Shows
FBC Wilmington SermonsLetting Go of Shame | Clearing Out Shame | John 2:13-22 | Rev. Barrett OwenJesus overthrows the tables in Jerusalem’s Temple. He makes a whip of cords and drives the people and animals out too. There are a lot of things we keep stocked in our Temple, our body, soul, and mind that need to be cleared out. Jesus demonstrates in life what needs to also happen inside of each of us.-Rev. Barrett Owen2024-03-0415 min
FBC Wilmington SermonsLetting Shame Go | Seeing Shame | Mark 8:31-38 | Rev. Barrett OwenThe only time in scripture that Jesus calls someone Satan is right here, and he says it to Peter. Peter’s shame is what we need to see because it closely resembles ours. He didn’t want Jesus to die but rather conquer the world as it was on earth. He could not accept another way, and this was his shame. It's not much different today.-Rev. Barrett Owen2024-02-2615 min
FBC Wilmington SermonsLetting Shame Go | Baptizing Shame | Mark 1:9-15 | Rev. Barrett OwenThe act of baptism is one of renewal. We die to our old self and rise again in new life. It is past time our shame is baptized. But beware, just because we name it and let go of it, that does not stop it from trying to come back to tempt us. The arch of Jesus’ baptism to his testing in the wilderness is similar to our arch too. Shame creeps in to test us all the time. But if we can remember the core truth of our existence, we can learn to not let it take power over us...2024-02-2618 min
FBC Wilmington SermonsLoving Our Neighbors | Our Sweet but Misguided Neighbors | Mark 9:2-9 | Rev. Becca JonesJesus takes Peter, James, and John up to a mountain and they see Jesus transform before God, Elijah, and Moses. Immediately, Peter wants to start talking and build an alter. God steps in and changes the energy of the discussion. Peter is being sweet, but he’s misguided. He’s strong-willed but doesn’t have all the facts. Even these people need to be loved. Jesus shows us how.-Rev. Becca Jones2024-02-1313 min
FBC Wilmington SermonsLoving Our Neighbors | Loving Our Sick Neighbors | Mark 1:29-39 | Rev. Barrett OwenIn the gospels, Jesus heals the sick constantly. So much so that it becomes a priority of ministry for Jesus and the disciples. Nothing has changed today. Sickness is a part of life. Being neighborly means creating the space necessary to see who is ill and showing up and offering healing. This happens in Mark 1 and can/should still happen today.-Rev. Barrett Owen2024-02-0717 min
FBC Wilmington SermonsLoving Our Neighbors | Our Wounded Neighbors | Mark 2:1-11 | Rev. Barrett OwenMost everyone we meet is walking wounded. We carry deep-pitted scars that affects the way we walk and engage others in the world. Followers of Christ must be able to see those who are wounded both emotionally and physically. And we need to do what the characters in Mark 2 do, carry those people to Jesus.-Rev. J. Barrett Owen2024-01-3122 min
FBC Wilmington SermonsLoving Our Neighbors | Our Partnering Neighbors | Mark 1:14-20 | Rev. Barrett OwenIn the gospels, Jesus calls individuals to follow him. These disciples become intricate to the spread of Jesus’ movement of love. These disciples were strangers at first but quickly became partners in a shared mission. They bring different skillsets and different perspectives to the table. Christianity should continue to work this way moving forward.-Rev. J. Barrett Owen2024-01-2218 min
FBC Wilmington SermonsLoving Our Neighbors | Our Cantankerous Neighbors | John 1:43-51 | Rev. Barrett OwenLoving the cantankerous souls of the world is challenging. It may need to be said that loving others doesn’t mean we have to be in constant relationship with them. Instead, loving our neighbors means we genuinely wish them well. In John 1, Jesus calls disciples and not all of them have the most open spirit. Philip takes convincing. He’s hard-hearted. But through love, relationships change.-Rev. J. Barrett Owen2024-01-1817 min
FBC Wilmington SermonsLoving Our Neighbors | Our Global Neighbors | Matthew 2:1-12 | Rev. Barrett OwenJesus is born! Magi come from the East bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. To dismiss these travelers would be to dismiss the moment the world-stage declares Jesus as the rightful king. The only way this moment could have happened is for Mary and Joseph to not be afraid of strangers. They opened their soul to their global neighbors. We can too.Rev. Barrett Owen2024-01-1014 min
FBC Wilmington SermonsLoving Our Neighbors | John 1:1-8 | Rev. Josh GodwinLoving our neighbors is a command from Jesus and is part of who he is described to be in the opening words of John's Gospel. Hear this message from our Minister to Students, Josh Godwin on sharing the love of Christ.-Rev. Josh Godwin2024-01-0823 min
FBC Wilmington SermonsChristmas Eve Message | Christ's Light Shines Love | Luke 2:1-20 | Rev. Barrett OwenThe true light that shines at Christmas is for everyone. And the most amazing part of it is darkness cannot snuff it out. Christ is the light that shines love to all corners of the world. It flows fro the heavens, from the manger, and lands in the souls of all people and creatures. Seeing this light, and shining this light, is the call of Christmas on our lives.-Rev. J. Barrett Owen2024-01-0807 min
FBC Wilmington SermonsThis Little Light Shines Joy | Matthew 1:18-25 | Rev. J. Barrett OwenAs Matthew tells it, Joseph wants nothing to do with Mary’s pregnancy until an angel of the Lord stepped in and spoke. This voice was game-changing for Joseph, and what unfolds still has ramifications for us today. This voice gave Joseph the deep joy needed to move forward from his fear. -Rev. J. Barrett Owen2024-01-0518 min
FBC Wilmington SermonsThis Little Light Shines Peace | Matthew 1:1-16 | Rev. J. Barrett OwenMatthew’s gospel opens with a very intentional genealogy. On the surface, it is quite boring, but as you dig into it, you discover it is anything but. Matthew knows what he’s doing. He’s opening his gospel by setting the stage that this newborn baby matters. He comes with a grand tradition. And he’s its fulfillment and the promised peace for the future of God’s chosen people.-Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-12-1316 min
