Podcast Archives - Town Creek Baptist Church

4/30/23

In chapters two and three, Jesus spoke to and is speaking to His Church. The Church (the Ekklesia) is “called out” by God. He clearly declares He knows each Churches works. If we want to make a Kingdom difference in our world, we must work to be different from the world but never lose our love for Jesus. God has called the Church to be separate from sin to embrace fellowship with other believers and to be salt and light to the world. We must have eternity on our minds. Matthew 5:14; Acts 2:42; 1 Peter 1:16

Ephesus – The Church of sound doctrine but sorry love for (Jesus).

Smyrna – The Church who was poor but rich. They were fearful people.

Pergamum – The Church who was compromised. They knowingly tolerated sin.

Thyatira – The Church who allowed false teachings. They had evil associations.

Sardis – The Church which was dying. They were satisfied with mediocracy.

Philadelphia – The Church who were faithful. They were loyal to Jesus.

Laodicea – The Church who was self-satisfied. The were rich but poor.

Repeatedly Jesus calls the Church to hear spiritually and obey His commands. His commands always come from His nature, a nature of love.

Jesus loves His Church. If you are saved, you are His.

In your personal life, which of the seven Churches does your spiritual walk resemble?

Are there any “key words” you hear the Holy Spirit saying to your heart?

The post The Seven and Heaven (Revelation 1:19-3:22) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church.

Rev. Clint Smith

Everyone loves a good rescue story, especially the ones where rescue seems hopeless. For believers, there is nothing sweeter than being rescued. We call it being saved. We must always be careful not to take our Rescuer (Jesus) for granted. He is and will always be Holy God.

John identifies with Christians from all ages. He is our brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patient endurance which are in Jesus. John 16:33; Acts 14:22

John was a prisoner on Patmos Island. He was exiled there for preaching the Word of God regarding eternal salvation and for his personal witness for Jesus the Messiah (Christ).

John was in prison to Rome while simultaneously being in praise to God. He was physically in a very difficult place in his senior years, but he was spiritually in worship with God.

John heard a loud voice like a shofar! The blessed sound was Eternal Alpha and Omega with a message to the churches in Asia.

Jesus called His Churches by name. John revealed to all the reality that Jesus was and is in the presence of His Churches. Jesus is the Head of every Church. Colossians 1:15-20

John turned to see this powerful voice he heard. When he saw Jesus, John fell at His feet as if he were dying. He feared His presence, he feared His holiness.

John revealed the vision of our glorified Christ to all generations. Revelation 1:12-16

Jesus touched John with His right hand and instructed John not to be afraid because He Himself was the First and the Last. He lives and was dead, He is alive forever more.

Jesus is the owner of the keys to Hell and Death. For the believer, there is no more fear of death and hell because we are overwhelmingly victorious through our Wonderful Savior Jesus Christ! Romans 8:35-39

God revealed to John a mystery. Jesus explained the mystery of the seven stars in His right hand and the seven golden lampstands. The seven stars are God’s seven divine messengers. The seven lampstands are the seven churches mentioned in Revelation 1:11; 2:1-29;3:1-22.

Are you confident in your personal salvation with Jesus Christ?

Are you boldly telling others about the way of salvation through Jesus alone?

The post Oh! What a Savior (Revelation 1:9-20) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church.

4/16/23

God the Father gave these words to show what would soon be taking place on planet Earth. We must be alert, watch, and take care in reading Revelation just as careful as John took writing it. Matthew 25:13; Romans 13:11-14

God did not allow John mistakes when understanding and writing the revelation of Jesus Christ. John wrote the things he witnessed, the things which were, and the things to come. (1:19)

God issued a blessing to all who reads, hears, and obeys His Word.

God caused John to proclaim the urgency of His message. The fullness of time is coming quickly.

The Triune God greets the seven churches with grace and peace. Revelation deals primarily with God’s judgment, thank God for His grace and peace.

God makes much of Jesus, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.

God inspired John to tell us, Jesus loves us, He washed us from our sins in His blood, He has made us a kingdom and priests to the Father. Glory, power, majesty, and dominion are His forever! Amen!

John emphatically stresses – LOOK! Jesus is coming with clouds; every eye will see Him. All nations on earth will be overwhelmed by Him and weep because of His overpowering presence. They will realize their sin and guilt, and will anticipate and fear His coming judgment and wrath. Isaiah 52:7-8; Daniel 7:13-14

Jesus is omniscient – the Alpha and the Omega. He is Truth, He knows all things. No one can dispute Him!

