First Baptist Church Big Spring Podcast

First Baptist Church Big Spring, TX
  • 4.6 (5)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Join in First Baptist Church's podcast. Mondays, we post the sermon from the day before. Thursdays are special topics that vary dealing with Christianity, the church and a wide variety of other topics.

  1. 2d ago

    August 30, 2026 Sermon

    In today’s sermon, God Looks at the Heart, Pastor Mark reminds us of a truth that can be easy to overlook: God is not impressed by appearances. We can do all the right things on the outside, say the right words, and look like we have everything together—but God sees what is happening beneath the surface. Drawing from 2 Chronicles 16:9, Pastor Mark challenges us to examine our hearts and how they are connected to the Father. What matters most isn't simply what people see in us, but what God sees in us. Pastor Mark walks us through five tests of the heart: The Treasure Test — What do we value most? The Thought Test — What occupies our minds? The Word Test — What comes out of our mouths? The Listening Test — Whose voice are we willing to hear and obey? The Worship Test — What—or who—has our heart? These tests challenge us to move beyond outward religion and toward a genuine relationship with God. Because we can fool other people, and we can even fool ourselves, but we cannot fool God. This message is a powerful reminder that God isn't simply looking at what we do—He is looking at our hearts. And when our hearts are truly surrendered to Him, our outward lives will naturally begin to reflect what is happening on the inside.

  2. 4d ago

    That Ain't in the Bible - Episode 17 - Hot Takes - Series Wrap up Part 1

    We’re nearing the end of That Ain’t in the Bible, and Jonathan and Brandon apparently decided that one final episode of controversy wasn't enough. So they're wrapping up the series with a two-part rapid-fire discussion of some of the smaller things Christians and churches commonly assume are in the Bible… but aren't. In Part 1, the guys go back and forth tackling a whole collection of topics, traditions, sayings, assumptions, and practices that have somehow worked their way into Christian culture despite Scripture never actually commanding them. Some are serious. Some are surprisingly funny. Some are going to make you say, “Wait… that's NOT in the Bible?” And yes, there are still a few hot takes thrown in for good measure. At this point, Jonathan and Brandon have spent an entire series questioning Southern Baptist traditions, church practices, personal preferences, and sacred cows. So naturally, the big question isn't “What does the Bible say?” anymore. It's “Will they still have jobs after this?” Assuming neither one gets fired, Part 2 will be released next week. Of course, if the Rapture happens before then, we'll never know whether they actually finished recording it—and depending on your interpretation of the end times, you may be listening to this episode with a very different theological opinion about what just happened. So buckle up for one or two more rounds of “That's not in the Bible,” and see how many traditions Jonathan and Brandon can challenge before somebody schedules a special-called business meeting. Because apparently, this is how we're ending the series: With a list of things that ain't in the Bible... and hopefully two employed podcast hosts.

    That Ain't in the Bible - Episode 17 - Hot Takes - Series Wrap up Part 1

  3. Aug 23

    August 23, 2026 Sermon

    In today’s sermon, Living Water for a Thirsty Soul, Pastor Mark takes us to John 4 and the powerful encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. This story reminds us that Jesus sees us personally and meets us exactly where we are. He wasn't concerned with the barriers that separated people in that culture—background, race, upbringing, reputation, or social status. Jesus crossed every one of those barriers because He cared about this woman and wanted her to know the truth. Pastor Mark reminds us that the same is true for us today. Jesus doesn't simply care about people in general—He cares about you personally. Whatever your background, whatever you've experienced, and whatever circumstances have shaped your life, Jesus offers something the world can never provide: living water for a thirsty soul. But that raises the most important question of the message: How do we get this living water? The answer isn't found in religion, success, possessions, or trying to clean ourselves up. We receive the living water through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Listen in as Pastor Mark reminds us that the Savior who met a woman at a well thousands of years ago is still seeking thirsty souls today—and He still offers the gift of life that only He can provide.

  4. Aug 20

    The Pastor and Paid Staff Do are Supposed to Do All the Work - That Ain't in the Bible - Episode 16

    We’ve made it to the next-to-last episode of That Ain’t in the Bible, and apparently we decided to go after the entire concept of professional church staff while we’re at it. You're welcome. In this episode, Jonathan and Brandon tackle a common assumption in church life: “That’s what we pay the pastor and staff to do.” Spoiler alert: that ain’t in the Bible. Scripture presents a very different picture of the local church. Pastors and other leaders are called to equip the saints for the work of ministry—not to personally do all the ministry while everyone else watches from the sidelines. The church is a body, and every believer has a role to play in accomplishing the mission God has given us. Jonathan and Brandon discuss why expecting pastors and paid staff to do everything can severely limit the effectiveness of a local church. If the Great Commission is actually the mission of every believer, then the church can't depend on a handful of paid employees to carry it out. And before someone says, “But I just prefer the church to do things this way…”—here's the problem: the church isn't a spiritual version of Burger King. You don't get to have it your way. Personal preferences are not the mission, and your preferred level of involvement isn't a biblical measure of discipleship. If we want to make disciples, serve our communities, reach the lost, and fulfill the Great Commission, we're going to have to stop asking, “What are they going to do for me?” and start asking, “What has God called me to do?” Because pastors matter. Paid staff matter. But the church was never designed to be a spectator sport. And if we really want to fulfill the Great Commission, we'd better figure this out. Because expecting the pastor and paid staff to do all the work? Yeah... that ain't in the Bible.

