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.
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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.
Judas: The Pathway of a Chameleon
Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook / March 29, 2026
Text: Matthew 26
I. THE SCHEME OF THE CONSPIRATOR (Matthew 26:14-16)
- One of the twelve
- Judas had made a profession of faith
- Judas experienced all of Jesus
- He heard the message of Christ (Sermon on the Mount, The Parables, The Olivet Discourse)
- He saw the miracles of Christ (Calmed the sea, walked on water, fed 5,000, healed the blind, raised the dead)
- He saw men come to Christ (Nicodemus, Zacchaeus, woman at the well)
- He performed ministry (He preached, served as treasurer)
- A Warning to Every Church Member
- “You can be connected with Jesus BUT not be connected to Jesus.”
- “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us…” (I John 2:19)
- The Descent into Betrayal
- It started with a satanic suggestion (John 13:2)
- It led to satanic possession (John 13:27)
- The Price of Greed
- 30 pieces of silver: The price of a slave
- “Judas was—The epitome of Waste. Judas wasted his opportunities, his life, & his soul.”
II. THE SIGN OF THE CRIMINAL (Matthew 26:20-25)
- The Exposure of the Traitor
- “One of you shall betray me.”
- The Disciples’ Question: “Lord, Is It I?”
- The Nature of Betrayal
- We betray Jesus when we are ashamed to speak up for Him
- We betray Jesus when we refuse to accept his offer of salvation
- We betray Jesus when we put more money into material things instead of eternal
- We betray Jesus when we deliberately disobey Him
- The Last Appeal
- Place of honor: “Judas come sit by me tonight”
- Jesus washed his feet that night
- The “sop”: A special act of affection and a token of love
- The Final Decision
- “Judas receives the sop & seals his destiny for eternity.”
- “Up to this point Judas had been possessed by an—Evil intention. Now he was possessed by The Evil One.”
III. THE SCENE OF THE CRIME (Matthew 26:46-50)
- The Garden of Gethsemane
- The sign: “The one I kiss—Hes Jesus—Take Him.”
- The Kiss: “Judas kissed the Door to Heaven and then he went to Hell.”
- Jesus’ Last Words to Judas
- “Friend, wherefore art thou come?” (Matthew 26:50)
- “If you don’t stand for Him—in essence—you will betray Him.”
IV. THE SENTENCING OF THE CONDEMNED (Matthew 27:1-5)
- Remorse vs. Repentance
- “Judas remorse was not repentance of Sin but rather Emotional remorse due to guilt.”
- “Remorse without repentance leads only to despair.”
- The End of the Pathway
- “He steps from the hell within him to the hell beyond him.”
- “It had been good for that man that he had never been born.” (Matthew 26:24)
If you’re born twice
You’ll die once.
If you’re born once
You’ll die twice.
If you die twice
You’ll wish you’d never been born at all.
Unhindered: The Gospel Goes Global
Sermon by Pastor Bob Johnson / March 22, 2026
Text: Acts 28:17-31
Paul in Rome
Paul wants to take the gospel global. What better way than to get the gospel to the epic center of the world in his day – Rome!
God’s plans were different
Proverbs 16:9 – a man’s heart devises his ways but the Lord directs his steps.
God uses the Roman government to pay the way for Paul to get to Rome as a prisoner.
Acts 28:16
(16) And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.
#1 The Gospel is unhindered by unfavorable .
Acts 28:17
(17) And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
#2 The Gospel is unhindered by false .
Acts 28:20
(20) For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
#3 The Gospel is unhindered by human .
Acts 28:21-22
(21) And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. (22) But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against.
#4 The Gospel is unhindered by religious .
Acts 28:23-24
(23) And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. (24) And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
#5 The Gospel is unhindered by theological .
Acts 28:25-27
(25) And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, (26) Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: (27) For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
#6 The Gospel is unhindered by spiritual .
Acts 28:28-29
(28) Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. (29) And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
#7 The Gospel is unhindered by national .
Acts 28:30-31
(30) And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, (31) Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
#8 The Gospel is unhindered by prison .
What is hindering you from sharing and spreading the gospel?
Why I Believe the Bible Is God’s Word
Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook / March 15, 2026
Text: Isaiah 40:8
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50 Bibles are sold every minute
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72,000 Bibles are sold every day
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26,000,000 Bibles are sold every year
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“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”
— Isaiah 40:8
I. EXTERNAL EVIDENCE
A. Its
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The Bible stands above all other ancient literature.
