Supernatural Stories for the Summer — Series
A Miracle from a Distance
Pastor Brent Snook · June 7, 2026 · 10:30 AM Service
Text: John 4:45–54
“Serving Jesus with doubt is like driving with the parking brake on.”
If there is one thing that would change our lives, it is stronger faith. Today’s miracle is a perfect example of John’s stated purpose for recording the signs of Jesus:
“These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” — John 20:30–31
One man — a nobleman with wealth, power, and influence — was compelled to make a 20-mile journey to find Jesus. Not out of curiosity, but out of desperation. His son was near death.
I. THE CONDITION OF THE SON — v. 46
A. The Status of the Man Who Came to Jesus
This nobleman was an officer in the King’s Court — a man of great wealth and influence in high places. He had prestige, power, and every perk that came with it. But he had a problem that none of those benefits could solve.
B. The Sorrow of the Man Who Came to Jesus — v. 46
His son was sick and near death. For the first time in this officer’s life, he realized how little money really means. Money can keep poverty from your door — but it cannot keep problems out of your life.
II. THE CONVERSATION WITH THE SAVIOR — vv. 47–50
Many a person has been brought to Jesus because of the needs of a child. Some people don’t get interested in church, the Bible, or Jesus until there is a problem. This man’s problem brought him to Jesus — and that is a very smart thing: to take your problems to the One who can solve them.
A. The Plea from the Man — vv. 47–49
1. His Plea Was Focused — vv. 47, 49
It was a dying son that brought him to a divine Savior. The word “besought” means he begged and kept on begging. He went himself — not sending a servant — and poured his heart out to the Lord. Do you realize that if this man had not known grief, he may never have known grace? Anything that drives you to Jesus is a blessing — whether it be cancer, the loss of a job, or the desertion of a spouse.
2. His Plea Was Flawed
There were several obstacles to this man’s faith:
Obstacle #1 — Secondhand Faith
He had heard about Jesus — seen the water turned to wine — and thought, “Maybe He can heal my son.” But secondhand faith is not strong faith. You cannot go to heaven on your mother’s faith, your pastor’s faith, or anybody else’s faith.
Obstacle #2 — Demanding Faith
“Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.” — v. 48. This is what many people have wanted throughout history: “Give me a sign.” Even at the cross they cried, “Let him come down and we will believe.” When Jesus fed the 5,000, the crowds celebrated — but when He spoke of the cost of discipleship, they walked away.
Obstacle #3 — Strong-Willed Faith
The nobleman was accustomed to giving orders. He told Jesus what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. The man said: “Come!” Jesus said: “Go.” Strong faith waits upon God, listens to God, and acts on what God says — it does not dictate to God. Distance makes no difference with Jesus. Do you have children far away with a real problem? Distance is no problem for Him.
B. The Promise from the Messiah — v. 50
Jesus said, in effect: “I won’t give you my presence — but I will give you my promise: your son is healed.” If the Word of God is not good enough for you, the works of God won’t be good enough either.
Now faith took hold of this nobleman — in three steps:
1. He heard the Word — “Go thy way, thy son liveth”
2. He believed the Word — “The man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him”
3. He obeyed the Word — “He went” — no longer pleading, but believing. He was 20 miles from home and simply took Jesus at His word.
III. THE CONFIRMATION OF THE SERVANT — vv. 51–53
A. Assurance of the Father
His servants came to meet him with great news — the boy was healed at the exact hour Jesus had spoken. Notice the difference between verse 50 and verse 53:
• In v. 50 — he had a satisfied faith: he believed in the promise of Jesus
• In v. 53 — he had a saving faith: he believed in the Person of Jesus
• First he believed in the sign — now he believed in the Savior
B. Acceptance of the Family — v. 53b
“…and his whole house.” Picture the scene:
• The servants run out to tell him about the miracle — he says: “Let me tell you about the Man who performed it.”
• His wife meets him on the porch — he says: “Let me tell you about the Man who performed the miracle.”
• The boy runs out of his room into his daddy’s arms — “Daddy, I’m a walking miracle!” — and the father says: “Son, let me tell you about the Man who performed the miracle.”
