God was faithful to bring Judah back from exile after 70 years through the proclamation of Cyrus king of Persia, but the returned exiles faced fierce opposition as they sought to rebuild Jerusalem. How this applies to the church today: the necessity to build with a trowel in one hand and a sword in the other.

The name of God is never mentioned in the book of Esther, but the story is a powerful testimony to the sovereign working of a loving Father who works all things, both good and bad, for the good of those who are in Christ Jesus.

Prayer is consistently the most neglected spiritual discipline in the life of the church, and yet it is the most powerful weapon the church has at her disposal to besiege the gates of hell. Christian, get yourself to the school of prayer.

What is the long-term vision for First Baptist Church? We want to be a multigenerational church that holds to a historic Baptist confession of faith, and that speaks to the issues of the day. Listen in to see if that's something you want to be a part of.

The state of the church is more important than the state of the union. On any important mission, it is important to stop and take stock of how far the expedition has come, how far there is yet to go, and what it will yet take to get there. This is the State of First Baptist Church.

When Nebuchadnezzar came to Jerusalem and besieged it and looted the Temple of the Lord, was God in control? Were the gods of Babylon stronger or wiser than Him? Would He still be able to bring His promises to pass? The story of Daniel is a great guide to help Christians live faithfully in our own exile under often tyrannical rulers, as we await the kingdom that is to come, when all is right.

So many have been to Christmas Eve kids' programs, but have you really gotten the full story about Christmas? Pastor Josh brings out some details you may not have known and drives home the main purpose of Christ's coming: to reconcile sinners to God.

Jeremiah the weeping prophet laments over the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon. The fierce anger of God over unrepentant sin, and the encouragement to hope in the darkest day because of God's faithfulness and compassion in sending His Son to bear the curse we all deserve.

God ordained marriage between one man and one woman in order to display His glory to all the universe, and to show His wisdom in His divine plan to send His Son to fight and die for a bride He so loves.

Fog is something you can't see through, you can't grasp with your hands, and it can disappear or appear without warning. According to the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, life is a fog. It's frustrating and confusing; it's beyond our ability to fully comprehend; we're here one moment and gone the next. What is the meaning of life? Why did God make the world the way it is, and where do these truths lead us?