Shows
2020-02-0128 min2019-07-0229 min
PodClassNotes on Summer Camp by Cameron PrivettPodclass is a podcast that highlights student audio work from the Center for Visual Culture and Media Studies at Greenville University.This episode features the work of Computer and Information Science major, Cameron Privett. In this episode, Cameron tells us about his experiences working at a summer camp!
2019-05-3109 min
Sermons of Matt PrivettEternal PunishmentThe good news of salvation is incomplete without a warning against the bad news. God is holy and will pour out His wrath on all who reject Jesus for all eternity. This is biblical truth we should not run away from. We should warn the world... and rejoice in what Jesus has saved us from.
2019-05-1338 min2019-05-0540 minSermons of Matt PrivettMarks of an Exemplary MinistryPaul's ministry serves as an example for the way Christians should seek to serve the Lord today. In this sermon Pastor Matt tackles this challenging text that should have every believer examining himself-herself to see how they measure up.
2019-04-2942 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe First Resurrection StoryResurrection is not merely a New Testament theme, but a whole Bible reality. Case in point- Job. What was probably the very first book of the Bible that was written includes a few stunning sentences from a man suffering beyond our comprehension. What did he express- Complete faith in God, complete hope in seeing Him at some future point. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on the first resurrection story on this Resurrection Sunday.
2019-04-2237 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Revolution Has BegunThe resurrection is the climax of history past and the culmination of history future. There are ramifications on our lives and responses that are required. The living Christ will one day reign, but the spiritual revolution He starts in the hearts of those He saves precedes His coming. On which side of His revolution are you- Consider the ramifications of the resurrection in this special message from Matthew 28.
2019-04-1533 minSermons of Matt PrivettCalled Out OnesWhat is the church- Who is the church- What is the church supposed to look like- These are questions Paul answers for us in the opening verses of 1 Thessalonians. Listen as Pastor Matt exposits the text and we see what it means to have work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope in Christ.
2019-03-2542 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Panoramic CommandWhat is the most important command to obey- In this sermon, Pastor Matt contends it is found in 1 Corinthians 10-31 -- do all to the glory of God. When we do this, all of the other commands fall into place. Listen to why this is important, and how our basis for obeying this command is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ-
2019-02-2543 minSermons of Matt PrivettFaith Fire Can't BurnWhat would you do if you could have your life spared, if only it meant compromising your faith- The truth is we are faced with numerous temptations to compromise here and there every single day. We should follow the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who had a faith fire couldn't burn.
2019-02-1841 minSermons of Matt PrivettAuthority QuestionedOn Wednesday of the week He would be crucified, Jesus was setting the temple aright, teaching and preaching the gospel. However, the chief priests, scribes, and elders plotted to get rid of Him and sought to trap Him in His words. But Jesus knew better and responded to their question with one of His own. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on the significance of this situation where Jesus' authority was questioned, and what the ministry of John the Baptist has to do with your life today.
2019-02-1837 minSermons of Matt PrivettIdol WorshipAs sinners we are predisposed to worship idols, and idols come in many different forms. In this passage Pastor Matt looks at King Nebuchadnezzar and how similar we can tend to be, but also how Jesus delivers us from having to bow the knee to the idols in our lives.
2019-02-1537 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe King Cleans His HouseThe gatekeepers of Jewish religion in the first century not only ignored Scripture and added their own traditions, they were also involved in a lucrative racket at the temple itself. Jesus came into Jerusalem the week of His crucifixion, saw this -again-, and did something about it. Listen as Pastor Matt speaks to this passage regarding how we must have a holy fury against sin, a whole commitment to the word of God, and be ready for sin to be wholly committed against us.
2019-01-1440 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Sovereign King and the Stones Crying OutCommonly known today as the triumphal entry or -Palm Sunday,- there is a lot more going on in this passage than meets the eye. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on Jesus' final entry into Jerusalem, how it connects to the Old Testament in many ways, how it demonstrates the sovereignty of God, and how it prepares the way for judgment.
