Tom Messer - Trinity Baptist Church

In this powerful message, we're reminded that the Christmas story is more than just a holiday tale—it's the cure for our deepest fears. The scripture from Luke 2:8-11 paints a vivid picture of the shepherds' terror when confronted with God's glory. This fear represents the heart wound we all carry—a sense of inadequacy and separation from God. But the good news is that Jesus came as both Savior and Lord to heal this wound. By surrendering our lives to Him, we find freedom from fear and anxiety. The message challenges us to move beyond negotiating with God and instead fully surrender to His lordship. It's a call to recognize our need for a Savior and to allow Christ to take control of our lives, bringing peace to our restless hearts.

In this powerful exploration of God's promises, we delve into the story of David in 2 Samuel 7. The central message reminds us that God is a promise-making and promise-keeping God, with the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. We're challenged to shift our perspective from a transactional relationship with God to one based on His unconditional grace. The incarnational principle shows us a God who doesn't remain distant but dwells among us, identifying with our struggles. This Christmas season, let's reflect on how God's promises don't depend on our performance but on His unchanging character. As we face life's challenges, we can approach our King with 'large petitions,' knowing His grace and power are limitless. This message invites us to both humble ourselves before God's grace and boldly trust in His promises, finding hope and joy in the eternal kingdom established through Jesus, the true Son of David.

In this powerful message, we're called to reflect on what it means to be an extraordinary church. The book of Acts, particularly chapters 11 and 13, paints a vivid picture of the church in Antioch - a model of spiritual vibrancy and impact. This church was saturated with the Holy Spirit, committed to biblical teaching, and marked by diversity and balance. As we delve into this scripture, we're challenged to consider: Are we allowing God's Word to shape us more than the surrounding culture? Are we 'cleaving' to the Lord and to our church community with unshakeable commitment? The transformation of the Antioch believers was so profound that they were first called 'Christians' there - a testament to how closely they resembled Christ. This prompts us to examine our own lives: Is our identity primarily rooted in our cultural background, or in our spiritual growth? Let's aspire to be a church where the Spirit moves so powerfully that our lives are visibly transformed, making us unmistakably Christ-like in our commu

The extraordinary power of Jesus' name takes center stage in this powerful message. We're reminded of the miraculous healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, as recounted in Acts 3. This story isn't just about physical healing; it's a profound metaphor for spiritual transformation. Just as the lame man was lifted up and entered the temple for the first time, we too can experience a life-changing encounter with Jesus that allows us to enter into God's presence. The message challenges us to consider: Are we living in the power of Jesus' name? Are we allowing His presence to transform not just our circumstances, but our very identities? It's a call to move beyond mere religious observance to a vibrant, extraordinary life filled with the Holy Spirit's power. This isn't just about individual transformation, but about becoming agents of reconciliation and restoration in a broken world. As we embrace this extraordinary life, we're invited to see beyond our limitations and believe in a God who still performs mi