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Jonathan and Brandon are back with another episode of Old Testament Survey, and this time they're covering the books of Judges and Ruth! From the repeated cycle of rebellion, oppression, repentance, and deliverance in Judges to the incredible story of faithfulness, loyalty, and redemption in Ruth, the guys explore the authorship, major themes, key events, and importance of these two books. We'll see what happens when God's people do what is right in their own eyes, and how God's providence and redemption are still at work even during some of the darkest chapters in Israel's history. But, as usual, the conversation doesn't stay entirely in the Old Testament. The guys also discuss why buying lots of books is an excellent life decision (at least according to the people buying them) and take some time to talk about the importance of unity during seasons of pastoral transition. Change can bring uncertainty, but the church must remain focused on Christ, committed to one another, and faithful to the mission God has given us. Two Old Testament books, a growing library, and a reminder that church unity matters.

In today’s sermon, Pastor Mark takes us to Matthew 27:57–61 to examine the burial of Jesus and why this often-overlooked part of the Gospel story matters so much. The Gospels give us specific details about Jesus’ burial because the burial confirms that Jesus truly died—and that makes His resurrection all the more powerful! The tomb was real, the death was real, and the resurrection was real. Jesus didn’t merely appear to die; He gave His life and conquered the grave. The burial stands as an essential part of the Gospel message and reminds us that our hope is grounded in what Jesus actually accomplished. Because Christ is alive, we don’t have to keep living in defeat. We can walk in the victory He has secured for us and boldly share the good news of the Gospel with others. Jesus was buried, but the grave wasn’t the end of the story. Because He lives, we can live in victory—and the world needs to hear that good news!

In this special episode, Jonathan and Brandon sit down with Chad and Kara Freeman to talk about First Baptist Church Big Spring’s recent mission trip to Kosovo! Join us as we hear about the team’s experiences, the people they encountered, the ministry opportunities they had, and what God is doing in Kosovo. We’ll reflect on the joys and challenges of serving on mission, the importance of sharing the Gospel across cultures, and how God uses ordinary people to make an eternal impact. Mission trips are about more than traveling to another country—they’re about joining God in His work and making Jesus known wherever He sends us. Different country. Different culture. Same Gospel. One mission: making Christ known to the nations.

In today’s sermon, Pastor Mark takes us to the heart of the Gospel and reminds us that Jesus came with a purpose. He willingly went to the cross, dying as our substitute and paying a debt we could never pay so that we could be reconciled to God. But the Gospel doesn’t end with the cross. Jesus rose again, bringing hope, life, and salvation to those who believe in Him. And because we have received this incredible gift, we are called to go and share that same gift with others. Jesus paid the debt we could never pay so that we could have what we could never earn. Now we get to tell the world about Him.

Brandon and Jonathan continue their journey through the Old Testament Survey series with the book of Joshua—the book that serves as an important transition from the Law into the History books of the Old Testament. In this episode, the guys discuss the dating and authorship of Joshua, major themes, key events, and why this book is important for Christians to read today. From Israel entering the Promised Land to learning lessons about faith, obedience, courage, and God’s faithfulness, Joshua continues the story that began in the first five books of Scripture. And, because no Old Testament Survey episode would be complete without going completely off the rails, we also take a brief detour into the technological wonders of the 1982 Buick Skylark. Exactly how that relates to Joshua is something you'll have to listen to find out. The Bible is full of history, theology, and God's faithfulness—and apparently, 1982 Buicks.

In today’s sermon, Pastor Mark takes us to Acts 8:26–40 and the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian official. Through this powerful story, we are reminded that every person matters to God and that He can use ordinary believers to reach people with the Gospel. As Christians, our calling is not simply to know about Christ—it is to share Christ with the people we encounter. God places us in relationships, workplaces, neighborhoods, and everyday moments where we have opportunities to tell others about the hope found in Jesus. You matter to God. The people you encounter matter to God. And God can use you to help them hear about Jesus.

Brandon and Jonathan are back with another episode of Old Testament Survey, and this time they're tackling the fifth book of the Bible: Deuteronomy! In this episode, the guys explore the authorship, major themes, historical background, and purpose of Deuteronomy. As Moses prepares a new generation of Israelites to enter the Promised Land, he reminds them of God's faithfulness, the importance of obedience, and their responsibility to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and strength. Why does Moses repeat so much of what we've already read? What does Deuteronomy teach us about God's character and His expectations for His people? And how does this book fit into the bigger story of Scripture? Grab your Bible and join Brandon and Jonathan as they continue their journey through the Old Testament. We're five books in, and we're only getting started!