Jesus is omnipresent – the Beginning and the End. He is present everywhere. His victory will be forever.

Jesus is omnipotent – the Lord which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. He has unlimited power.

Are you ready for His return?

Are you headed for Heaven?

The post Look, Jesus is Coming (Revelation 1:1-20) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church.

4/9/23

The post Truth or Lies Required (Matthew 27:47-28:20) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church.

4/2/23

We enjoy being on the winning side. Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem, knowing He was heading toward His death, to pay for all men’s sin, so that we might have eternal life. We celebrate Palm Sunday to remember that momentous occasion.

Jesus is divinely awesome – because He is God. He demonstrated His omniscience by detailing for His disciples where to go and what and who to encounter.

Jesus’ disciples listened intently to Jesus’ instructions.

Jesus’ disciples obediently traveled to the specific place Jesus commanded and found everything, just as He said.

Jesus’ disciples trusted Him and spoke His own word’s to the owners of the colt.

Jesus was honored by His disciples as they sat Him on the donkey.

As Jesus rode the donkey down the descent from the Mount of Olives, towards Jerusalem, people spread their coats on the road as an act of homage before a king. All who were or claimed to be His followers praised God adoring Him joyfully with loud voices for all the miracles and works of power that they had seen. Jesus fulfilled prophecy. Zechariah 9:9

They multitudes praised Him shouting, “BLESSED (celebrated, praised) IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD! Peace in heaven and glory (majesty, splendor) in the highest [heaven]!” Luke 19:38 (AMP) Psalm 118:25,26

The unbelieving religious Pharisees insisted Jesus rebuke His disciples for shouting this Messianic praise. Jesus told them if the people kept quiet, the rocks would shout with praise.

As Jesus approached Jerusalem, He wept over the city and the spiritual ignorance of its people. He said, “If only you had known on this day of salvation, even you, the things which make for peace and on which peace depends! But now they have been hidden from your eyes.” He prophesied their future destruction.

Jesus entered the temple enclosure and with authority threw out those who were selling and trading there. He rebuked their sinful misuse of His house!

The post Victorious King Jesus (Luke 19:28-48) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church.

3/26/23

Joel capitalized on the devastating locust plague to emphasis God’s message of future judgment and also the hope that comes for a repentant people. Joel prophesied of God’s future ultimate judgment. This judgment is still future, but we are 2023 years or so closer to the Valley of Decision.

God’s word is true – “It shall come to pass.”

This future time shall be full of the wonders of the Holy Spirit.

A beautiful word for the future and for our day is this truth – “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

A fact to be remembered, God’s Word affirms that the Jews are God’s chosen people. Deuteronomy 7:6

The ultimate goal of God’s choice of the Jews as His chosen people was to produce the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would be the Savior of the world.

There is much war, pain, heartache, and toil left for Israel to endure. Every nation will turn against them to destroy them, but God promised to deliver them.

In that great day, the LORD will bring the multitudes of all nations to the Valley of Decision. There He will pass judgement and show Himself strong.

We, like the early Church, must not be deceived or troubled, because this time has not yet come, but is near. 2 Thessalonians 2:2

As we await the return of our LORD to take us home, we must be an example and a witness to the world. 2 Peter 3:8-18

The post The Valley of Decision (Joel 2:28-32; 3:1-21) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church.

Sermon Direct Link

Just as in verse one the shofar is commanded to be sounded. God has something to say to those reaping the consequences of their sins. God always prescribes the way to right relationship and fellowship with Him.

The Prophet Joel gave the people of God, God’s method for reconciliation:

If the people did what God commanded through His prophet, then God would have Divine compassion for the land and for the people.

When the people of God repent and do life God’s way, He showers them with blessings and protection.

God further encouraged His people with promises of great things to come. They would have a hope and a future.

God promised His people His Divine presence.

Do you know Jesus today as Lord and Savior?

Are you living like He is coming again?

The post Stop Everything – Seek God (Joel 2:15-27) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church.

Sermon Direct Link

Shofar [SHOH-far] noun. : the horn of an animal (usually a ram) blown as a trumpet by the ancient Hebrews in battle and during religious observances and used in modern Judaism especially during Rosh Hashanah [Jewish New Year] and at the end of Yom Kippur [Day of Atonement].

