In today's sermon, Gary Boyd at Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle delves into Nehemiah's profound response to the troubling news from Jerusalem. With the city’s walls still in ruins and its gates burned, Nehemiah’s grief led him to seek God through prayer. This instance marks the first of twelve prayers in the book of Nehemiah, highlighting his reliance on divine guidance over his prowess as a builder. Pastor Boyd emphasizes that prayer, rather than being a last resort, is the foremost tool for anyone striving to influence and improve the lives of those around them.

Pastor Boyd further explores Nehemiah's prayer, noting his initial adoration for God, which serves to glorify God and remind Nehemiah of God's greatness and trustworthiness. This is followed by consistent, persistent prayers and a heartfelt confession of sin, identifying with the collective guilt of his people. Nehemiah’s example culminates in his specific, faith-filled requests to God. The s underscores the necessity of such elements in our own prayers, urging the congregation to adopt a prayerful life marked by adoration, consistency, confession, and bold requests, ensuring that our first step in any endeavor is to seek God’s guidance.

Join Pastor Gary Boyd at Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle for the Sunday AM service as we embark on a new sermon series on the book of Nehemiah. This week, we begin with an introduction to Nehemiah, a lesser-known yet profoundly impactful figure in the Old Testament. Unlike the familiar stories of Daniel, Esther, and the Babylonian Captivity, Nehemiah's narrative unfolds in the final chapters of Israel's exilic period. Written between 433-431 BC, the book offers a unique first-person account of a man who left the opulence of Shushan to address the dire state of Jerusalem. Discover how Nehemiah's deep concern for the ruins of Zion and the plight of his people ignites a journey of dedicated, discerning zeal for God's work.

In this sermon, Pastor Boyd delves into Nehemiah's reaction upon receiving devastating news about Jerusalem from his brother Hanani. Despite living a comfortable life in the Persian royal city of Susa, Nehemiah's heart breaks over the suffering and desolation of a place he had never seen. His response of mourning, fasting, and prayer highlights the importance of allowing ourselves to be moved by the misery of others. As we explore Nehemiah's story, we are challenged to examine what moves us today and how we might be indifferent to the needs around us. This powerful introduction sets the stage for understanding the remarkable impact one person can have when fully surrendered to God's calling.

In this sermon by Boyd at Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle during the Sunday AM service, we explore the profound impact of Christian motherhood through the lens of the biblical character Apphia from the book of Philemon. Highlighting Mother's Day, the sermon delves into the spiritual significance and the multi-faceted role of mothers within the family and the church community. Apphia, a mother and a central figure in her household, is portrayed as an embodiment of love and dedication, whose role extends beyond her immediate family to influence and shape the early Christian community in Colossae. Pastor Boyd elucidates how Apphia's stewardship over her household and her interactions with the runaway slave Onesimus exemplify the Christian ethos of forgiveness and acceptance, making her an integral figure in the reintegration of Onesimus into the Christian community.

Further, the sermon emphasizes the partnership between Apphia and her husband Philemon, showcasing how their combined efforts in hosting church gatherings at their home exemplified a unified Christian mission. This cooperation underlines the sermon's theme of 'multiplication,' where individual contributions in a family setting amplify the collective impact on the wider Christian kingdom. The discussion also extends to their son Archippus, who likely led the nearby church in Laodicea, demonstrating the ripple effect of spiritual nurturing from one generation to the next. Pastor Gary passionately argues that the narrative of Apphia and her family is a testament to the potential of every Christian family to become a beacon of faith and service. By the sermon's conclusion, listeners are called to recognize and celebrate the integral role of mothers and wives in spiritual leadership and community building, ensuring that their ministries are not only acknowledged but revered as pivotal to the church's enduring legacy.

