First Baptist Joplin

John Swadley | Mark 8:31-38

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? In this message from Mark 8:31-38, Pastor John challenges us to move beyond simply admiring Jesus and become true followers of Him. He explores Jesus' call to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and obey His commands, showing why baptism isn't just a tradition but the first public step of obedience after placing our faith in Christ. If you've ever wondered why baptism matters or what it means to be "all in" for Jesus, this message offers a clear and compelling invitation to take your next step of faith.

John Swadley | Acts 1:8-9

Jesus' final words to His disciples weren't just a farewell. They were a mission. In this message from Acts 1:8-9, we're reminded that God's heart has always been for people who are far from Him, from our own neighborhoods to the ends of the earth. Discover why missions matter, how sharing the gospel makes us more like Jesus, how the Holy Spirit empowers His people for His mission, and why a church focused on reaching others is a church filled with new life. Whether you're called to go across the street or across the world, this message will challenge you to see people through God's eyes and live with a vision that's bigger than yourself. 

John Swadley | John 15:1-5

In this message from John 15, we discover that lasting transformation doesn't come from trying harder. It comes from staying connected to Jesus. Using the picture of the vine and the branches, this sermon explores how the gospel isn't just the beginning of the Christian life, it's the power that continues to shape us every day. If you've ever struggled with the same sins, habits, or questions about whether real change is possible, this message offers hope that God can do what we never could on our own.

Richard Thomasson | Ephesians 2:8-10

This week’s message explores one of the biggest questions of the Christian faith: What does grace actually look like? Walking through Ephesians 2:8-10, we’re reminded that salvation isn’t something we earn. It’s a gift from God, received through faith. From Adam and Noah to Abraham, David, and ultimately Jesus, the Bible paints a consistent picture of God’s grace. The most powerful image comes from the thief on the cross, whose only hope was Jesus' promise: “The man on the middle cross said I could come.” That’s grace. But grace doesn’t stop at salvation. God continues shaping us as His workmanship, not so we can earn His love, but so our lives reflect it. We’re saved by grace and for good works, allowing others to see the transforming power of Christ through us.

John Swadley | 2 Timothy 3:16–17

Why should you study the Bible? That's the question this week's message tackles from 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Bible isn't just a book to own, it's God's Word given to shape how we live. In this message, we explore four reasons Scripture matters: it helps us make wise choices, stand firm when our faith is challenged, understand the hope of salvation through Jesus, and equips us to live the life God created us for. Whether you've been reading the Bible for years or you're just getting started, this sermon is a reminder that God's Word doesn't just inform us, it transforms us.

John Swadley | Matthew 16:13-16

What does it truly mean to place Jesus first in our lives? This message challenges us to move beyond casual familiarity with Jesus and into a deeper appreciation of who He really is. We explore the striking reality that even secular historians have ranked Jesus among the most influential figures in all of human history, yet as believers we are called to recognize that no ranking can adequately capture His true significance. The sermon draws us into the question Jesus Himself posed to His disciples, asking not what the crowds think, but what we personally believe about Him. That question is not just historical. It is alive and pressing for each of us today. When we truly grasp who Jesus is, it reshapes how we live, how we pray, and how we face the burdens we carry. He is not a distant figure who observes our struggles from afar. He knows us completely, enters into our pain with us, and cares for us in ways no other person ever could. This message invites us to stop taking Jesus for granted and to rediscover the wonder of a Savior who is endlessly worthy of our full devotion.

John Swadley | Psalm 106:1-2 

What if everything we see, touch, and experience traces back not to a cosmic accident, but to the deliberate hand of a living God? The sermon content we are exploring pushes us to think deeply about origins and identity. The Big Bang Theory proposes that all of existence erupted from an object no larger than the tip of a pencil. But the Word of God opens with a far more profound declaration: in the beginning, God. That simple truth reframes everything. We are not the product of randomness. We are the intentional creation of a Creator who was present before anything else existed. The power that built the universe is the same power sustaining our lives right now. For us, this is not just theology. It is the foundation of a faith that refuses to be shaken, because it rests not on human theory but on the eternal nature of God Himself.

John Swadley | John 8:34-36

This week's message reminds us that the freedom Jesus offers is far greater than simply doing whatever we want. Through John 8, we discovered that true freedom is found only in Christ. Because of His sacrifice, we are free from the penalty of sin, being transformed daily from the power of sin, and can look forward to one day being completely free from the presence of sin in eternity. Following Jesus isn't about losing freedom. It's about trading slavery to sin for the abundant life only He can give. The question we all have to answer is simple: Who is sitting on the throne of your heart?

John Swadley | Luke 23:39-43

This compelling message confronts one of the most common misconceptions about eternity: that good people go to heaven. Looking to the thief on the cross, we discover that our hope isn't found in our morality, our efforts, or trying to be "good enough." Scripture makes it clear that every one of us falls short, and no amount of good works can earn God's favor. The incredible news of the gospel is that Jesus didn't come to save the deserving. He came to save sinners. Just as He welcomed the repentant thief into paradise, Christ offers forgiveness and eternal life to everyone who turns from sin and places their faith in Him. Heaven isn't reserved for good people. It's promised to forgiven people, because our salvation depends not on what we've done, but on what Jesus has already done for us.

Joshua Bloyd | Joshua 24:14-15

This encouraging message challenges men to lead their homes with unwavering conviction because they serve a faithful, covenant-keeping God. Drawing from Joshua 24, we're reminded that godly fathers reject the idols of culture, choose to stand for truth, and lead their families by both word and example. A godly man is called to be a prophet, priest, protector, provider, and practitioner of his faith, intentionally pointing the next generation toward Christ. As Joshua boldly declared, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord," every believer is invited to embrace the lasting legacy of faithful leadership that echoes far beyond a lifetime.