First Baptist Church Big Spring Podcast

In today's sermon, The Presence of God, Pastor Mark takes us to Exodus 33, where Moses makes one of the greatest requests in all of Scripture: "If Your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here."

Through this powerful passage, we are reminded that God's people should never be content with simply going through the motions of religion. More than programs, plans, or accomplishments, we desperately need the presence of God.

Pastor Mark challenges us to consider why we should fear losing God's presence. While God never abandons His children, churches can grieve the Holy Spirit and lose His evident blessing and power when there is persistent disobedience among God's people. A church can have full calendars, crowded buildings, and excellent ministries, yet still desperately need a fresh dependence on God's Spirit.

This message calls every believer to examine their own heart and to seek God with humility, repentance, and obedience. It reminds us that the greatest blessing God gives us is not simply what He does for us—but that He is with us.

Listen in and be encouraged to pursue the presence of God above everything else, knowing that apart from Him, we can accomplish nothing of eternal value.

Jonathan is back with Part 2 of his recap from the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, and this time the conversation dives deeper into what makes Southern Baptists... well... Southern Baptists.

In this episode, you'll hear about the surprisingly democratic process behind the Convention, how over 45,000 churches voluntarily cooperate together for the sake of the Great Commission, and why that cooperation matters far more than most people realize. Jonathan also shares the exciting news that one of First Baptist Church Big Spring's former ministers is now serving on an SBC committee.

The episode also highlights one of the most encouraging moments of the week—the International Mission Board Sending Celebration, where missionaries are commissioned to take the gospel to the nations. And don't miss the unforgettable story of how God worked through a deaf pastor, reminding us that the gospel truly is for every tribe, tongue, people... and every language, spoken or signed.

Along the way, Jonathan reflects on what it's like to be surrounded by 12,000 Southern Baptists at what is affectionately known as the world's largest business meeting. Imagine a church business meeting... then add about 11,900 people. Surprisingly, there was less arguing than Facebook or Twitter/X promised, more cooperation than the internet gives us credit for, and enough motions, microphones, and parliamentary procedure to make your local moderator tear up with joy.

Whether you've never heard of the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting or you've attended for years, this episode offers an encouraging look at how churches work together to advance the gospel—and why cooperation is still one of our greatest strengths.

Article on IMB Challenges

Deaf Pastor Makes Motion

In today’s sermon, Running on Empty, Pastor Mark takes us to Jesus’ first recorded miracle at the wedding in Cana, where He transformed water into wine. More than a miracle of provision, this passage points us to the One who alone can fill the emptiness in our lives with lasting joy.

Using John 2:1–11, Pastor Mark reminds us of four essential truths for every follower of Christ:

Admit your need for joy. We all experience seasons where we feel empty, weary, or spiritually dry.

Bring your need to Jesus. The answer to our deepest needs is not found in ourselves, but in the Savior.

Do whatever Jesus tells you to do. Obedience is often the pathway through which God works in our lives.

Commit yourself fully to Jesus. Real transformation begins when we trust Him completely and surrender every area of our lives.

This message reminds us that Jesus doesn't simply meet our needs—He transforms our emptiness into something far greater than we could imagine. When we come to Him in faith and obedience, He fills our lives with the joy and hope that only He can provide.

Join Jonathan as he discusses what it means to be Southern Baptist. Jonathan attended the Annual Meeting in Orlando this year and in this episode he talks about what it means to be Southern Baptist, why we cooperate, and what the greatest issue is in the world today.

In today's sermon, Happy Birthday America, Pastor Mark turns our attention to one of the most familiar and often-quoted verses in Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14. While this passage contains a powerful promise from God, Pastor Mark reminds us that it is fundamentally an "if/then" statement—a promise that includes both conditions and blessings.

Through this message, we are challenged to examine the response God calls His people to make:

Humble ourselves before Him.

Pray with sincerity and dependence.

Seek God's face above all else.

Turn from our wicked ways and change how we live.

Pastor Mark emphasizes that when God's people respond in obedience and seek Him according to His will, God promises to hear, forgive, and heal.

