A New Heart

This sermon powerfully illustrates the necessity of spiritual transformation through the metaphor of a young girl named Riley awaiting a heart transplant. The core message, drawn from 1 Corinthians 15, emphasizes that physical life in a fallen world (Romans 5:12-14) is marked by corruption and death. Paul argues that if Christ is not risen, then our faith is in vain and our hope is limited to this life (1 Corinthians 15:12-19). However, the resurrection of Christ offers hope and a path to overcoming death (1 Corinthians 15:22, 26).

The speaker confronts the despair of a seemingly pointless existence without God, as explored in Ecclesiastes, quoting Philip Yancey, who states that "all that life offers eludes any sense of meaning and purpose without God." The solution is to "awake to righteousness and sin not" (1 Corinthians 15:34), recognizing that our current, flawed bodies are insufficient for the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50). Just as Riley needs a new heart to live, we need a spiritual heart transplant.

Drawing upon Ezekiel 36:26, the sermon highlights God's promise to give us a new heart, removing our stony hearts and replacing them with hearts of flesh. This transformation is made possible through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who "died for us while we were yet sinners" (Romans 5:6-8). Our hearts are "deceitful above all things and desperately wicked" (Jeremiah 17:9), leading to the "wrath of God" (Romans 1:18). Only a heart transplant can reverse this outcome. This sacrifice and the gift of a new, incorruptible heart is the core of salvation.

The sermon concludes with an encouragement to stand firm in faith, knowing that our labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58), because we have been given victory over death through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

Bibliography of Scriptures Used:

Romans 5:12-14: The fall of man and the entrance of sin and death into the world.

1 Corinthians 15: The resurrection of Christ and its implications for believers.

1 Corinthians 15:12-19: The futility of faith if Christ is not risen.

1 Corinthians 15:22: In Adam all die, but in Christ all are made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:26: Death as the last enemy to be destroyed.

1 Corinthians 15:34: Awakening to righteousness.

1 Corinthians 15:50: Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57: Victory over death through Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:58: Standing firm in faith and laboring for the Lord. Psalm 116:15: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

Ezekiel 36:26: God's promise to give a new heart and spirit.

Romans 5:6-8: Christ died for the ungodly while we were yet sinners. Jeremiah 17:9: The deceitfulness of the human heart.

Romans 1:18: The wrath of God against ungodliness and unrighteousness.

John 3:16: God's love for the world and the gift of his Son.

Romans 8:9-10: The Spirit of Christ and the relationship between body and spirit.

Muncie First Freewill Baptist, Jerry Miller - Memorial Service 8/31/25

This sermon, delivered by Brother Josh, emphasizes that God doesn't always choose those deemed outwardly qualified but often equips the unlikely to confound the wise. He argues that our perceived inadequacies are opportunities for God to demonstrate His power.

Exodus 4:10-17: Moses's reluctance and God's promise to equip him demonstrate that God provides ability, even when we feel inadequate.

1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5: God uses the "foolishness" of preaching to save believers, contrasting with worldly wisdom. Paul's intentional reliance on the Spirit rather than eloquent speech highlights God's power. "God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise" (1 Corinthians 1:27).

1 Samuel 16:1-13: The anointing of David, the youngest and seemingly least likely, exemplifies God's choice of the unexpected. "For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).

Matthew 21:28-31: The parable of the two sons illustrates that obedience, even after initial reluctance, is more pleasing to God than empty promises.

Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" is the affirmation of what we can do with Christ on our side.

2 Corinthians 3:1-18: Our sufficiency comes from God, who makes us ministers of the new covenant. The Spirit gives life, and beholding God's glory transforms us into His image.

Colossians 1:9-14: God qualifies us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints, delivering us from darkness into His kingdom.

Scripture Bibliography

* Exodus 4:10-17

* 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5

* 1 Samuel 16:1-13

* Matthew 21:28-31

* Philippians 4:13

* 2 Corinthians 3:1-18

* Galatians 5:22

* Colossians 1:9-14

Preached at Belmont General Baptist Church on 7/10/19

What is in You?

This sermon urges listeners to examine the true contents of their hearts, challenging the notion that outward appearances equate to genuine faith. The central question, "What is in you?" serves as a guiding thread, prompting introspection about the forces that dictate our actions, thoughts, and desires.

The sermon draws a parallel between the innate foolishness of children *(Proverbs 22:15)* and the persistent sin nature within all of us, which manifests when adversity strikes. Using the story of the Rich Young Ruler *(Matthew 19:16-22)*, the speaker emphasizes that mere adherence to rules is insufficient; Christ must hold preeminence in our hearts. Jeremiah 17:9 is cited to highlight the deceitful nature of the heart, leading to the critical question: "If the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness?" *(Matthew 6:23)*.

