The Modern Pew

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Bible teaching and preaching from the pulpit of West Georgia Apostolic Tabernacle and our online ministry The Modern Pew.

  1. 6h ago

    The Way of the Few

    The Way of the Few Speaker: Pastor Paul Bailey Pastor Paul Bailey delivered a challenging and encouraging message that called believers to embrace the distinct life Christ has always intended for His followers. Centered on Jesus' prayer in John 17, the sermon reminded listeners that Christians are called to live in the world without becoming part of it. While the culture continues to drift further from God's truth, those who faithfully walk with Christ will naturally find their values, priorities, and desires shaped by His Word instead of the world around them. The message began by emphasizing that a close walk with God produces biblical separation. Pastor Bailey explained that as believers mature spiritually, God transforms them from the inside out, renewing their minds and changing their desires. He carefully distinguished biblical separation from isolation, teaching that the principle is one of consecration—being set apart for God's purposes. Rather than withdrawing from society, Christians are called to remain engaged, allowing God to use them as instruments of His grace. Isolation, he warned, leaves believers without purpose, while consecration prepares them for service. Pastor Bailey then turned to Christ's example of ministering to people. Jesus never withdrew from sinners, nor did He compromise His holiness to gain their acceptance. Instead, He entered their lives with compassion, mercy, and truth. Believers are called to follow that same pattern. Christians are not required to embrace sinful lifestyles or participate in worldly practices, but neither are they to lose their burden for those who are far from God. Remembering that every believer was once lost and rescued by God's grace should produce humility, compassion, and a desire to faithfully share the gospel. The sermon concluded by reminding listeners that God's purpose for leaving His people in the world is so they can serve as visible witnesses for Christ. Drawing from Jesus' teaching that believers are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, Pastor Bailey challenged Christians to live lives of holiness that give credibility to their testimony. In an increasingly dark culture, God's people are not called to blend in but to shine brightly, holding forth the Word of Life and pointing others to the Savior. Closing with the powerful words of 1 Peter, Pastor Bailey reminded the congregation that they are a chosen people called out of darkness into God's marvelous light. The message left listeners with searching questions about their own walk with Christ, their love for lost people, and the testimony their lives present each day. It was a compelling reminder that following Jesus means choosing His approval over the world's acceptance while living with both unwavering truth and genuine compassion. This message offers biblical encouragement for every believer seeking to faithfully navigate today's culture. Listen as Pastor Paul Bailey explains how God's people can remain consecrated to Christ, compassionate toward others, and committed to shining His light in a world that desperately needs the hope of the gospel.

    31 min

  2. Jun 24

    Be Content

    Pastor Paul Bailey delivered a timely and practical message titled “Be Content,” addressing a challenge that many believers face: finding the balance between contentment and continued growth. Drawing from Philippians 4:11-13, Pastor Bailey explained that true contentment is not found in favorable circumstances, personal achievements, or material possessions. Instead, it is learned through a growing confidence in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness regardless of life's changing conditions. Throughout the message, listeners were reminded that contentment should never be confused with complacency. Using a humorous illustration of four cows standing at a fence, each reaching into another pasture because they believed the grass was greener elsewhere, Pastor Bailey highlighted humanity’s tendency toward dissatisfaction. Many people spend their lives longing for something different and fail to appreciate the blessings God has already placed before them. At the same time, the sermon emphasized that God never intended contentment to lead to inactivity. Looking at Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Pastor Bailey showed that even in the most perfect environment ever known, God immediately entrusted mankind with responsibility. Genesis reveals that God blessed Adam and Eve, but He also commanded them to be fruitful, multiply, and exercise stewardship over His creation. Blessing and responsibility have always gone hand in hand. The message then turned to Noah’s experience after the flood. Standing amid the devastation of a world that had been destroyed, Noah received the same commission from God to move forward and fulfill His purpose. Pastor Bailey encouraged listeners not to allow loss, disappointment, setbacks, or difficult seasons to become reasons for quitting. God’s plans do not end when circumstances become difficult. Through Isaiah 40:31, believers were reminded that God renews the strength of those who continue to trust Him and move forward in faith. Finally, the sermon examined God’s instructions to the Jewish captives living in Babylon. Though they were far from home and living under less-than-ideal conditions, God called them to build, plant, grow, and seek the peace of the city where they lived. Pastor Bailey challenged believers to stop waiting for perfect circumstances before serving God. Instead, they are called to be a blessing and a positive influence wherever God has placed them. This encouraging message reminds listeners that while circumstances may change, God’s expectations remain consistent. Whether experiencing abundance or adversity, believers are called to trust God, steward their responsibilities faithfully, and impact others for His glory. It is a powerful reminder that contentment and purposeful living can—and should—exist together.