— The Great Physician —
“Doc — as long as I have a tongue in my mouth, there won’t be anybody who will ever forget what you have done for me.”
Friend — the Great Physician who can heal a body can also save a soul. Distance is no obstacle. No situation is beyond His reach. Take Him at His word — hear it, believe it, and act on it.
Title: Envision: God is Doing Something New!
Sermon by Pastor Bob Johnson / May 31, 2026
Text: Isaiah 43:18-19
Introduction:
God’s message to Israel (and to us) is “God’s plan is bigger than your past.”
So, let’s dig into Isaiah 43:18-19.
God Gives an Instruction “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.”
There is a difference between remembering what God did (gratitude) and dwelling on it (stagnation). When we dwell on the past, we imply that God’s best days are behind Him.
What do you need to stop dwelling on today? A past mistake? A season of life that has ended? A version of yourself that no longer exists?
God Makes a Statement “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth.”
Israel expected another Exodus-style deliverance. God says: “I’m doing something different, something new—and greater.”
Think about it! God loves making things new.
Ezekiel 36:26 – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you…”
Lamentations 3:22-23 – His mercies are new every morning
Psalm 40:3 – A new song
John 13:34 – A new command
Hebrews 8:13 – A new covenant
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “A new creation”
Revelation 21:5 – “I make all things new”
“One of the enemies of the next thing God wants to do in your life could be the last thing He did.”
What new thing is God doing in your heart?
How has God been speaking to you about your service and involvement here at First Baptist? What has He been preparing you for? Which ministry do you need to pursue and commit to? How will you step up and be a part of what God is doing? Ask God to help you envision what that might be.
God Asks a Question “shall ye not know it?”
When God brings the “new thing,” our immediate reaction is often discomfort or resistance because we are too used to the old or the norm. When God asks, “Will you not perceive it?” He is challenging us to endure the temporary discomfort of a new season.
Shift your prayers from “God, change my circumstances” to “God, open my eyes to perceive what you are already sprouting in my life.”
God Declares a Promise “I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”
You cannot step into verse 19 until you obey verse 18. The “new thing” requires letting go of the “former thing.”
Throughout Isaiah you read about the Deliverer – Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 7:14 – “Behold, a virgin shall conceive…”
Isaiah 9:6–7 – “For unto us a child is born…”
Isaiah 11:1–10 – The Branch from Jesse
Isaiah 42:1–4 – The Servant of the Lord
Isaiah 49:5–6 – A light to the Gentiles
Isaiah 53 – Jesus as the suffering Savior
Isaiah 59:20 – Jesus as the Redeemer
Isaiah 61:1–3 – Jesus as the anointed one who brings deliverance
We all need a redeemer. Someone to deliver us from our sin.
What is the “former thing” you need to drop at the altar today?
Where is the place in your life where you need to look for a sprout of new life?
Three Life Principles from Isaiah 43:18–19
Don’t Let Your Past Define Your Future
Philippians 3:13 – “Forgetting what lies behind”
God is bigger than your past mistakes or victories
Expect God to Work in Unexpected Ways
Isaiah 55:8–9 – His ways are higher
Look for God’s Work with Spiritual Awareness
John 5:17 – God is always working
Do not let your past understanding limit God’s future work. God’s plan is bigger than your past.
Supernatural Stories for the Summer — Series
The Marriage Miracle
Pastor Brent Snook · May 24, 2026 · AM Service
Text: John 2:1–11
“This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.” — John 2:11
Weddings are among life’s most joyous occasions. And the most famous wedding ever recorded took place in John 2:1–11 — where Jesus performed His very first miracle.
Jesus is God’s answer to our Disappointments, Doubts, Disabilities, Desires, Despair, Darkness, and Death. His first miracle was at a wedding — life’s hour of gladness. His last miracle was at a funeral — life’s hour of sadness. Today we look at the first.
“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” — John 20:30–31
I. THE SCENE OF THE MIRACLE — vv. 1–2
A. A Humble Place — v. 1
“And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee.” Cana was a small hill village about 9 miles from Nazareth. This is the beginning of Jesus’ ministry — His very first miracle. Doesn’t it seem more logical that He would begin somewhere prominent — Imperial Rome, Academic Alexandria, or Religious Jerusalem? But rather, Jesus chose little Cana.