Biblical examples of Saul and Ananias and Sapphira expose the dangers of pride, jealousy, and lust, ultimately leading to downfall and death *(Acts 5:1-11)*. The sermon warns against allowing Satan to fill our hearts, creating vacancies by valuing worldly possessions over God. Matthew 15:19-20 emphasizes the heart as the source of evil thoughts and actions. The speaker then explains that what is in the heart will inevitably surface, aligning with the principle that "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" *(Galatians 6:7-8)*.

A bottle of water illustrates that adversity reveals the true contents of our hearts. Ultimately, this leads to the message that true light comes through faith and repentance *(Acts 3:19)*. The story of Shimei serves as a cautionary tale about lip service without a genuine change of heart *(1 Kings 2:36-46)*, while Samson's downfall demonstrates the perils of pride and unchecked desires. The speaker stresses the dire consequences of ignoring our sin nature, emphasizing that it leads to hell and urges listeners not to delay choosing salvation.

The sermon concludes with the declaration that Christ in you is the only hope of glory *(Colossians 1:27)*. Christ's value must surpass everything else *(Matthew 13:45-46)*. The speaker emphasizes that God's long-suffering does not equate to weakness *(2 Peter 3:9)*. Instead, Ezekial 36:26 affirms that God offers a new heart and spirit. Finally, an invitation is extended for all to repent and believe the gospel *(Mark 1:15)*, urging listeners to prioritize their relationship with Christ today, for tomorrow is not promised.

Bibliography of Scripture

* Acts 3:19

* Acts 5:1-11

* Colossians 1:27

* Ezekial 36:26

* Galatians 6:7-8

* Jeremiah 17:9

* 1 Kings 2:36-46

* Mark 1:15

* Matthew 6:23

* Matthew 13:45-46

* Matthew 15:19-20

* Matthew 19:16-22

* Proverbs 22:15

* 2 Peter 3:9

Preached at Duvall’s Chapel on 7/27/25

This teaching sermon from Bro. Josh emphasizes the Christian's role as an "ambassador in bonds," highlighting the importance of both outward defense and inward transformation. Using Ephesians 6:10-18, the message details the armor of God, urging believers to recognize their true enemy as spiritual forces, not flesh and blood. The sermon emphasizes the necessity of truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God to stand firm. However, we are also warned against relying on external actions alone, quoting John 15:5, "Apart from me, you can do nothing," emphasizing the crucial need to abide in Christ, the true vine, to produce lasting fruit.

The sermon culminates in an exploration of Galatians 5:19-26, contrasting the works of the flesh (like adultery, hatred, and envy) with the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.). It stresses that crucifying the flesh and cultivating the fruit of the Spirit are only possible through abiding in Christ. The sermon calls us to self-examination, urging listeners to honestly assess their lives, prioritize their relationship with God, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform them from the inside out.

Scripture Bibliography:

* Ephesians 2

* 2 Corinthians 5

* Ephesians 6:10-18

* John 15:1-8

* Galatians 5:19-26

* Proverbs

* Romans 12

* Romans 8:28

Preached at Muncie First Freewill on 7/20/25

Bro. Joshua brings a sermon that challenges listeners to confront the true cost of discipleship, urging them to embrace suffering and self-denial as exemplified by Jesus's journey to the cross (Matthew 16:21-25, John 18-19). It emphasizes that salvation requires genuine repentance and faith (John 19:28-30), a willingness to lose one's life for Christ's sake, and a rejection of worldly comforts and priorities (Matthew 16:26). Just as Jesus emptied himself, leaving behind earthly possessions, relationships, and even his own mother, believers are called to deny themselves and bear their own crosses, following him in obedience and trust. The sermon serves as a stark reminder that true friendship with God means embracing hardship and choosing his will above personal comfort or worldly approval, ultimately urging listeners to examine their hearts and ensure that their faith is genuine and transformative.

Matthew 16:21-26 John 18:28-40 John 19:1-30 Psalm 22 Matthew 28:18-20 2 Samuel 16 1 Kings 2.

Preached at Muncie First Freewill on 7/20/25

In today’s message titled “The Word Is”, we gather around four foundational truths about the Bible:

It is True, Preserved, Precious, and Powerful.

Bro. Josh Van Meter begins by inviting us to examine our faith and the trustworthiness of Scripture. Can we really believe Genesis 1:1? Why would the apostles suffer and die for a lie? Through history, manuscript evidence, oral tradition, and the enduring witness of lives transformed, we uncover the strength behind the written Word of God.

From the overlapping lives of patriarchs to the sacrificial legacy of scribes and martyrs, this message takes us on a journey that shows how God’s Word has not only been preserved — but treasured and proven across generations.

We’ll hear testimonies of people like Corrie ten Boom and imprisoned believers who clung to fragments of Scripture as their only hope. We’ll reflect on our own hearts — is God’s Word truly our treasure?

And finally, we are reminded of the transforming power of His Word. It saves, convicts, renews, and breaks chains.

Let this episode stir you to fall in love with God’s Word again, teach it to your children, and live it out boldly — unashamed.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation…” — Romans 1:16

Be stirred. Be grounded. Be transformed. The Word is… everything.

Preached at Christ Covenant Church 7/6/25