Weekly Sermon Podcast

In 2 Timothy 1:15–18, Pastor Randy Gunter highlights the powerful example of Onesiphorus, who refreshed and encouraged Paul during his imprisonment. This message reminds believers that the ministry of refreshment is available to every Christian—to step toward those who are weary, offer mercy, and bring the presence of Christ to those in need.

We were honored to welcome Dr. Jamie Dew, President of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, as our guest speaker. In this powerful message, Dr. Dew speaks on the vital role of spiritual formation and leadership in parenting. He challenges and encourages parents to lead their children in growing deeper in the knowledge and love of the Lord.

Whether you’re a parent, mentor, or spiritual leader, this message offers wisdom and guidance for shaping the next generation in Christ.

Paul's final letter to Timothy challenges believers to live boldly for Christ without shame, even when faith becomes costly. True courage comes from the Holy Spirit, not our own strength, enabling us to stand firm against opposition from society, authorities, and even false teachers. Our confidence rests in God's eternal purpose - He saved and called us before time began, and Christ has already defeated death itself. Paul demonstrates this courage even while imprisoned, declaring his unwavering trust in Christ's faithfulness. Christians must guard God's Word with both faith and love, preserving its truth while sharing it boldly with the next generation.

God calls believers to impact the world with His truth through three key actions: walking in the truth, working for the truth, and witnessing to the truth. Walking in the truth requires both a praying faith and a personal faith where objective truth becomes personally embraced. Working for the truth involves supporting fellow believers in a synergistic effort that multiplies our impact. Witnessing to the truth means actively sharing the gospel locally and globally. When Christians unite in these three areas, the gospel spreads powerfully, as illustrated by the remarkable growth of a church in Colombia that began with just one housekeeper hearing the message of salvation by grace.

Heaven: Life in the Eternal Kingdom | Romans 14:12 ESV

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible reveals God's consistent desire to dwell with His people eternally. The true center of heaven's glory isn't streets of gold or reuniting with loved ones, but the unhindered presence of God Himself. Throughout history, God has progressively revealed His presence—from walking with Adam in Eden to dwelling in believers through the Holy Spirit today. In heaven, God will personally wipe away every tear, eliminate all suffering, and make everything new. This inheritance of eternal satisfaction, victory, and divine family relationship awaits all who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.

The resurrection of the body is a foundational Christian doctrine that offers believers hope beyond death. Paul uses three illustrations in 1 Corinthians 15 to explain this truth: a seed that transforms when planted, different bodies designed for different environments, and the contrast between earthly and heavenly glory. Our resurrection bodies will be imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual—perfectly aligned with the Holy Spirit and free from sin, suffering, and death. This hope of resurrection should transform how we live today, encouraging us to be steadfast in hope, live above fleshly passions, abound in God's work, and remember that our labor for the Lord is never in vain.

Heaven isn't a distant realm of disembodied spirits, but a renewed physical reality where God will dwell with His people. Our resurrected bodies will be like Jesus' after His resurrection—physical, tangible, and glorified, yet free from sin and death. The New Jerusalem will descend to a renewed earth, not us ascending to some distant realm. In this new creation, there will be no tears, death, mourning, or pain because God is making all things new—not creating all new things, but renewing what He already made. This hope of heaven should transform how we live today, centering our lives on Christ and sharing this redemptive story with others.

Why does creation long for our unveiling in glory? Because our glorification is the key that unlocks its liberation. Because of the curse of sin, no part of creation can fulfill God’s original purpose.

Since the fall, the world bears the marks of brokenness. Beauty remains, but it is mingled with brokenness. However, God’s promise is the New Heaven and New Earth.

The moment a believer dies, they are instantly ushered into the presence of Christ, leaving behind the brokenness of this world. The greatest reality of heaven is being with Jesus, not just the absence of pain or reunion with loved ones. Heaven is a...