B. A Happy Place
Jesus chose to perform His first miracle at a wedding. Don’t ever think Jesus was a killjoy. He knew how to celebrate. In those days, a Jewish wedding was an elaborate affair — the celebration could go on for an entire week, with good food and great joy. Marriage ought to be a happy, joyous occasion.
C. A Holy Place — v. 2
“And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.” What a wise invitation — they invited Jesus. Have you invited Jesus to your wedding? To your marriage?
II. THE SECRET OF THE MIRACLE — vv. 4–10
Mary’s timeless advice to the servants says it all:
“Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.” — John 2:5
There are three reasons why we should obey the Lord Jesus:
A. For Our Personal Good — v. 6
“Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” — Amos 3:7
“Henceforth I call you not servants… but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” — John 15:15
B. For Others’ Peculiar Gladness
When the servants obeyed the Master — everybody at the feast was blessed. When we obey the Lord Jesus Christ, others experience joy.
C. For God’s Perfect Glory — v. 11
Obedience always brings God glory.
III. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MIRACLE
Water is always a picture of the Word of God. Wine is the sign of joy.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” — Colossians 3:16
Go by the Word of God in your marriage, in raising your children, in bearing burdens, in working out conflicts, and in living life.
A. The Quantity of Wine
B. The Quality of Wine
But Jesus always saves the best for last.
• Those who don’t know Jesus — this life is as good as it gets
• Those who do know Jesus — this life is as bad as it gets
One day we’ll step on the shores of glory — into the very presence of the Lord Jesus — and we will say: “Hallelujah — You saved the best for last!”
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.” — Revelation 19:6–9
No sermon outline is available today. Please use the box below for your notes.
Mother’s Day — May 10, 2026
How to Honor Your Mother
Pastor Brent Snook · May 10, 2026 · AM Service
Text: Exodus 20:12
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” — Exodus 20:12
To honor means to add weight — to think of someone with seriousness, reverence, and respect. Here are six ways to honor your mother today and every day.
1. LOVE YOUR MOM
Love her unconditionally — when she is young and when she is old. When she is fun and when she is not. When she has much to give and when she has nothing left. Show your mother genuine affection. Hug her. Tell her.
2. LEARN YOUR MOM
Strive to understand your mother sympathetically. Moms wear so many hats — cook, cleaner, referee, sounding board, accountant, teacher, taxi driver, and grandkids’ babysitter. Try to understand what she carries.
“I have lived over 60 years and have learned one thing. No man or woman who dishonors Father or Mother ever prospers.” — D.L. Moody
A word about Cancel Culture: Our society too often embraces cutting off communication with parents rather than pursuing grace, reconciliation, and forgiveness. No parent is perfect — and neither are you. Healthy boundaries may sometimes be necessary, but should always have the goal of restoration.
• Grace over cancellation — Christians are called to grace, not abandonment
• Focus on reconciliation — restoration should always be the goal
• The danger of “no contact” — it punishes the aged parent, withholds grandchildren, and denies the possibility of redemption
3. LISTEN TO YOUR MOM
Listen attentively. When a boy was hurt in the field in 2 Kings 4, his father’s response was simple: “Take him to his mother.” Moms are the ones little kids run to — and in return, we should run to them.
Older people have more than book-smart intelligence. They have experience, wisdom, understanding, patience, and longsuffering. They know more at 60, 70, and 80 than any 20 or 30-year-old ever had. Listen to them. Ask them. Open up to them. Share with them. Think of how they listened to you — all your life. Now it is time to listen to them attentively.
4. LIFT YOUR MOM
A. Lift Her with Your Work
Don’t make your mom nag you to do the dishes or beg you to clean your room. When you are young, help your parents. When they are old, care for your parents. Even on the Cross, Jesus made sure His mother was cared for — entrusting her to John.
