

Heritage Baptist Church Haslet
Pastor Eric Crawford
Loving God, Growing Together, Serving Others
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 30, 2025 • 39min
No Space for God: Spiritual Clutter
 Assistant Pastor James Stone emphasizes the importance of spiritually decluttering one's life, drawing parallels between physical clutter and spiritual distractions. He begins by referencing Matthew 6:33, urging listeners to prioritize seeking the Kingdom of God above all else. Throughout the sermon, he poses reflective questions about how much space individuals are dedicating to God in their daily lives, highlighting the tendency for life’s busyness to encroach upon spiritual commitments. By sharing personal anecdotes and societal observations, he challenges the audience to examine their own priorities and consider whether they are inadvertently becoming "spiritual hoarders." Ultimately, he provides six practical strategies to help listeners create room for God in their hearts, encouraging them to live intentionally for Christ in the present moment.James Stone addresses the pressing issue of spiritual decluttering in this thought-provoking sermon. He begins by referencing Matthew 6:33, which emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing the Kingdom of God and His righteousness above all else. The discussion unfolds as he draws parallels between physical hoarding, as depicted in popular television shows, and the spiritual clutter that many Christians accumulate in their lives. He invites listeners to examine their own lives, questioning how much space is dedicated to God amidst the distractions of everyday life. Stone's message is a call to action, urging individuals to assess their priorities and remove the obstacles that prevent them from fully engaging with their faith.Takeaways: He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one's spiritual life over worldly possessions and distractions.  Pastor James encourages listeners to evaluate how much room they allocate for Jesus in their lives.  He shares a personal story about a couple's cluttered home, drawing parallels to spiritual hoarding.  The pastor outlines six practical steps to avoid becoming a spiritual hoarder and to live a more fulfilling spiritual life.  He stresses the need to recognize God as the singular master in one's life, urging against divided loyalties.  The message highlights the significance of living in the present and not allowing anxiety about the future to overshadow one’s faith.  

Oct 27, 2025 • 35min
From Desert to Truth
 The podcast episode focuses on the importance of recognizing and acting upon divine appointments in everyday life, as illustrated through the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch from Acts chapter eight. The speaker emphasizes that God often directs believers to individuals who are seeking truth but may lack the final understanding needed to connect the dots. Through Philip's immediate obedience and willingness to engage with the eunuch, the episode highlights the necessity of being prepared and bold when sharing the gospel. The speaker encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives, questioning how often they recognize and seize opportunities to witness to those around them. Ultimately, the episode serves as a call to action for believers to remain vigilant and responsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in their daily interactions.The podcast centers around the biblical narrative of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, as described in Acts chapter 8. The speaker, Brother Stone, emphasizes the theme of divine appointments, illustrating how God orchestrates encounters for believers to share the gospel. He begins by recounting Philip's obedient response to the angel of the Lord, who instructed him to go to a desert area, a seemingly barren place with little promise of success. This sets the stage for a profound lesson on faith and obedience, as Philip, without hesitation, leaves a thriving ministry to pursue this divine directive. The speaker adeptly draws parallels to contemporary life, urging listeners to recognize and seize similar divine opportunities in their own lives. He reflects on the importance of being spiritually aware and actively seeking out those who may be searching for truth, much like the Ethiopian eunuch who, despite his high status, struggles to understand the Scriptures. The narrative unfolds further as Brother Stone discusses the eunuch's direct questions and how Philip, prompted by the Holy Spirit, engages with him, ultimately leading to the eunuch's baptism. This highlights the transformative power of direct and sincere dialogue about faith, underscoring the necessity of being prepared to guide others in their spiritual journeys. The episode concludes with a call to action for believers to remain attentive to God’s leading, to actively share the message of Christ, and to view every interaction as a potential divine appointment, reinforcing the idea that faith is not only about personal belief but also about reaching out to others. Overall, the discussion is rich in biblical insights and practical applications, encouraging a proactive faith that seeks to impact the lives of others.Takeaways: Philip exemplifies immediate obedience to God's direction, leaving behind a successful ministry for a divine appointment in the desert.  The Ethiopian eunuch's journey from confusion to faith highlights the importance of guiding those seeking truth towards Jesus.  Philip's boldness in approaching the eunuch's chariot demonstrates his readiness to share the gospel with strangers.  The passage underscores the significance of vocalizing one's faith through public declarations, as seen in the eunuch's baptism.  Philip's persistent preaching after the eunuch's conversion illustrates the ongoing mission of evangelism beyond individual encounters.  The message encourages listeners to actively seek divine appointments in their daily lives, recognizing opportunities to share the gospel.  