In this enlightening sermon by Gary Boyd at Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle during the Sunday AM service, the focus is drawn to Psalm 50, concluding a significant exploration of ten Psalms. This Psalm, credited to Asaph, a chief musician during King David's reign, diverges from others in its lack of a deep historical anchor, presenting instead a robust theological confrontation. It is suggested that Psalm 50 might have been recited during the septennial reading of the Law at the Feast of Tabernacles, enhancing its solemnity. As Pastor Boyd unfolds the text, he introduces listeners to a dramatic depiction of God as a judge summoning the earth from east to west, setting the stage for a powerful divine accusation against flawed modes of worship among His people. The sermon meticulously dissects the nature of God's accusations against two distinct groups within His covenant community. The first group, while consistent in their ritual sacrifices, lacks heartfelt devotion—a routine observance devoid of genuine spiritual engagement. God's critique is poignant; He does not require sacrifices for any need of His own but seeks a relationship that transcends mere ritual. The second group, despite their outward declarations of faith, lead lives starkly at odds with the teachings they profess, embodying hypocrisy. Pastor Boyd emphasizes that their misconceptions of God—as needing their offerings or as being akin to human fallibility—corrupt their worship and dilute their spiritual life. The sermon serves as a clarion call to the congregation to eschew superficial worship and hypocrisy, inviting them to a renewed, heartfelt engagement with God that aligns actions with professed beliefs. This message not only closes the current series on the Psalms but challenges the listener to introspect their understanding of and relationship with the divine.

In this sermon, Pastor Boyd confronts the inevitability of death, drawing wisdom from Psalm 49 to urge listeners at Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle to prepare for this ultimate intruder. The Psalmist's vivid imagery frames death as an inevitable and relentless force that no human power or wealth can fend off. Bro. Gary begins by painting a scenario where, much like a physical intruder targeting one's home, death targets every life without prejudice. He challenges the congregation with a critical question: What preparations are you making for this unavoidable encounter? Boyd elaborates on the Psalmist’s perspective that the wise and the foolish alike will face death, highlighting that no amount of earthly wealth can extend or save a life when its time comes.

Pastor Boyd's message deepens as he explores the vanity of trusting in riches, illustrating how wealth accumulation is often mistakenly seen as a buffer against mortality. He draws a stark contrast between those who accumulate wealth hoping to leave a legacy and those who understand the value of spiritual readiness. The sermon points out that while the wealthy may manage their estates and plan for inheritance, these efforts are futile against the certainty of death. Gary emphasizes that real and lasting security comes not from material wealth but from a life aligned with God’s wisdom and redemption. As the sermon concludes, Bro. Boyd asks his audience, "Do you have that protection this morning?" This query reinforces the sermon’s theme and invites personal reflection on spiritual preparedness and the essence of life beyond material possessions.

In this sermon from Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle, Pastor Boyd delves into the profound spiritual lessons derived from a psalm celebrating God's triumph and protection over Zion. Described as a "lyrical echo of history," this Psalm presents Zion as a physical location and a spiritual stronghold fortified by God's presence. Gary unpacks the four segments of the Psalm: the majesty of Zion highlighted by God’s praise, the dramatic repelling of kings threatening Zion, the transformation of hearsay into heartfelt experience among the believers, and a concluding tour of Zion, revealing its untouched strength despite numerous threats. Each part richly contributes to understanding Zion's significance both historically and spiritually.

The sermon extends beyond historical recounting, urging listeners to perceive Zion as a metaphor for God’s enduring presence and protection in their lives. Gary encourages the congregation to transition from mere listeners of God's works to active witnesses through personal faith and experience. This approach underlines the sermon's central theme: God’s timeless power in the lives of His people. He particularly relates this to current challenges the church community faces, like the ongoing building project amidst a tough economy, urging the congregation to trust in God’s promise and power. Gary's message is clear: just as Zion stands as a testament to God’s might, so can the personal challenges and endeavors of the faithful bear witness to His ongoing work in the world today.

In this week’s podcast episode from Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle, Gary Boyd dives into Psalm 47, a vibrant war hymn that resounds with the triumph of God. Reverberating with historical and theological richness, this psalm, traditionally associated with Jehoshaphat's miraculous victory as recounted in 2 Chronicles 20, celebrates God’s sovereignty and deliverance. Pastor Boyd urges listeners to embrace the psalm's call to exuberant pre-battle, mid-battle, and post-battle praise, reflecting a deep confidence not in human might but God's divine right and might. He intricately breaks down the structure of the Psalm into a journey of anticipation, action, and awe-inspiring victory that draws parallels between ancient battles and the personal challenges believers face today.