“But if any provide not for his own… he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” — 1 Timothy 5:8
B. Lift Her with Your Words
Communicate with your mom — gratefully and often. Call her. Text her. Invite her to eat, to the grandkids’ games, to your home. Lift her with appreciation. She gave you the best years of her life.
5. BE LOYAL TO YOUR MOM
Remind her how much she is needed. Satan wants to whisper lies to her — that she is not important anymore, not needed, that her value is small, that she is inconvenient. Push back against those lies. Can she pray? Can she advise? Can she care? Can she give you her recipes? She is needed. Tell her so.
6. LIVE YOUR LIFE FOR JESUS — FOR YOUR MOM
Your godly mom cares more about you serving Jesus than your big house, fancy car, bank account, or important job. The greatest honor you can give her is a life lived for Christ.
“Who can find an excellent wife? For her price is far above rubies.” — Proverbs 31:10
How to Keep Your Heart — Proverbs 4:23
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
1. Verse 24 — Be careful with what you say — “Put away from thee a froward mouth.”
2. Verse 25 — Be careful with what you see — “Let thine eyes look right on.”
3. Verse 26 — Be careful with what you seek — “Ponder the path of thy feet.”
— Are All the Children In? —
Anonymous Poem
I think oft times as the night draws nigh
Of an old house on the hill.
Of a yard all wide and blossomed-starred
Where the children played at will.
And when the night at last came down
Hushing the merry din
Mother would look around and ask –
“Are all the children in?”
I wonder if when the shadows fall
On the last short earthly day
When we say good-bye to the world outside
All tired with our childish play.
When we meet the lover of boys and girls
Who died to save them from sin.
Will we hear Him ask as mother did
“Are all the children in?”
Moving Forward — Series
Church Unstoppable
Pastor Brent Snook · May 3, 2026 · AM Service
Text: Acts 5:30–42
“I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” — Matthew 16:18
I. THE PARTNERSHIP OF A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
The apostles chose to obey God rather than men. Facing accusation, discouragement, and serious opposition, their confidence was not in themselves — but in the Godhead. We have a partner.
A. Partnership with God the Father — Acts 5:30
The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New Testament. The God who delivered Israel out of Egypt — who brought them into the Promised Land — is the same God the apostles trusted. The God of yesterday is the God of today.
“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.” — Acts 5:30
B. Partnership with God the Son — Acts 5:31
1. Rewarded with a Crown
Jesus Christ is above all — the Lily of the Valley, the Rose of Sharon, the Bright and Morning Star. His name is above every name.
“…set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion… and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body.” — Ephesians 1:20–23
2. Redeemed with a Cross
The whole Bible could be summarized around two trees:
• The Tree in the Garden of Eden — where man partook in disobedience and was ruined
• Calvary’s Tree — where Christ bore our sins in His own body, put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself, and rose again to give us power over sin in our daily lives
C. Partnership with the Holy Spirit — Acts 5:32
1. An Eyewitness of the Savior — The apostles were witnesses of Christ, but it was the Holy Spirit who empowered them. You cannot believe — let alone understand — the facts about Jesus without the work of the Spirit of God in you.
“He shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness.” — John 15:26–27
2. The Earnest of the Saints — The Holy Spirit is “the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession.” — Ephesians 1:14
The New Testament church is in partnership with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit — in every circumstance.
II. THE PROTECTION OF A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
A. The Reasoning of the Pharisees — Acts 5:33–39
The preaching of the Word of God will either draw people to the Lord or drive people away — there is no neutral ground. The apostles’ lives were at stake. Then a surprise: Gamaliel, a Pharisee and the greatest teacher of his day, stood up and reasoned with the council.
“If this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.” — Acts 5:38–39
B. The Release of the Prisoners — Acts 5:40
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” — Proverbs 21:1
Nothing can happen to you that God does not allow. He is your protector.
III. THE PERSEVERANCE OF A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
The apostles were released — but beaten first. Thirty-nine lashes with a calfskin whip. Men sometimes died under such a beating. And yet what was their response? Rejoicing. Perseverance is vital if we are to move forward.