    31 min

  3. Jun 17

    Why We Should Pray

    Pastor Paul Bailey delivered a practical and encouraging message on the subject of prayer, reminding believers that prayer is one of the greatest privileges given to the child of God. Drawing from Matthew 6, he emphasized that prayer is far more than a religious obligation—it is a relationship with God. Prayer is not simply communication from man to God, but communion between God and man. Beginning with Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:5-6, Pastor Bailey highlighted that Jesus did not say “if” you pray, but “when” you pray. Prayer is expected to be a normal and consistent part of the believer’s life. He challenged listeners to consider how consistency is often what separates ordinary people from those considered extraordinary. Just as growth in exercise, finances, music, or art requires regular effort, a strong relationship with God is developed through consistent communication and fellowship with Him. Turning to the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-10, Pastor Bailey pointed out that prayer begins with reverence for God and seeks His will before seeking our own desires. He reminded believers that they approach God as children coming to their Heavenly Father for fellowship, counsel, provision, and instruction. Prayer is not merely about presenting requests; it is about cultivating a relationship with the One who loves and cares for His children. The message also focused on the importance of continual prayer. Using 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, Pastor Bailey encouraged believers to maintain an ongoing awareness of God throughout the day. Prayer should not be confined to a specific location or time but should become a continual fellowship with the Lord. He noted that thanksgiving and listening are essential parts of prayer, preventing it from becoming nothing more than a list of requests, complaints, or regrets. Continual prayer keeps the heart close to God and sensitive to His direction. Pastor Bailey further taught that prayer is a vital part of diligently seeking God. Referencing Hebrews 11:6 and Psalm 63:1, he explained that God rewards those who earnestly pursue Him. Prayer demonstrates that we value God’s presence, instruction, counsel, and fellowship. Seeking God early, both spiritually and practically, helps set the course for the entire day. In closing, listeners were challenged to examine whether they view prayer as a duty or a relationship. Pastor Bailey encouraged believers to seek God before seeking anything else, make prayer their first response rather than their last resort, and learn to recognize God’s voice through His Word. Ending with Mark 1:35, he reminded the congregation that if Jesus made time for prayer, then surely His followers need it as well. The message served as a powerful call to become people who seek God faithfully, continually, and sincerely.

    39 min

  4. May 27

    Personal Evangelism

    Pastor Paul Bailey delivered a message focused on the believer’s personal responsibility in evangelism, challenging the common assumption that reaching souls is reserved for preachers, evangelists, or ministry leaders. The message, titled Personal Evangelism, emphasized that sharing the gospel is not confined to an office or title, but is a calling placed upon every follower of Christ.  Using Paul’s instruction to Timothy from 2 Timothy 4:5, Pastor Bailey highlighted an important truth: Timothy was primarily known as a pastor and leader, yet Paul still instructed him to “do the work of an evangelist.” The focus, he explained, was not a ministry position but a spiritual obligation. He compared this responsibility to responding to a fire in a home. People do not stand back and wait for a certified firefighter when danger is immediate; they respond because urgency demands action. In the same way, believers should recognize the spiritual condition of those around them and respond to people trapped in hopelessness, confusion, depression, and sin rather than assuming someone else will step in. The message then explored two types of evangelistic opportunities. First, some opportunities come naturally. Pastor Bailey reminded listeners that people often watch the lives of believers long before they ever hear their words. A life marked by peace, faithfulness, joy, and holiness creates curiosity in others. Drawing from 1 Peter 3:15 and Jesus’ words in Matthew 5, he explained that faith was never intended to remain hidden. Just as light naturally draws attention, God uses visible testimonies to open doors for spiritual conversations. However, the message also stressed that not every opportunity simply appears on its own. Some moments require intentional pursuit. Referring to Jesus’ command in Mark 16:15 to “go into all the world,” Pastor Bailey encouraged believers not to sit passively waiting for opportunities but to actively seek them. He challenged listeners with the idea that before salvation many pursued worldly things with passion and determination; now that same energy should be redirected toward reaching souls. The message concluded with a powerful reminder that opportunities create responsibility. Pastor Bailey urged believers to ask themselves difficult but necessary questions: If not me, then who? If not now, then when? Ending with Jesus’ words about the plentiful harvest and the shortage of laborers, he called believers to move beyond hesitation and become willing workers in God’s harvest field. This message serves as both a challenge and an encouragement that God is still seeking people willing to respond to His call.

