Pastor Joe Fant preaches the Sunday evening service with his sermon titled "The Process of Biblical Change."

This sermon explores Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17, focusing specifically on His petition for the sanctification of His disciples. The message emphasizes that sanctification—being set apart for God's purposes—is not optional for believers but is the primary work God accomplishes in the Christian life. True transformation occurs when believers expose themselves consistently to God's Word through the power of the Holy Spirit, not through mere behavioral modification or self-effort. The sermon clarifies that sanctification is progressive, happening gradually over a lifetime as believers submit to Scripture's authority. Christians are called to be in the world but not of the world, remaining on mission to reflect Christ and proclaim the gospel while pursuing holiness. The ultimate goal is to resemble Jesus and fulfill God's purpose by living obediently according to His Word. Key Points: Sanctification means to be set apart for God's use, carrying ideas of both cleansing from sin and transformation toward righteousness Christians, not unbelievers, are the ones who need sanctification—it's a process that begins after salvation and continues throughout life God, through the Holy Spirit, is the one who sanctifies believers; we cannot change ourselves through willpower alone Genuine transformation happens when believers give themselves to believe and obey the Word of God, not just memorize or know it intellectually Sanctification is progressive, happening from "one degree of glory to another" throughout a believer's lifetime The goal of sanctification is twofold: to resemble Jesus and to remain on mission in the world Believers are called to be in the world but not of the world—avoiding both isolation from unbelievers and assimilation to worldly patterns Justification is the one-time event of being declared righteous; sanctification is the gradual growing in righteousness Exposure to Scripture is like exposure to the sun—consistent, repeated contact produces gradual but real change Scripture Reference: John 17:14-19 (primary focus on verse 17: "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth") Romans 8:29-30, 34 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:23 Ephesians 1:4 1 Peter 1:15-16 Philippians 2:13 2 Corinthians 3:18 Jeremiah 1:5

This sermon explores Jesus's high priestly prayer in John 17:11-16, focusing on Christ's intercession for His disciples and all future believers. The central theological truth presented is that genuine Christians are eternally kept, protected, and preserved by God's power rather than their own strength. Pastor Joe Fant addresses the common Christian struggle of wondering whether one has enough strength to finish the race of faith, providing assurance that perseverance is guaranteed through divine protection rather than human effort. The sermon emphasizes three areas of protection: from destruction (eternal judgment), from purposelessness (living with Christ's joy), and from the judgment that comes from being in a hostile world. Using the imagery of God holding believers rather than believers holding onto God, the message brings comfort to those experiencing doubt, suffering, or spiritual weariness by anchoring their security in God's sovereign keeping power. Key Points: Believers are kept and preserved by God's power, not by their own strength or ability to hold on to faith Jesus prayed specifically that His disciples would be kept in the Father's name, establishing a relationship of divine protection Christians are protected from three primary threats: destruction, purposelessness, and divine judgment The case of Judas demonstrates that true apostasy occurs only because someone was never genuinely saved, not because God's power was insufficient God's sovereignty means that all evil is "on God's leash" and can only extend as far as He permits Believers possess Christ's own joy, which comes from relationship with the Father rather than circumstances Christians remain "in the world" but are "not of the world," protected while living among spiritual darkness The forces of darkness must go through Christ before reaching believers, as they are hidden in God's hand Perseverance in faith is guaranteed for the genuinely saved because of divine protection, not human effort Scripture Reference: John 17:11-16 (primary passage) 1 John 3:19-20 (reassurance when hearts condemn) Philippians 1:6 (God completing His work) Luke 22:31-32 (Jesus praying for Peter) John 6:64-65 (Jesus knowing who would betray Him) Psalm 41:9 and Psalm 109 (prophecies fulfilled in Judas) Romans 14:17 (kingdom characterized by joy) Nehemiah 8:10 (joy of the Lord as strength) Psalm 16:11 (fullness of joy in God's presence) Romans 8:1 (no condemnation in Christ) 2 Kings 6 (Elisha and Gehazi seeing angelic protection)

Pastor Shawn Alexander preaches the Sunday evening service with his sermon titled "Avoid Lust at All Costs."

This sermon explores the significance of the Lord's Supper as a sacred ordinance given to the church. It emphasizes the importance of observing communion as a unified body of believers, highlighting its role as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice and a symbol of the church's unity. Pastor Joe Fant explains the biblical basis for the practice, differentiates it from other interpretations, and stresses the importance of participating in a worthy manner within the context of the local church gathering. Key Points: The Lord's Supper is a replacement for the Old Testament Passover It is a visual representation of the gospel, along with baptism The elements (bread and wine) are symbolic, not literal transformations Participation should be limited to believers who have examined themselves The Lord's Supper is meant to be observed collectively as a church, not individually It represents both Christ's sacrifice and the unity of the church body Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 John 17:9 (referenced but not the main focus)

Pastor Ben Jacquot preaches the Sunday evening service with his sermon titled "Christ's Priesthood For Us."

This sermon explores John 17:6-19, focusing on Jesus' prayer for His disciples just before His crucifixion. It emphasizes the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, highlighting Jesus' role in revealing the Father, the disciples' special relationship with God, and Christ's ongoing intercessory ministry. The sermon underscores the importance of faith in Christ, the power of His keeping and sanctifying work, and the comfort believers can find in Jesus' continual intercession. Key Points: Jesus manifested the Father's name (character) to His disciples The disciples were given to Christ by the Father Saving faith involves receiving, knowing, and believing the truth about Jesus Believers have a special relationship with God through Christ Jesus prays for the Father to keep and sanctify His disciples Christ's intercessory ministry preserves believers through suffering Sanctification occurs through God's Word and the apostles' ministry Scripture Reference: John 17:6-19 (primary focus) Exodus 34:5-7 Hebrews 7:25 Romans 8:34

Pastor Shawn and Pastor Ben give a report on their recent trip to Uganda.