Oct 26, 2025 • 39min
The Central Message: Salvation Through Jesus Christ
 A significant resurgence of interest in faith and church attendance is currently being observed, as highlighted by Speaker A. They discuss the shift away from superficial and diluted messages in American churches, emphasizing the essential theme of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Speaker A expresses concern that many congregations have strayed from this core message, focusing instead on feel-good psychology and self-improvement rather than the necessity of acknowledging sin and its consequences. They assert that true reconciliation with God involves recognizing one's lost condition and the need for salvation provided through Christ’s sacrifice. The episode serves as a call to return to the foundational truths of Christianity, urging listeners to embrace the message of redemption and the hope that comes with it.A significant revival is brewing within the American church landscape, as evidenced by a noticeable uptick in attendance and spiritual interest among individuals seeking authentic connections with God. Speaker A reflects on this resurgence, arguing that many people are weary of superficial and feel-good messages that dominate modern Christianity. Rather than merely focusing on self-improvement or success, there is a compelling need for churches to return to their foundational message: salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Speaker A emphasizes that the central theme of the Bible is not lost but rather obscured by contemporary interpretations that dilute its essence. Through various scriptural references, including Isaiah 53, he underscores the importance of acknowledging human alienation from God due to sin, the need for a substitute to pay the penalty for that sin, and the ultimate reconciliation made possible through Christ's sacrifice.Takeaways: The resurgence of interest in church attendance reflects a growing desire for truth and spiritual engagement.  Many churches today have diluted their core message, focusing more on feel-good psychology than on salvation through Jesus Christ.  The central theme of the Bible, that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, is often overlooked in modern preaching.  Sin has alienated humanity from God, and recognizing this is essential for understanding the need for salvation.  The message of Jesus Christ emphasizes substitution; He died for our sins, providing a way to reconciliation with God.  True reconciliation comes from accepting Jesus' sacrifice, which offers complete forgiveness and restoration to a right relationship with God.  

Oct 23, 2025 • 45min
Bringing Joy to the Gypsies: A Missionary's Perspective
 Walter Stevens, a dedicated missionary to the Gypsies, shares his compelling journey of faith and service in this podcast episode. He vividly recounts his upbringing as a fourth-generation Gypsy in Ohio, detailing how his life transformed after a profound conversion experience in 1980. Walter emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel, particularly to marginalized communities like the Roma people, and reflects on the significant work being done to establish churches and provide humanitarian aid to these populations. Throughout the episode, he highlights the emotional and spiritual impact of their ministry, sharing inspiring stories of transformation and salvation. By the end, he calls upon listeners to support the mission, underscoring the vital role of prayer and financial contributions in reaching the Gypsy communities around the world.Walter Stevens engages listeners with an inspiring and heartfelt testimony of his life as a missionary dedicated to the Roma people. He begins by sharing his roots as a fourth-generation gypsy, detailing the cultural practices of his upbringing in a traditional gypsy home in Ohio. Stevens candidly reflects on his transformation from a life of deception within a traveling carnival to a genuine faith in Christ that altered the course of his life and marriage. He emphasizes the significance of love as a conscious choice, which played a pivotal role in the longevity and strength of his marriage.As the narrative unfolds, Stevens articulates the pressing need for evangelism within the Roma community, who have long been marginalized and often overlooked in the broader Christian mission field. His passion for reaching his own people with the message of the Gospel is palpable, as he recounts the establishment of churches and humanitarian efforts aimed at providing food and spiritual nourishment to the Roma. Stevens underscores the importance of understanding cultural contexts in evangelism, advocating for a compassionate and informed approach to outreach.The episode culminates in a call to action, inviting the audience to join him in prayer and support for the Roma ministry. Stevens powerfully illustrates that through collective efforts, believers can bring hope and joy to a community that has faced centuries of hardship. His message emphasizes not only the necessity of outreach but also the transformative power of the Gospel to change lives, communities, and ultimately, the world.Takeaways: Walter Stevens, a fourth-generation gypsy, shared his profound conversion experience and journey into ministry.  He emphasized the need for preachers who proclaim the gospel to reach marginalized communities, particularly the gypsies.  Stevens highlighted the dramatic changes that faith can bring to individuals and communities, including social status improvements.  The podcast illustrates the importance of prayer and support from churches in advancing missionary work among the Roma people.  He discussed his experiences establishing churches in Romania, showcasing the transformative impact of the gospel on gypsy lives.  Stevens called for unity among believers to effectively combat spiritual strongholds and bring joy to the communities served.  

