Heritage Baptist Church Haslet

The progression of the light (The Messiah) departing and the light returning.Isaiah 9:6Isaiah 9:1-5 (The light that will return)Isaiah 7:14Matthew 4:12

This podcast episode delves into the poignant theme of missed opportunities, as illustrated through the story of Elisha and the king of Israel. The central message emphasizes the importance of bold faith and the consequences of hesitance in decision-making. As the narrative unfolds, listeners are reminded of the significance of recognizing and seizing divine opportunities, rather than settling for mediocrity. The discussion reflects on how the king's limited actions resulted in only partial victories, highlighting a broader lesson on the potential that could have been achieved with a more committed approach. Through personal anecdotes and biblical insights, the speaker encourages a deeper devotion to faith, urging listeners to reflect on what could be if they fully embraced the paths laid before them.The podcast unveils a captivating narrative as it explores the concluding chapters of Elisha's ministry, particularly focusing on the profound moments between the prophet and King Jehoash of Israel. The speaker artfully dissects the biblical text from Second Kings, where the dying prophet Elisha provides crucial guidance to the king, symbolizing the divine promise of victory over the encroaching Syrians. This interaction serves as a backdrop for discussing the broader themes of faith, commitment, and the often-overlooked opportunities that life presents. Listeners are taken on a journey through the speaker's engaging storytelling, punctuated with humor and relatable anecdotes reflecting on past personal experiences of regret and missed chances, whether in financial endeavors or significant life decisions. The discussion highlights the stark contrast between Elisha’s prophetic assurance of victory and the king’s lukewarm response, which ultimately leads to a partial triumph. This serves as a compelling metaphor for the human tendency to hold back in faith, a theme that resonates deeply in the hearts of the audience as they are encouraged to assess their own lives and levels of commitment to their faith and purpose. The conclusion of the episode acts as a rallying cry for listeners, urging them to embrace boldness in their spiritual journeys. The speaker emphasizes that the potential for greater victories lies in the willingness to fully commit to God's call, rather than settling for mediocrity. By intertwining biblical history with contemporary reflections, the episode leaves the audience with a profound sense of urgency and inspiration, challenging them to seek not only what God has for them but to actively pursue it with unwavering faith and determination.Takeaways: The missed opportunities in our lives often stem from our lack of foresight and understanding. Elisha's final days illustrate how important it is to seize divine opportunities when they arise. The king's hesitant faith led to a partial victory instead of a complete triumph over Syria. Faith requires action; the king's willingness to shoot arrows was a step towards deliverance. Reflecting on past decisions can reveal what could have been if we had acted differently. God's plans for deliverance are often more significant than we realize, and we should embrace them.

1 John 4:10 God's love for you. Your loving response for God. Our love for God.1 John 4:19Ephesians 2:2-5Romans 5:8

HIs name shall be called: Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Keep your eyes on Jesus.