    The Pastor and Paid Staff Do are Supposed to Do All the Work - That Ain't in the Bible - Episode 16

  5. Aug 16

    August 16, 2026 Sermon

    In today’s sermon, Abide in Me, Pastor Mark takes us to John 15, where Jesus describes Himself as the vine and us as the branches. The message is simple but profound: we cannot produce spiritual fruit on our own. We must remain firmly connected to Christ. As we abide in Jesus, He produces fruit in our lives. Pastor Mark walks us through four important lessons about that fruit: Fruit is the proof of our relationship with Jesus. Our lives should provide evidence that we belong to Christ. We can only display the fruit God produces. Spiritual fruit isn't something we manufacture through our own effort; it comes from remaining connected to Jesus. Fruitful branches are pruned to produce more fruit. God sometimes removes things from our lives—not to harm us, but to make us more fruitful. Our primary job is to remain firmly connected to Christ. The branch doesn't have to figure out how to produce fruit. It simply has to stay connected to the vine. This message challenges us to ask an important question: Are we truly abiding in Jesus, or are we trying to produce spiritual fruit on our own? When we remain connected to Christ, He does what only He can do—He produces fruit in us that brings glory to God. Listen in and be reminded: the branch doesn't need to work harder to become the vine. It just needs to stay connected.

  6. Aug 13

    If you’re struggling that means you aren’t trusting God enough - That Ain't in the Bible - Episode 15

    In this episode of That Ain’t In the Bible, Jonathan and Brandon tackle one of the most harmful clichés floating around modern Christianity: "If you're struggling, you just aren't trusting God enough." Is that what the Bible actually teaches? Or is it another well-meaning saying that sounds spiritual but falls apart under biblical scrutiny? The guys take a hard look at the lives of biblical heroes like Job, David, Elijah, Paul, and even Jesus Himself. They discuss how Scripture consistently shows that faithful believers experience suffering, discouragement, grief, persecution, and seasons of deep struggle—not because they lacked faith, but often because they were faithfully following God. Along the way, Jonathan and Brandon push back against the false promises of the prosperity gospel, exposing the dangerous idea that enough faith guarantees health, wealth, or a struggle-free life. Instead, they point listeners to the biblical truth that God's presence is often most evident in our suffering, not in our escape from it. Fair warning: if your favorite preacher says that enough faith guarantees a bigger paycheck, perfect health, and zero problems, this episode may cause you to reach for the remote... or your Bible. We recommend the Bible. Because while trusting God through suffering is absolutely in the Bible..."Real Christians never struggle"?Yeah... that ain't in the Bible. Article Referenced

    If you’re struggling that means you aren’t trusting God enough - That Ain't in the Bible - Episode 15

  7. Aug 9

    August 9, 2026 Sermon

    In today’s sermon, Gethsemane: The Place of Burden, Pastor Mark takes us into the garden where Jesus faced the weight of what was about to come. Mark 14 gives us a glimpse into the humanity of Jesus as He wrestled in prayer while carrying a burden unlike anything we could ever fully understand. As Jesus looked toward the cross, He saw three profound realities represented by the cup He was about to drink: The cup of isolation — Jesus would face the cross alone. The cup of physical pain — He knew the suffering and agony that awaited Him. The cup of sinful shame — He would bear the weight of our sin and separation from the Father. Yet in the middle of His anguish, Jesus prayed and surrendered Himself to the Father's will: "Not what I will, but what You will." Pastor Mark reminds us that Gethsemane gives us an example for how we should respond when we face our own burdens. We can bring our deepest struggles honestly before God, pray with faith, and ultimately surrender our will to His. We may not understand every burden God allows us to carry, but we can trust the One who carried the greatest burden for us.

  8. Aug 6

    Saskatchewan Mission Trip with Special Guest Jerry Vincent

    What does ministry look like just across the border? In this special interview, Jonathan and Brandon sit down with Jerry Vincent, Pastor of College Baptist Church in Big Spring, to talk about his recent mission trip to Saskatchewan, Canada. Jerry shares stories from an incredible week of ministry alongside churches across the province, including opportunities to preach the Word, lead Vacation Bible School, serve through community projects, and encourage local congregations. The conversation also includes a unique behind-the-scenes look at meeting with government leaders inside the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly, providing a fascinating glimpse into how God is opening doors for gospel conversations in unexpected places. Throughout the episode, they why Canada remains a strategic mission field, the importance of partnering with churches to strengthen gospel ministry, and how God is at work in ways many believers in the United States may never realize. Whether you're considering going on a future mission trip, curious about ministry in Canada, or simply love hearing stories of God at work, this conversation will encourage and challenge you to think beyond your own community and embrace the Great Commission wherever God calls. Join us as we celebrate what God is doing north of the border—and discover why the mission field might be a whole lot closer than you think.

    Saskatchewan Mission Trip with Special Guest Jerry Vincent
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Join in First Baptist Church's podcast. Mondays, we post the sermon from the day before. Thursdays are special topics that vary dealing with Christianity, the church and a wide variety of other topics.

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