Oct 19, 2025 • 33min
Discovering True Joy: Beyond Happiness
 The podcast episode focuses on the concept of joy as depicted in John chapter 15, emphasizing that true joy is a divinely given contentment that transcends external circumstances. The speaker articulates that while happiness is often contingent upon situational factors, joy is a profound inner peace bestowed by grace through a relationship with Jesus Christ. He discusses how joy can persist even amid life's challenges, citing biblical examples such as Nehemiah's declaration that the joy of the Lord is one's strength. The speaker highlights the importance of abiding in Christ and serving others as pathways to experiencing this deep-seated joy. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to cultivate a selfless attitude and deepen their relationship with Jesus as essential steps towards a fulfilling and joyful life.Takeaways: The concept of joy extends beyond mere happiness; it is characterized by a deep, divine contentment.  Joy, as discussed in the podcast, is a gift from the Lord that persists even amid challenging circumstances.  True joy is found not in external conditions but through selfless service and walking in the footsteps of Jesus.  The speaker emphasizes that experiencing joy requires abiding in Christ and nurturing a relationship with Him through prayer and scripture.  

Oct 16, 2025 • 44min
Evangelism Unfinished: The Call to Action
 Assistant Pastor James Stone emphasizes the importance of evangelism in his sermon, urging listeners to actively engage in soul winning and reaching out to others with the gospel. He reflects on the upcoming "Friend Day" as a significant opportunity to invite friends and family to experience the message of salvation. Despite the initial enthusiasm often seen during church events, he acknowledges that participation can wane over time and calls on the congregation to reignite their commitment to evangelizing. Drawing from scripture, he discusses the concept of "unfinished business" in relation to the Great Commission, underlining that while Jesus completed his work of salvation, the responsibility to spread the gospel remains with believers. Stone encourages everyone to take personal action, reminding them that evangelism is not just a duty but a vital aspect of their faith.Assistant Pastor James Stone delivers a compelling sermon on the importance of evangelism, focusing on the theme of unfinished business in the context of the Great Commission. He reflects on the recent message from Pastor regarding soul winning, emphasizing its significance, especially with an upcoming 'Friend Day' event. Stone highlights that while the church sees initial enthusiasm during soul-winning events, participation gradually wanes, urging listeners to maintain their commitment to outreach. He shares biblical references from John 17 and 19, illustrating how Jesus completed His work on earth, and he challenges listeners to consider their own roles in fulfilling the Great Commission. Stone encourages the congregation to believe in the power of the Gospel and to actively engage in sharing their faith, highlighting that the plan for world evangelism is already set in place and requires their personal involvement.Takeaways: Assistant Pastor James Stone emphasizes the importance of evangelizing as a fundamental duty of Christians during his sermon on soul winning.  He discusses the concept of 'unfinished business' in relation to Jesus's mission, urging believers to take action in sharing their faith.  Stone highlights that Jesus completed the work of salvation, but encourages Christians to actively participate in the Great Commission to spread the gospel.  He points out that evangelism is a personal responsibility for each believer, not just the pastors or church leaders, stressing that everyone should be involved.  The pastor calls on church members to grab tracts and engage with their community, reinforcing that evangelism is essential for church growth.  Lastly, he reassures that with Jesus's promise of presence and power, believers can confidently share the gospel and expect divine assistance.  

Oct 12, 2025 • 34min
Laboring Together: Fulfilling the Great Commission
 The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the concept of Christians being "laborers together with God," emphasizing the importance of active participation in the Great Commission. The speaker articulates that every church member has a role in ministry and that the motivation to serve should stem from a genuine love for Christ rather than mere obligation. They stress that serving and witnessing are not only responsibilities but also privileges that stem from an intimate relationship with God. As the episode unfolds, the speaker reinforces that spiritual growth and fulfillment come from actively engaging in God's work, which includes evangelizing and nurturing new believers. Ultimately, the message encourages listeners to reflect on their personal commitment to sharing the Gospel and to recognize that they are never alone in this endeavor, as God is always present, working alongside them.Takeaways: The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding the Great Commission as a foundational task for every Christian, highlighting that each believer is called to share the Gospel actively.  Speaker A stresses that serving God should stem from a genuine love for Him rather than mere obligation, suggesting that true motivation comes from a relationship with Christ.  Listeners are reminded that every church member is considered a minister, and it is crucial for Christians to recognize their role as witnesses in the community.  The discussion includes the concept of being 'laborers together with God', indicating that the work of spreading the Gospel is a collaborative effort between believers and God Himself.  The podcast encourages individuals to develop a personal game plan for evangelism, suggesting that relationships should be nurtured with the intent to share the Gospel effectively.  Finally, the speaker reflects on the need for unity within the church, as division can hinder the pursuit of the Great Commission and the overall mission of sharing the faith.  

