Pastor's sermon focuses on John 12:20-26, emphasizing that "the time is now to follow the leader" - Jesus Christ. The message centers on Jesus' declaration that "the hour has come" for His sacrifice during Holy Week, when Greeks came seeking Him through Philip. Jesus uses the analogy of a grain of wheat that must die to produce fruit, teaching that both He and His followers must die to self to produce lasting spiritual fruit. The sermon emphasizes the necessity of being yoked with Jesus, serving Him faithfully, and making the "great exchange" - trading our earthly, self-centered life for eternal life in Christ.

This sermon addresses replacement theology, which falsely teaches that the church has replaced Israel in God's covenant promises. Pastor Rick explains that Scripture reveals continuity rather than replacement - the church has been grafted into God's eternal family alongside Israel, not in place of them. He presents three key points: God's irrevocable covenant promise to Abraham and his descendants, the biblical promise that Gentiles are grafted in rather than replacing Israel, and the prophetic promise of Israel's future restoration when they will recognize Jesus as their Messiah. The message emphasizes that God's faithfulness to His promises ensures that His covenant with Israel remains intact despite their current spiritual blindness. Using the metaphor of olive tree grafting from Romans 11, the pastor illustrates how Gentile believers are connected to the same root system as the Jewish patriarchs. He concludes by discussing end-times prophecies about Israel's mass salvation, particularly during the tribulation period when many Jews will come to faith in Jesus as Messiah.

This sermon explores the Book of Esther in the context of current events involving Iran and Israel. The pastor draws parallels between the ancient Persian Empire (modern-day Iran) and today's conflicts, emphasizing three main points: God's promises to Israel through the Abrahamic covenant remain unchanged, Satan continues to work through evil men to destroy the Jewish people, and God's divine providence will not be thwarted in His plan to redeem the world through the Messiah. The message traces God's covenant from Genesis through Romans, showing how He has consistently protected and preserved His chosen people throughout history, culminating in the story of Esther where God providentially saved the Jews from Haman's plot of annihilation.

This sermon explores the story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee, emphasizing that following Jesus doesn't make us immune to life's storms. The pastor shares insights from a recent trip to Israel, describing how the disciples - experienced fishermen - were terrified by an unprecedented storm while Jesus slept peacefully. The message focuses on three key aspects: the reality of storms (they come unexpectedly and can be overwhelming), the response of Jesus (He has sovereign power over all storms), and the resulting awe of the disciples. The central promise is that Jesus said "Let us go to the other side," meaning that despite storms, believers will reach their eternal destination with God.

Pastor Bill Stokes delivers a sermon based on Jeremiah chapter 1, exploring the question 'Is there no balm in Gilead?' He explains that Jeremiah was called by God to preach repentance to the people of Judah who had turned away from God through idolatry. Despite Jeremiah's initial reluctance and fear, God promised His presence and protection. The sermon emphasizes that like the people of Jeremiah's time, we all need repentance in our lives. Pastor Stokes distinguishes between knowing about God versus knowing God intimately through prayer and relationship. He concludes that Jesus Christ is the ultimate 'balm' - the restoration and healing we need. The message calls listeners to examine their relationship with God, repent of sin, and trust in Christ as the living water who can transform their lives.

Pastor Cole Parker delivers a standalone sermon from Galatians 2:11-14, examining the confrontation between Paul and Peter in Antioch. The message focuses on Paul's public correction of Peter for his hypocritical behavior when Peter withdrew from eating with Gentiles after certain Jewish men arrived. Parker emphasizes that the Gospel is worth confrontation when lived hypocritically, and that fear of people should never cause us to compromise Gospel truth. The sermon challenges believers to examine their own conduct and calls them to authentic living that reflects Gospel truth in all circumstances.

This sermon focuses on Jesus' parable of the lost sheep from Luke 15, emphasizing God's heart for seeking and saving the lost. The pastor connects this to Ezekiel 34, where God condemns shepherds who failed to care for their flocks and promises to be the true shepherd himself. The message highlights three key aspects: the shepherd's concern for every individual sheep, the shepherd's active pursuit of the lost, and the shepherd's joy in restoration. The pastor challenges the congregation to be shepherds themselves, actively seeking lost souls in their families, communities, and through various ministry opportunities. He emphasizes that every person matters to God and that Christians should share in God's mission of seeking the lost rather than being content with maintaining the status quo.

This sermon from Isaiah 1 addresses the theme of living in a rebellious culture while examining our personal spiritual condition. The pastor draws parallels between ancient Israel's political corruption and spiritual compromise with today's world, emphasizing that God confronts rebellious hearts with both judgment and mercy. The message centers on God's call for His people to return to genuine worship and obedience, offering radical cleansing that makes sins 'white as snow.' The sermon challenges listeners to examine whether they are living in lukewarm spirituality or wholehearted devotion to God, warning that we face either joy through obedience or judgment through rebellion.

This sermon explores Psalm 63, written by David while he was in exile in the wilderness, fleeing from his son Absalom who had attempted to overthrow him. Despite being in a 'dry and weary land,' David demonstrates passionate pursuit of God, declaring 'O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you.' The pastor uses David's wilderness experience to challenge believers to prioritize their relationship with God in the new year. The message emphasizes three key responses: seeking God with immediacy, intensity, and totality; remembering God's faithfulness from past experiences; and praising God continually with both verbal and meditative worship. David's example shows that we can worship God anywhere, not just in formal religious settings, and that our relationship with Him should be the driving passion of our lives.

Pastor Rick delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude after 30 years of ministry at Salem Baptist Church. He expressed thanksgiving for the congregation's partnership in ministry, highlighting their grace, spiritual growth, prayer life, witness for Christ, evangelistic efforts, and generous giving. The pastor emphasized how the church has been a place of peace and blessing, allowing for effective ministry both locally and globally. He shared personal testimonies about the power of prayer during his illness and celebrated the church's commitment to missions work in Kenya, India, Honduras, and other locations. The message concluded with encouragement for continued spiritual maturity and faithful service until Christ's return.