A. Perseverance Involved Praise — Acts 5:40–41
The apostles departed from the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus. Indifference and apathy are the church’s greatest enemies — not persecution. The fire of persecution has always caused others to become bold to proclaim.
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you… Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.” — Matthew 5:11–12
B. Perseverance Involved Pursuit — Acts 5:42
“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” — Acts 5:42
To move forward, a church must persevere.
— You Just Can’t Sit There —
“Ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine.” — Acts 5:28
That is our goal. That is our task. That is our responsibility. We cannot sit still — we must invest our lives in the greatest work on earth: the proclamation of the Good News.
We can be a church that moves forward — if we will apply the principles of Acts 5:
• The Partnership — with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
• The Protection — nothing reaches us that God has not allowed
• The Perseverance — praising and pursuing, daily and unstoppably
Moving Forward — Series
Filling a City with Your Doctrine
Pastor Brent Snook · April 26, 2026 · AM Service
Text: Acts 4-5
“Ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine.” — Acts 5:28
I. THE PROGRESS OF A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
“A pure church is a powerful church.” After the discipline of Ananias and Sapphira, an ungrieved Holy Spirit was doing His work unhindered and unhampered — and the results were remarkable.
A. Believers Were Increasing — Acts 5:14
There are progress reports scattered throughout Acts — it is a book filled with a success story.
• Acts 2:41 / 3,000 souls saved in a single day
• Acts 2:47 / believers added daily
• Acts 4:4 / 5,000 men, plus families
• Acts 5:28 / Jerusalem filled with the doctrine
• Acts 6:7 / multitudes
B. Bystanders Were Interested — Acts 5:15–16
Huge crowds gathered from all around Jerusalem and the surrounding communities. The signs and miracles did two things:
1. Confirmed the truth of the Apostles’ teaching
2. Demonstrated that the Apostles had the power of the Messiah
“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation… God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost.” — Hebrews 2:3–4
II. THE PERSECUTION OF A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
When the enemy cannot conquer the church, he tries to corrupt it. When he cannot corrupt it, he will combat it.
A. The Indignation of the Religious Leaders — Acts 5:17–18
B. The Intervention of the Ruling Lord — Acts 5:19–20
How fitting — the Sadducees, who denied the supernatural, were forced to face it head-on. The angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night and brought them out.
1. He Rescued Them from Prison — v. 19
God was teaching His disciples that He could deliver His servants from the world’s oppression any time, anywhere. No suffering, tragedy, heartache, or hard situation is beyond His presence. Each of the apostles would one day face their own persecution:
• Matthew — martyred by the sword
• Mark — dragged through the streets of Alexandria
• Luke — hung on an olive tree in Greece
• John — boiled in a pot of oil
• Peter — crucified upside down in Rome
• James — beheaded in Jerusalem
• James the Less — thrown from a pinnacle and beaten to death
• Philip — hung
• Bartholomew — scourged and beaten until death
• Andrew — bound to a cross, preaching to his persecutors until he died
• Thomas — run through with a spear
• Jude — killed by an executioner’s arrow
• Matthias — stoned and then beheaded
• Barnabas — stoned
• Paul — beheaded in Rome
2. He Reaffirmed Them of Their Purpose — v. 20
“Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.” The apostles were not freed so they could flee — but so they could preach. We too have been freed from the prison of sin — not to flee, but to share the message of life.
A Thom Rainer survey of unchurched, unsaved people across all 50 states found: 96% said they would be somewhat likely to attend church if invited. There are 160 million unchurched people in America — 153 million would likely start attending if someone simply asked. Yet only 2% of church members ever invited an unchurched person to church.
III. THE PROCLAMATION OF A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
A. Opposition to the Call to Proclaim — Acts 5:21–28
We are in a spiritual war every day. The opposition doesn’t always come through prison bars — it may come through apathy, discouragement, or subtle temptations that keep us silent for Jesus.
B. Obedience to the Call to Proclaim — Acts 5:28–29
The Sanhedrin was no longer up against unlearned Galilean fishermen — it was up against the Holy Spirit. There was a higher court in Jerusalem than the Sanhedrin: the Supreme Court of Heaven.