2019-01-0642 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Kind of People God GuidesKing David was simultaneously an adulterer, murderer, and a man after God's own heart- not unlike everyone who is a sinner solely saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. In Psalm 25, David lifts his voice-pen to the Lord, YHWH, and asks for Israel to be brought out of its troubles. In it, Pastor Matt expounds on the psalm and things in it which show the kind of people God guides.
2018-11-1249 minSermons of Matt PrivettNames Mean ThingsWhen the Babylonian Empire crushed Judah and the people were sent into exile, King Nebuchadnezzar tried to do more than just conquer people. He sought to strip away the identity of young men and replace it with his own. In this look at Daniel 1-1-8, Pastor Matt talks about the names of Daniel and the three men commonly known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego and what they were faced with.
2018-10-2934 minSermons of Matt PrivettThis Is Not A TestThe last thing Luke records before Jesus' final week was a parable He told about a nobleman who went away to receive a kingdom, and in the meantime his slaves were entrusted to do his business. Listen as Pastor Matt explains the parable and its implications for everybody.
2018-10-2241 minSermons of Matt PrivettWee Little MenYou may know this story through a children's song, but the song leaves out the best part. The Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost. God seeks sinners, and that's what we see in Luke 19-1-10. Listen as Pastor Matt exposits this text and we see the necessity of faith and a changed life.
2018-10-0841 minSermons of Matt PrivettReceive Your SightOn the heels of Jesus telling His disciples He was going to Jerusalem to be mocked and killed, but He would rise on the third day, Jesus encounters a blind beggar who cries out for mercy. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how the faith of the blind beggar, the healing power of Jesus, and the faithful response are instructive for you and me.
2018-09-1042 minSermons of Matt PrivettMany Times As MuchOn the heels of the rich young ruler walking away from Jesus, unwilling to abandon his lifestyle for eternal life, the disciples mentioned to Jesus they -had- left homes and more. Jesus responded with a promise of comfort to all who will come to Him completely. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on Christ's solemn statement about His coming crucifixion and His message of encouragement for those who believe.
2018-07-3045 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Truly Pentecostal ChurchOn the Pentecost Sunday, Pastor Matt explains from Acts 2 the birth of Jesus' church, the basis for Jesus' church's existence, and the blueprint for Jesus' church. Listen to this sermon which should cause you to ask what you are doing to glorify God in your local church.
2018-05-2147 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Word of Life ManifestedHaving settled the eternality of Jesus Christ in the first phrase of this letter, now John turns his attention to the humanity and historicity of Christ. However, this is no mere set of intellectual facts to acknowledge. In the reality of Christ we find our joy, our satisfaction, and our commission. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on this -and a little more-.
2018-05-1437 minSermons of Matt PrivettWhat Was From the BeginningThe opening phrase of 1 John is only five words long in English, but it's power packed. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how John very succinctly makes his case for the eternality of Jesus Christ, then listen to further proof that Jesus did not come into being in Bethlehem, but -was- all along.
2018-05-0741 minSermons of Matt PrivettIntroducing 1 John by Introducing JohnAs we prepare for our journey through the book of 1 John, we take a look at what the Bible says about the author. In so doing, God shows us through His word that we must be devoted to both truth and love under the lordship of Christ.
2018-04-3046 minSermons of Matt PrivettWhat We Lose if Jesus Has Not Been RaisedThe resurrection is the pinnacle of human history -so far-, but what if it's just a story- A fable- An illusion- What if Jesus has not been raised- In this Resurrection Sunday sermon, Pastor Matt answers those questions from the word of God in a message every believer and unbeliever needs to hear.
2018-04-0240 minSermons of Matt PrivettListen, All You PeopleHave you ever heard of the prophet Micaiah- He was a man willing to speak the words of God when nobody wanted to hear it. Listen as Pastor Matt preaches his story from 1 Kings 22, weaving it with that of Martin Luther as we approach the 500th anniversary of his 95 Theses. The bottom line- We must live in, meditate on, act upon, and speak the words of God.