Oct 12, 2025 • 38min
The Lord Fought for Israel
 The main theme of this podcast episode revolves around the powerful message that "the Lord fought for Israel," as illustrated through the events in Joshua chapter ten. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obedience to God and the assurance that He will fight on behalf of those who follow His will. They recount the miraculous events during the battle against the five kings, wherein God intervened by sending hailstones to aid the Israelites, demonstrating His might and support. Moreover, the speaker highlights the significance of prayer and faith, as seen when Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still, resulting in a day unlike any other. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to trust in God’s power and presence in their lives, reminding them that true victory comes through reliance on Him and adherence to His guidance.The podcast session delves into Joshua chapter ten, where the speaker emphasizes the central theme of divine intervention in battles faced by the Israelites. He begins by recounting the historical context, noting that the Gibeonites seek Joshua's aid against the Amorite kings. In this narrative, the speaker highlights the importance of obedience and reliance on divine strength, illustrating how God assured Joshua of victory by instructing him not to fear. A pivotal moment arises when Joshua, in prayer, commands the sun to stand still, an act underscoring the extraordinary nature of faith and God's omnipotence. This event is presented not just as a miraculous occurrence, but as a testament to God's willingness to fight for His people, reinforcing the message that true victory comes from faithfulness to God and His commands. The speaker concludes by reminding listeners of the significance of returning to foundational spiritual practices, akin to the Israelites returning to Gilgal after their victories, symbolizing a place of remembrance and recommitment to God as they navigate their spiritual journeys.Takeaways: Speaker A discusses the importance of God fighting for Israel, emphasizing that they cannot overcome their enemies without divine assistance.  The episode highlights Joshua's obedience and proactive approach, illustrating that action is necessary for God's miracles to take place.  Listeners are reminded that prayer is powerful, as demonstrated by Joshua's request for the sun to stand still during battle.  The discussion stresses the need for Christians to return to their foundational beliefs, akin to Israel's return to Gilgal after victories.  Speaker A underscores the significance of faith in God, asserting that true victory comes from reliance on Him rather than personal strength.  The episode concludes with a call for listeners to establish a personal relationship with Jesus, emphasizing the transformative power of faith.  

Oct 9, 2025 • 40min
Learning from Joseph: Overcoming Temptation
 Explore the life of Joseph as he navigates temptation during his rise in Potiphar's house. Discover how unexpected sources can lead one astray when success is at hand. Hear how maintaining integrity and strong convictions can overcome enticing short-term gains. The discussion emphasizes the importance of faith and character in resisting sin, alongside practical steps to help listeners stand firm. Joseph's story serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of our choices and the importance of walking closely with God. 

Oct 5, 2025 • 34min
The 70 Weeks of Daniel: What They Mean for Today
 The discussion centers on the prophetic significance of Daniel's 70 weeks, emphasizing that these weeks symbolize a divinely designated timeline for Israel. The speaker elucidates how this prophecy outlines the historical and future events that will unfold, particularly the coming of the Messiah and the eventual acceptance of Jesus by the Jewish nation. He highlights that while the first 69 weeks have been fulfilled, the final week remains, which is marked by significant turmoil and the actions of the Antichrist. The speaker further reflects on the importance of prayer, illustrating Daniel's model of prayer that includes praise, repentance, and supplication. Ultimately, the episode serves to reassure listeners of God's sovereignty over human affairs and the unfolding of His prophetic calendar, encouraging them to remain vigilant and hopeful for the future.A profound exploration of Daniel's prophetic insights unfolds as Speaker A delves into Chapter 9, emphasizing the significance of God's sovereignty in human history. He articulates the narrative of Daniel's prayer, during which he earnestly seeks forgiveness for his sins and the transgressions of his people. The speaker presents a detailed examination of the 70 weeks prophecy, a pivotal element in biblical eschatology that outlines the timeline for the Jewish people and the coming of the Messiah. The speaker asserts that this prophecy is crucial for understanding God's plan for Israel, framing it within the historical context of the Medo-Persian Empire's rise and the subsequent significance of Jerusalem's restoration. He articulates the theological implications of Israel's eventual acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah, highlighting the paradox of their initial rejection and anticipated future acceptance. This exploration not only underscores the intricate relationship between prayer and divine revelation but also emphasizes the overarching theme of God's control over earthly affairs, inviting listeners to reflect on the profound mysteries of faith and prophecy. 


