Harman Memorial Baptist Church

In this message, we're challenged to see the extraordinary in our spiritual lives by examining the story of the paralytic man in Mark 2. This account reminds us that Jesus has the power not just to heal physically, but more importantly, to forgive sins. We're called to be like the four friends who brought the paralytic to Jesus, showing compassion, confidence, courage, and creativity in bringing others to Christ. The message emphasizes that we're all called to be 'soul winners,' actively participating in God's mission rather than being mere spectators. It's a stirring reminder that our faith should be visible through our actions, and that we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones to reach those who are spiritually paralyzed. This teaching encourages us to reflect on our own role in bringing others to Jesus and to consider how we can show the same determination and faith as those four friends.

Today, we delve into the profound mystery of Jesus' baptism, exploring why the sinless Son of God would participate in a ritual meant for repentance. This event, recorded in Mark 1:9-11, reveals God's surprising ways that often defy our human logic. We're reminded that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), challenging us to trust Him even when we don't understand. The baptism of Jesus beautifully illustrates the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - working in perfect harmony. It also demonstrates Christ's humility and servanthood, setting an example for us to follow. As we reflect on this, let's consider how we can embrace a servant's heart in our own lives, surrendering our plans to God's higher purpose.

In this exploration of salvation, we delve into the heart of our faith - the transformative power of God's grace through Jesus Christ. The central message revolves around Ephesians 2:8-10, reminding us that salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn through our own efforts. This foundational truth challenges us to examine our understanding of baptism and its role in our spiritual journey. While baptism is an important act of obedience and public declaration of faith, it's crucial to remember that our salvation comes through faith alone in Christ alone. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to consider our own faith journey. Have we placed our trust fully in Christ's finished work on the cross? Are we living out our faith in obedience, including following through with baptism if we haven't already? This message invites us to deepen our relationship with God, resting in the assurance of His grace while also responding in faithful obedience.

"Every believer faces trials that test their faith. Will you choose the path of fear or faith?In Genesis 26, Isaac confronted 5 common fears:Losing possessionsSpeaking truthFully surrendering to GodFacing conflictDoubting God's promisesBut here's the truth: God's faithfulness is greater than our fears.When we trust Him: • Provision replaces scarcity • Truth overcomes lies • Surrender leads to freedom • Conflict becomes opportunity • Promises find fulfillment

In our journey of faith, we're reminded that Christianity isn't meant to be a solitary experience. The passage from Titus 3:12-15 teaches us the profound importance of community and partnership in ministry. We're called to be encouragers, supporters, and fellow workers in Christ. Just as Paul sent Artemis and Tychicus to support Titus, we too are meant to uplift and refresh one another. This message challenges us to examine our lives: Who are our ministry partners? Who refreshes our spirit? Are we living in isolation or embracing the body of Christ? The HOV lane analogy beautifully illustrates how we move faster through life's obstacles when we journey together with Christ at the wheel. Let's reflect on how we can foster deeper connections within our faith community and support those in ministry, remembering that we're all part of God's family.

Looking at the death of Abraham and the Birth of Esau and Jacob

We're diving deep into the power of prayer and repentance. The central message reminds us that our churches should be houses of prayer, as Jesus declared in Matthew 21:13. We're challenged to examine our hearts, seeking God's revelation of hidden sins and areas where we've grown prideful or distracted. This call to repentance isn't about guilt, but about experiencing refreshing from God's presence. As we humble ourselves, we open the door for God to work powerfully in our lives and communities. Let's embrace this opportunity to align our hearts with God's will, trusting in His faithfulness to forgive and renew us. This message encourages us to make prayer a cornerstone of our faith, not just individually, but as a united body of believers.

In this message, we're reminded of the transformative power of God's love and grace. The central theme revolves around the concept of spiritual heart transplants, drawing from Titus 3:4-7. We're challenged to recognize that our own efforts and 'good works' are insufficient for salvation. Instead, it's God's mercy and the washing of regeneration through the Holy Spirit that saves us. This parallels beautifully with physical heart transplants, emphasizing that just as a new heart gives new life physically, accepting Christ gives us new life spiritually. The message encourages us to stop trying to 'interview' for salvation and instead embrace God's freely given grace. It's a call to move beyond surface-level changes and allow God to perform a complete spiritual overhaul in our lives.

In this exploration of Titus 3, we're reminded of our responsibility as Christians to live out our faith beyond the church walls. The key message centers on how we should interact with society, government, and others around us. We're called to be submissive to authorities, not out of blind obedience, but because we trust God's sovereignty. This challenges us to examine our hearts and confront any rebellious spirits we may harbor. The scripture emphasizes the importance of being 'ready for every good work' - a call to actively seek opportunities to share the gospel and make a positive impact. We're encouraged to guard our words, avoid quarreling, and show gentleness to all. This message invites us to reflect on our own transformation through Christ, reminding us of our past to cultivate humility and compassion towards others who are still 'blind' to spiritual truths. It's a powerful call to lead with grace, not judgment, as we engage with the world around us.

In this message, we're invited to explore the profound meaning of communion and its central role in our faith. The Last Supper, as described in Matthew 26, becomes a pivotal moment where Jesus institutes a new covenant, written not with ink, but with His own blood. We're reminded that communion is more than a ritual—it's a sacred remembrance that connects us directly to Christ's sacrifice. The bread and wine symbolize His broken body and shed blood, offering us forgiveness and redemption. As we partake, we're not just recalling a historical event, but proclaiming our faith and looking forward to Christ's return. This message challenges us to examine our hearts, confront our sins, and recommit ourselves to our Savior. It's a beautiful reminder that in Christ, we have all we need—hope for the present and a promise for the future.

In this message, we're reminded of the transformative power of God's grace in our lives. The central theme revolves around Titus 2:11-15, which teaches us that grace not only brings salvation but also empowers us to live godly lives. We learn that true Christianity isn't just about believing the right things, but about allowing the Holy Spirit to change us from the inside out. This grace trains us to say 'no' to ungodliness and worldly passions, while equipping us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. The message challenges us to examine our lives and ask: Are we truly allowing God's grace to transform us, or are we simply having emotional experiences without lasting change? It's a call to embrace the power of the Holy Spirit and let Him work in every aspect of our lives, not just on Sundays.