Gary eloquently captures the essence of Psalm 47, highlighting its role in Jewish and Christian traditions, notably during Rosh Hashanah and Ascension Day. He focuses on the Psalm’s stirring calls to praise—before, during, and after God's people's battles—encouraging the congregation to reflect on their lives through this lens. As he moves through the psalm, Gary illuminates how these ancient words are historical recountings and active, living invitations to acknowledge and rejoice in God’s eternal kingship. By the end of the sermon, Gary turns introspective, challenging listeners to consider the reign of God over the world and their individual lives, thereby inviting them to claim God’s victories as their own and live in the confidence of His omnipotent governance. This episode is a powerful reminder of the profound impact of divine victory over life’s battles, urging us to have deeper faith and louder praise.

In this week's sermon at Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle, Gary Boyd explores the profound messages of trust and divine intervention encapsulated in a well-known Psalm. Known for its stirring phrases such as "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble," this Psalm provided solace and inspired Martin Luther to compose the hymn "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." Delving into the historical contexts that might have shaped this Psalm, Gary discusses two significant theories: one attributing its origin to King Jehoshaphat's era and another, more favored, to King Hezekiah's miraculous victory over the Assyrians. As we traverse the text, we uncover the steadfast confidence and enduring faith that have characterized believers throughout ages, drawing a parallel between the divine shelter provided to ancient peoples and the spiritual refuge available to us today.

Further dissecting the Psalm's verses, Gary Boyd illuminates how it captures a spectrum from natural catastrophes to historical upheavals, asserting that God’s presence renders fear obsolete even in the direst circumstances. Whether facing the chaos of nature or the tumults of history, the Psalmist reassures us that God’s providence is unfaltering. Gary brings this ancient text to life by relating it to contemporary challenges, suggesting that God was a refuge for Hezekiah, so He remains for us. The sermon invites us to embrace this Psalm not merely as a historical artifact but as a living testament to God's enduring strength and protection, encouraging us to affirm, with personal conviction, our trust in God as our ultimate refuge and strength.

Join us for a captivating journey through the transformative power of the resurrection in our latest sermon recording. In this message, we delve into the profound moments following Jesus' crucifixion, where despair and uncertainty shroud the hearts of his followers. As Mary Magdalene and the other Mary brave the early morning to visit Jesus' tomb, they encounter unexpected obstacles—a heavy stone and Roman soldiers barring their path. Yet, amidst the chaos, a silent, unseen transformation unfolds, setting in motion a series of events that continue reverberating through history.

As the angel descends to roll away the stone, an earthquake shakes the ground, and the soldiers, confronted by divine brilliance, are rendered powerless. The once-sealed tomb symbolizes triumph over death, as the angel invites the women to witness the evidence of Jesus' resurrection. Through their encounter with the risen Christ, fear gives way to joy, uncertainty to purpose, and faithless disciples are embraced as brethren. This profound narrative challenges us to embrace the transformative power of Christ's resurrection in our lives, offering hope, redemption, and the promise of new beginnings. Join us as we explore the timeless message of Easter and the enduring impact of Jesus' resurrection on our lives today.

In this sermon, Pastor Gary Boyd delves into the significance of a particular psalm, a love song attributed to the sons of Korah, which celebrates a royal marriage. The sermon explores the identity of the king mentioned in the psalm, ultimately revealing it as a messianic prophecy about Jesus and his bride. Drawing from Hebrews 1:8–9, Pastor Boyd emphasizes Jesus' eternal reign and divine status, contrasting him with earthly kings. The excitement and passion of the psalmist reflect the believer's joy in praising their King, Jesus, whose beauty and speech surpass all others. The sermon then shifts to praise the King's power and military prowess, highlighting his victory over evil and the eternal nature of his throne.

Continuing with the theme of the royal marriage, the speaker transitions to discussing the bride, which symbolizes the church. Verses 10-11 challenge the bride to fully surrender to the King, emphasizing the importance of total devotion and leaving behind the past. The sermon foretells a future of glorious recognition for the bride, with the world bringing gifts and seeking her favor. Despite current challenges, the bride is depicted as glorious and joyful as she prepares for her union with the King. Ultimately, the sermon concludes with an application for Christians to admire, love, and appreciate Jesus as their King, with an invitation for non-believers to join the King's family through faith for the forgiveness of sins, ensuring participation in the ultimate marriage of the King.