FBC Wilmington SermonsThis Little Light Shines Hope | Jeremiah 33:14-16 | Rev. J. Barrett OwenJeremiah prophecies about how God will fulfill the promise made to the house of Israel. He says a shoot or branch will spring up for David and through the lineage of David. As matter of fact, Jeremiah 33:16 says: “In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’” So much hope is bound up in this prophecy. We now know this is the prophecy that is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, who comes through the lineage of David.-Rev. J...2023-12-1314 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Cornucopias & Faded Leaves"- Isaiah 64:1-9Why do we hate the season of waiting so much? We spend most of our time there - waiting for that new opportunity, new job, new thing to excite us. We are waiting to find joy in our new circumstances but that joy never lasts. This sermon will explore the fallacy with expectational thinking and how we can find true, lasting joy and peace in our relationship with God.-Dr. Jim Everette2023-11-2916 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Jesus in Jerusalem: The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats"- Matthew 25:31-46To finish out this chapter, Jesus offers yet one more story. This time he draws on apocalyptic imagery that divides the people of the earth into sheep and goats. Hearing the words of this parable read out loud may be the most important spiritual exercise of the year. To be a sheep, we must help, love, and notice the ‘least of these.’ To be a goat, we simply have to overlook the ‘least of these.’ For what we do unto the least of these, we do unto Jesus. This teaching lesson is the last one we get before reading about the Phar...2023-11-2917 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Jesus in Jerusalem: The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids"- Matthew 25:1-13As the gospel continues to move towards the cross, Jesus retreats with his disciples on the Mount of Olives and teaches them privately. Here, he offers a warning to the disciples to keep their lamps trimmed and burning by telling a parable full of sadness and uncertainty for five bridesmaids. -Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-11-1319 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Jesus in Jerusalem: The Parable of the Bags of Gold"- Matthew 25:14-30Still on the Mount of Olives with the disciples, Jesus follows up last week’s parable with another. It’s equally as concerning. A servant gets thrown into outer darkness because he didn’t make much of the talents (gold) given to him. This story, along with last week’s, is a warning from Jesus to his disciples that they must make something of the time and opportunities given to them. -Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-11-1318 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Jesus in Jerusalem: The Humble Will Be Exalted"- Matthew 23: 1-12The tumultuous relationship between the religious authorities and Jesus is getting worse. To open this chapter, Jesus denounces their leadership by calling them hypocrites. He ends his admonishment by reminding us all in v11-12: “The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.”Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-10-3018 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Jesus in Jerusalem: The Greatest Commandment"- Matthew 22:34-40Now confronted by the Pharisees (not just the Temple elders and Sadducees), this religious group tries to trap Jesus by asking him what the greatest commandment is. Jesus’ answer has reverberated across centuries and should shape our entire moral lens. All decisions must fit under the framework of Loving God and Loving Others as we Love Ourselves. Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-10-241h 12
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Jesus in Jerusalem: The Parable of the Wedding Banquet"- Matthew 22:1-14Still talking to the chief priests and elders in the Temple, Jesus offers another parable, and it is equally as dark as the first. Much needs to be made about the type of story Jesus tells to the religious leaders. His parables are dark, full of death and corrupt leadership. Why do you think he speaks in this way? The parable is nuanced and full of imagery. Working our way through it together will not be a light-hearted task.-Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-10-1817 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Jesus in Jerusalem: The Parable of the Tenants"- Matthew 21:33-46Verse 43 pretty much says all we need to know about the divisive nature of Jesus’ teachings in Jerusalem. He says to the chief priest and elders in the Temple: “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom.” Think about this. Jesus tells the religious authorities that the kingdom of God will not be their reward but rather those who produce the fruits of the kingdom. This parable predicts Jesus’ death as well as indicates the religious sector on wickedness.Rev. J. Barre2023-10-1016 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"World Communion Sunday: We are the Body"- Luke 22:14-23When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, ‘Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’ Then he took a loaf of bread, and when...2023-10-1021 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Order/Disorder/Reorder: The Eschaton"- Revelation 21:1-6At the end of it all, Jesus will return to reign. This is the Christian belief, and it is the ultimate end and the ultimate establishment of a new order. Revelation calls it a New Heaven and a New Earth. We can easily see it as a complete re-ordering of what was into what was always meant to be.Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-09-2911 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Order/Disorder/Reorder: The Early Church"- Galatians 2:15-21The church is meant to be the continuation of Jesus following his ascension. The church is the new presence of Christ in the world . . . the figurative Body of Christ. The church, therefore, is the established new order for how faith will follow and spread. The church, when healthy, is the greatest sign of the kingdom of God coming to earth and it’s worth our time reflecting on how we further it today.Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-09-2919 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Order/Disorder/Reorder: Jesus & The Kingdom of God"- Luke 6:27-36Jesus is the ultimate sign of a re-ordering. He brings new life, teachings, and opportunities for the poor to experience the Kingdom of God. He revolutionizes what can be and offers transformation and healing to all who follow him. He is the ultimate sign that something good can resurrect from evil.Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-09-2916 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Order/Disorder/Reorder: The Prophets"- Hosea 11:1-11Towards the end of Israel’s monarchy, prophets showed up to warn of impending doom. They were the voices of the disorder trying to help Israel reorder their lives. Their entire goal was to bring self-reflection and repentance into the public conversation. It didn’t always work, and Israel remained under foreign rule for hundreds of years because of it.Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-09-2921 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Order/Disorder/Reorder: The Exile"- Psalm 137For decades the Israelites bounced around in exile. They were defeated and destroyed by the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians. This dark period caused terrible strain on the traditions and customs of the old order. The same is true for us when we’re thrown into exilic periods of faith. Seeing this disorder as a growth opportunity, though, can change everything for us, just like it did Israel.Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-09-2915 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Order/Disorder/Reorder: The Judges" - Judges 2:1-5As time and community developed, the Israelites wanted more structure. They established a judicial system and it imploded disastrously. The entire book of Judges is an arch that tells the sad story of what happens when we are left to our own devices as humans: We hurt and hate. The book of Judges is the transitioning from Order to Disorder.Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-09-2921 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Order/Disorder/Reorder: The Ten Commandments"- Exodus 20: 1-17Moses does the hard work of leading God’s people away from captivity. He settles them into a new land traversing through all kinds of wilderness. He even establishes a law for them to follow. The Exodus story and the emergence of the 10 Commandments show us that we are meant to establish an ordered way to live in community (too bad we struggle with this so much).Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-09-2918 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Order/Disorder/Reorder: The Creation"- Genesis 1:1-2:3God orders the world in seven days and sets a universal pattern for us image-bearers: Work six days and rest one. Work is essential to life. We work alongside God and fulfill our duties as the image-bearers of God, and then we rest. The relationship between work and sabbath is paramount to understanding the natural order and rhythms of life.Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-09-2915 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"The Songs of Summer: The Song of Enthronement"- Psalm 99Finally, there are enthronement psalms that celebrate the Lord as the rightful king. These psalms are what the trajectory of the whole Psalter points us to — a future with God as King. Take Psalm 99: “The Lord is King, let the people tremble! He sits enthroned on the cherubim, the earth quakes! He is exalted over all people. Let them praise your great and awesome name. Holy is He!” This sermon will cast a vision for how the Psalms point us to God’s future reign.-Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-09-2919 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"The Songs of Summer: Our Song of Lament"- Psalm 14Communal lament is cathartic and necessary. It speaks hyperbolic words that may not actually come to pass but words that need to be expressed regardless. In Psalm 14 you hear, “Fools say in their hearts there is no God . . . The Lord looks down from heaven on humankind to see if there are any who are wise, who seek after God. They have all gone astray, they are all perverse. No one does good. No, not one.” This level of hyperbole says something about the Israelites.-Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-07-2517 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"The Songs of Summer: The Song of Wisdom"- Psalm 133Wisdom Psalms provide instruction in right living and right faith. Take Psalm 1: “Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers, but their delight is in the law of the LORD.” Or Psalm 133, “How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity.” Both psalms remind us of the need for right living and right faith. This sermon will remind us of the power of claiming the truths of these ancient wisdoms.-Rev. Jayne Davis2023-07-1820 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"The Songs of Summer: My Song of Thanks"- Psalm 23“The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures . . . he restores my soul." Psalm 23 is an individual hymn of thanksgiving. It is from the lips of David thanking God for God’s provisions. We can learn a lot about this posture of praise and offering ourselves to God in this kind of prayer. This sermon explores how.Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-07-1821 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"The Songs of Summer: Our Song of Thanks"- Psalm 24Psalm 24 has some of the most revered one-liners: “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it. Who shall stand in his holy place . . . those with clean hands and pure hearts . . . Who is this king of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory.” This hymn of communal thanksgiving reminds us of our need for corporate worship and collective praise. This sermon will focus on the power of communal thanksgiving.-Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-07-1816 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"The Songs of Summer: The Song of Royalty"- Psalm 20Royal psalms speak of the Lord’s provisions for the Israelite kings (David and Solomon) who reigned in Jerusalem during their monarchy. This psalm blesses the kingship of David and gives God the praise for his courage and leadership. These psalms remind us of Israel’s need to bless those in authority and to see how God is using the kings to further the ongoing creation of the wold. It also gives us a glimpse into how God’s people saw God working in this world. Some things are not that different today.-Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-07-1819 min
FBC Wilmington SermonsThe Songs of Summer: The Song of Creation"- Psalm 8Creation psalms celebrate God’s sovereignty over the created world and the special place of human beings in it. These psalms remind us that nature is our first Bible and that God’s fingerprints are all over the created order. Like in Psalm 8 when it says, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?” This sermon lifts up the human need for finding God in nature and praising God for it.-Re...2023-07-1816 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"The Songs of Summer"- Psalm 41:13, 72:18-19, 89:52, 106:48, & 150:1-6This sermon will introducethe Psalms and how it is broken up into five books that each end in a doxology that tells the shape and history of the Israelite people while introducing 8 types of psalms: Community Thanksgiving, Individual Thanksgiving, Community Lament, Individual Lament, Royal, Creation, Wisdom, and Enthronement. -Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-06-1219 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"The Songs of Summer: A Life-Changing Song"- Psalm 91Jim Baldwin’s life has taken many turns. When he looks at the psalter, he sees God’s handiwork with him throughout his trials and changes. In this testimonial sermon, Jim opens our sermon series by offering examples of important Psalms to his faith journey while showcasing the relevance of this ancient hymn book for us today. Sermon by Rev. Dr. Jim Baldwin, Minister to Senior Adults2023-06-0614 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Balancing Mind, Body, & Spirit: The Holy Spirit of God"- Acts: 2:1-20 & Psalm 42: 1-2Today is Pentecost. In Scripture, this is the moment following Jesus’ ascension to heaven when the Spirit poured out on “all flesh," and everyone present began speaking in differing tongues. It’s a beautiful picture of God’s vastness, diversity, and all-encompassing love for humanity. It’s the clearest, most expansive vision of who the Kingdom of God is for, and it just so happens to be the birthday of the church.Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-06-0118 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Balancing Mind, Body, & Spirit: The Holy Body of God"-1 Corinthians 12:12 & Genesis 1:26-27One of the greatest metaphors in all of Christendom is the “body.” We talk about it at communion. Jesus breaks bread and tells us it is his body. The church is known as the “body of Christ.” Our physical bodies are made in the image of the invisible God giving us the notion that we look like God. We’re told our bodies are temples. Jesus’ body is what he sacrifices for our earthly bodies. Paul tells us we’ll have a heavenly body. The concept of Body goes deep in scripture, and we’ll tease out how that is still meaningful...2023-05-2316 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Balancing Mind, Body, & Spirit: The Holy Mind of God"- Job 7:17 & Nehemiah 7:5Job asks a very intimate and profound question: “What are humans, that you [God] make so much of them, that you set your mind on them?” In the asking of this question, Job ponders what happens in the mind of God which begs the question, “Can we know the mind of God?” Scripture seems to say yes. We can learn from, hold, and reflect what God holds and reflects. Using Job as fodder, we’ll explore angles and layers of what it means to have access to the Mind of God. Rev. Barrett Owen2023-05-1719 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Balancing Mind, Body, and Spirit"- Matthew 22:34-40In order to trick Jesus, a lawyer asks what the greatest commandments are. Jesus’ response is the clearest, most direct summary of how then we should strive to live. So much so, his response has become the chief cornerstone for fleshing out vision and future as a church. Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-05-0918 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"God's Ultimate THE Story: The Ultimate Reminder"- John 2: 1-11Jesus’ first miracle in the Gospel of John is turning water into wine. He’s at a wedding reception in Cana when the party runs out of wine, so Jesus fixes the problem by making more wine than the party needs. Multiple themes emerge within this story, none more important than the ultimate reminder of home.Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-05-0419 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"God's Ultimate THE Story: The Ultimate Gift"- John 20:19-31In the Upper Room, behind locked doors, Jesus appears and does something the world must never forget: Breathes the Holy Spirit into the room. In John’s Gospel, this is Pentecost. Jesus offers the gift of the Holy Spirit to his most faithful followers. This same gift is given today. When we follow Jesus, we are given a helper, a gift. That gift is the same Holy Spirit.Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-04-2514 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Believing is Seeing"- Luke 24:13-35On the Road to Emmaus, Jesus meets Cleopas and a fellow traveler. His true identity is hidden from them, and the travelers express their sadness over the death of Jesus. Jesus asks them why they are so slow to believe the prophesies listed in scripture but so quick to lose hope.-Rev. Jayne H. Davis2023-04-2020 min
