Our words serve as spiritual health monitors, revealing the true condition of our hearts. Jesus teaches that just as a tree is known by its fruit, our inner spiritual condition is revealed through our outward words and actions. The Pharisees focused on external appearances while neglecting internal transformation, living an outside-in faith rather than inside-out. Genuine character isn't about trying harder but training wisely and becoming a Yes, Lord person who surrenders completely to God. Our words don't just slip out - they overflow from what's stored in our hearts, and we'll be held accountable for every careless word we speak.
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Feedback: Part 2 - Who He Is
In a world full of opinions and feedback, the most important question remains: Who is Jesus Christ? Moving beyond human approval to divine truth, Jesus demonstrates that success isn't measured by crowd size but by obedience to God's will. The mathematical impossibility of fulfilled prophecies confirms His identity as the chosen Messiah. Jesus came not as a conquering ruler but as a suffering servant to bring biblical justice - both penalty and provision - to all nations. His compassion for the hurting is evident in His promise not to break a bruised reed or extinguish a smoldering wick. Understanding Jesus' true identity transforms our own identity, mission, and demeanor, offering hope to everyone regardless of their background.
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Feedback: Part 1 - When Jesus Says No, Maybe, and Yes
Cypress Campus Pastor, Jason Swiggart, explores what happens when life brings difficult questions about God's presence and timing, especially during loss and uncertainty. Through Jesus' interactions with John the Baptist, indecisive crowds, and weary souls in Matthew 11, we discover that God's responses serve different purposes. His 'no' often provides protection and redirection rather than rejection. His 'maybe' demonstrates holy patience, giving us time to respond while warning that delayed obedience can become disobedience. His 'yes' offers rest and partnership through a custom-made yoke that fits our specific needs. Instead of giving God feedback about his methods, we should humbly seek his feedback about our lives.
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Day of Baptism 2025: The Baptism of Jesus
Baptism represents a powerful symbol of an inward change through outward expression, demonstrating a complete U-turn from self-dependence to God-dependence. It involves both confession of our inability to earn salvation and profession of our faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus was baptized not because He needed salvation, but to set an example, illustrate the gospel message, and begin His public ministry. Biblical baptism should be done by full immersion in water after someone has personally trusted Jesus as Savior. Like a wedding ring declares marriage status, baptism publicly declares our relationship with Christ to the world.
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New Kingdom New Lives: Part 2 - The Sent Ones
Jesus sends believers into a hostile world like sheep among wolves, but He provides a strategy for navigating opposition. Christians must learn to hear God's voice through Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel to understand their divine calling. The key is balancing shrewdness and innocence—being wise and strategic while maintaining purity and integrity. Shrewdness without innocence becomes cunning, while innocence without shrewdness becomes naivety. This balance helps believers identify genuine threats while keeping their hearts pure. The ultimate goal isn't just survival but transformation, as the gospel has power to turn wolves into sheep through faithful Christian witness.
Houston's First Baptist Church is a relevant biblical community where we gather our hearts, grow our souls and give our lives as we seek to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). This podcast provides weekly messages from Pastor Gregg Matte and others. Visit us at HoustonsFirst.org to learn more about HFBC, and visit us in person the next time you're in Houston!
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