This sermon is a timely reminder that spiritual renewal does not begin in governments or cultural movements—it begins in the hearts of God's people. As we reflect on God's faithfulness, may we recommit ourselves to humility, prayer, repentance, and wholehearted devotion to Him.

Listen in and be challenged to seek God with your whole heart and trust His promises.

Text: 1 Chronicles 13:1–14

In today's sermon, Ox Cart Christianity, Pastor Mark takes us to the sobering account of David's attempt to bring the Ark of the the Covenant to Jerusalem. While David's intentions were good, his decision to take a shortcut instead of following God's instructions led to tragic consequences.

Through this powerful passage, Pastor Mark reminds us that we are often more like David than we would care to admit. We can be guilty of taking spiritual shortcuts when:

We ask others what we should do instead of first seeking God.

We try to balance what people want with what God wants.

We fail to carefully follow the details of God's Word.

We blame God for the consequences of our own disobedience and shortcomings.

This message challenges us to examine our own lives and ask whether we are trusting God's way or attempting to accomplish God's purposes on our own terms. Good intentions are never a substitute for obedience.

Listen in and be reminded that God does not call us to take shortcuts—He calls us to trust Him fully, obey Him completely, and follow Him faithfully in all things.

Pastor Mark takes us to the book of Joshua as we look at leaving a legacy.

In this episode of That Ain’t In the Bible, Jonathan and Brandon step directly into one of the fastest ways to start a church argument: music styles in worship.

Should church music be traditional? Contemporary? Hymns only? Full band? Choir and orchestra? Acoustic? Loud? Quiet? And perhaps the biggest question of all: does the Bible actually command one specific style of music for the church?

With a few spicy hot takes and some honest pushback against personal preferences disguised as biblical mandates, the guys discuss what Scripture does clearly command—namely that believers are to worship, sing, and glorify God together. At the same time, they challenge listeners to be careful not to elevate cultural tastes and personal opinions to the level of divine instruction.

Because while singing praises to God is absolutely in the Bible…

the commandment, “Thou shalt use only this musical style”?

Yeah… that ain’t in the Bible.

10 Key Bible Verses on Singing Article

In this episode of That Ain’t In the Bible, Jonathan and Brandon tackle a question that has quietly shaped modern church culture: Is worship just music?

When people say, “We’re going to worship,” do they simply mean the singing portion of the service? Or does the Bible describe worship as something much bigger than a Sunday morning list of songs? The sermon? Offering? Greeting time?

With some strong opinions, a few hot takes, and probably at least one moment that will make both worship leaders and church members slightly uncomfortable, the guys unpack what worship actually is—and what it is not. They discuss whether worship only happens on Sundays, what Scripture teaches about living a life of worship, and even look at what Jesus Himself said about worship.

Along the way, they challenge some common church language and remind listeners that while music is absolutely a component of worship, worship is ultimately about surrender, obedience, and glorifying God with your entire life.

Because while singing is definitely in the Bible…
reducing worship to only singing on Sunday mornings, but only verses 1,2, and 4?

Yeah… that ain’t in the Bible.

We messed up this episode from a few weeks ago by posting the wrong recording. We have corrected the original episode, but decided to re-release it as a new episode as well. Enjoy!

In this episode of That Ain’t In the Bible, Jonathan and Brandon take on a phrase we all use—and misuse—far more than we’d like to admit: “the church.”

Is the church a place you go… or a people you belong to?

With some strong takes (and a few self-inflicted callouts), the guys unpack what the Bible actually teaches about the church—and what it clearly does not. Along the way, they confess just how often even they slip into calling a building “the church”… sometimes even on this very podcast.

This episode highlights why words matter. When we get the language wrong, we can start to think about church incorrectly—shrinking it down to a location instead of living it out as a mission. Jonathan and Brandon challenge listeners to rethink their assumptions and recover a biblical understanding of the church as the people of God, called to live on mission together.

Because while buildings are useful…calling them “the church”?

Yeah… that ain’t in the Bible.