Century Baptist Church Sermons

The Thing Behind the Thing | 6.4.23 | Matt. 15:10-20

It’s about obedience.
It’s about vanity.
It’s all about the heart.
Gospel Connection
Jesus came to change our hearts, not our behaviors (Ezekiel 36:24-32; Romans 10:9-10; Hebrews 10:22). When our hearts change; when are affections change, then our behaviors will follow. The Son of God was born, lived and died a sacrificial death (for the sins of all mankind) so that by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) you and I might be forgiven of our sin and enter into a relationship with Almighty, Holy God, our Creator.
Application
What can and will you do this week to help keep your focus on Jesus Christ rather than mere outward conformity to rules?
Prayer
Dear God, my Heavenly Father, direct me daily to keep my focus on You, the example of Jesus, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that I live each day in obedience to the truths of Scripture.

Doing Nothing | 5.28.23

A sermon from Matthew 15:1-9
Nothing is right
Nothing is wrong
Nothing changes
Gospel Connection
Jesus came to change our hearts, not our behaviors (Ezekiel 36:24-32; Romans 10:9-10; Hebrews 10:22). When our hearts change; when are affections change, then our behaviors will follow. The Son of God was born, lived and died a sacrificial death (for the the sins of all mankind) so that by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) you and I might be forgiven of our sin and enter into a relationship with Almighty, Holy God, our Creator.
Application
What will you do this week to cultivate a pure, humble heart? How will you evaluate the value of church/religious traditions?
Prayer
Forgive me for the times when I have placed more value on traditions than the truth of Scripture. Help me to be a student of Your Word knowing what it says and applying it to my life daily.

In God’s Garden | 5.21.23

A sermon from Matthew 14:34-36
Matthew 14:34-36
Rich soil
Favorable conditions
Perfect sunlight
Gospel Connection
While Jesus can heal physically, He desires to heal each one spiritually by His sacrifice for sin on the cross. See 1 John 2:1-2.
Application
What will you do this week to allow Jesus to be more than someone who has the ability to heal your disease or sickness, but to bring peace and healing into your soul as you live each day?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to always remember the power of Your Son Jesus; not just His power to physically heal, but His power to change my life by conforming it to His.

In Christ Alone | 5.14.23

A sermon from Matthew 14:22-33
No hesitation
No fear
No doubt
Gospel Connection
"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13–14
Application
In what practical way can you demonstrate faith as you go through the coming week? What will you do to help you keep your eyes on Jesus and off your fears
Prayer
God, grant me the courage to trust Jesus as the all-sufficient One for every circumstance I face, and worship Him as Your Son always.

Feeding Souls | 5.7.23

A sermon from Matthew 14:13-21
Jesus the caregiver
Jesus the provider
Jesus the Savior
Gospel Connection
While we need physical food to sustain physical life, we need spiritual food to sustain spiritual life. Jesus is the spiritual food, if you will, that allows us spiritual life. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection clarify He alone is the one in whom forgiveness of sin is found. Jesus is the Bread of Life; Jesus is the only one who can provide spiritual life.
Application
What can you do this week to minister to someone in need? When will you do it.
Prayer
Jesus thank you for providing forgiveness of sin and satisfying God’s wrath against sin by your death on the cross. I believe in You for the forgiveness of my sin, confess and turn from it to follow You alone.

Authentic Discipleship | 4.30.23

A sermon from Matthew 14:1-13
A heart of truth
A heart for the crowd
A heart of authenticity
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 32Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:29, 32
APPLICATION
What will you do this week to be more mindful of the words you speak and the promises you make?
PRAYER
Help me speak words of truth, encouragement and kindness to others regardless of my circumstances or situation.

Familiar to Foreign | 4.23.23

A sermon from Matthew 13:53-58
Quick to minimize
Less than a stranger
Fall short
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:4-6
APPLICATION
Which family members and/or friends will you commit to visit or call this week to tell them about the change Christ is making in you?
PRAYER
My Heavenly Father, may I never minimize Your power, authority and greatness. You gave us Your Son Jesus so we can have a relationship with You. Help me to live each day in awe and wonder of all You have done for me and all humanity.

The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like a Net | 4.16.23

A sermon from Matthew 13:47-52
What happens when we die?
What we believe about Hell?
What must I do to be saved?
APPLICATION
Who are you building a friendship with that needs to hear the truth of God’s love and Jesus’ sacrificial death? What is next in the progression of spiritual conversations do you need to have with your friend? When will you have that conversation?
GOSPEL CONNECTION
“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.” Romans 5:6-9
PRAYER
Give me a passion for seeking and learning Your truth, applying it to every area of my life every day and sharing it with others continuously.

Waiting for Sunrise | 4.9.23

Easter Sunday Sermon
Luke 24:1-12
Gospel Connection
The crucifixion is the once-for-all-time sacrifice for sin. The resurrection of Jesus is the defeat of death. Salvation - saved from sin and saved unto God - is only possible by Jesus finished work on the cross and the empty tomb. Romans 5:6-11; John 14:6
Application
How will you prepare to tell what you know about Jesus and your faith in Him, so you are ready to tell others when the opportunity arises?
Prayer
Thank You God for Your love demonstrated to me in the life, death and resurrection of Your Son Jesus. Help me to tell others what You have done and how it has changed my life.

A Broken Hosanna | 4.2.2023

A sermon from John 12:12-19
OUTLINE
A desperate plea
A victory chant
A humble surrender
GOSPEL CONNECTION
Jesus came to earth to be the once-for-all sacrifice for sin. He came to be King over our lives, not a political king to rule a nation. Jesus’s mission is much greater than giving us freedom from human oppression found in governments. The freedom Jesus offers is from sin and death, and is only available to us because of His death on the cross. He died in our place, doing for us what we are incapable of doing. By grace through faith we are set free from the captivity of sin.
APPLICATION
How will you honor and worship Jesus - be specific - with your life this week?
PRAYER
Help me to hail you as King of my life, 24 hours of every day, not only when it is convenient or I believe You can offer me something. You, Jesus, are the only One worthy of my allegiance, worship and praise.