“We ought to obey God rather than men.” — Acts 5:29
— Go and Fill Your City with the Message of Jesus —
There are hungry, hurting, longing people out there. They need to know about eternal life. We have a message of life — let’s take it to them.
Moving Forward — Series
The Spiritual Atmosphere of the Church
Pastor Brent Snook · April 19, 2026 · AM Service
Text: Acts 4:23–5:14
“If we will set ourselves afire for Jesus Christ, people will come to watch us burn.”
Most professions require ongoing training in order to move forward. But if we as a church want to move forward, we don’t need to look ahead at the innovative and creative — we need to look backward. The early church in Acts has what we want and what we need. Let’s look back so we can move forward.
“In the Gospels, we see Christ crucified and risen. In Acts, we see Christ ascended and exalted. In the Gospels, the Christian life was modeled by a perfect Man. In Acts, it is modeled by imperfect men.”
I. THE PRAYER OF A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
Acts 4:29–33 — The secret of the strength of the early church was its prayer meetings. Prayer is our most powerful weapon. When the apostles were threatened and commanded to stop preaching, they went straight to prayer.
A. The Perspective of Earthshaking Prayer — Acts 4:24–28
1. They saw God as Creator — Those who threatened them were creatures. God was the Creator. Glance at your problems — then gaze on your God.
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” — Genesis 1:1
2. They saw God as Controller — God did not wind up the universe and let it spin. They knew their Bible and knew that what was happening was exactly what God said would happen.
B. The Pursuit of Earthshaking Prayer — Acts 4:29
What got them into trouble? Speaking the Word of God. What were they now praying for? Not ease. Not comfort. They were praying for boldness and courage — to do it some more.
“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men and women. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks.” — Phillips Brooks
C. The Power of Earthshaking Prayer — Acts 4:31, 33
“…they were all filled with the Holy Ghost…” Jesus has gone to Heaven — but He still has a body on earth. His body is the Church.
“And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” — Acts 4:33
They became witnesses. The whole community was filled with the love of Christ — care, concern, and compassion were evident. The church was moving forward.
II. THE PURITY OF A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
Acts 5:1 — Satan could not conquer the church, so he tried to corrupt it. Enter Ananias and Sapphira.
A. The Crime Against Purity — Acts 4:34–5:3
Barnabas had sold everything he had and gave it all to the apostles. Ananias and Sapphira also sold property — but secretly kept back a portion while pretending to give it all. It was no sin to own property. It was no sin to keep a portion. The sin was jealousy, covetousness, and hypocrisy.
The Holy Spirit had heard their conversation, knew the market price of the land, and walked beside Ananias all the way to the church — prodding his conscience and troubling his soul.
“Hypocrisy makes it more difficult to reach people for Christ than almost anything else.”
“Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.” — Proverbs 15:16
B. The Chastening Appointed for Purity — Acts 5:4–10
It is serious to tell a lie. More serious to lie to a judge. Serious beyond words to lie to God. “Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.” — Those were the last words Ananias ever heard. He dropped dead. Three hours later, Sapphira came in — and the same fate fell upon her.
Sin will harden any heart. First it is exciting. Then boring. Finally, the conscience grows dead and sensitivity to sin disappears. Friend — if sin is left to fester in your heart, it will kill your walk with God, your Bible study, your prayer life, your family’s spiritual walk, and your influence for Jesus.
“Be sure your sin will find you out.” — Numbers 32:23
C. The Cause Associated with Purity — Acts 5:11–14
The Holy Spirit had acted in judgment — now He could act in blessing. The news spread quickly. The church was not only a happy place — it was a holy place. People didn’t join that church unless they meant business.
“And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.” — Acts 5:14
The church was pure. The church was powerful.
III. THE PURPOSE OF A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
A. The Hand of God Was Unhindered — Acts 5:12a
When a church gets on fire, gets clean, begins to live right, and gets sin out of their lives — God’s power begins to flow. People are born again. Christians get right with God. Lives are changed.
“And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people.” — Acts 5:12a
B. The Hearts of the People Were Unified — Acts 5:12b
Jesus said — “A house divided cannot stand.” Paul warns us to mark and avoid those who cause division in the church. Unity must be in Jesus — and that kind of unity begins where we started: prayer.