The Shofar was commanded by God to be the instrument to alert the children of Israel to get ready to move. Numbers 10:1-10

Although we do not completely understand all future prophecies, God, through His prophets promised, the Day of the LORD is coming! It is mentioned 75 times in the Bible. Note: the Day of the LORD is a period of time not just a 24-hour period. God’s prophets never contradict each other.

God has warned that the Day of the LORD is at hand – this time is near and close. As he preached, the Prophet Joel looked away from the locusts plague and looked toward the Great Tribulation period.

The Day of the Lord will be a time of separation for the righteous and judgement for the unrighteous. It is going to be a dark and dreadful time for the unrighteous. Amos 5:18-20; Daniel 12:1-4

As the future instruments of God’s judgment come, there is hope. The Church will be raptured (taken up), prior to the Tribulation time will begin. People will be saved during the Tribulation.

The Prophet Joel prepared the time for the Apostle John to affirm this terrible time. Revelation 9

Joel is clear, no one can stand against the Day of the LORD! God called and continues to call His people to repent and prepare.

The post Sound the Alarm (Joel 2:1-11) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church.

Sermon Direct Link

By the simple nature, a Biblical prophet is one who prophesies the words spoken to him by God. Joel writes – “this word of the LORD came to the Prophet Joel.” The initial audience was the spiritual leaders and people of the land of Israel. This plague Israel had recently experienced was a unique warning sent from God.

In the Old Testament, literal locust swarms had been sent by God in the past to bring judgment, but nothing like this, literal four-part locust plague had never hit Israel. Deuteronomy 28-38-42; 1 Kings 8:37

God expressed through Joel; a dual meaning using this event. A here-and-now happening and as a prophetic warning of future events. This warning was commanded to be passed on to future generations.

In the New Testament times, Jesus referenced a future distress coming like has never happened before. The Great Tribulation. Matthew 24:15-22

The sinfulness of the people of Israel was so great, even their worship outward expression of worship was altered.

Joel proclaimed a fast, a solemn assembly, a gathering of the elders and the people of the land. They were called to meet at the house of the LORD and plead to God for mercy.

Joel, through inspiration of God, moved from preaching about the unforgettable locust crisis to preaching about a future divine judgement(s), the Day of the LORD. [The New Testament calls it a day of “wrath,” a day of “visitation,” and the “great day of God Almighty” (Revelation 16:14) and refers to a still future fulfillment when God’s wrath is poured out on unbelieving Israel (Isaiah 22; Jeremiah 30:1-17; Joel 1-2; Amos 5; Zephaniah 1) and on the unbelieving world (Ezekiel 38–39; Zechariah 14).]

The Church must pray and diligently preach God’s reconciliation ministry. (2 Corinthians 5:16-21) We must plead with God help us live holy lives and to save sinners from their sins. People who are called by God’s name reap the consequences of a sinful life. Romans 5:1-12

The post Dead and Destructive Worship (Joel 1:1-20) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church.

Sermon Direct Link

Why does God’s plans include sufferings and judgments? Why are there bad events in life? We must understand the perfect life was over when Adam and Eve chose to sin against God in the Garden of Eden. God has never asked us what we think He should do, He is holy God.

Satan hates and attacks the Saints of God with tribulations with intent to hurt.

The Savior loves and protects the Saints of God and sometimes brings tribulations in order to cause righteous living. Hebrews 12:4-11

We must understand that Christ suffered for us, even while we were sinners. Romans 5:8

Although Christ’s sufferings for us seem unfair, it was the will of God.

Peter addressed our former sinful lives before salvation and our redeemed lives after salvation. It was the Gospel preached and received that changed us. Romans 10:9-13

In our day, with the devil, the world’s system, and our old natures are still warring, we must be on guard to live a righteous and holy life through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our Savior’s love must shine through, in this darkened, sinful world. 1 Peter 1:16

We will be persecuted for following Christ. God allows difficulties and suffering in the lives of His people to purify them. When we are persecuted for the cause of Christ, we share in His sufferings. Romans 8:17

Ultimately, Christians will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ and unbelievers will be judged at The Great White Throne Judgment. 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11-15

God’s desire is that His people learn to walk in holiness and fellowship with Him. Romans 8:29

God expects the ones He has redeemed by the blood of His Son to set the example for the rest of the world. Judgment begins at God’s house!

The post God Loves, God Judges (1 Peter 4:1-19) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church.