2017-10-2341 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Power of a TestimonyYou know Jesus has commanded you to go and make disciples, but are you intimidated by the thought of sharing the gospel- What if people don't like it- What if people ask questions and you don't know the answers- In this message we see a couple of examples of the power of a testimony -- telling what God has done for you and how He has had mercy on you. I hope this message, preached at Fairview Baptist Church, will encourage you.
2017-10-0238 minSermons of Matt PrivettGod Saves Leprous HeartsThis is one of my favorite underrated Old Testament passages because it's a real event that paints such a beautiful picture of the gospel. Naaman was a prideful man and a leper, both physically and spiritually. Yet, until he humbled himself and obeyed the words of the man of God, entrusting himself to God's provision for salvation, he had no hope.
2017-06-1246 minSermons of Matt PrivettGraduation DayWhen Moses died Israel wasn't left in a lurch. God had already called Joshua to be his successor. In His instructions to Joshua God's faithfulness shines through. Yet, the faithfulness of God demands a response from those who love Him and seek to follow Him. Listen as Pastor Matt explains.
2017-06-1240 minSermons of Matt PrivettGod's Glorious Salvation in JonahIn this overview of Jonah we see not only the remarkable events which took God's prophet from a boat to the belly of a fish to preaching repentance to the most powerful empire on earth at the time, but we are also confronted with our own sin, our own commission to preach the gospel and make disciples, and the grace and compassion of our salvation, from whom comes salvation.
2017-05-0438 minSermons of Matt PrivettHe Remains FaithfulIn the middle of the last letter in Scripture Paul would write, we read what almost amounts to a three verse hymn, an early creed for the early church, pointing to simple, but essential, gospel truths. Toward the conclusion Paul curiously writes, -If we are faithless, He remains faithful.- What does that mean, and why are those words of the utmost encouragement to those in the faith- Take a listen and find out.----This message was preached at Red Branch Baptist Church at their midweek service.
2017-03-2341 minSermons of Matt PrivettBenedictionPaul's last written words to the church at Corinth are both theologically rich and incredibly practical. He offered them six imperatives, one glorious blessing, and two incredible promises to boot. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on the apostle's appeal to the Triune God as both the source and motivation for the church.
2017-02-0240 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Most Dangerous SinThe encounter between Jesus and the rich young ruler is one of the most familiar in the Gospels. In it we are confronted with the gracious gift of eternal life from God, what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and with the question of whether or not we will submit to His lordship.
2017-01-3032 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Funeral of Willie HartsellThe funeral message for Willie Hartsell, by Pastor Matt Privett
2017-01-3012 minSermons of Matt PrivettJudah and TamarThe account of Judah and Tamar wouldn't make a good Valentine's Day sermon and most who read Genesis 38 probably do so in fast-forward or with eyes glazed over. But all Scripture is inspired by God and you don't want to miss how one of the uglier episodes in all of the Old Testament plays a part in God keeping His promises to His people, and the very practical applications to the lives of all believers.
2017-01-2636 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Two ReligionsThe parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector is, for good reason, one of the most memorable of all the things Jesus taught. In just six verses Jesus makes a sharp distinction between a religion based of human works and religion based on divine accomplishment. Which religion is yours- To which kingdom are you heading-
2017-01-2333 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Most Forsaken Prayer RequestThe parable of the widow and unjust judge is often read and understood in a way which provokes more persistent prayer. Certainly it does call for us to pray, but the context shows us there is something specific in mind about which we ought to pray. Listen as Pastor Matt exposits the text which leaves us asking the question of ourselves, -Am I longing for Christ--
2017-01-1637 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Dreamer Who Became A SlaveThe account of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers is one familiar to many, even many who don't regularly read the Scriptures. However, as it is with most passages, there is more than meets the eye here. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on the faithfulness of Joseph, the evil of Joseph's brothers, the evil of Jacob's sons, the anguish of a father, and the sovereign and gracious hand of God over it all.
2017-01-1235 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Son Who Became A DreamerThe account of the life of Joseph begins in earnest with this passage, and we learn much. He was faithful to his father in that his father's interests were his priority. He was hated by jealous brothers as a result of his father's favoritism and the Lord's choice of him. We also see a small but significant way in which God alters the way He communicates with His people. The era of the patriarchs is coming to an end as the emphasis moves to the twelve tribes.