“Make every effort to keep the unity and the spirit in the bond of peace.” — Ephesians 4:3
Crack, cocaine, alcohol, and sexual temptation have slain their thousands — but bickering, quarreling, and criticism in the church have slain their ten thousands. The devil would rather start a church fuss than open a porno shop.
— Moving Forward —
If we are going to be a New Testament church, we must follow the first-century church in its Prayer, its Purity, and its Purpose.
• The Prayer of a New Testament Church — bold, persistent, and earthshaking
• The Purity of a New Testament Church — holy living allows us to experience God’s best
• The Purpose of a New Testament Church — unhindered by sin, unified in Christ
Comeback Faith
Pastor Brent Snook · April 12, 2026 · AM Service
Text: John 21:1–22
“If you are not dead — you are not done.”
What would take you away from serving Jesus and back into the world? For Peter, it was failure. After the crucifixion, the disciples were discouraged, beaten down, and feeling like failures — their dreams shattered. But Jesus had one last lesson to teach before His ascension. And Peter was about to experience what it means to have comeback faith.
I. THE APPEARANCE OF FRUSTRATION
John 21:1–3 — The disciples, still discouraged, packed up and headed home to Galilee. Nothing was happening. Peter, tired of inaction, made a decision — he went back to what he knew best.
A. The — v. 1
The Sea of Galilee — the most familiar place these men knew. It was here that Jesus first called them, preached the Sermon on the Mount, and fed the 5,000. Now in their discouragement, they had returned to it.
B. The — v. 2
Seven disciples were together: Peter, Thomas, Nathaniel, James, John, and two others. Perhaps the Holy Spirit leaves those two unnamed so that you and I can take our seats in the boat.
C. The — v. 3
Peter said, “I am going fishing.” He had denied his Master, broken his promise, and saw no future in serving Christ. So he returned to his pre-Christ vocation. But that night, he caught nothing.
“Failure can hold us in a severe grip that will distort our whole perspective about God, others, and ourselves.”
“We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” — 2 Corinthians 4:7
II. THE ASSURANCE OF FELLOWSHIP
John 21:6–14 — In their minds, they had lost favor with Jesus. But Jesus loves us more than we give Him credit for. So Jesus showed up.
A. The Master’s — vv. 6–7
Rather than rebuke them with more failure, Jesus nudged them with great blessing — a miraculous catch of fish, echoing the moment He first called them three years earlier. Peter instantly knew who it was, grabbed his outer garment, and swam to shore.
With God’s help, we can find success. We can be experts in a field — but without God, we fail. Invite God in and watch Him work.
B. The Master’s — vv. 8–14
1. He them — A fire on the shore with fish and bread, perhaps echoing the feeding of the 5,000.
2. He them — “Come and dine” — the greatest word in the Bible. God invited Noah into the ark. It closes the Bible in Revelation 22:17: “The Spirit and the bride say, Come.”
3. He them — They knew it was the Lord. They had always been familiar with His humanity — now they were fully aware of His deity.
III. THE AROUSING OF FERVOR
John 21:15–22 — Jesus is interested in one thing: restoration. Three times Peter denied the Lord. Three times Jesus now asked: “Do you love me?”
A. Love That — vv. 15–19a
Jesus Says Love Is 3 Things:
1. Love Is — Love is the foundation of our relationship with Jesus. When love wanes, Christians slide and churches grow lukewarm.
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” — Matthew 22:37
2. Love Is — Three times Jesus asked — three times He responded: “Feed my sheep.” Don’t say you love Him without proving it — by obedience, submission, and surrender.
3. Love Is — Love for Jesus is deeply personal. It may even mean suffering — but it is the mark of a life truly surrendered to Him.
B. Life That — v. 17
Peter’s confession was that of a broken man — aware of his weaknesses, afraid to ever boast again. But now he was finally ready to follow. “Follow me” — the same words Jesus had spoken three years earlier.
Proud people are not good at caring for and leading others. Only a humble Peter was ready to feed and care for the sheep.
