First Baptist Church Big Spring Podcast

In today’s message, Pastor Mark takes us to the prayer of Jabez in 1st Chronicles 4:9-10 and reminds us that, in Christ, there is always hope for renewal. Though Jabez began life marked by pain and limitation, his story shows us what happens when God’s people look beyond their circumstances and boldly call on the Lord.

Pastor Mark challenges a hard but necessary truth: many Christians—and many churches—have become comfortable, satisfied, and content with the way things are. In this sermon, we are encouraged to examine where complacency may have replaced faith and why God never intended His people to settle for spiritual stagnation.

Post Christmas Blues.

What happens when the lights come down, the decorations are packed away, and real life rushes back in after Christmas? In today’s sermon, Post-Christmas Blues, Pastor Mark walks us through Matthew 2:13–23 and reminds us that God is still at work long after the manger scene fades.

Through Joseph’s quiet obedience, God’s faithful provision, and His unfolding plan, we see how the Lord leads His people even through uncertainty, fear, and unexpected detours. This message encourages us to trust God completely—especially when He calls us into seasons that don’t feel joyful or predictable.

Whether you’re struggling with disappointment, fatigue, or uncertainty after the holidays, this sermon points us back to a God who is trustworthy, present, and always accomplishing His purposes.

You’ve heard the song. You’ve argued about it. You’ve rolled your eyes at it. But now we’re actually asking the real question:
“What did Mary actually know?”
Spoiler: more than the song gives her credit for… but probably not “walk-on-water” levels of detail. Join us as we dig into Scripture, bust a few Christmas myths, and appreciate Mary’s faith without pretending she had a crystal ball.

In this week’s sermon, Pastor Mark points us to the heart of the gospel through one of the most familiar and powerful verses in all of Scripture—John 3:16. In The Greatest Gift, we are reminded that Christmas is ultimately about what God has given the world through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Pastor Mark unpacks the gift of Jesus in four meaningful ways:

• A personal gift — because God loved the world.

• A practical gift — because God gave His only Son.

• A pleasing gift — because whosoever believes can receive it.

• A permanent gift — because those who believe have everlasting life.

This message invites us to move beyond simply knowing the verse to truly receiving the gift it proclaims. Whether you’ve heard John 3:16 a hundred times or are hearing it with fresh ears, this sermon calls us to respond with faith, gratitude, and worship.

Listen in and reflect on the greatest gift ever given—and what it means for your life today.

In this festive (and mildly dangerous) episode, Jonathan and Brandon invite the FBC Big Spring staff to settle one of the great holiday debates: What are the best—and absolute worst—Christmas foods? From beloved classics to questionable casseroles, no dish is safe and no opinion is held back.

Expect strong takes, shocking betrayals, and at least one food item that someone will passionately defend while everyone else questions their salvation. It’s all in good fun—mostly.

So buckle up, grab a plate, and prepare to be offended… or vindicated. Either way, you’re in for a holly-jolly ride.

In today’s Christmas message, Pastor Mark leads us through the story of the Magi and challenges us to consider what it truly means to know Jesus. The religious leaders in Matthew 2 had the right information—they knew the Scriptures and could point to where the Messiah would be born—but their knowledge never moved them to worship.

This sermon reminds us that knowledge in our heads is not enough. True faith happens when what we know about Christ moves the six inches from our minds to our hearts. Like the Magi, we are called not just to know where Jesus is, but to seek Him, worship Him, and respond in faith.

Pastor Mark closes with a powerful invitation: to make our hearts a manger—humble, open, and ready—where the Christ child can be born anew in us.

Listen in and reflect on whether your knowledge of Jesus has become a living, saving relationship with Him this Christmas season.

In this episode, Brandon and Jonathan dive into one of the most common holiday questions: Is Christmas actually a pagan holiday? They explore the historical roots of Christmas traditions, separate fact from internet fiction, and walk through how Christians can confidently and thoughtfully understand the season.

From the early church to modern celebrations, the guys unpack what truly shapes Christian worship—not ancient customs, but the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Their conversation is honest, insightful, and encouraging for anyone who wants to celebrate Christmas without anxiety or confusion.

If you’ve ever wondered where certain traditions came from, how to answer skeptical friends, or simply want to be grounded in the real reason for the season, this episode will point you back to the hope and truth found in Jesus. Tune in and enjoy a Christ-centered perspective on Christmas.

Articles Referenced

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/is-christmas-a-pagan-rip-off/

https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/is-christmas-too-pagan-for-christians

In today’s message, Pastor Mark invites us to rediscover Christmas through the powerful opening verses of Hebrews. Long before the manger, God was preparing the world for Jesus—speaking through the prophets, shaping history, and pointing all things toward the coming of His Son. And in the fullness of time, God presented Jesus to the world: the radiance of His glory, the exact imprint of His nature, and the One who upholds all things by His power.

This sermon helps us see Christmas not as a nostalgic season, but as the culmination of God’s grand story of revelation and redemption. Join us as we reflect on how God prepared the way for Christ and how Christ still speaks, saves, and sustains us today.

In this week’s episode, Jonathan and Brandon sit down with a very special guest—James—to dive into the rich, practical wisdom of the New Testament letter that bears his name. Together, the trio explores the major themes of the book of James, from genuine faith and steady perseverance to the ever-challenging call to tame the tongue.

With thoughtful insight, a few laughs, and plenty of real-life application, this conversation brings fresh clarity to one of the most action-oriented books in the New Testament. Whether you're studying along with our survey series or just wanting to grow in living out your faith, this episode will sharpen and encourage you.

Tune in for a lively discussion, a helpful overview, and—of course—the unique experience of hearing James on James.

In the opening message of our Christmas series Names of the Nativity, Pastor Mark takes us into Matthew 1:1–17 and the often-overlooked genealogy of Jesus with today's message, "The Family Tree of Jesus." Far from a list of names to skim past, this family tree tells a powerful story of how God works through all kinds of people.

Pastor Mark highlights three groups woven into Jesus’ lineage: the faithful, who walked with God; the failures, whose broken stories God redeemed; and the forgotten, those history barely remembers but God intentionally included.

This message reminds us that if God used them to carry the light of Christ into the world, He can use us too. Join us as we discover how our own stories fit into the ongoing work of God’s grace this Christmas season.