2017-01-0533 minSermons of Matt PrivettWhile We're Still HereAfter Jesus was raised He had an encounter with a man who had failed Him, Simon Peter. But instead of berating him, Jesus restored Peter, provoking in him the love of God and reminding him he had a mission to fulfill. As we come into a new year, may this message provoke in us a desire to follow Christ more closely in 2017.
2017-01-0226 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Fullness of the Time: A Christmas MeditationGod made known the people from whom Messiah would come, the place from which Messiah would come, and the general time when Messiah would come. On this Sunday morning Pastor Matt starts in an unlikely Christmas text and ends with the glorious truth that sinners can be made sons of God.
2016-12-2628 minSermons of Matt PrivettAnna's Great ExpectationsThere are only three verses in all of Scripture devoted to an obscure woman named Anna. She isn't mentioned before, she isn't mentioned after. But what we see of her shows a woman looking for the Messiah, zealous for the Messiah, and telling others of the Messiah. There is a boat-load of glorious truth and application in what the Spirit tells us about a woman named Anna.
2016-12-2234 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Second Coming of Christ ForetoldWho wouldn't like to know when the kingdom of God is coming- The problem for the Pharisees is that they were seeing it before their eyes and missing it. The disciples, meanwhile, would need to know more about it. So here Jesus unravels a little bit of the future for them. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how those in Christ should long for His return, and live confidently in obedient faith in light of God's promises.
2016-12-1938 minSermons of Matt PrivettRahab: The Harlot Made HolyThere was little earthly reason to expect an Amorite harlot would help the people of God overthrow her own city, and yet Rahab the harlot placed her faith in YHWH, the one true God, the God of heaven and earth. Listen to this snapshot of what the Bible says about this unlikely woman of faith, and she is an example to all who are in Christ.
2016-12-1535 minSermons of Matt PrivettGenerationsAs the book of Genesis shifts focus from Jacob to his sons, this section of the text is often overlooked, or at the very least read in -fast-forward.- However, all Scripture is inspired and there are valuable lessons to learn about God, His word, and His plan from this passage.
2016-12-1228 minSermons of Matt PrivettMade WellIn this account unique to Luke, Jesus encountered ten leprous men as He came to a village. They cried out for mercy and He delivered. Listen as Pastor Matt explains the need we all have to be cleansed, and how we can only be made well -i.e., saved- through the God-man, Jesus Christ.
2016-12-1233 minSermons of Matt PrivettWe Will Worship TheeUnderstanding who Jesus is, why He came, and how we should respond to Him are essential to the faith, and if we don't bring these things to bear on Christmas, then we lose what Christmas is all about.
2016-12-0517 minSermons of Matt PrivettTransitionFollowing traumatic events in Shechem, Genesis 35 captures Jacob making some important decisions about the direction of his life and that of his family. In the midst of a newfound resolve to follow YHWH as God, Jacob also experiences loss. Out of death comes life, though, and in the birth and naming of Benjamin we see a picture of how God saves sinners.
2016-12-0135 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Faith to ForgiveIn verses 1-4 Jesus gave His disciples an explicit command to forgive. As the reality and gravity of Jesus' intention for them began to sink in, the apostles realized they weren't up to it so they asked Jesus, -Increase our faith-- Listen as Pastor Matt explains the implications of the life-altering command to forgive, and how it's the most God-like thing we can do.
2016-11-2838 minSermons of Matt PrivettSharing Life Together When There Is SinHow can we truly share life together, obeying Jesus' command to love one another as ourselves, when we still sin and so do others- Jesus lets us know here. This passage cuts to the heart, because Jesus lets us know we're going to have to take a hard look at ourselves and do the hard things if we're going to be His disciple.
2016-11-2138 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Rape of Dinah and Why It's In the BibleOne commentator has written about how he doesn't know how anyone could preach from Genesis 34. The average reader might wonder of what benefit a chapter this ugly could be. Pastor Matt takes us through the rape of Dinah, the responses of Jacob, Simeon, and Levi, and why God saw fit to include all of this in His word.