FBC Wilmington SermonsEaster Sunday: "God's Ultimate THE Story: The Ultimate Story"- John 20:1-18Easter is the ultimate story of life, death, and resurrection. What happens on Easter Sunday changes everything for everyone for all time and each element of this story shows us God’s ultimate design and hope for bringing Jesus into the world in order to help save humanity.Rev. J. Barrett Owen2023-04-2018 min
FBC Wilmington SermonsGood Friday: "The Seven Last Words"We invite you to hear the message from our Good Friday service, "The Seven Last Words". During this solemn and meaningful service, seven of our ministers shared reflections on Jesus' last words on the cross as recorded in scripture.2023-04-2024 min
FBC Wilmington SermonsPalm Sunday- FBC Presents Dan Forrest's Requiem for the LivingThis Palm Sunday, FBC's chancel choir presented movements from Dan Forrest's Requiem for the Living. This was a very special, fully orchestrated worship service that was a powerful experience that we are excited to share!2023-04-0522 minFBC Wilmington SermonsPalm Sunday IntroductionThis Palm Sunday, our choir presented movements from Dan Forrest's Requiem for the Living. Hear Pastor Barrett's introduction to this musical masterpiece.2023-04-0408 minFBC Wilmington SermonsPalm Sunday Introduction: FBC Wilmington's Presentation of Dan Forrest's Requiem for the Living"The Story of Palms" Jesus entering the city gates with palms waving and cloaks laying down shows a rise in consciousness the world wasn’t quite ready for. For a split second, everyone got it: Jesus is the rightful king. Unfortunately, this moment doesn’t last in the minds of people, and Jesus is eventually sentenced to prison and publicly killed. But for a moment, the world saw something beautiful and they got it: Jesus is our rightful king. 2023-04-0422 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Finding Our Story: When Our Story Is Full of Pain"- John 11: 17-27Mary and Martha are absolutely beside themselves when Lazarus dies, and Jesus doesn’t show to save him even though he heard the news four days earlier. This story is one for the ages, and it’s one we need to sit with in order to climb out of the pain and shame we feel.2023-03-2722 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Finding Our Story: When Our Story Shows Ignorance"- John 8: 2-11Sometimes people get it wrong. This is true for the community who assumed the woman caught in adultery needed to die. Granted, she did break the law, but Jesus throws their sin right back in their face when he drops the line, “The who’ve committed no sin may cast the first stone.” We shouldn’t be so quick to judge others when we are just as sinful.2023-03-2020 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Finding Our Story: When Our Story Shames"- John 4: 1-30A social scientific reading of a woman at the well shows us that she is terribly oppressed. Her life is nothing of what she thought it could be. She’s broken, bitter, tired, harassed, and a shadow of who she thought she could be. She mirrors for us what life looks like when we are at our worst: Alone and avoiding all human contact. But that’s exactly when Jesus shows up. Reflecting on this dichotomy is important for all of us even today.2023-03-1320 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Finding Our Story: When Our Story Doubts"- John 3: 1-22The story of Nicodemus has so many layers. The fact that he approaches Jesus in the middle of the night has to mean something. The fact that he questions Jesus about matters that he should know the answer due to his position as a Pharisee matters. But more than anything, the fact that there is no resolution to this story means the most to me. Nicodemus is experiencing a dark night of the soul. He confesses his doubts and meets Jesus, but we never know what happens next. This sermon will address what happens when our story doubts.2023-03-0622 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Finding Our Story: When Our Story Tempts"- Matthew 4: 1-11Immediately after Jesus’ baptism, Jesus is taken to the Wilderness and tested by Satan three times. These temptations, according to Henri Nouwen, act as archetypes for the same temptations the world places on us today. Like Jesus, we are tempted to prove our worth by the world around us. If we can perform better, we can be better. Jesus knew this to be a lie. Unfortunately, this is a message we’re still trying to grasp today.2023-02-2724 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"My Story Matters: My Transfigured Story" - Mark 9:2-8Readers get the behind-the-scenes tour of Jesus’ life in Mark 9. He takes his closest friends with him up on a mountain, and we get to go too. While up there, Jesus transfigures into his divine state, offering us a glimpse of what heaven looks like on earth. This single act offers us much in terms of faith, but sadly the disciples fail to understand its relevance. We can’t make the same mistake.2023-02-2222 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"My Story Matters: Reconciliation Matters to My Story"- Matthew 5: 21-37What good is our offering if it’s tainted? This is Jesus’ message for those of us who worship pretending we are reconciled with our enemies or our families. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls us to be people of salt and light, which means we have to understand the importance of reconciliation and take seriously Jesus’ pronunciation, “Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.”2023-02-1414 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"My Story Matters: The Kingdom of Heaven Matters to My Story" - Matthew 5: 13-20One could argue the Kingdom of Heaven is the primary objective in Matthew’s Gospel. All the characters, the narrators, even Jesus’ teachings, they all deal with the arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew 5, Jesus has strong words on what it means for us to “enter” into that kingdom, and it has a lot to do with how we understand and follow the law. Here these words from one of our Associate Pastors, Rev. Dr. Jim Everette.2023-02-0712 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"My Story Matters: The Downtrodden Matter to God" - Matthew 5:1-12Jesus is living during a terribly oppressive time for people outside of political power, so it’s in this context Jesus speaks, “Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . blessed are the meek . . . blessed are those who mourn . . . blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness . . .” With these words, Jesus pushes back hundreds of years of hate and self-doubt by saying, “You aren’t too small in God’s realm. You aren’t too broken for my future. And when it comes to the Kingdom of Heaven, you matter to God.”2023-02-0714 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"My Story Matters: My Calling Matters" - John 1: 29-42When Jesus calls the twelve together, we see something amazing happen. Those who get to be in the Lord’s inner circle are people like you and me. It’s not just the rich or the politically powerful, but the earnest and the seeking. This unfolding in scripture sets the stage for an enormous theological truth: those who get access to God is not dependent upon your social status but rather your soul’s earnest search. This truth still applies today.2023-02-0719 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"My Story Matters: My Baptism Matters" - Matthew 3: 13-17When Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened, and God said, “This is my Beloved.” Henri Nouwen believes this is the same message God says to us at our baptism. After nearly two decades of higher, theological thought and church praxis and nearly thirty years of being a Christian, I agree. Our baptism sets a trajectory and tone for the deep, deep truth of who we are in Christ: A beloved child of God.2023-02-0715 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"My Story Matters: The Story of the Magi Matters"- Matthew 2:1-12In Matthew 2, there are two sets of Magi. The Magi of the East are scholars who feel compelled to go and meet the God of not just Israel, but in fact the world. But there is another group we don’t often think about: the Magi of the West. This group of scholars are hunkered down in Jerusalem bidding for Herod’s attention and love. These two groups create a stark dichotomy of what faith looks like when it’s fueled by hope and mystery or fear and certainty. Learning about these two groups will help us find ourselves in the st2023-02-0716 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Eyes Forward"- Genesis 19: 24-26Rev. Dr. Jim Baldwin shares a special New Year's Day message from Genesis 19: 24-26.2023-02-0713 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"The Songs of Christmas: The Angels and Shepherds Sing"- Luke 2:1-14As soon as the world catches their breath at the birth of Jesus, a chorus of both angels and shepherds sing! Scripture says, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven / and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” This act of worship demands our attention and our repetition.2022-12-1916 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"The Songs of Christmas: Simeon's Song"- Luke 2:25-35Simeon was a devout man who was told by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem and commission the baby Messiah. Simeon arrives on cue, takes Jesus into his arms, and sings to him a song that still reverberates today. His song leads us into worship.2022-12-1319 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"The Songs of Christmas: Zechariah’s Song "- Luke 1:67-80Zechariah was mute for the pregnancy of John the Baptist for not believing the angel Gabriel when it was prophesied that Elizabeth would bear a son. As soon as John was born, though, Zechariah’s voice returned, and he sang these words, “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” We would do well to let this song lead us into worship today.2022-12-0516 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"The Songs of Christmas: Mary's Song"- Luke 1:39-55Mary’s song is the gospel before the gospel unfolds. She visits her relative, Elizabeth, who is most likely her cousin, and announces in song that she will forever magnify the Lord because of this miracle. During her pregnancy, she predicts the gospel before it unfolds. Her words still ring true for us today and lead us into worship.2022-11-2814 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"My Story, Our Story, The Story: Peter's The Story Moment"- Acts 10:1-34There are very few moments in scripture that illustrate so perfectly what God’s ultimate story looks like on earth as it is in heaven, but we get it here in Acts 10. The sequence between Peter’s dream and his encounter with Cornelius is a game-changing moment for Peter’s faith, for us the readers, and for human history. You could go as far as to say that human consciousness evolves at this moment and there is no going back. When it comes to engaging God’s ultimate “The Story,” we need to look no further than2022-11-2222 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"My Story, Our Story, The Story: Peter's Our Story Moment"- Acts 2:37-47Immediately following Pentecost and the gift of the Holy Spirit descending, Peter got to work preaching and healing. So much so that the early church formed almost immediately, and communal faith, church praxis, and Christian fellowship unfolded. In these ten verses, Peter experiences what is still