B. Its
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24,000 manuscripts of the Bible
vs.
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643 copies of Homer’s Iliad
Quote:
“Of the 166 words in Isaiah 53 – there are only 17 letters in question.10 of these letters are simply a matter of spelling which does not affect the sense,4 of the letters are minor stylistic changes (such as conjunctions),the remaining 3 letters comprise only one word which doesn’t affect the meaning of the text.Thus, in one chapter of 166 words there is 1 word of 3 letters in question after 1000 years in transmission.”
C. Its
II. INTERNAL EVIDENCE
A. Because of Its Accuracy
Luke 1:1–4
“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us…Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus;That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.”
Quote – Sir William Ramsey
“I take the view that Luke’s history is unsurpassed in regard to its trustworthiness. You may press the words of Luke in the degree beyond any other historians and they will stand the keenest scrutiny and the hardest treatment.”
B. Because of Its Accuracy
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The shape of the earth
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The numbering of the stars
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Jeremiah 33:22
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The earth floating in space
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The Laws of Thermodynamics
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The water cycle
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Life is in the blood
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Ocean currents
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Medicine and hygiene
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Quarantine
C. Because of Its
The Bible is one book:
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66 books in the Bible
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39 books in the Old Testament
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27 books in the New Testament
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Written by over 40 different authors
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Written over a period of 1600 years
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Written in around 13 different countries
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Written on 3 different continents
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Written in 3 different languages
Quote – Billy Graham
“Either God spoke to these writers and through these writers or they are the most consistent liars the world has ever known.”
D. Because of Its Fulfilled
III. EXPERIENTIAL EVIDENCE
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
A. It Is for the Sinner
Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
B. It Is for the Saint
C. It Is for the Sufferer
D. It Is for the Scholar
Remember Who He Is
Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook / March 8, 2026
Text: Titus 3:4–8
INTRODUCTION
• Paul instructs Titus to continually remind the believers in Crete of two things:
1. Who they were
2. Who God is
• Titus 3:4 – “But after that…” – the contrast between what we were and what we are now.
I. REMEMBER HIS (Titus 3:4–7)
A. (v.4)
• God loves His people deeply (John 3:16).
• Understanding God’s love changes how we live and love Him.
• We love Him because He first loved us.
• The cross is the greatest display of God’s love.
• Because of His love and kindness, He saved us (v.5).
B. (v.5)
• Salvation is not earned but given through God’s mercy.
• Mercy has been described as “God’s ministry to the miserable.”
• God’s mercy reaches all kinds of people—from every background and generation.
C. (v.7)
• We are justified by grace through Jesus Christ.
• The Law reveals sin but cannot transform the heart.
• Grace through Christ accomplishes what the Law cannot.
• Romans 5:20 – “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.”
D. (v.7)
• Because of God’s love, mercy, and grace, believers become heirs.
• Romans 8:17 – Heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.
• Like Mephibosheth welcomed to David’s table (2 Samuel 9), believers receive undeserved favor.
II. REMEMBER OUR (Titus 3:8)
• Sound doctrine should lead to grateful obedience.
• Gratitude for grace produces good works.
• Believers are to live lives that display God’s glory.
A. Maintain Good Works in TIMES
• Trials can cause believers to either lean in to God or lean away.
• In suffering, believers must lean into the Shepherd (Psalm 23).
• Difficult seasons should produce deeper prayer, devotion, worship, and time in God’s Word.
B. Maintain Good Works in TIMES
• Waiting is one of the hardest parts of life.
• Scripture repeatedly calls believers to “wait on the Lord.”
• Psalm 130:5–6; Lamentations 3:25.
• Waiting is not inactivity but faithful obedience while trusting God’s timing.
• Examples of waiting: Noah, the disciples, Ruth, and believers awaiting Christ’s return.
CONCLUSION
• God can transform hurt into hope—both for today and for eternity.
• Paul’s instruction to Titus: remind believers who they are and who God is.
• Never forget whose banquet table you are sitting at.
Remember Who You Are
Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook / Sunday, March 1, 2026
Text: Titus 3:1–8
INTRODUCTION
• Old Testament memorials reminded God’s people of His faithfulness:
– Jacob at Bethel
– Samuel’s Ebenezer (1 Samuel 7:12)
– Joshua’s stones (Joshua 4:5–8)
• God commands us to remember:
– Ecclesiastes 12:1
– Revelation 2:5
– Luke 22:19–22
I. REMEMBER YOUR (Titus 2:15)
Paul does 3 things to challenge Titus:
Reassures Titus that He understands what Titus is up against
Encourages Titus to stand strong and speak boldly
Gives Titus a practical plan for strengthening the Church
– Adrian Rogers: “There are others who can preach the Gospel better than me,
but there is nobody who can preach a better Gospel than me.”