— Comeback Faith —
How we recover from failure determines our future.
body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 20px; color: #333; }
Easter Sunday
What Changed?
Pastor Brent Snook · April 5, 2026 · AM Service
Text: John 19:38–42
“Calvary made the difference.”
Why do millions gather in churches every Easter? For some it’s family, tradition, or habit. But for others, it’s because we worship a Jewish carpenter who died on a cruel cross — and rose again. In just three days, frightened and confused followers became fearless and courageous. So what changed?
John 19:38–42 introduces us to two key men: Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Both were members of the Sanhedrin. Both were wealthy. Both were secret seekers of Truth. Until Calvary changed everything.
I. THE CONSTRAINT OF THESE TWO MEN
John 19:38 — Two of Jerusalem’s most influential men had kept their relationship with Jesus entirely in the shadows. They sat in on Jesus’ trial, heard every lie spoken against Him — and said not a word in His defense.
Why were they so timid?
1. Perhaps because of His Nature — Jesus was not the conquering King they expected.
2. Perhaps because of Their Wealth — “The Fishermen left their boats and nets — Joseph was slow to leave all for Christ’s sake.”
3. Perhaps because of Their Public Office — These were men everyone knew. The cost of going public was high.
Fear is contagious — but so is courage. These two men were about to make a comeback.
II. THE CHANGE OF THESE TWO MEN
John 19:38b — “…besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus.” Something tore away the veil of timidity within them.
A. The Cause of Their Change
1. Possibly the Crookedness of Jesus’ — The entire proceeding was illegal under Jewish Law — tried at night, in private, no defense permitted, executed the same day as sentencing.
2. Possibly the Crisis of Jesus’ — They witnessed the scourging — a brutal Roman ordeal. Pilate had handed Jesus over after pronouncing Him innocent. Not one word of complaint passed Jesus’ lips.
3. Possibly the Conditions Surrounding Jesus’
• Darkness — for three hours at midday, silence fell across Jerusalem (Matthew 27:45)
• Earthquake — the earth shook (Matthew 27:51–52)
• The Rent Veil — God declaring total access into His holy presence (Matthew 27:51)
• His sentence — “It is Finished” — heard by all
4. Probably the Cross of Jesus’ — Nicodemus remembered Jesus’ own words: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up…” (John 3). The shameful death of the cross had a greater power over them than all the beauty of Christ’s life.
B. The Courage of Their Change
Up until now, both men had been secret disciples — but no longer. They bravely walked into Pilate’s chambers and requested to remove Jesus’ body for a proper burial. They no longer cared about their position, wealth, or influence in Jerusalem.
“Viewing Christ on the Cross kindles a love for Christ that cannot be concealed.”
Christian friend — go public.
III. THE CONFESSION OF THESE TWO MEN
John 19:40 — “Then took they the body of Jesus.” Coming to the Cross, they were stunned by what they saw.
A. The of the Savior Is Revealed
At the now-lonely cross, a wave of emotion crashes over them. They see the wounds — the thorn-punctured head, the swollen face, the gaping wounds in hands and feet, flesh exposed from the scourging. They fall to their knees and weep — for Jesus, for the world that did this, and for themselves, for all they didn’t say.
B. The Sin of Is Revealed
As they tenderly cleaned His blood-stained body, they looked at their own blood-covered hands and realized — it was their sin, and ours, that nailed Jesus to the Cross.
“He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities… and with his stripes we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5
“Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God.” — 1 Peter 3:18
Joseph gave his own new tomb. Nicodemus brought 100 pounds of expensive spices. Together they wrapped and laid that precious body to rest — a final act of love from men no longer hiding in the shadows.
IV. THE CELEBRATION OF THESE TWO MEN
Three days later — the disciples in hiding, the Sanhedrin standing guard — something miraculous happened.
✝ JESUS IS RISEN! ✝
“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” — Matthew 28:6, The Angel to Mary Magdalene
These are the events that changed two lives. These are the events that have changed countless lives since. And these are the events that can change your life today.
Jesus is the Changer.
He died on a cross — and rose again victoriously — in order to change you.