Advertise on podcast: Burnt Hickory | Sermons

You can attend church, know the right answers, and believe in God. But does the way you live actually reflect your relationship with Jesus? In Revelation 3, Jesus speaks to the church of Laodicea about the danger of lukewarm faith. This was a community with wealth, resources, and plenty of reasons to feel secure. But their confidence in themselves had replaced their dependence on God. In this episode, we unpack what Jesus meant when He described the church as neither hot nor cold, why spiritual self-sufficiency is so dangerous, and five traits that can reveal when our faith has become more about routine than following Jesus. We also look at the hope found in Jesus' invitation to the church. His warning wasn't meant to push them away. It was a call to repent, surrender control, and return to Him. As you listen, consider where you might be going through the motions and what it would look like to let Jesus lead those areas of your life again. Key Insights: Spiritual complacency can happen without us noticing. Jesus calls us to be distinct, not simply enthusiastic. Five everyday habits can reveal a lukewarm faith. Following Jesus means surrendering control, not simply asking for help. Jesus' correction is an invitation to return. Scripture Focus: Revelation 3:14-22 Speaker: Matt Petty Location: [Burnt Hickory Baptist Church](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hazkR3omjk9xvxZc7) Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube ° Follow us on Facebook ° Follow us on Instagram ° Visit our website

We Are the Church | Groundbreaking Sunday Why does church matter? And is there really a difference between going to church and being part of the church? In We Are the Church, we look at what Scripture says about the purpose of the church and why Jesus calls us to something more than showing up on Sundays. Acts 20 reminds us that Jesus gave His life for the church. Matthew 16 shows us that Jesus is the foundation of His church. And Psalm 92 gives us a picture of what happens when we're planted in God's house. Along the way, we talk about church membership, community, serving, accountability, and why our commitment to the church matters for the next generation. If you've ever wondered whether you really need a church family, struggled to feel connected, or simply gotten comfortable attending without getting involved, this message offers an invitation to reconsider what belonging could look like. Because church isn't just somewhere we attend. It's a family we're called to be part of. Key Insights: • Jesus doesn't just meet needs - He exceeds them abundantly and perfectly • Nothing God gives you will ever fill you like Him giving you Himself • The miracle connects to God's provision of manna in the wilderness • Jesus offers Himself as the solution to our deepest spiritual hunger • The miracle demonstrates Jesus's provision for both Jews and Gentiles Speaker: Matt Petty Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube ° Follow us on Facebook ° Follow us on Instagram ° Visit our website

Love Is… | Marriage Sunday 2026 We say we love our spouse, our kids, fall weather, pizza, and plenty of other things. But with one word carrying so many meanings, how do we know what real love actually is? Scripture gives us a clearer definition. In Love Is..., we explore love as a complete commitment rather than simply a feeling, why being real with God helps us become more honest with one another, and what it means to give without keeping score. First Corinthians 13 also gives us a different way to think about the familiar qualities of love. Before treating patience, kindness, and the rest of the chapter as a checklist of everything we need to do better, we can see them as a picture of the way God already loves us. Love Is… Marriage Sunday 2026 Because the more we experience His love, the better equipped we are to pass it on. Insights: Love has to be built on more than feelings. Before trying harder to love others, learn how God loves you. Healthy relationships need room for honesty. Your spouse cannot carry expectations that belong to God. Ask where your life is missing the evidence of love. Speaker: Matt Petty & Kenn Kington Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube ° Follow us on Facebook ° Follow us on [Instagram](www.instagram.com/burnthickorybaptist) ° Visit our website Special Guest: Kenn Kington.

Shining to the Final Word | Thriving in Babylon What happens when you pray and the answer doesn’t come right away? Daniel 10 tells us that Daniel prayed for 21 days before receiving an answer. But the delay didn’t mean God hadn’t heard him. Behind what Daniel could see was a spiritual battle he knew nothing about. Shining to the Final Word As Daniel 10–12 unfolds, we get a glimpse of that unseen battle, a reminder that Daniel is greatly loved by God, and a look toward resurrection and eternity. Daniel doesn’t understand everything God shows him. His response gives us a model for our own lives. We don’t have to figure out every detail before we trust God. We can pray, remember who we are in Christ, invest our lives in what lasts, and keep moving faithfully toward the finish. Shining to the Final Word closes our journey through Daniel with a reminder that the same God who carried Daniel through Babylon can be trusted with our lives too. Key Insights: Keep praying when the answer seems delayed. Remember that not every battle is merely about what you can see. Let your identity rest somewhere circumstances cannot reach. Invest more of your life in what will outlast your life. Faithfulness doesn’t require having everything figured out. Scripture Focus: Daniel 10 Speaker: Matt Petty Series: Thriving in Babylon Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube ° Follow us on Facebook ° Follow us on Instagram ° Visit our website

