Century Baptist Church Sermons

The Magnificat | 12.10.23

A sermon from Luke 1:46-55
Magnificent chorus
Strong transition
Anticipated syncopation
Gospel Connection
13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.15 To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. (Galatians 3:13-16)
Application
How will you glorify the Lord and rejoice in your Savior this week?
 

Benedictus | 12.3.23

A sermon from Luke 1:67-79
Receiving the blessing
Blessing the giver
Releasing the blessing
Gospel Connection
21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:21-26)
Application
What will you do this week to exhibit faithfulness to God (like Zacharias did) by sharing the testimony of God's blessing in your life?  To whom will you share?  When will you share?

Living in the New World | 11.26.23

A sermon from Colossians 3:1-17
Renewed Focus
Renewed Relationships
Renewed Attitude
Gospel Connection
8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. (Colossians 2:8-15)
Application
Take some time this week to think about how to let the peace of Christ and the Word of Christ dwell in you deeply, and how that can transform your holiday season into one full of Thanksgiving!

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.