true for all of us at the Our Story level today.2022-11-1419 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"My Story, Our Story, The Story: Peter's My Story Moment"- Matthew 26:31-35"Over and over Peter tries his best to follow Jesus, to stand up for Jesus, and to demonstrate his own faithfulness, but time and time again, his efforts fall short. Jesus calls him to deeper understanding and greater discipleship while offering abundant grace. As we look at Peter’s individual My Story, we see our own personal stories of faith, failures, and grace reflected.2022-11-1120 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Table Topics: With God, Everyone Eats"- Luke 9:10-17The Feeding of the 5000 is the only miracle that occurs in all four gospels, which is interesting. How everyone is able to be fed and there be more food left over than what started is a mystery we cannot explain . . . but this story still has something to teach us, nonetheless. It may be the most important thing we learn.2022-11-0119 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Table Topics: Those Whom Little is Forgiven, Loves Little"- Luke 7:36-50Jesus is at a Pharisee's house. A sinful woman comes to wash his feet with her hair. Simon, the Pharisee, rebukes Jesus for letting a sinful woman touch him. Jesus tells a quick parable, challenges Simon, and surprises the room. This moment has something to teach us even today about the nature of forgiveness.2022-10-2417 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Table Topics: Those Who Are Well Need No Physician"- Luke 5:27-32Jesus calls a tax collector, Levi, to be among his disciples. To show his appreciation, Levi throws a banquet feast. The Pharisees get frustrated with Jesus’ willingness to associate with tax collectors and say as much. Jesus’ response is something the church still needs to hear today.2022-10-1718 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Table Topics: Those Who Serve Are Greater"- Luke 22:24-30Immediately following communion, the disciples argue about who among them is the greatest. Jesus squashes the conversation by answering their debate matter-of-factly. The greatest among us are those who choose to serve and not who expect to be served.2022-10-1018 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Table Topics: This is My Body Given to You"- Luke 22:14-20On this World Communion Day, we will focus on perhaps the most important table scene in all the Bible: Communion. Jesus, in the Upper Room, breaks bread and pours wine to demonstrate his commitment and plan for humanity.2022-10-0411 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Table Topics: All I Have is Yours"- Luke 15:11-32The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the most important teachings in all the Bible. It has enormous implications for our lives. Together, all three characters experience something different around the table, and we need to hear about and from all three.2022-09-2620 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Table Topics: Sin is Part of the Deal"- Luke 15:1-10Jesus continues teaching to the tax collectors and sinners. He tells two incredible parables of sheep and coins getting lost and being found. Together these parables help us see that no matter how hard we try to avoid it, sin is part of the deal. We will lose our way. We must learn to see when we were (or are) lost, to admit we are sinners, and to repent so we can be found.2022-09-1918 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Table Topics: Humility is the Best Precept"- Luke 14:1, 7-11While Jesus was eating with Pharisees, he noticed something odd. The Pharisees immediately chose the seats of honor. Jesus takes this moment to teach them all about true humility. This lesson still applies today.2022-09-1217 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Table Topics: Breaking the Law for Good"- Luke 14:1-6While eating dinner at the house of a Pharisee, Jesus noticed a man with dropsy (a physical ailment). He turns to the Pharisees and says, “I can heal him, but it’s the Sabbath. Is it lawful for me to do it?” What happens next is something we all need to learn.2022-09-0616 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Fruit of the Spirt: Self Control"- James 3:1-12Self-control is the ability to harness your actions, your thoughts, and your feelings, knowing you represent Christ to others. People are going to see Christ through you. If you can’t control your tongue or actions, what, then, will people think about your Christ?2022-08-3014 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness"- Matthew 5:5Jesus teaches us in the Beatitudes that gentleness doesn’t mean soft. It means nonviolent. And the more nonviolent we are, the more we look like Christ and live out of the Spirit. In this simple, yet profound beatitude, Jesus lifts up the humble, the lowly, and gentle above the rest.2022-08-2220 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness"- Jeremiah 1:4-10"God’s hand has been on my life since the beginning . . . even before the beginning,” says Jeremiah. The truth for him is still true for us today. God’s faithfulness has been with us every day of our lives.2022-08-1516 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness"- Romans 12:9-21Goodness is seeing the best in someone or something. It’s choosing to live with moral excellence. And it’s a gift that comes from God and fruit of the spirit that we may most need to cultivate.2022-08-0816 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness"- Micah 6:1-8The prophet Micah tells us we are required to love kindness. This language is direct and important for us to grasp. We are to cherish how we treat the other. We are to be attentive and alert in how we engage our neighbor. We are to actively love being kind to everyone.2022-08-0116 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Fruit of the Spirit: Patience"- Habakkuk 1.2-4; 2.1-3; 3.2-3Habakkuk is fed up with waiting on God. The destruction