Pastor Eric Crawford emphasizes the importance of thankfulness in our lives during this special Tuesday Night Thanksgiving Service. He draws from Colossians chapter three, highlighting the characteristics of the new man that believers should put on, such as kindness, humility, and forgiveness. Crawford explains that cultivating a spirit of gratitude is vital not only for personal peace but also for fostering unity within the church community. He reminds listeners that being thankful is a conscious choice that must be taught and practiced, contrasting it with the natural tendency toward ungratefulness prevalent in society today. By reflecting on God's blessings, both big and small, Pastor Crawford encourages everyone to adopt an attitude of gratitude, reinforcing that a thankful heart leads to a more fulfilling and harmonious life.Pastor Eric Crawford's Tuesday Night Thanksgiving Service is a profound exploration of the Christian call to gratitude, anchored in the teachings of Colossians chapter three. He articulates the necessity of 'putting on the new man'—a concept that entails adopting virtues like mercy, kindness, and humility as fundamental aspects of daily Christian living. The pastor's approach is both reflective and practical, urging congregants to embody these attributes not just for their personal spiritual journeys but as a means of enriching the church community. By connecting biblical teachings with personal anecdotes, Pastor Crawford illustrates how intentionality in one's spiritual practice can lead to a more vibrant faith life.Throughout the sermon, the pastor emphasizes that thankfulness is more than a fleeting sentiment; it is a transformative practice that cultivates peace and unity within the body of Christ. He shares how gratitude can shift perspectives, encouraging believers to see their lives through the lens of God's blessings, even in difficult times. This message is particularly resonant as families gather for the Thanksgiving holiday, prompting attendees to reflect on the importance of recognizing and celebrating God's goodness in their lives.As the service concludes, Pastor Crawford leads a heartfelt prayer, inviting the congregation to embrace a lifestyle of thankfulness that transcends the holiday season. He encourages them to actively demonstrate love and forgiveness, reinforcing the idea that a grateful heart is foundational to a healthy church community. By the end of the evening, attendees leave with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired to practice gratitude as a core element of their faith, thereby fostering a spirit of unity and love within their church and beyond.Takeaways: Pastor Eric Crawford emphasizes the importance of reading the Bible as it is written, highlighting the significance of public scripture reading. The characteristics of the new man in Christ include mercy, kindness, humility, and long-suffering, which believers should embody daily. Being thankful is a command from the Lord, and cultivating a thankful spirit requires intentional thought and recognition of God's blessings. A thankful heart leads to unity within the church, demonstrating the impact of individual spirituality on the collective body of Christ. Pastor Crawford reminds us that thankfulness does not come naturally; it must be taught and practiced consistently. In a world filled with unthankfulness, Christians are called to counteract negativity by recognizing and appreciating God's goodness.

The podcast explores the transformative power of the gospel through the experiences of missionaries working in Vanuatu. A significant focus is on the journey of Eileen, who, after years of misunderstanding her faith, came to truly accept Jesus as her savior and now expresses gratitude for the support from churches that helped her hear the gospel. The speaker shares compelling testimonies of local individuals, including Chief Avakin and his family, who have transitioned from traditional beliefs and reliance on witch doctors to a faith rooted in Jesus Christ. These narratives highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the community, such as spiritual fear and the influence of local witchcraft, while showcasing the positive changes brought about by biblical teaching. The episode emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel and the collaborative role that supporters play in global missions, reinforcing the message that true transformation comes from God’s work in the hearts of individuals.The podcast shares an inspiring account of missionary work in Vanuatu, focusing on the transformative journey of Eileen, a local who initially believed her good deeds and church attendance were enough for salvation. The speaker recounts how Eileen, under the mentorship of Lydia, recognized her misunderstanding of the gospel and accepted Jesus Christ as her savior in 2017. This significant turning point illustrates the importance of discipleship and the supportive role of prayer and financial backing from churches, which Eileen personally acknowledged when she gifted traditional sarongs to those who contributed to her spiritual journey. Eileen's story serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of global missions and the necessity of clear gospel communication in diverse cultural contexts. As the discussion progresses, the speaker delves into the broader spiritual landscape of Vanuatu, reflecting on the challenges missionaries face when trying to convey the gospel to a community steeped in fear and influenced by witchcraft. The narrative highlights the disconnect between the appearance of happiness in Vanuatu, as indicated by its ranking on the Happy Planet Index, and the underlying spiritual struggles faced by its people. By sharing anecdotes, such as the experience with a newborn baby whose life was threatened by a witch doctor's prophecy, the speaker emphasizes the urgent need for a clear understanding of the gospel amid prevalent superstitions and fear.The episode culminates in the speaker sharing testimonies of faith from new believers, including Chief Avakin, who recognized the necessity of faith in Jesus for salvation. His journey from skepticism to belief is a testament to the power of the gospel to change lives, even in cultures that rely heavily on traditional beliefs. The speaker's reflections on their missionary work in Vanuatu convey not only the challenges but also the profound joy in seeing individuals embrace the truth of the gospel, reinforcing the message that true transformation comes from a relationship with Jesus rather than reliance on cultural traditions or witchcraft.Takeaways: Eileen's journey from misunderstanding the gospel to truly accepting Jesus highlights the importance of discipleship. The power of prayer and community support is shown through Eileen's gifts to thank the churches. The struggle against spiritual blindness in Vanuatu illustrates the need for clear gospel communication. Understanding the cultural belief systems in Vanuatu is crucial for effective evangelism and teaching. Avakin's transformation through faith exemplifies how the gospel can change lives amidst cultural challenges. The story of the baby saved from death reveals the clash between faith in God and local superstitions.