Praying in the Pause | Thriving in Babylon Have you ever wanted to pray but struggled to know where to begin? Or wondered whether God hears you when an answer seems slow to come? Daniel 9 gives us a look into the prayer life of a man who has followed God for decades. When Daniel reads a promise about the end of Israel’s exile, he doesn’t stop praying because God has already spoken. He prays because God has spoken. In Praying in the Pause, we walk through Daniel’s example of wholehearted attention, praise, confession, requests, and listening. We also see Gabriel arrive while Daniel is still praying, bringing an answer that reaches beyond the return from exile and points toward Jesus. The invitation is practical: keep praying, keep following God, and don’t waste the pause. Key Insights: God’s promises should move us toward prayer, not away from it. 2. A healthier prayer life begins with giving God your attention. Honest confession matters more than protecting our image. A delayed answer doesn’t mean your prayer went unheard. Scripture Focus: Daniel 9:1-25 Speaker: Matt Petty Series: Thriving in Babylon Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube ° Follow us on Facebook ° Follow us on Instagram ° Visit our website

The Whole World in His Hands | Thriving in Babylon Daniel 7 and 8 take us from the story of Daniel’s life into visions of beasts, kingdoms, rulers, and events that would unfold long after Daniel was gone. Why did God show him all of this? Not simply so we could make charts about the future. Prophecy shows us that the God who was faithful in the past will be faithful in the future. In The Whole World in His Hands, we look at the four beasts of Daniel 7, the ram and goat of Daniel 8, the rise and fall of world empires, and the future Daniel was allowed to see. But all of those details ultimately lead us somewhere bigger: the Ancient of Days is still on His throne, and the Son of Man will receive a kingdom that will never be destroyed. When the future feels uncertain, our hope isn’t found in figuring everything out. It’s found in knowing the One who already holds it. Key Insights: Prophecy should produce security, not obsession. Don’t build your hope on something that won’t last. God’s faithfulness in the past gives us confidence for the future. God’s control over history changes how we face ordinary uncertainty. The destination of Daniel’s prophecy is Jesus. Scripture Focus: Daniel 7:1-8:25 Speaker: Matt Petty Series: Thriving in Babylon Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube ° Follow us on Facebook ° Follow us on Instagram ° Visit our [website](https://www.burnthickory.com/)

God Still Delivers | Thriving in Babylon Daniel had spent decades faithfully following God. So when a new law threatened his life if he continued praying, he didn’t panic, protest, or hide his faith. He went home and prayed just as he had done before. In Daniel 6, we see why the habits we build before a crisis matter when the pressure arrives. Daniel’s integrity and consistency were so visible that even King Darius knew exactly who he served. Then came the lions’ den. In God Still Delivers, we look at what Daniel’s story teaches us about prayer, courage, influence, trials, and trusting God when we don’t know the outcome. And ultimately, Daniel’s deliverance points us toward an even greater Daniel: Jesus, who didn’t simply escape death but defeated it. Key Insights: Faithfulness is built before the pressure arrives. Excellence can become a platform for the gospel. Our lives are telling people something about the God we follow. Trials can become part of our testimony. Daniel’s deliverance points us toward Jesus. Speaker: Matt Petty Series: Thriving in Babylon Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube ° Follow us on Facebook ° Follow us on Instagram ° Visit our website

The Writing Is on the Wall | Thriving in Babylon The Babylonian Empire had survived for generations, and King Belshazzar believed his kingdom was secure. Even with an enemy army outside the city, he threw a party and used what had been set apart for God for his own pleasure. Then the writing appeared on the wall. In Daniel 5, Daniel explains the message God gives Belshazzar: his days are numbered, he has been weighed and found lacking, and his kingdom is about to fall. This message from Thriving in Babylon looks at pride, judgment, living set apart for God, and the danger of hearing the truth without responding to it. But the story doesn't end with judgment. The same hand that wrote the warning points us toward the salvation God offers through Jesus. Key Insights: Pride can make us feel secure when we’re anything but secure. Belshazzar was partying while an army surrounded Babylon. His confidence in what he had built blinded him to what was actually happening around him. Our lives are meant to be set apart for God. The temple vessels in Daniel 5 point toward a New Testament reality: followers of Jesus belong to God. That should shape what we do with our bodies, minds, priorities, and choices. Build the kind of faith people recognize before the crisis arrives. When no one could understand the writing, the queen immediately remembered Daniel as someone who carried the wisdom of God. His reputation had been built through decades of consistent faithfulness. Knowing the truth carries responsibility. Belshazzar knew Nebuchadnezzar’s story and what God had done, yet he chose not to humble himself. The sermon challenges us not simply to hear the gospel repeatedly, but to respond to it. The warning of judgment comes with an invitation to grace. Daniel 5 is sobering, but the message ultimately points to Jesus. Our days are numbered, but God has already offered forgiveness, freedom, life, and salvation through Christ. Scripture Focus: Daniel 5 Speaker: Matt Petty Series: Thriving in Babylon Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube ° Follow us on [Facebook](www.facebook.com/bhbchome) ° Follow us on Instagram ° Visit our website