    42 min

  5. May 20

    The Power of Words

    Pastor Paul Bailey delivered a timely and convicting message titled “The Power of Words,” reminding listeners that words are never empty. Drawing from the opening chapter of Genesis, he emphasized that God revealed the incredible authority connected to speech when He spoke creation into existence. Repeatedly, Scripture declares, “And God said,” showing that God’s words brought order, light, and life out of chaos. Pastor Bailey explained that while mankind cannot create as God does, people made in God’s image still possess tremendous influence through the words they speak every day. Using Proverbs 18:21, Pastor Bailey taught that “death and life are in the power of the tongue,” challenging the congregation to recognize that every word spoken plants a seed that will eventually produce fruit. Words can heal or wound, restore or destroy, strengthen faith or spread fear. He warned that careless speech can leave lasting damage in homes, friendships, marriages, and churches. Referring to James chapter 3, he described the tongue as a small member capable of starting great fires, illustrating how uncontrolled speech can quickly spread destruction and alter the course of a person’s life. The message then turned toward the believer’s responsibility to speak words that edify and minister grace. Through Ephesians 4:29 and Colossians 4:6, Pastor Bailey encouraged Christians to sound different from the world by speaking with wisdom, kindness, and spiritual maturity. He stressed that every conversation leaves an impact and that believers represent Christ in every interaction. Rather than speaking negativity, criticism, or corruption, Christians are called to use words that build people up, strengthen relationships, and reflect the love of God. Pastor Bailey also highlighted Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 12, where the Lord declared that words reveal the true condition of the heart. What fills the heart will eventually come out through speech. Spirit-filled hearts produce life-giving words, while bitterness, anger, and unbelief reveal themselves through harmful conversation. He reminded listeners that even idle words matter to God and that spiritual maturity is often revealed by the way a person speaks. The sermon concluded with practical challenges for everyday life. Pastor Bailey urged listeners to examine whether their words are producing life or death, faith or fear, peace or conflict. He encouraged the congregation to speak gratitude, encouragement, prayer, and truth daily while allowing God to shape both their hearts and conversations. Closing with Proverbs 15:1 and Philippians 4:8, he reminded everyone that gentle, godly speech has the power to turn away wrath and create a harvest of righteousness. This powerful message serves as both a warning and an encouragement for every believer seeking to honor God through daily speech and Christ-centered communication.

    38 min

  6. May 13

    The Cost of Misalignment

    In this message titled “The Cost of Misalignment,” Pastor Paul Bailey delivers a compelling teaching on the danger of living out of alignment with God’s will, and the power that is released when faith, speech, prayer, and action are unified under divine purpose. Drawing from Matthew 21:18–22, he begins with the account of Jesus cursing the barren fig tree. As the morning unfolds between Bethany and Jerusalem, Jesus encounters a fig tree “in the way” that appears fruitful but produces nothing but leaves. Pastor Bailey highlights the symbolism: the tree represents anything in life that gives the appearance of productivity but lacks true fruit. Jesus’ response is immediate, and the tree withers—illustrating the swift consequences of misalignment with purpose. From this moment, he emphasizes Christ’s teaching on faith without doubt, speaking to obstacles, and ensuring that what is prayed for is believed and aligned with what is spoken. The message then expands into the tension of life, death, and eternal life. Pastor Bailey stresses that believers must accept the reality of physical death while also embracing the promise of life after death. However, the greater focus is on “abundant life” now—an experience shaped by aligning belief, confession, prayer, and obedience with the will of God. Through personal testimonies, he illustrates how alignment produces divine outcomes. From a locked church door opened at the right moment, to a distracting fly removed during ministry, to supernatural protection during a long drive, and even a healing in a hospital room—each story is presented not as personal power, but as yielded obedience to God’s will. He repeatedly emphasizes that he was simply a willing vessel, positioned in alignment with God’s purpose. Turning to James 2:15–17, Pastor Bailey reinforces that faith without works is dead. He challenges the idea of passive belief, insisting that faith must be demonstrated through action. Even when God commands stillness, as seen in Old Testament examples like Exodus and 2 Chronicles, obedience still requires action in response to God’s instruction. The message then moves to the book of Jonah, exploring why Jonah resisted God’s command to preach repentance to Nineveh. Pastor Bailey highlights God’s mercy, the people’s repentance, and the surprising fact that God responded to their change of heart. He emphasizes that God intentionally involves human participation in His redemptive work, choosing to work through obedience rather than bypassing it. Concluding with Deuteronomy 6:4–5, the call is clear: wholehearted love and total alignment with God are the foundation of a life that bears fruit. The sermon ends as a strong encouragement to listeners to examine their own alignment and discover the power of a life fully surrendered to God’s will.

