Advancing Word Podcast

From both the Old and New Testaments, we find affirmation that the church is called to be a community of worship.  This calling extends to every person who is born again.  Yet there are moments when it feels as though our worship has been muted and our voices lose their joyful sound.  In Part 2 of the series “Wired for Worship,” based on Psalm 96, stanzas 1- 2, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield explores the boundaries and inner workings of our worship, as well as how the act of telling and the element of timing work together.

The National Football League playoffs are in full swing this Divisional Weekend.  NFL Films, known for wiring energetic players for sound, captures their lively commentary for later broadcast on major sports recap channels.  In Psalm 100, God’s people are charged with "making a joyful noise”.  In the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 2, when the people in Capernaum heard that Jesus was in town, the Bible says, “It was noised that He was in the house”.  Every local church and every believer is wired for sound, for worship!  This two-part series, based on Psalm 96:1-2, explains why.

During the 2025 New Year’s Eve Worship Celebration at the First Baptist Church of Chesterfield, Missouri, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield, the first Pastor Emeritus in the church’s storied history, delivered an uplifting message to attendees from four area churches.  Drawing on 1 Peter 1:5, he emphasized that believers are protected, regardless of what 2026 may hold. We are KEPT because of our priceless pedigree, powerful protection and promising prize!

Lot's actions in Genesis, Chapter 19 is not only a warning to us of the dangers of dwelling on the past but a primer on what we must do in order to move forward and fulfill the purposes of God for our lives.  

Anyone searching for a “nativity narrative” in the Gospel of John or the fourth Gospel, need look no further than John, Chapter One, verse 14.  There is a compelling account of Jesus's nativity compacted in this one verse.  It reaches back into eternity past and reaches forward into eternity future.  It is a key verse in the most magnificent prologue or introduction in all literature.  In this powerful and celebratory Advent message, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield insightfully focuses our attention on three affirmations in this profound verse that reveals Jesus is more than just a man! 

There are two birth narratives in the four Gospels.  Joseph is the focus of the narrative recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.  Mary, the mother of Jesus is the primary character in the narrative in the Gospel of Luke.  This message explores Luke, Chapter 1, verses 26 – 38 and Mary’s role in the birth of our Savior.  She is a compelling feminine voice, a woman of faith testifying of the purposes, presence and power of God.  She was favored by God, fruitful for God and focused on God. 

The Gospel writer Mark is not alone in his portrayal of the pivotal role that John the Baptist plays as the forerunner of Jesus Christ.  John the Baptist stood at the intersection of the Old and New Covenant; a true man of conviction that God had shaped and molded in the classical prophetic tradition.  The truth about the coming Messiah concealed in the Old Testament prophecies would be revealed through John's ministry and through the life, death and resurrection of the One John bore witness to.  This message inspires us during this Advent Season to do what John did – stand for the Truth, stand with the Truth and stand by the Truth!  

During Advent, the nativity narratives in the Gospels remind us that God came into this broken world in the person of Jesus Christ.  This “Messianic Migration” culminates in the Book of Revelation, Chapter 3, verses 20 – 21 where Jesus stands at the door and knocks.  The symbolism is an urgent summons to the Church, every child of God and the world to “let Him in!”

While preaching at the Ninety-Seventh Anniversary Celebration of New Salem Baptist Church in Decatur, IL, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield draws insights from 1 Peter 2:9-10, exploring the theme What Makes the Church So Special!  The church, empowered to engage the world, possesses a unique status, vital mission, and invaluable blessing because Jesus lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and rose again.  Before returning to heaven, He entrusted the church to share the Gospel with all nations, promising His continual presence throughout this journey.

British Prime Minister and prominent leader during World War II, Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give.”  He could have very well been gleaning truth from a passage that King Solomon wrote centuries earlier that is recorded in Proverbs Chapter Eleven, verse twenty-five.  That verse and this sermon addresses the question, “What do we gain when we give?”