First Baptist Church Big Spring Podcast

In this episode of That Ain’t in the Bible, Jonathan and Brandon tackle one of the most famous phrases in church life: “We’ve never done it that way before.” While it might sound spiritual, the guys take a closer look at whether that mindset actually comes from Scripture—or simply from tradition and comfort.

Along the way, they talk about the difference between biblical convictions and personal preferences, why churches sometimes struggle with change, and how faithful churches can hold firmly to the truth of God’s Word while still adapting methods to reach people.

With a little humor, some honest observations about Southern Baptist church culture, and a reminder that the message of the gospel never changes—even if methods sometimes do, this episode challenges listeners to examine whether their thinking is shaped more by the Bible or by “the way we’ve always done it.”

Spoiler alert: the phrase “We’ve never done it that way before”… definitely ain’t in the Bible.

In today’s sermon, Closer, Pastor Mark walks us through Exodus 24:12–18 and the powerful moment when God calls Moses up the mountain to draw near to Him. Through this passage, we are reminded that God desires for His people to come close to Him—and He is the One who invites us.

This message emphasizes a vital truth of the gospel: God calls us despite our sin. When Christ calls sinners, He is not asking them to clean themselves up before coming. Instead, He invites us to come as we are, trusting that He will do the transforming work in our lives.

Pastor Mark encourages us to respond to God’s invitation, to seek His presence, and to remember that the journey of faith begins not with our perfection, but with our willingness to draw near to the God who calls us.

Welcome to the very first episode of our new series, That Ain’t In the Bible, where we take a closer look at common church practices and traditions to see what actually comes from Scripture—and what might simply come from habit.

In this episode, Jonathan and Brandon discuss the order of worship in a church service. Does the Bible give a specific structure for how a worship service should flow? Should the music come before the sermon? After the sermon? Is there a biblical rule about announcements, offerings, or invitations?

Together, they explore what the Bible does teach about worship while also pointing out that many of the patterns churches follow today are shaped more by tradition than by direct biblical command. With a little humor and some honest conversation about church culture, this episode helps listeners distinguish between biblical principles for worship and man-made preferences.

Because while worship itself is clearly in the Bible… the exact order of worship we’re used to just might not be.

In this week’s sermon, Pastor Mark takes us to one of the most powerful moments in the book of Esther. Faced with a life-changing decision, Esther had to choose whether she would courageously follow God’s purpose or protect herself and remain silent.

Through Esther’s story, we are reminded that God places His people exactly where they are for a reason. No matter our circumstances, we are called to live for Jesus and trust that God can use our lives to accomplish His purposes.

Pastor Mark challenges us with the truth that God didn’t save us just for ourselves—He saved us so we could tell others about Jesus. Just as Esther was called to act “for such a time as this,” believers today are called to step forward in faith, courage, and obedience.

This message encourages us to trust God’s timing, embrace our calling, and boldly live for Christ right where He has placed us.

It happened. We finished.

After walking through all the books of the New Testament—over many episodes, many conversations, and what felt like several church calendar years—Jonathan and Brandon finally wrap up the New Testament Survey series.

In this final episode, we look back on what we’ve learned, how studying Scripture together has shaped our faith, and why taking time to carefully walk through God’s Word is always worth it… even if it takes a little longer than originally planned. (Okay, a lot longer.)

Expect reflection, encouragement, a few laughs, and some good-natured jokes about just how ambitious this series turned out to be. More than anything, this episode celebrates the faithfulness of God, the richness of His Word, and the joy of learning it together.

Resources

Jonathan's Book

Brandon's Book

In today’s sermon, “The Potter’s House,” Pastor Mark walks us through Jeremiah 18:1–11, reminding us that our lives are firmly in the hands of a loving and sovereign God. Just as clay is shaped by the potter, we are continually being formed by the Lord for His purposes.

We are reminded that true disciples follow Jesus, are being changed by Jesus, and join in the mission of Jesus. Even when we don’t see it, the Potter is always at work—patiently molding, refining, and restoring His people.

This message challenges us to trust God’s hands, submit to His shaping, and live faithfully as disciples who are being transformed for His glory.

In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Steve Fish, pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada to talk about gospel partnership, missions, and ministry across borders.

Together, they reflect on the recent mission team that traveled from Canada to serve here in Big Spring, sharing stories of encouragement, service, and what God is doing through these relationships. Steve also gives insight into ministry in Canada and what listeners can expect as the on a mission trip north this coming July.

This conversation highlights the power of cooperation in the gospel, the joy of serving together, and how God is using His people in both local and international settings. Whether you’re interested in missions, church partnerships, or seeing how God works through faithful service, this episode will encourage and inspire you.

Tune in and hear how God is building bridges for His kingdom—one mission trip at a time.

In today’s sermon from Lamentations 3:22–24, Pastor Mark reminds us of the unchanging and unfailing faithfulness of God. In the midst of suffering, uncertainty, and hardship, Scripture declares that God’s mercies are new every morning and His steadfast love never fails.

This message points us to the truth that God’s faithfulness is not seasonal, situational, or dependent on our circumstances—it continues always. Pastor Mark connects this powerful promise to the ultimate display of God’s love and faithfulness: the death of Jesus on the cross and His victorious resurrection.

Through Christ, we are reminded that God keeps His promises, remains near to His people, and offers hope that cannot be shaken. If you are walking through a difficult season or simply need encouragement, this sermon will strengthen your faith and renew your trust in the God who is faithful forever.

In this powerful sermon from James 4:17, Pastor Mark challenges us to consider not just the sins we commit—but the sins of omission: the good we know we should do, yet choose to ignore. In “The Sin of Doing Nothing,” we are reminded that obedience to Christ is not optional, delayed, or conditional.

Pastor Mark calls believers to examine their hearts and their daily walk with God, urging us to move beyond passive faith into active obedience. This message confronts spiritual complacency and encourages us to live out our faith with courage, conviction, and faithfulness.

If you’ve ever felt comfortable staying on the sidelines of your faith, this sermon is a timely reminder that following Jesus means stepping forward in obedience—right where you are.

In Revelation: Part 2 of our New Testament Survey series, Jonathan and Brandon move from timelines and theories to the heart of the book—its theology, themes, and why Revelation still matters for Christians today. We explore what this powerful book teaches about worship, perseverance, faithfulness, suffering, and the ultimate victory of Christ.

This episode reminds us that Revelation is about living faithfully in light of who Jesus is and what He has promised. We’ll talk about why believers are called to read, understand, and apply this book in everyday life.

And yes… somehow we even manage to connect the Olympics, Revelation, and Snoop Dogg—because apparently nothing is off-limits in this series. (You’ll just have to listen to find out how that happened.)

If you’ve ever wondered why Revelation matters beyond end-times discussions, this episode is for you—slightly sarcastic, deeply biblical, and surprisingly relevant.