2016-11-1838 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Great Chasm Between Paradise and TormentJesus uses a compelling parable to illustrate the eternity's worth of difference in how to respond to God's word. In the rich man and Lazarus we see a great reversal, a great chasm between their eternities, and a great warning to everyone living.
2016-11-1441 minSermons of Matt PrivettHow to Win the ElectionThe 2016 election has been one of the hardest for Christians to know what to do. There is more anxiety and fear surrounding this election than perhaps any other. So how do Christians vote- How do we respond- How do we live- Pastor Matt gives us some things to remember... which will still be true Wednesday morning.
2016-11-0738 minSermons of Matt PrivettAnatomy of a ScofferJesus had told His disciples the parable of the unrighteous steward, but the Pharisees overheard it and scoffed. Jesus used the opportunity to expose what's in and comes from those who may, for everything they are and do, be religious, but really are opposed to Christ.
2016-10-3139 minSermons of Matt PrivettJacob Reunites with EsauWhat would it be like to reunite with a brother you haven't seen in twenty years- One who you had significant heat with- That's what is going on in this passage. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on Jacob and Esau coming together again, and what it means to us.
2016-10-2536 minSermons of Matt PrivettJacob Wrestles GodJacob may have had Laban in his rear view mirror, but a greater challenge and potential threat lay before him in his estranged brother Esau. How would Jacob respond- And what would God do to change Jacob's life- Listen in to Pastor Matt explaining this provocative passage.
2016-10-2535 minSermons of Matt PrivettWhat Rejecting God Looks LikeThis audio is from night one of a revival meeting held at Red Branch Baptist Church. Pastor Matt brought his recent series on the parable of the prodigal son to this revival setting.----Our study of the parable of the prodigal son concludes with Pastor Matt looking at the father coming out to plead with his older son to come in to the celebration. Listen as he shows how the older son is a picture of someone who is religious but rejects God, and also at the awkward ending to the parable.
2016-10-2446 minSermons of Matt PrivettTrust and WealthOn the heels of a parable about a prodigal son who squandered his estate, Jesus turns His attention to His disciples and tells a parable about an unrighteous manager who squandered his master's riches. Listen to Pastor Matt talk about the unexpected turn this parable takes and the invaluable lesson for those who follow Christ.
2016-10-2438 minSermons of Matt PrivettWhat Self-Righteousness Looks LikeThis audio is from night one of a revival meeting held at Red Branch Baptist Church. Pastor Matt brought his recent series on the parable of the prodigal son to this revival setting.----Attention is turned to the older brother and his response to the new his brother had returned and been received by his father. In this sermon Pastor Matt draws out the comparison Jesus was making between the older brother and the scribes and Pharisees listening to Him. This is a look into the mirror we all need.
2016-10-2038 minSermons of Matt PrivettWhat Forgiveness Looks LikeThis audio is from night one of a revival meeting held at Red Branch Baptist Church. Pastor Matt brought his recent series on the parable of the prodigal son to this revival setting. ----Continuing in the -Parable of the Prodigal Son,- in this message Pastor Matt examines the unexpected response of the father when the prodigal came home and shows how it is clear picture of the gospel and how God saves sinners. The truth here is imperative for all sinners to understand.
2016-10-1940 minSermons of Matt PrivettWhat Repentance Looks LikeThis audio is from night one of a revival meeting held at Red Branch Baptist Church. Pastor Matt brought his recent series on the parable of the prodigal son to this revival setting. ----We continue our look at this most familiar and most understood of parables. Having seen in the prodigal what a sinner looks like, in this sermon we saw the prodigal -come to his senses- and decide to return to his father. In so doing, we saw what repentance looks like.
2016-10-1840 minSermons of Matt PrivettWhat a Sinner Looks LikeThis audio is from night one of a revival meeting held at Red Branch Baptist Church. Pastor Matt brought his recent series on the parable of the prodigal son to this revival setting. ----In this message we begin looking at what is simultaneously the most familiar and most misunderstood of Jesus' parables -- the prodigal son. Pastor Matt sets the context for what Jesus said here and discusses how the younger son in the first few verses of the parable is a picture of the sinner who, through his sin, separates himself from God.
