Century Baptist Church Sermons

Gaining Clarity | 11.19.23

A sermon from Matthew 20:29-34
Who over what
Faith despite opposition
Love surpassing knowledge
Gospel Connection
“But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7
Application
To whom is God leading you to show compassion? How will you demonstrate compassion to him/her?

Chasing Greatness | 11.12.23

A sermon from Matthew 20:20-28
Count the cost
Consider the risk
Become a learner
Gospel Connection
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works." (Titus 2:11-14) "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time." (1 Timothy 2:5-6)
Application
What will you do this week to imitate Jesus' life mission (vs. 28)?
Prayer
Strengthen my understanding of Jesus' life mission by helping me to imitate His service toward others and unconditional love for all people.

Crushed, Crucified, and Raised | 11.5.23

A sermon from Matthew 20:17-19
Why did Jesus have to suffer?
Why did Jesus have to be crucified?
Why did Jesus have to rise again?
Gospel Connection
"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive." 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
Application
What will you do in word and/or deed this week to demonstrate gratitude for Jesus' suffering and death on your behalf? 

Fixing Our Eyes | 10.29.23

A sermon from Matthew 20:1-16
Explaining the story
Understanding justice and grace
Reevaluating motive
Gospel Connection
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved..." Ephesians 2:4-5
Application
How can and will you say thank you to God every day this week for His amazing grace in your  life?

Question Everything |10.22.23

A sermon from Matthew 19:24-30
Who can be saved?
What will we have?
Where will I be?
Gospel Connection
"...and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:15)
"He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit," (Titus 3:5)
Application
What are you willing to sacrifice for Christ this week, knowing you will be rewarded in heaven for it?
Prayer
God, I desire to follow You and leave behind the trappings of this earth.  Show me the things I need to let go of and the things I need to pursue.

A Reversal of Fortune | 10.15.23

A sermon from Matthew 19:16-23
A low point of view
A higher frame of reference
An elevated position
Gospel Connection
Our goodness can never get us to God.  We are born into sin, have sinned, and need to be forgiven of our sin."For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (Romans 3:23)"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Application
Will you place or have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ, God's One and only Son as the Savior of your sins, accepting the free gift of salvation offered by God's grace through faith?
What needs to be removed from your life that is a deterrent to growing in your spiritual life?

Our Royal Issue | 10.8.23

A sermon from Matthew 19:13-15
Love a child
Like a child
Gospel Connection
"And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me..." (Matthew 18:2-5)
Application
How can you become more childlike your faith this coming week?
Prayer
Give me the heart's desire of a small child, the wonder of little ones, and simplicity of faith in You, my Savior and my God.

A Holy Estate | 10.01.23

A sermon from Matthew 19:1-12
The Trust Foundation
Follow the Design
Claim the Room
Gospel Connection
25 "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,..."28 "In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." (Ephesians 5:25, 28)
Application
How will you communicate to family and friends the sacredness and sanctity of the marriage relationship?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, may I be committed to Your plan, design, and goal for the marriage relationship as You have instituted and blessed it.

Time to Let Go | 9.24.23

A sermon from Matthew 18:21-35
A moment to define
A lifetime of grace
An eternity at stake
Gospel Connection
Through the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, God showed His willingness to forgive mankind.  Without Jesus' death and resurrection there can be no forgiveness of our sin.  By grace through faith a person believes in Jesus and God forgives his sin.
Application
What individual(s) do you need to "release from their debts" today?
Prayer
Bring to mind the words and deeds I have been forgiven for by You, God; and bring to mind those whom I need to forgive, and help me do so.
 

True Community | 9.17.23

A sermon from Matthew 18:15-20
Brotherly love
Humble authority
Unified prayer
Application
What Biblical principles can you practice today so as to avoid conflicts with others?
To which relationships or in what specific ways will you apply this teaching of Jesus?
Prayer
Thank you for Your Word which guides my attitudes and actions.  Help me live obediently in my relationships and to the direction given by Jesus.