Sermons and podcasts from First Baptist Church of Joplin, Missouri. Join us for worship Sundays at 9:00am and 10:30am. Visit our website firstjoplin.org or check us out on your favorite social media platforms for more information. To contact us email churchoffice@firstjoplin.org or call the church at 417-624-4585.
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Can I Really Change?
John Swadley | John 15:1-5 In this message from John 15, we discover that lasting transformation doesn't come from trying harder. It comes from staying connected to Jesus. Using the picture of the vine and the branches, this sermon explores how the gospel isn't just the beginning of the Christian life, it's the power that continues to shape us every day. If you've ever struggled with the same…
Richard Thomasson | Ephesians 2:8-10 This week’s message explores one of the biggest questions of the Christian faith: What does grace actually look like? Walking through Ephesians 2:8-10, we’re reminded that salvation isn’t something we earn. It’s a gift from God, received through faith. From Adam and Noah to Abraham, David, and ultimately Jesus, the Bible paints a consistent picture of God’s…
John Swadley | 2 Timothy 3:16–17 Why should you study the Bible? That's the question this week's message tackles from 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Bible isn't just a book to own, it's God's Word given to shape how we live. In this message, we explore four reasons Scripture matters: it helps us make wise choices, stand firm when our faith is challenged, understand the hope of salvation through Jesus, and…
John Swadley | Matthew 16:13-16 What does it truly mean to place Jesus first in our lives? This message challenges us to move beyond casual familiarity with Jesus and into a deeper appreciation of who He really is. We explore the striking reality that even secular historians have ranked Jesus among the most influential figures in all of human history, yet as believers we are called to recognize…
John Swadley | Psalm 106:1-2 What if everything we see, touch, and experience traces back not to a cosmic accident, but to the deliberate hand of a living God? The sermon content we are exploring pushes us to think deeply about origins and identity. The Big Bang Theory proposes that all of existence erupted from an object no larger than the tip of a pencil. But the Word of God opens with a far…
John Swadley | John 8:34-36 This week's message reminds us that the freedom Jesus offers is far greater than simply doing whatever we want. Through John 8, we discovered that true freedom is found only in Christ. Because of His sacrifice, we are free from the penalty of sin, being transformed daily from the power of sin, and can look forward to one day being completely free from the presence of…
John Swadley | Luke 23:39-43 This compelling message confronts one of the most common misconceptions about eternity: that good people go to heaven. Looking to the thief on the cross, we discover that our hope isn't found in our morality, our efforts, or trying to be "good enough." Scripture makes it clear that every one of us falls short, and no amount of good works can earn God's favor. The…
Joshua Bloyd | Joshua 24:14-15 This encouraging message challenges men to lead their homes with unwavering conviction because they serve a faithful, covenant-keeping God. Drawing from Joshua 24, we're reminded that godly fathers reject the idols of culture, choose to stand for truth, and lead their families by both word and example. A godly man is called to be a prophet, priest, protector,…
John Swadley | Psalm 143:10 This message reminds us that knowing God's will isn't about chasing mysterious signs. It's about faithfully following the God who has already revealed Himself. Through Psalm 143:10, we discover three dimensions of God's will: His providential will that cannot be stopped, His moral will that leads to a better life, and His personal will that He faithfully reveals as we…
John Swadley | Luke 23:13-25 Suffering is one of life's hardest questions, but Scripture reminds us that God has not abandoned us in the middle of our pain. This message explores why suffering exists, pointing us back to humanity's brokenness, God's perfect justice, and the hope of eternity. Even when life feels unfair, God is still at work, using our trials to shape us, strengthen our faith, and…