Look Up to the True King | Thriving in Babylon Nebuchadnezzar had seen God work again and again. He recognized God's power, but he still hadn't surrendered his life to Him. In Daniel 4, everything changes. At the height of his success, Nebuchadnezzar's pride is confronted, and God uses an unexpected season of humbling to turn his focus away from himself and toward heaven. This message from Thriving in Babylon explores the danger of pride, God's sovereignty, repentance, restoration, and the hope found in knowing that no one is too far gone for God to reach. Nebuchadnezzar's story challenges us to consider who is really sitting on the throne of our lives and reminds us that when our true focus changes, our lives change. Key Insights: Recognizing God is not the same as surrendering to God. Nebuchadnezzar had witnessed God’s work for decades, but seeing God’s power did not automatically mean giving God his heart. Pride can hide inside success. The problem wasn’t that Nebuchadnezzar had accomplished great things. It was that he viewed those things as evidence of his own greatness rather than gifts entrusted to him by God. God can use long-term faithfulness. Daniel faithfully served and prayed while walking alongside Nebuchadnezzar for decades. His story encourages us not to give up on the people God has placed around us. Humbling can be an act of grace. God’s confrontation of Nebuchadnezzar wasn’t simply about bringing him down. It ultimately brought him to repentance, restored his focus, and led him to acknowledge God as the true King. No one is too far gone for God to reach. If God could reach Nebuchadnezzar after everything he had done and years of resisting Him, we should not give up hope for ourselves or for the people we’re praying for. Scripture Focus: Dainel 4:1-37 Speaker: Matt Petty Series: Thriving in Babylon Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube ° Follow us on [Facebook](www.facebook.com/bhbchome) ° Follow us on Instagram ° Visit our website

When the Heat Gets Turned Up | Thriving in Babylon Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew God was able to deliver them. They believed He would. But even if He didn't, they still wouldn't bow. In Daniel 3, we see a faith that isn't dependent on circumstances or outcomes. This message from Thriving in Babylon explores idolatry, cultural pressure, godly conviction, and what happens when following Jesus comes with a cost. Sometimes God's will isn't to deliver us from the trial but to give us strength to endure through it. And when we stand for God, we don't just experience His protection. We experience His presence. Key Insights: Convictions are built before the pressure comes. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's decision not to bow wasn't a sudden burst of courage. Their pattern of obedience had already been established in Daniel 1 and 2. Idolatry is bigger than statues. Anything we place ahead of God, including ourselves, family, success, work, or other priorities, can begin taking the glory that belongs to Him. Faith doesn't require a guaranteed outcome. “Even if He does not” shows a trust in God that isn't dependent on getting the answer or rescue we want. God doesn't always remove the trial. Sometimes His will is to give us the strength to walk through what we would rather escape. God's presence can become clearest in the fire. The three men weren't alone in the furnace. The message points to the fourth figure as a Christophany, a visible, pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, emphasizing that God met them in the very place they needed Him most. Scripture Focus: Daniel 3:1 Speaker: Matt Petty Series: Thriving in Babylon Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube ° Follow us on [Facebook](www.facebook.com/bhbchome) ° Follow us on Instagram ° Visit our website

Crisis to Christ | Thriving in Babylon When Daniel faced a crisis he could not solve on his own, he knew where to turn. In Daniel 2, we see Daniel respond with wise composure, radical courage, godly community, heartfelt prayer, and praise. Then, through Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, God reveals that every earthly kingdom will eventually fall, but the Kingdom of Jesus will stand forever. This message from Thriving in Babylon challenges us to stop depending solely on our own wisdom and remember a truth that changes how we face every crisis: there is a God in heaven who can. Key Insights: Respond to crisis instead of reacting to it. Daniel models wise composure and courage when panic would have been the easier response. Make prayer your first response. Daniel immediately gathers his community and seeks God when human wisdom reaches its limit. Don’t try to walk through crisis alone. Godly community matters, especially when life becomes difficult and the answers aren’t obvious. Recognize the limits of earthly wisdom. Knowledge, education, and human ability have value, but they cannot replace the wisdom that comes from God. Live with confidence in the Kingdom that lasts. Daniel’s interpretation points beyond temporary earthly kingdoms to Jesus and His Kingdom that will reign forever. Scripture Focus: Daniel 2:1-45 Speaker: Matt Petty Series: Thriving in Babylon Location: [Burnt Hickory Baptist Church](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hazkR3omjk9xvxZc7) Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube ° Follow us on [Facebook](www.facebook.com/bhbchome) ° Follow us on [Instagram](www.instagram.com/burnthickorybaptist) ° Visit our website