2016-10-1745 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Grave Danger of Undestroyed SinKing Saul was given the immense privilege of being used by God to bring His word to pass, but his obedience to God's command was only in part, not in whole. In this message Pastor Matt speaks about how a high view of a holy God requires a right view about how awful sin is, and how those in Christ must hack sin to pieces as Samuel did to Agag.
2016-10-1744 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Comfort of Faith and a FutureSpeaking to His disciples in the upper room, the mood was one of great hurt and sadness. But in the passage Pastor Matt looks at here, He gives them what they need- the comfort which comes from faith and hope for a certain future.
2016-10-0331 minSermons of Matt PrivettVictory from God in Spite of Our SinThe northern kingdom of Israel was a spiritual disaster, ruled by wicked king after wicked king. They were completely undeserving of God's grace. Yet, God made a covenant with Abraham, so He would remain faithful to Israel, giving them victory they certainly didn't earn. See how this parallels our salvation, and how in the response of Israel's king we learn how we ought to be responding to the grace God shows us.
2016-09-2639 minSermons of Matt PrivettFather and Sons, Part 5: What Rejecting God Looks LikeOur study of the parable of the prodigal son concludes with Pastor Matt looking at the father coming out to plead with his older son to come in to the celebration. Listen as he shows how the older son is a picture of someone who is religious but rejects God, and also at the awkward ending to the parable.
2016-09-1941 minSermons of Matt PrivettFather and Sons, Part 4: What Self-Righteousness Looks LikeAttention is turned to the older brother and his response to the new his brother had returned and been received by his father. In this sermon Pastor Matt draws out the comparison Jesus was making between the older brother and the scribes and Pharisees listening to Him. This is a look into the mirror we all need.
2016-09-1237 minSermons of Matt PrivettHow to Worship Our Great LordThis psalm extols the people of God to worship Him with enthusiasm, reverence, and in the truth. Suggestion- Read Hebrews 3-7-4-13 before and after you listen.
2016-09-0831 minSermons of Matt PrivettFather and Sons, Part 3: What Forgiveness Looks LikeContinuing in the -Parable of the Prodigal Son,- in this message Pastor Matt examines the unexpected response of the father when the prodigal came home and shows how it is clear picture of the gospel and how God saves sinners. The truth here is imperative for all sinners to understand.
2016-09-0536 minSermons of Matt PrivettFather and Sons, Part 2: What Repentance Looks LikeWe continue our look at this most familiar and most understood of parables. Having seen in the prodigal what a sinner looks like, in this sermon we saw the prodigal -come to his senses- and decide to return to his father. In so doing, we saw what repentance looks like.
2016-08-2936 minSermons of Matt PrivettJacob vs. LabanWhen Jacob first announced his intentions to leave Laban and go home, Laban resisted and cut a deal for him to stay. God prospered Jacob until telling him it was time to go. Then God delivered Jacob from trouble with Laban. Finally, God granted Jacob peace. Listen to how these events fit in to Genesis and also paint for us a picture of the gospel.
2016-08-2542 minSermons of Matt PrivettFather and Sons, Part 1: What a Sinner Looks LikeIn this message we begin looking at what is simultaneously the most familiar and most misunderstood of Jesus' parables -- the prodigal son. Pastor Matt sets the context for what Jesus said here and discusses how the younger son in the first few verses of the parable is a picture of the sinner who, through his sin, separates himself from God.
2016-08-2235 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Real Housewives of HaranIn this passage we get the sons of Jacob -most of them, anyway- and the multiple-wives filled drama with which they came into the world. And through the sliminess of it all, we see an acknowledgement of God's sovereign hand from women who, despite their faults, were God's instruments in faithfully fulfilling His covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob.
2016-08-1933 minSermons of Matt PrivettFor the Sake of the NameWhat do those who walk in truth look like- And what do those who don't walk in truth look like- The answers to both of those questions are given in the short letter of 3 John. It is an encouraging call to be on mission, a serious warning against pride, and instruction to emulate those who are faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on this oft-neglected but very helpful letter.