    45 min

  7. Apr 22

    The Divine Order of Life

    In a sermon titled “The Divine Order of Life,” Pastor Paul Bailey addressed the modern struggle of balancing competing life responsibilities without establishing a clear spiritual hierarchy. He emphasized that Scripture does not present life as a set of equal priorities, but rather as an ordered structure with God at the center. Referencing Matthew 6:33, he taught that seeking first the Kingdom of God establishes the foundation for every other area of life. The message challenged listeners to evaluate whether God is simply included in their routines or truly placed first, shaping every decision and direction they take. Pastor Bailey centered the message on God’s rightful place as the believer’s first priority. Drawing from Deuteronomy 6:5 and John 14:15, he explained that love for God is demonstrated through wholehearted devotion and obedient living. He stressed that obedience is the clearest evidence of genuine love. When God is truly first, it brings order to a person’s responsibilities, roles, loyalties, and identity. Whether in work, family, or civic life, everything must be subordinated to the believer’s relationship with God. Without this order, he warned, confusion increases, but with it, life gains clarity, stability, and purpose. He then highlighted the family as the primary earthly arena where spiritual order is lived out. Drawing from 1 Timothy 5:8, Pastor Bailey taught that providing for one’s household extends far beyond financial provision, including love, time, forgiveness, patience, and spiritual leadership. While acknowledging that every family faces challenges, he stressed that caring for one’s home is a direct expression of serving God. The home, he noted, becomes the first and most visible place where godly order is demonstrated through practical love and faithful responsibility. Addressing work and societal roles, he taught that all responsibilities flow correctly when God is first and the home is aligned under that order. Citing Colossians 3:23, he encouraged believers to work wholeheartedly as unto the Lord, transforming everyday labor into worship. While affirming respect for governing authorities from Romans 13:1, he reminded the congregation that God remains supreme, as reflected in Acts 5:29. Misplaced priorities, he cautioned, lead to conflict and instability, but proper divine order produces integrity, peace, and purpose in daily living. Pastor Bailey concluded with reflective questions that pressed listeners to examine whether God is truly first in their daily decisions and whether their lives reflect proper spiritual alignment. Referencing Proverbs 3:6, he affirmed that God directs the paths of those who acknowledge Him in all their ways. He emphasized that biblical order is simple but often neglected, and that transformation comes not from adding God to an already full life, but from placing Him at the center so everything else falls into place. Listeners were encouraged to hear the full message for deeper insight, clarity, and encouragement.

    47 min

  8. Apr 15

    The Power of Choice

    The Power of Choice – Pastor Paul Bailey Pastor Paul Bailey delivered a clear and challenging message centered on one of the most fundamental realities of spiritual life: God has always given humanity the power—and responsibility—of choice. Beginning in Genesis, he pointed to the tree in the Garden of Eden as the earliest evidence that obedience to God has never been forced. God gave instruction, warning, and provision, but He also left room for man to decide whether to obey or reject His voice. Using Genesis 2:16–17, Pastor Bailey explained that the presence of the forbidden tree established an eternal principle: true obedience always involves a decision. From the very beginning, God made it clear that people would live with the responsibility of choosing what influences them, what directs them, and ultimately what rules their hearts. Moving to the life of Cain in Genesis 4, he showed how God did not leave Cain without guidance before sin took hold. Instead, God spoke directly, warning him that sin was near but also reminding him that he had authority over what happened next. That same pattern appears throughout Scripture—God reveals the way, but individuals must still choose whether to follow it. Joshua’s famous declaration, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve,” reinforced that serving God remains a personal decision that cannot be delegated. Pastor Bailey then turned to the example of Jesus, emphasizing that even Christ demonstrated the power of voluntary submission. In the wilderness and later in Gethsemane, Jesus faced moments where desire and obedience stood in tension. Luke 22:42 highlighted that surrender to God’s will was not automatic—it was chosen. He also noted that while Jesus invited many to follow Him, not all accepted that invitation, as seen in the rich young ruler who walked away sorrowfully because of competing priorities. The message continued with the reminder that even God’s promised “way of escape” must be chosen. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, believers are assured that God always provides a way through temptation, yet Pastor Bailey stressed that the escape route often does not look like what the flesh prefers. Forgiveness may be the way out of bitterness. Friendliness may be the answer to loneliness. God provides direction, but people must make room to recognize it before habit reacts. In closing, Pastor Bailey connected the message to the present spiritual climate, noting that while nations and kingdoms struggle outwardly, the deepest conflict happens within the human heart—over who will rule. Past patterns, flesh, fear, or the Spirit of God all compete for authority. His final challenge was direct: every believer has a choice to make, not only about life itself, but about how they will make their choices going forward.

    42 min
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About

Bible teaching and preaching from the pulpit of West Georgia Apostolic Tabernacle and our online ministry The Modern Pew.

Information

  • Creator
    From the Pulpit
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    185
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Modern Pew
  • Show Website
    The Modern Pew