This sermon explores the concept of glorifying God through the lens of Jesus' words in John 17:4. It delves into the nature of God's glory, Christ's mission on earth, and how believers can participate in glorifying God. Pastor Ben Jacquot emphasizes that true glorification comes through rightly ordering our loves, with love for God being supreme. The sermon also discusses Christ's accomplishment of His mission and its implications for believers' salvation and purpose. Key Points: God's glory is both intrinsic to His nature and reflected in creation Glorifying God means rightly ordering our loves, with love for God being primary Christ's mission involved revealing the Father, representing humanity, and redeeming sinners Believers can have confidence in their salvation based on Christ's completed work Christians are called to participate in Christ's mission through gospel proclamation Scripture Reference: John 17:4 (primary) Additional references: Philippians 2, John 1:18, John 3:16, John 12

This sermon explores the nature of eternal life as defined in John 17:3, emphasizing that salvation comes through a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Pastor Joe Fant contrasts true faith with idolatry and false gospels, highlighting the importance of genuine knowledge of God that goes beyond mere intellectual understanding or moral reform. He stresses that this saving knowledge is a supernatural gift, initiated by God, and grows throughout a believer's life. Key Points: Eternal life is defined as knowing the one true God and Jesus Christ Salvation comes through a relationship with God, not just knowledge about Him Idolatry in modern life can take many forms beyond physical idols True knowledge of God is relational, not just intellectual Salvation is initiated by God's grace, not human effort The Christian life is a process of growing in relationship with God Scripture Reference: John 17:3 (primary focus) Romans 3:10-12 Romans 8:7-8 2 Peter 3:18 Psalm 17:15

This sermon delves into John 17, often referred to as Jesus' High Priestly Prayer. Pastor Joe Fant emphasizes the profound significance of this chapter, describing it as the "holy of holies" of Scripture. The sermon explores the nature of Christ's glory, his authority over all flesh, and the purpose of the cross. It highlights the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son, and how Jesus' impending suffering is viewed through the lens of glory rather than defeat. Pastor Joe Fant also touches on the doctrine of election, emphasizing that believers are a gift from the Father to the Son.

Pastor Shawn Alexander preaches the Sunday night service with his sermon titled "Settle Conflict Quickly."

This sermon explores Jesus' final words to His disciples before His crucifixion, focusing on the transformation of sorrow into joy through faith in Christ. Pastor Joe Fant emphasizes that while believers will face tribulations in this world, they can find peace and courage in knowing that Jesus has overcome the world. The sermon encourages Christians to stand firm in their faith, prepare the next generation for spiritual challenges, and find comfort in God's love and purpose even amidst suffering.

This sermon explores the church's mission to make disciples as commanded by Jesus in the Great Commission. It outlines Community Baptist Church's vision, mission statement, and core values, emphasizing the importance of being word-centered, reflecting Christ, and actively engaging in disciple-making. Pastor Joe Fant discusses how these principles guide the church's activities and future direction, rooting everything in biblical authority and the pursuit of spiritual growth.

This sermon explores the role and nature of the Holy Spirit as explained by Jesus to His disciples in John 15:1-15. Pastor Joe Fant emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is a gift of grace to every genuine believer, proceeding from the Father and Son, preserving believers in faith, preferred even to Christ's physical presence, and proclaiming truth to the world. The sermon highlights the Trinity, the Spirit's role in conviction and guidance, and the comfort believers can find in the indwelling presence of God.

This sermon explores the consequences of choosing to follow Christ, emphasizing two main outcomes: the ability to rest in God's love and the inevitability of facing hatred from the world. Pastor Joe Fant discusses how believers are recipients of God's special love, demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice and expressed in friendship. He also warns that aligning with Christ means facing opposition from a world that rejects biblical truth, preparing Christians to expect and endure persecution while finding joy in their faith.

This sermon explores Jesus' teaching on the vine and branches, emphasizing the importance of abiding in Christ for spiritual growth and fruitfulness. Pastor Joe Fant highlights God's role as the loving vinedresser, the necessity of genuine faith, and the joy that comes from bearing spiritual fruit. The message underscores the believer's dependence on Christ and the transformative power of God's life flowing through those who remain connected to Him.

This sermon explores how the mercies of God and salvation in Christ transform our approach to dealing with enemies and those who wrong us. It emphasizes the importance of not seeking revenge, but instead responding with love, kindness, and good deeds. Pastor Brent Sivinksty highlights that as believers, we are called to reflect Christ's example in our interactions, even with those who harm us, trusting God to handle justice and vengeance.

This sermon explores the connection between personal humility and corporate unity within the church. It emphasizes that true Christian unity stems from a humble heart and is rooted in sound doctrine and commitment to God's Word. Pastor Ben Jacquot discusses the nature of biblical unity, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting the importance of associating with all believers regardless of social status. The sermon concludes by stressing the need for humble self-perception and the dangers of pride in Christian life.

This sermon explores Romans 12:14-15, emphasizing the Christian call to bless those who persecute us and to empathize with others in both joy and sorrow. Pastor Brent Sivnksty highlights the importance of following Christ's example of love and forgiveness, even in the face of adversity. He underscores that this command stems from the lavish mercies God has shown us in salvation, challenging believers to extend that same mercy to others, regardless of how they are treated.