First Baptist Church of Asheville Podcast

In the time between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, he gathers the disciples to tell them, in essence, “Don’t lift a finger until the Spirit comes.” For even now they’re still not ready to go on mission without divine assistance (their lingering question about restoring the kingdom of Israel highlights their unreadiness). Like a symphony orchestra in a grand pause, all eyes are on the conductor, waiting for their cue. Jesus’ ascension commences a time of waiting, listening, prayer, and preparation, until the baton waves again and the Spirit descends.

The post A Grand Pause (Acts 1:1-11) — Mack Dennis appeared first on First Baptist Church.

What in the world does Peter mean Jesus “made a proclamation to the spirits in prison” (v. 19)? Interpretations of this verse range from strange and ridiculous to hopeful and wonderful. Today we will attempt to offer the latter by proclaiming the all-encompassing power of Christ’s victory over sin and death. Peter’s testimony not only discloses the depths of Jesus’ saving reach—across space and time and life and death—but also that through baptism we become members of the great congregation, both living and dead, who hear his message of grace.

The post He Descended to the Dead (1 Peter 3:13-22) — Mack Dennis appeared first on First Baptist Church.

Though the Psalmist is in distress, she expresses complete trust in God. Even as she pleads for help, she’s also commending herself to God’s care. Verse 4 captures this dynamic of simultaneous plea and expression of trust: “Take me out of the net…you are my refuge.” Her prayer beautifully captures what faith looks like in times of trouble. With the deep conviction that her times are in God’s hand, she trusts that even if she can’t be “safe” from danger, she is nevertheless in God’s safekeeping.

The post My Times Are In Your Hand (Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16) — Mack Dennis appeared first on First Baptist Church.

The post Sacred Garden 10-Year Anniversary: Marc Archambault’s Labyrinth Presentation appeared first on First Baptist Church.

Drawing on Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23, and John 10:1-10, this sermon describes the gifts and joys of abundant life in Christ. The Acts text helps us see in practical terms what Jesus in John calls “abundant life.” The Psalm’s cup overflowing enriches the pairing of Acts and John, because the Greek for abundant conveys superabundance, excess, more than necessary. Jesus has come to bring us just this kind of overflowing life that really is life—life brimming with devotion, prayer, communion, sharing, generosity, and growth.

The post Life to the Fullest (John 10:1-10) — Mack Dennis appeared first on First Baptist Church.

Second Sunday of Easter · April 12, 2026

The post What’s In a Name? (John 20:19-31) — Paula Garrett appeared first on First Baptist Church.

Matthew chapter 26 is not a good look for the disciples. One of them betrays Jesus. The rest promise not to desert him. Several fall asleep repeatedly even as Jesus is clearly grieving and disturbed. And yet, throughout the narrative, Jesus forgives. Most prominently, he describes the cup of his blood poured out “for the forgiveness of sins” (we find this only in Matthew). Who is this that forgives sinners in advance? Tonight may we gather in awe and gratitude for this Jesus who invites sure and certain sinners to the table of forgiveness.

The post Premeditated Forgiveness (Matthew 26:26-35) — Mack Dennis appeared first on First Baptist Church.

A sermon preached by Dr. Anna Carter Florence, guest preacher, on Sunday, June 6, 2021. Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16

The post Sermon: “Security Breach” appeared first on First Baptist Church.

Putting Matthew’s resurrection account in the context of the preceding verses highlights Jesus’ triumphant victory over death. Though the religious authorities made a special mission of requesting from Pilate an extra security detail for the tomb, their efforts were no match for the power of God. The earthquake effortlessly snaps the seal. The grave could not hold him (Acts 2:24). The power of death? Jesus gives it the slip. Today we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, God’s subversive victory over death’s cold grip.

The post Security Breach (Matthew 28:1-10) — Mack Dennis appeared first on First Baptist Church.

Scholars argue over whether Matthew misinterpreted Zechariah, leading him to place Jesus awkwardly upon two animals—a donkey and her colt. But perhaps Matthew offers this detail in order to emphasize the different kind of king Jesus is. Jesus will not wield a sword or rule by force. Neither will he separate a mother donkey from her child, for “a bruised reed he will not break.” This curious aspect of Jesus’ triumphal entry further manifests the depth of God’s gentleness, humility, and peaceableness.

The post The Gentle King (Matthew 21:1-11) — Mack Dennis appeared first on First Baptist Church.