Uncompromised, Different, Blessed | Thriving In Babylon Every generation faces pressure to blend into the culture around them. In this sermon from Daniel 1, we explore how Daniel and his friends remained faithful while living in Babylon and what their example teaches believers today. This message examines Christian identity, biblical conviction, holiness, and the courage to stand apart in a world that constantly encourages compromise. You'll be challenged to live faithfully, trust God's promises, and remember that He honors those who honor Him. Key Insights: Discover how Daniel's example teaches believers to stand firm without compromising biblical convictions. Learn how culture often reshapes identity, beliefs, and values, and how to remain grounded in Christ. Understand why holiness begins with deciding in advance to obey God. See how faithful obedience creates opportunities to influence others for Jesus. Be encouraged that God blesses those who trust Him, even when obedience is difficult. Scripture Focus: Daniel 1:21 Speaker: Matt Petty Series: Thriving In Babylon Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube ° Follow us on [Facebook](www.facebook.com/bhbchome) ° Follow us on [Instagram](www.instagram.com/burnthickorybaptist) ° Visit our [website]((https://www.burnthickory.com/)

Raise the Banner | The Verse That Changed My Life Every believer faces battles, but God never intended for us to fight them alone. In this sermon from Exodus 17:8-15, we explore the story behind the name Jehovah Nissi, "The Lord is my Banner," and discover how pride, self-reliance, prayer, and community shape the way we walk through life's challenges. This message offers practical encouragement for anyone learning to trust God's strength over their own. Key Insights: Discover what the name Jehovah Nissi, "The Lord is my Banner," reveals about God's character. Learn how pride often shows up as self-reliance instead of dependence on God. Understand why prayer, obedience, and Christian community are essential during spiritual battles. Be encouraged to trust God's strength instead of trying to carry life's burdens alone. Recognize that every victory belongs to the Lord and points back to His faithfulness. Key Scripture: Exodus 17:8-15 Speaker: Seth Bundy Series: The Verse That Changed My Life Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube ° Follow us on [Facebook](www.facebook.com/bhbchome) ° Follow us on [Instagram](www.instagram.com/burnthickorybaptist) ° Visit our [website](www.burnthickory.com/) Special Guest: Seth Bundy.

House Rules for the Heart of Purity | The Verse That Changed My Life Real spiritual growth begins with a heart that treasures God's Word. In this sermon from Psalm 119:9-16, we discover practical ways to guard our hearts, resist temptation, and pursue holiness through Scripture. This message challenges believers to move beyond outward appearances and allow God's truth to shape every part of their lives. Whether you're learning to trust God's direction or looking to deepen your walk with Christ, you'll be encouraged to build your life on the foundation of His Word. Key Insights: Learn practical ways to guard your heart through God's Word. Discover the difference between outward religion and genuine spiritual transformation. Understand how Scripture provides wisdom and direction for everyday life. Be challenged to treasure God's Word as your greatest source of guidance. Find encouragement to pursue holiness through daily dependence on Jesus rather than your own strength. Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:9 Speaker: Eli Laughlin Series: The Verse That Changed My Life Location: [Burnt Hickory Baptist Church](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hazkR3omjk9xvxZc7) Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube ° Follow us on [Facebook](www.facebook.com/bhbchome) ° Follow us on[ Instagram](www.instagram.com/burnthickorybaptist) ° Visit our [website](www.burnthickory.com)

Called to Be Salt and Light | The Verse That Changed My Life Jesus didn't call His followers to blend into the culture. He called them to influence it. In this sermon from Matthew 5:13-16, we explore what it means to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. This message challenges believers to move beyond silent faith and actively reflect Christ in their everyday lives. Through biblical teaching and practical application, you'll be encouraged to engage your community with truth, grace, and hope while remembering that Jesus has already secured the victory. Key Insights: Discover what Jesus meant when He called believers the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Learn how to engage today's culture without compromising your faith. Understand why every follower of Jesus has a unique sphere of influence. Be challenged to move from silent belief to active faith that points others to Christ. Find confidence to live boldly because Jesus has already secured the victory. Scripture Focus: Matthew 5:13-16 Speaker: Matt Petty Series: The Verse That Changed My Life Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube ° Follow us on [Facebook](www.facebook.com/bhbchome) ° Follow us on [Instagram](www.instagram.com/burnthickorybaptist) ° Visit our website