Heritage Baptist Church Haslet

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.

This podcast episode centers on the profound message that Jesus is the only way to the Father, as articulated in John 14:6. The speaker reflects on personal experiences and biblical teachings to illustrate how faith in Christ provides peace amid life's crises. He shares a relatable story about missing a flight, drawing a parallel to the importance of not missing the ultimate connection to salvation through Jesus. The discussion emphasizes the significance of knowing Jesus not just as a historical figure but as the source of truth and life. Ultimately, listeners are encouraged to deepen their relationship with Christ, ensuring they do not miss the path to eternal life.This podcast episode provides an insightful look into the transformative power of faith as Speaker A dives into John 14, focusing on Jesus' comforting message: 'Let not your heart be troubled.' The speaker begins by sharing his personal connection to the church community and the privilege of working with youth, which serves as a backdrop for his message. As he reflects on his growth and experiences, he sets the stage for a discussion that is not only theological but also deeply personal and relatable.The episode is rich with themes of peace, assurance, and the promise of eternal life. Speaker A articulates how Jesus reassures His followers in times of uncertainty, using personal anecdotes to illustrate moments when faith provided solace during crises. He discusses the significance of believing in Jesus and the peace that comes from such faith, encouraging listeners to embrace the tranquility that God offers amid life's challenges.As the conversation unfolds, the speaker delves into the promise of a prepared place in heaven, drawing on the imagery of 'many mansions' in the Father's house. This metaphor serves as a powerful reminder of the hope that believers hold for eternal life. The episode concludes with a heartfelt call to action, urging listeners to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus, the way, truth, and life, and not to miss the opportunity for spiritual fulfillment that faith provides. Each segment of the discussion builds upon the previous one, creating a cohesive narrative that inspires reflection and invites a deeper engagement with one’s faith.Takeaways: The message emphasizes that Jesus is the only way to eternal life, reaffirming the exclusivity of faith in Him. Listeners are encouraged to find peace in the promises of God during challenging times. The speaker shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the concept of missing opportunities for spiritual connection. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of knowing and trusting in God's word for guidance. The passage from John 14 highlights that believers can find comfort in knowing Christ prepares a place for them. The discussion underlines the significance of a personal relationship with Jesus as the pathway to God.

This podcast episode emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord, driven by the reality of eternity and the imminent return of Jesus Christ. The speaker shares personal reflections on how the realization of eternity has influenced their Christian walk and serves as motivation to avoid complacency in faith. Key points include the fleeting nature of life, the eternal significance of our actions, and the urgent need to witness to others while we still have the opportunity. The discussion also touches on the concept of accountability before God, urging listeners to consider how they are using their time and resources for His purposes. Ultimately, the message calls for an active and intentional Christian life that reflects love for Christ through service and evangelism.A profound exploration of the concept of living in light of eternity takes center stage in this engaging podcast episode. The speaker reflects on personal struggles and triumphs throughout a 40-year Christian journey, emphasizing the importance of maintaining steadfastness in faith and deeds. The discussion pivots around the biblical passages of 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4, underscoring the assurance of Christ's return and the urgency it brings to believers. With an emphasis on avoiding guilt-driven motivations, the speaker encourages listeners to engage in the work of the Lord joyfully and willingly, fostering a sense of purpose and anticipation for eternity. Key themes include the fleeting nature of life and the significance of using our time wisely while on earth. The speaker poignantly highlights that our days are numbered and that our opportunity to impact lives for Christ will soon come to an end. The episode serves as a clarion call to action, urging listeners to take their spiritual responsibilities seriously by witnessing and serving others. The speaker articulates a vision of a life lived fully for Christ, pushing back against complacency and encouraging a proactive approach to faith that recognizes the imminent return of Jesus. The episode closes with a heartfelt invitation for listeners to reflect on their own lives, consider their contributions to the kingdom, and recommit to being active participants in the work of the Lord, all grounded in the love of Christ that compels us to serve. Overall, this podcast serves not only as an exhortation but also as a source of encouragement to keep the faith and remain diligent in our spiritual walk. Takeaways: To remain steadfast in our faith, we must live with the reality of eternity in mind, ensuring our actions reflect this awareness. Our earthly work may seem significant, but in the light of eternity, only our service to Christ truly matters. Each moment spent serving the Lord contributes to our treasure in heaven, reminding us of the eternal impact of our actions. We should strive to be proactive in our faith, as we do not know when our last opportunity to serve may come. The love of Christ compels us to act, pushing us to serve and share His message with others. As believers, we are accountable for our actions, and we will stand before God to give an account of our lives.