrates our opportunity to meet God.a. Our unconverted souls are at war with God.b. God doesn’t need to wrestle with us, but he does.The blessing of conversion marks and changes us.a. We need to be marked by God.b. We need to be changed by God.

Titus: The Greatness and Practicality of God and his Gospel Chris Hefner

Title: Reject or Receive: “Esau: The Folly of Uncontrolled Appetites” (the Unrestrained Self)Text: Genesis 25:29-34; 27:37-42; 28:6-9; Romans 9:12-13Chris Hefner 1. The Causes of the Unrestrained SelfNatureNurture2. The Casualties of the Unrestrained SelfDiscernmentSelf-awarenessRelationshipsHoliness and morality3. The Cure for the Unrestrained SelfA Changed Heart

Title: Reject or Receive: “Lot and his Wife: The Destructive Allure of Worldly Allegiances” Text: Genesis 19Chris HefnerTwo Truths that Startle1. We’re startled by the sins of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.2. We’re startled by the juxtaposition of the judgment and grace of God.Two Warnings Against Worldly Allegiances1. Beware of the progressive nature of the world’s allure.2. Beware of looking to anything other than God for your security or salvation for it ensures destruction.One Solution to the World’s Allure1. We must look to God who alone can bring goodness from the depths of our depravity.

Elder Candidate Bruce Nisley

Title: Reject or Receive: “Abraham: The Invitation to Saving Faith”Text: Genesis 12:1-3; Romans 4:3Chris HefnerFour Aspects of Saving Faith1. Saving faith is always initiated by the Lord.2. Saving faith is an invitation to trust and obey.3. Saving faith operates on a trajectory of transformation even through the failures and sins of our lives.4. Saving faith acknowledges the impossibility of fulfilling God’s promises through human efforts.