First Baptist Church Big Spring Podcast

In this episode of That Ain’t In the Bible, Jonathan and Brandon take on a question that has shaped church invitations for generations: Is walking the aisle essential for salvation?

Is there something uniquely biblical about stepping forward during a service? Or has this become a meaningful tradition that sometimes gets confused with the moment of salvation itself? How does Baptism, the Biblical model for a public profession of faith fit into this discussion?

With a few hot takes, some thoughtful (and maybe slightly spicy) theological discussion, and yes… even a random Disney quote thrown in for good measure, the guys unpack what Scripture actually teaches about responding to the gospel.

While responding to the gospel is absolutely in the Bible…the specific method of walking an aisle during a song? Yeah… that ain’t in the Bible.

In today’s sermon, But If Not, Pastor Mark takes us to the bold faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—a faith that trusts God not only when He delivers, but even when He chooses a different path.

From Daniel 3:16–18, we are reminded that God is able, but our trust in Him cannot be based solely on the outcomes we desire. Sometimes the answer to our prayers is “not yet,” and in those moments, we are called to wait on the Lord and remain faithful.

Pastor Mark encourages us with the truth that every Christian will face challenges, seasons of uncertainty, and questions we cannot fully answer. Yet even in the valley, we can trust the character and sovereignty of God.

This message is a powerful call to a deeper faith—one that says, “Even if God doesn’t answer the way I hope… I will still trust Him.”

In this episode of That Ain’t In the Bible, Jonathan and Brandon take on a familiar and often assumed part of church life: the sinner’s prayer.

Is there a specific prayer in Scripture someone must say to be saved? The short answer: no. While many of the truths commonly included in a sinner’s prayer—repentance, confession, and faith in Christ—are absolutely biblical, the Bible does not prescribe a set formula or exact words someone must repeat.

In this conversation, the guys unpack the difference between biblical salvation and man-made methods, emphasizing that salvation is not about saying the right words, but about genuine repentance and faith in Jesus. They also offer a pastoral reminder: we must be careful to ensure that those responding to the gospel are not simply repeating phrases, but truly understanding and trusting in Christ.

With clarity, care, and a little humor, this episode helps listeners think more biblically about how we share the gospel and how people respond to it. Because while the gospel is clearly in the Bible…a scripted prayer for salvation? Yeah… that ain’t in the Bible.

Article Referenced

In this message from Romans 7, Brother Randy Cotton walks us through the reality of our sinful nature and the ongoing struggle every believer faces. Scripture makes it clear: we are all born sinners, with a nature bent toward sin and separation from God.

But the message doesn’t stop there. Brother Randy calls us to the hope found in repentance—turning from sin and turning to God. He reminds us that for those who are truly following Christ, sin is no longer something we can comfortably enjoy. Instead, it creates a tension within us that drives us back to the Lord.

This sermon is both convicting and encouraging, pointing us to the truth that while the struggle with sin is real, so is the grace of God. When we fall, we don’t run away—we run to Him.

Listen in and be reminded that victory over sin begins with repentance and is sustained by continually drawing near to the Lord.

In this episode of That Ain’t In the Bible, Jonathan and Brandon tackle a question that feels way more spiritual than it actually is: what time should church meet on Sunday?

Is 10:50am, 11:00 am, 10:30am, 3:00pm, the holiest hour of the week? What about Saturday services? Or… dare we say… changing the schedule altogether?

The guys dig into what Scripture actually says (and doesn’t say) about when believers gather for worship, while exploring how many of our current schedules are shaped more by tradition, culture, and convenience than by clear biblical command.

Along the way, they discuss what churches should consider—things like faithfulness, accessibility, mission, and serving their people well—while also having a little fun with some of the unspoken “rules” we all tend to assume.

Because while gathering together is absolutely biblical… the exact time on the clock? Yeah… , you guessed it, that ain’t in the Bible.

In today’s powerful Easter message, Life, Pastor Mark takes us to Luke 24:1–8 and the empty tomb—the moment that changed everything. The resurrection of Jesus is not just an event to remember, but a truth that transforms how we live today.

We are reminded that Easter equals life. Because Jesus is alive, there is hope, there is purpose, and there is a future for every believer. No matter where you are or what you’ve walked through, Jesus is not done with you.

This message calls us to respond—not with hesitation, but with urgency and faith. Just as the women at the tomb were confronted with the reality of the risen Christ, we are invited to run toward Him, not away.

Listen in and be reminded that the empty tomb means full life—and that life is found in Jesus.

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.

In today’s sermon, The Triumphal Entry, Pastor Mark walks us through Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem and the powerful response of the crowd. This familiar passage challenges us to consider not just what the crowd saw—but how we respond to who Jesus truly is.

Through Matthew 21:1–11, we are reminded of three clear calls for every believer:
• Do what Jesus says — responding in obedience.
• Feel what Jesus feels — having a his compassion • Tell who Jesus is — boldly declaring the truth about Christ.

This message encourages us to move beyond surface-level celebration and into a life of genuine discipleship—marked by obedience, compassion, and proclamation. As we reflect on the Triumphal Entry, we are invited to examine whether our lives truly reflect the King we claim to follow.

Listen in and be challenged to follow Jesus not just with words, but with your life.

In this episode of That Ain’t In the Bible, Jonathan and Brandon dive into a surprisingly debated topic: what should someone wear to be baptized—and where should it happen?

Does Scripture give specific guidelines about clothing for baptism? Is there a “proper” place it has to take place—inside a church, in a baptistry, or somewhere else? Or are many of our current practices shaped more by tradition, preference, and practicality than by clear biblical command?

With a mix of humor and biblical clarity, the guys explore what the Bible actually teaches about baptism while helping listeners distinguish between what is essential and what is simply customary. Along the way, they may challenge a few assumptions and long-held expectations.

Because while baptism is clearly in the Bible… the dress code and location guidelines we often assume?

Yeah… that ain’t in the Bible.

In today’s sermon, Road to the Cross, Pastor Mark takes us to Luke 18:31–34, where Jesus clearly tells His disciples what is about to happen—His suffering, death, and resurrection. Though the disciples struggled to understand, this moment reveals a powerful truth: the cross was never accidental. It was always part of God’s plan.

Pastor Mark reminds us that from the very beginning, the Father has had a redemptive plan in place. Through this passage, we see that everything surrounding the cross unfolds according to God’s plan, God’s permission, and God’s purpose.

This message encourages us to trust that the same God who sovereignly accomplished redemption through Christ is still at work in our lives today. Even when we don’t fully understand what God is doing, we can rest in the truth that His purposes are good and His plan is sure.

Listen in and be reminded that the road to the cross was intentional—and it changes everything for us.