of Israel and the sinfulness of other nations is too much to stay silent about . . . so Habakkuk laments. Through lamenting, he arrives on a firmer foundation, and by the start of the second chapter he is ready to stand on a watchtower and wait. It took lamenting, but he learned that strength rises when we wait upon the Lord.2022-07-2523 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Fruit of the Spirit-Peace"-- Isaiah 40:1-11We need peace. We need peace of mind, peace of spirit, and peace on earth. We can rightfully assume this peace will not be contrived of by human hands. We need the peace that surpasses understanding. We need the peace of God that comes with God-sized comfort even in the midst of our chaos.2022-07-1818 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Fruit of the Spirit- Love"-- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13Love is the greatest expression of God in the world. Paul gives us a timeless description and definition of what true love looks like in the world in 1 Corinthians 13.2022-07-1821 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"The Fruit of the Spirit"- Galations 5:16-25This sermon will give an overview of the Fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5 and compare it to the fruit of the world. There are two lists in Galatians 5, but only one is birthed from a life lived in the Spirit.2022-07-0515 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"JOY- Living with Joy"- Philippians 4:1-9Once you find Deep Joy, there’s a new set of rules in which we are more willing to live by that become quite helpful in our attempt at imitating Christ: “Let your gentleness be known to everyone. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any...2022-06-2719 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"JOY- Pressing On Towards Joy" - Philippians 3:12-21Paul’s words in Philippians 3 speak to why we must pursue joy: “Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you.” In other words, we must press on towards joy. It’s how we move beyond o2022-06-2021 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"JOY- Great Suffering & Great Love" - Philippians 2:5-11Philippi was a military city in which many theologians believe Rome’s top officials retired. It was a perfectly nationalistic city that paid significant tribute to Caesar. This detail matters when you think of the dangerous proposition that Paul gives the Christians that they must live as Christ, denouncing Caesar and declaring Christ as Lord. So how will they be able to do such a thing? They humble themselves with joy.2022-06-1317 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"JOY- Deep, Deep Joy" - Philippians 1:27-2:4How we operate in the world matters. How we associate with one another (like loving our neighbor) should be godly. Paul understands this reality and delivers an impassioned letter to his friends and church community in Philippi to remind them of what he already knows to be true: “If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” (Phil 2.1-2)2022-06-0618 min
FBC Wilmington Sermons"Come Alive: Luke’s Great Commission"- Luke 24:36-49Like Matthew, Luke includes a fine commission, but his version is a bit different. The energy is the same, but the command is different. Instead of ‘go make disciples,’ Luke tells the world to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins. Becoming awakened (coming alive) to the importance and power of these two words . . . and helping others see it, too . . . is paramount for the church to move people towards God.2022-05-3118 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Come Alive, Stranger"- Luke 24:13-35Jesus meets disciples on his walk to Emmaus but disguises himself as a stranger. After an incredible dialogue we hear the disciples reflecting to one another, “Were our hearts not burning within us?” This line is the moment consciousness evolves for them, and their souls come alive. The storyline is one of the most well-known scenes in the gospels. Hearing it again through the lens of how we can come alive in Christ changes everything for us.2022-05-2315 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Come Alive, Church"- Matthew 28:16-20A lot of people call themselves Great Commission Christians. I get it. It’s the clearest, most direct understanding of Christian duty. Go make disciples. Baptize them. Go. Do it. It’s direct. Positive. Action-oriented. Most people come alive when they realize they have work to do. Well, that same is still needed today. It’s time for the church to come alive.2022-05-1617 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Come Alive, Children" - John 21:1-14Jesus shows up in Galilee unexpectedly. The disciples are fishing and Jesus makes a charcoal fire awaiting their catch of fish. They catch nothing until Jesus calls out to them. What he says at that moment makes the disciples come alive and is truly (and theologically) profound. Jesus’ words have reverberating significance for us even today. If you want a sneak peek into what he says, it’s verse five.2022-05-0921 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Come Alive, Thomas" - John 20:24-31Thomas has to touch Jesus before he believes. Thankfully, Jesus meets Thomas in his doubt, and we see Thomas's character unfold in a way that mimics all of our lives. His faith comes alive when he owns his doubt and is able to see and touch Jesus. It’s not far-fetched to say, “Thomas’ doubt leads him to a deeper form of faith.” Ours can too.2022-05-0217 minFBC Wilmington Sermons"Come Alive" - John 20:1-31John 20 has five scenes. Five times the resurrected Jesus shows up unexpectedly and five times a person or group come alive in ways they have not before. Sitting with these stories you realize they all have different starting blocks which means Jesus comes to them in their own narratives based on their own circumstances. The same is true for us. Jesus meets us where we are, as we are, and offers us a way to come alive.2022-04-2717 min