2016-08-1936 minSermons of Matt PrivettJacob Reaps What He's SownJacob moves on from the place he heard from God to the home of his mother's brother, Laban. Hear again the episode which brought Jacob more wives than he bargained for, and consider the sovereign providence of God in bringing about His purposes.
2016-08-1229 minSermons of Matt PrivettWe Must Walk in TruthWhat did the aged apostle John have to say to a church he loved, with no guarantee he would see them again- It was all about the truth. Paul calls the church the pillar and support of the truth and in this short but potent letter John speaks to how highly we must value the truth and live it out.
2016-08-0842 minSermons of Matt PrivettJacob in the House of GodJacob left the security of home, embarking on a 500-mile, weeks long journey with nothing more than the blessing of his father and the implicit promise of God within that blessing. Along the way God spoke to Jacob personally in a memorable dream through which God demonstrated His faithfulness and ultimately how He meets our ultimate need. Listen to consider this and the response of Jacob in what is an extremely rich passage of Scripture.
2016-08-0435 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe God Who Cleanses Leprous HeartsAn episode recorded during the era of the divided kingdom shows a powerful Gentile military leader coming to Israel to be cured of leprosy, but God had an even bigger cleansing in mind. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how the cleansing of Naaman the Aramean is a picture of our own salvation, and how we must avoid because like Elisha's servant, Gehazi.
2016-08-0135 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Will of God in a Stolen BlessingThis extended passage deals with Isaac wanting to bless Esau before he dies, but Rebekah setting in motion a plan for Jacob to -steal- the blessing. The passage is bookended with often overlooked but important passage which reveal Esau's character. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds the text and shows how, no matter what, God's will is done.
2016-07-2848 minSermons of Matt PrivettWhat Happens When You Decapitate YourselfThis passage is written after the fall of the northern kingdom asking the question, -Why-- Why did it happen- Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on the reasons given in the text and hear the clear application for the people of God today.
2016-07-2535 minSermons of Matt PrivettThough the World Be FloodedOn the heels of our Vacation Bible School, in which our children learned about the truthfulness of God's word as it relates to Noah's Ark, and how that and the flood apply to them, Pastor Matt provides an overview of the familiar but often misunderstood biblical narrative for the entire congregation. Listen and be reminded afresh what the Noah narrative really all about. It's as relative to us as it was to Noah.
2016-07-1837 minSermons of Matt PrivettRace in a World Gone MadIn light of recent events -the deaths of two African-American men and the subsequent shootings of twelve Dallas police officers, five of whom died-, Pastor Matt brings the word of God to bear on the events and on us. How should we think about race, and knowing what the Bible says, how should we then live- Please take the time to listen to this important message.
2016-07-1139 min2016-07-0417 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Wicked StrutOn a long weekend in which our nation celebrates 240 years of independence, we abuse our liberty if we do not consider the state of our union in light of the Scriptures. What we find is a long train of abuses which, just in the past few days, have been magnified. The right to life is subservient to the right to kill in America. Religious liberty comes only if it doesn't interfere with sexual liberty. The wicked strut on every side when vileness is exalted among the sons of men. How shall we then live- Pastor Matt examines these issues in...
2016-07-0428 minSermons of Matt PrivettWhen Praising God Seems ImpossibleReflecting on the horror of the exile and the wasteland the Israelites came back to, the psalmist is in a place where praising God seems impossible. Yet, true faith and true worship demand that when all else seems lost we can, should, and must trust in the Lord. In this message Pastor Matt reflects on the King of Righteousness who is also the King of Peace.
2016-06-3040 minSermons of Matt PrivettThis Man Receives SinnersThis man receives sinners.----Those four words show the difference between the religion of the Bible and everything else. The Pharisees and the scribes didn't like it so Jesus used parables. The parable of the lost sheep and the parable of the lost coin show us the sacrificial love of God for all those whom He is saving, and the joy it gives Him to do so. Listen and marvel at what God does for those who come to Him with repentance.