Trust in God and will provide for you.

Strength in weakness is a profound theme explored in this podcast episode, where the speaker, Noah Day, delves into the idea that our vulnerabilities can reveal God's strength. Using the apostle Paul's experience with his "thorn in the flesh," he illustrates that true power often emerges from our moments of helplessness. The discussion highlights how challenges, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, serve to humble us and draw us closer to God. Noah shares personal anecdotes that resonate with listeners, emphasizing that trials can lead to growth and strengthen our relationships with God and others. Ultimately, the message encourages embracing our weaknesses, as they are opportunities for God's grace to shine through in our lives.Paul's struggle with a 'thorn in the flesh' serves as a poignant reminder of the paradox of strength emerging from weakness. Throughout the discussion, the speaker illustrates how personal trials can lead to a deeper reliance on God’s grace. Drawing from his own experiences, including a harrowing incident involving a moth and a series of unexpected life events, the speaker emphasizes the importance of humility in the face of adversity. He invites listeners to reflect on their own weaknesses and the thorns in their lives, encouraging them to embrace these challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth. The segment transitions into explorations of biblical figures like Job and Jesus, who faced significant struggles yet emerged with a profound understanding of their faith and purpose. Ultimately, the message centers on the idea that when we acknowledge our weaknesses, we open ourselves up to God’s strength, allowing it to manifest in our lives in transformative ways. This powerful narrative serves as both a personal testimony and a call to action for listeners to seek strength in their own vulnerabilities, fostering a sense of connection and resilience in their spiritual journeys.Takeaways: Strength in weakness is a central theme, emphasizing reliance on God's grace during hardships. Paul's experience with a thorn in the flesh illustrates how God uses weakness for His glory. Trials and tribulations can lead to spiritual growth if we embrace our weaknesses. The importance of humility and acknowledging our limitations in our relationship with God. God sometimes allows discomfort to teach us valuable lessons about strength and reliance. Finding joy in trials reflects a deep faith that God is working through our struggles.

This podcast episode emphasizes the importance of caring, praying, and going in the pursuit of reaching others for Christ. It highlights how Jesus demonstrated compassion and took action to address both the spiritual and physical needs of those around Him. The speaker urges listeners to recognize the lost souls in their communities and to respond with genuine care, reflecting on how Jesus saw beyond the surface to identify deeper needs. Prayer is presented as a crucial step in mobilizing laborers for the harvest, reminding us that effective outreach begins on our knees. The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging individuals to identify those they can help and to take the necessary steps to fulfill their calling in spreading the Gospel.The podcast dives into the profound impact of compassion as modeled by Jesus Christ during his ministry. Emphasizing the need for genuine care, the speaker highlights how Jesus was not just a passive observer but actively engaged with the physical and spiritual needs of the people around him. The episode unfolds the idea that true compassion requires more than just feeling; it necessitates action. The speaker illustrates this with various biblical references, showing how Jesus healed the sick and fed the hungry, ensuring that both the spiritual and physical needs of individuals were met. The call to action is clear: as followers of Christ, individuals must strive to embody this same compassion in their own lives, recognizing the lost and the needy in their communities and responding accordingly.Additionally, the speaker challenges the listeners to reflect on their own attitudes towards the lost. Instead of viewing others through a lens of annoyance or inconvenience, they are encouraged to adopt Jesus's perspective—seeing people as souls in need of salvation. The podcast stresses the importance of prayer in this process, urging listeners to pray for laborers in the harvest, as Jesus instructed his disciples. By advocating for both prayer and practical action, the episode serves as a compelling reminder of the dual aspects of ministry: caring for others and actively going out to share the Gospel. This holistic approach to compassion is framed as essential for effectively reaching a world in need of Christ's love.Takeaways: Jesus' ministry was characterized by a deep compassion for people's spiritual and physical needs. To effectively reach others for Christ, we must first care, pray, and then go. Recognizing the lost condition of people around us should move us to action. True compassion is not merely a feeling; it compels us to act on behalf of others. Meeting both spiritual and physical needs is essential for demonstrating genuine compassion. Every believer is called to participate in the Great Commission through prayer and action.