In today’s sermon, Youth Pastor Brandon Gartman takes us to Jonah 2:1–10, where Jonah finds himself at the end of his own strength and completely dependent on God. Through Jonah’s experience, we are reminded that we all have limitations and that our lives are meant to point beyond ourselves to the Lord. Obedience to God isn't about us—it's about Him. Our faithfulness should not be driven by our own desires, recognition, or personal success, but by a desire to honor God and follow His direction. When we recognize our limitations, we are reminded of our need for God. The question is whether we will trust Him, obey Him, and make His glory our priority. It's not about what we can do for God to make ourselves look good. It's about faithfully following Him for His glory.

In today’s sermon, Jonathan takes us to Psalm 127:1–2 and reminds us of two important truths for the church and for each of us: Don’t be overconfident, and don’t overwork. It is easy to become so focused on what we can accomplish that we forget that unless the Lord is building the house, our work is ultimately in vain. God doesn’t call us to do everything on our own—He calls us to rely on Him and join Him in the work He is already doing. Sometimes being faithful means working hard. Other times, it means recognizing that our confidence and our busyness have taken the place of dependence on God. The church doesn’t need more people trying to do God’s work without God. We need to refocus, rely on the Lord, and join Him in His work.

Jonathan and Brandon continue their journey through the Old Testament Survey series as they tackle Leviticus and Numbers—two books that are probably not the first ones people choose when looking for some light bedtime reading. In this episode, they explore the authorship, major themes, key events, and purpose of both books, including the sacrifices and holiness of Leviticus, the priesthood and worship of God, Israel’s journey through the wilderness, the importance of obedience, and what happens when God’s people refuse to trust Him. Why are these books important for Christians today? How do they fit into the larger story of Scripture? And what do Leviticus and Numbers have to do with Jesus? Grab your Bible and join Jonathan and Brandon as they continue working through the Old Testament—one sometimes-confusing book at a time.

In this sermon from Psalm 126, Jonathan reminds us that God is the One who brings renewal and restoration. We cannot manufacture revival or transform lives through our own strength—restoration ultimately comes from God. But while God is the One who does the work, He gives us a role to play. We are called to faithfully share the Gospel, proclaiming the good news of Jesus and trusting God to use our obedience to reach others. The hope of a restored church isn't found in better programs, strategies, or our own abilities. It is found in God—and our willingness to faithfully join Him in His work.

We’re back in the Old Testament Survey series, and this time we’re tackling the first two books of the Bible: Genesis and Exodus! Brandon is joined by special guest James as they dig into the authorship, major themes, key stories, and why these two books are so important for understanding the rest of Scripture. From creation and the fall to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph—and then from slavery in Egypt to Moses, the Exodus, and the giving of the Law—Genesis and Exodus lay the foundation for so much of the biblical story. If you want to understand the Old Testament, you have to start here. And because of Brandon's Whataburger addiction, this episode was recorded on location at Whataburger in Midland because the Big Spring location is STILL closed. Oh, and somehow these guys managed to turn Genesis and Exodus into a very, very long podcast episode. Two books, several thousand years of history, one Whataburger, and absolutely no concern for the length of the episode. Grab your Bible, grab some Whataburger, and settle in. We’ve got a lot to cover.

As we wrap up our journey through Romans 8:37-39, Pastor Mark Lindsey brings us to one of the most powerful truths in all of Scripture: nothing can separate those who are in Christ from the love of God. Paul reminds us that no circumstance, power, or force in all creation can break the relationship God has established with His people through Jesus Christ. Our salvation is not dependent on our ability to hold on to God—it rests in His faithfulness to hold on to us. In Christ, we are secure. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

In Part 3 of the “God Is For You” series, Pastor Mark takes us through Romans 8:31–37 and asks five powerful questions from the passage: Who can oppose us? Who can withhold from us? Who can accuse us? Who can condemn us? Who can separate us? The answer is the same every time: nothing and no one. When we are in Christ, God is for us, and there is nothing that can ultimately stand between us and His love. Our security isn't found in our circumstances, our strength, or our ability to hold everything together—it is found in Jesus Christ. If you are in Christ, you are His. And nothing can separate you from Him.

Welcome to our brand-new series, Old Testament Survey! In this series, we’re going to take a journey through the Old Testament—looking at its books, major sections, themes, people, stories, and, of course, how it all fits together in the bigger story of Scripture. But before we start working our way through all 39 books, we need to answer an important question: Why should Christians read the Old Testament? It can sometimes feel confusing, intimidating, or like a collection of really old stories that don't seem to have much to do with us today. But the Old Testament is an essential part of God’s Word and helps us understand who God is, His plan of redemption, and the story that ultimately leads us to Jesus. So grab your Bible and join us as we begin our journey through the Old Testament. 39 books, thousands of years of history, plenty of names we’re going to struggle to pronounce—and a whole lot of God's story to discover. Welcome to Old Testament Survey. Let’s get started! Article - Ten Reasons the Old Testament Matters for Christians