II. REMIND OF (Titus 3:1–2)
A. Toward Rulers – Submission (v.1)
• The Christian life is about submission
• Respect authority—government, employer, leadership
B. Toward Other Relationships – Speech and Spirit (v.2)
• SPEECH: Speak evil of no man
• SPIRIT: Be gentle, patient, meek
• 2 Timothy 2:24–26
• 1 Corinthians 10:12
• We are a hospital—care for the wounded
III. RECALL YOUR (Titus 3:3–4)
A. What We Were (v.3)
• Foolish, disobedient, deceived
• Envy, lust, hatred
• 1 Corinthians 15:9
• Ephesians 3:8
• 1 Timothy 1:15
Augustine said:
“There is a God-shaped vacuum in our hearts that cannot be filled by any created thing,
but only by the Creator Himself.”
B. What We Are (v.4)
• “But after that…”
• Saved to be trophies of His grace
• Changed by mercy
• Example: Rahab (Hebrews 11)
CONCLUSION
THE STORM ON THE SEA
Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Text: John 6:15–21
INTRODUCTION
Background Context:
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The disciples had just witnessed Jesus feed the 5,000 (John 6:1–14).
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They not only observed the miracle — they participated in it.
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Jesus satisfies our deepest hunger — and He also meets us in our deepest despair.
I. THE MISERY OF THE STORM (John 6:16–19a)
The disciples were unknowingly sailing into a storm.
Storms in life:
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Come swiftly
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Come suddenly
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Often follow great blessings
Do not equate an easy life with a joyful life.
A. IN OUR LORD’S PLAN
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Jesus sent them into the storm (Matthew 14:22).
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The trip was short (approx. 5 miles across the Sea of Galilee).
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They were confident and experienced fishermen.
Reasons Jesus Sent Them Into the Storm:
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To Save Them from a Greater
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The crowd wanted to make Jesus king (John 6:15).
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The disciples could have been swept up in the excitement.
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Sometimes God sends storms to protect us from worldliness.
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To Prepare Them for Greater Ahead
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They would face persecution and martyrdom.
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Storms strengthen us.
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Illustration: “I walked a mile with pleasure… I walked a mile with sorrow…”
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To Give Them Greater Revelation of Christ and Understanding of the of the Son of God
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They would never have seen Jesus walking on water otherwise.
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They were in the storm — but also in His will.
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B. THEY WERE IN HIS PRAYERS
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Jesus went to the mountain to pray (Matthew 14:23).
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While they were on the sea, He was interceding.
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He never forgets to pray for His own.
II. THE MESSIAH ON THE SEA (John 6:19b–21)
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They were “toiling and rowing” (Mark 6:48).
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Fourth watch of the night (3–6 AM).
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In the middle of the sea (approx. 9 miles across).
Jesus delayed — but He had them in His sight and in His prayers.
They forgot the meaning of the miracle of the loaves (Mark 6:51–52).
A. THE OF JESUS CHRIST
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Jesus came walking on the water.
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The waves over their heads were under His feet.
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He is Lord of creation.
When storms rage:
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Remember who is in control.
Psalm 46:1–3
B. THE SAVIOR’S (John 6:20)
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“It is I; be not afraid.”
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The presence of Christ is the source of courage.
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Our best efforts are no match for life’s storms.
III. THE MAN ON THE SHIP (Matthew 14:28–32)
John does not record Peter walking on water, but Matthew does.
3 Things to See about Peter
A. HIS (Matthew 14:28)
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“Lord, if it be Thou…” (“Since it is Thou…”)
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Peter desired to be where Jesus was.
Lessons:
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You must leave your comfort zone.
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Only one left the boat.
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To walk on water, you must step out.
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What “boat” do you need to leave?
B. HIS (Matthew 14:30)
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He saw the wind and was afraid.
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He took his eyes off Jesus.
Fear looks at God through circumstances.
Faith looks at circumstances through God.
Defeat that leaves you humble is better than victory that leaves you proud.
C. HIS
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“Lord, save me.”
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Immediate rescue.
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The shortest prayer — but effective.
CONCLUSION
“The will of God will not take you where the grace of God cannot keep you.”
“When you hear God’s voice, it’s time to jump! Jesus has His arms wide open.”