2016-06-2739 minSermons of Matt PrivettPass the TorchIn this sermon related to issues of the family, Pastor Matt goes to Proverbs to show us the vital importance not only of showing our children the Lord, but keeping them out of things that will keep them from Him.
2016-06-1328 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Things Paul Prayed ForThe apostle Paul wrote to the church at Philippi while under some form of imprisonment. There was little reason to be hopeful, except for his confidence in Christ. That brought Paul great joy and led to him letting the church know what he was praying for them about -- their love, their theology, and their practice. Listen as Pastor Matt talks about this and how it should inform how we pray and live.
2016-06-0634 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Funeral of Susie Frye DupreeFamily, friends, and Bethlehem Baptist Church said goodbye to Susie Dupree, 95, who died on May 31. This is the message Pastor Matt preached at her service.------ Note- Pastor Matt was struggling with a cough throughout the message.
2016-06-0515 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Cost of Following JesusJesus lays it on the line in this passage with regards to what He demands of those who will come to Him and be His disciples. The bottom line is that everything you are and have has to be entrusted to Him. It will cost you everything... but the reward is even greater. Listen to this message that will, God willing, challenge you to a greater degree of faithfulness.
2016-05-3035 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Lovingkindness of God Endures All Day LongIn the midst of tragedy, David might have been tempted to run from God and even blame him for what happened. Instead, David rested in the enduring lovingkindness of God. Listen to how what David went through is applicable to us, and how we can trust in the goodness of God.
2016-05-2636 minSermons of Matt PrivettYes to the Promises, No to the SonBuilding upon His teaching in Luke 14-1-14, Jesus tells the parable of a host who plans a great banquet and invites many guests, only to have those guests accept the first invitation but, when the time came to go, reject him. This is a parable on God's plan to save, and the question to you is how you are responding to the Lord's call.
2016-05-2436 minSermons of Matt PrivettLike Father, Like SonWe get our closest look at Isaac in this passage, as the narrative recounts a series of events in his life that closely resemble events in the life of his father, Abraham. The overarching theme of the passage is God's faithfulness, and how that is an anchor for those in Christ to live with obedient faith.
2016-05-1939 minSermons of Matt PrivettTwo Nations, One BirthrightWith Abraham dead, the focus on the covenant promise of God moving on goes from Isaac to the next generation. Listen again to how Isaac's children came into the world and how God was sovereignly at work in them before they were even born.
2016-05-1925 minSermons of Matt PrivettOn to the Next GenerationThe era of Abraham comes to an end. He remarries after Sarah's death, has six more sons, dies, and then the descendants of his first son, Ishmael, are recounted. The overarching theme of it all being that God has kept and is keeping His promises. Listen to what that means for us.
2016-05-1924 minSermons of Matt PrivettThe Will of God for WomenIt's Mother's Day, but for so many what makes a good woman, a good wife, and a good mother is determined by the world's standards, not God's. In this message Pastor Matt takes us to the preeminent text on biblical womanhood to challenge not just the modern thinking on women, but show us how biblical womanhood reflects the person, work, and glory of Jesus Christ.
2016-05-0937 minSermons of Matt PrivettA Wife for IsaacWith Sarah now gone and Abraham in his twilight years, attention turned to the next generation and the continuation of the covenant promise of God. To that end, Isaac needed a wife. Listen as Pastor Matt walks through this rich narrative which points us to the faithfulness and provision of God, and how when God's people know what the will of God is there should be no delay in doing it.
2016-04-2842 minSermons of Matt PrivettWhere to Look When You're DownWhere did David look when everything seemed to be against him- He looked back on God's faithfulness in the past, but that wasn't completely sufficient. He looked around, but all he saw was disappointment, but we're all sinners. But when he looked up he found the Lord still IS gracious to him and still raises him up. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds upon this psalm which has great application to the believer's life.
2016-04-2737 min
Matt Schichter Interviews34 - Carbon LeafMusician Barry Privett from the band Carbon Leaf (The Boxer, Life Less Ordinary) chats with Matt Schichter in Kitchener, ON.
2004-12-0700 min