In a world where value and acceptance often hinge on performance, Acts 15 challenges us to rethink our reliance on religious customs for salvation. The Jerusalem Council marks a pivotal moment where early church leaders affirmed that faith in Jesus alone suffices for salvation. This groundbreaking decision laid the foundation for understanding that God's grace is a gift, not something to be earned through human efforts. By lifting burdens rather than imposing them, the council reminded believers that salvation is about what God has already accomplished, freeing us from the cycle of proving worth. This echoes through time as a powerful reminder: Christ's work is complete, our faith is received, and we serve out of gratitude, not obligation.  Read More

Strong churches are not built by accident, they’re built on a clear foundation and a faithful rhythm. Just like a house, everything depends on what’s laid first, and Scripture shows us a pattern that holds firm under pressure. The church grows as Christ is clearly proclaimed, new believers are patiently discipled, godly leaders are raised from within, and God’s work is joyfully celebrated. None of these movements stand alone, each one builds on the last and points back to Christ. When this rhythm is followed, churches don’t just grow wider, they grow deeper and stronger. In the end, everything begins and holds together with one unchanging foundation: Jesus Christ.  Read More

The ancient city of Nineveh stands as one of history's most dramatic examples of both divine mercy and divine justice. For over a century, the people of Judah watched this powerful metropolis dominate the ancient world, crushing nations and spreading terror across the known world. What they witnessed during those long decades reveals profound truths about God's character that still speak to us tod...  Read More

There's something profoundly unsettling about Acts 14. It reads like an emotional roller coaster—one moment the gospel is being received with joy, the next moment a crowd turns violent. Paul heals a crippled man, and within hours, that same crowd drags him outside the city gates and stones him until they think he's dead.And then? He gets up. Brushes off the dust. Walks back into the city. And keep...  Read More

The final chapter of Jonah's story confronts us with one of the most uncomfortable truths in all of Scripture: God's mercy extends far beyond our comfort zones, and our response to that reality determines whether we experience blessing or discipline. Imagine being the most successful evangelist in history. Five words. An entire city saved. Thousands upon thousands of lives spared from destruction....  Read More

In Acts 13, we witness a powerful rhythm of gospel movement through the ministry of Paul and Barnabas. Their journey into Asia Minor was marked by intentionality and purpose, leaving familiar comforts behind to bring the light of Christ to challenging places. As they ventured into synagogues, they modeled humility by listening before speaking, earning the trust and attention of their audience. Despite facing opposition and rejection, their boldness was anchored in the victory of the gospel, not personal confidence. This same gospel frees us from the fear of rejection, reminding us that outcomes are in God's hands. Paul and Barnabas' journey encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, listen deeply, speak boldly, and trust God with the results. As we carry this message into our own communities, let’s embrace the rhythms of gospel movement—outward, listening, boldness, and trust—allowing the Spirit to guide our steps and open hearts. Where is the Spirit sending you today? Let the gospel move you forward with courage and compassion.  Read More

The church at Antioch didn’t grow by strategy but by surrender. When God’s people worshiped, fasted, and obeyed the Spirit’s call, the light of Christ broke through darkness and transformed lives. The same Spirit still sends us today—if we’ll stop debating where the light should shine and start shining it.  Read More

When we think of biblical miracles, our minds often drift to the spectacular and beautiful—manna from heaven, water turned to wine, or the parting of the Red Sea. These are what we might call "sweet-smelling miracles." But what about the story of a man swallowed by a great fish and later vomited onto a beach? That doesn't exactly conjure images of sweetness, does it?Yet hidden within the belly of ...  Read More

Following Jesus in Antioch did not begin with strategy or comfort. It began with ordinary believers who carried the gospel beyond familiar boundaries and loved people who were different from them. Their faith was active, not passive. They crossed the street, opened their mouths, and welcomed others into the family of God. The watching world saw their unity and generosity and gave them a new name: Christians, because it was clear who they belonged to.  Read More

In exploring Acts 11, we witness a pivotal moment where the early church learns a profound lesson: the gospel is for everyone. Peter's encounter with Cornelius, a Gentile, unveils a divine truth—God's love knows no boundaries, and His grace extends beyond traditional confines. As believers, we are challenged to say "yes" when God opens doors, even when it defies our traditions or comfort zones. The church is called to embrace diversity, extending grace and hospitality to those with different backgrounds, messy pasts, and even differing viewpoints. Our mission reflects a shared conviction that grace has leveled the ground at the cross, inviting all to stand on it equally. Let's ask ourselves, are we cooperating with God's mission, or are we standing in the way? By stepping out in faith, extending forgiveness, and adapting our methods while preserving the unchanging message of the gospel, we can be a beacon of hope. At First Baptist Church Byram, are we ready to say "yes" to God’s plan, just as the early church did? The impact could be transformative, not just for our community, but for the world. Let's unite in this mission, embracing the unexpected places and people God brings into our lives.  Read More

Acts 10 reminds us that God’s heart is bigger than our boundaries. Peter’s vision wasn’t about food, it was about people, showing that no one is beyond God’s reach. Like Peter, we’re being prepared: sometimes in quiet faithfulness, sometimes through a change in our thinking, and sometimes through bold obedience. The gospel of Jesus tears down barriers and invites everyone into God’s family by grace, not tradition.  Read More

Marriage is designed by God to reflect Christ’s love for the church, calling husbands to lead through sacrificial service, not domination. True love requires daily submission to God, the help of the Holy Spirit, and valuing your wife as a precious gift. When husbands love like Christ, marriages become powerful testimonies of God’s grace to the world.  Read More