Brooklyn Tabernacle - Audio Sermons Feed

John baptized people with water. But Jesus came to baptize us with the Holy Spirit. This is where the power and change in Christianity are found. Water baptism is about repentance, but it doesn’t empower us to change. But when we’re baptized in the Spirit, Christ within us gives us the power to be steadfast and bold for Christ. What good news.

You know what the hardest thing is when sharing Jesus with others? It’s not figuring out how to dazzle people or be clever. It’s getting out of the way so that Jesus gets all the attention. John the Baptist said, “I’m not even worthy to untie Jesus’ sandals.” He was just an arrow pointing people to Jesus. That’s all any of us can be.

When life is tough, we want solutions. But the apostle Paul prayed that God would give us something else: the power to endure trials with patience. Jesus lived as a suffering servant—and this is the example we are to follow. We don’t have to react to suffering in our typical ways. Jesus within us will give us power to endure with patience.

“Repent! Make things right!” That’s what John the Baptist preached to prepare the way for Jesus. Today the word “Repent” is unusual in the church. But we can’t experience the joy of Jesus until we’ve repented of sin. The good news begins with the bad news that we’re in trouble. But the good news is that Jesus came for people in trouble, like you and me.

You want bad news? Turn on the television. But aren’t you happy that the gospel of Jesus is Christ is good news? When the gospel begins to work in us, our lives are changed—past, present, and future. That’s triple good news! Let’s praise Jesus Christ today for what He came to do for you and me.

Are you weary? Burdened? Trudging along, worn out, carrying a load of misery, guilt, or fear? Jesus is inviting you, “Come to me.” The promise is for “all”—people of every gender, race, or status. Let’s leave our own opinions and goals and self-seeking, and let’s come to Jesus. He will give us rest.

Do you call other believers “brother” and “sister”? That pleases God. But we can’t just call each other “Brother This” and “Sister That.” We need to care about each other. When Jesus returns, we’ll be with our brothers and sisters in Christ forever. Let’s start having fellowship now, looking for ways to encourage each other, pray for each other, rejoice together. God put us in a family. Let’s enjoy it.

The writer of Hebrews prayed that God would equip us with everything good. Why? To do His will. “No, I want to be on The Voice,” we say. “I want to win the lottery.” But God doesn’t equip us to chase our dreams. He equips us to do His will. Let’s ask the Lord for both the desire and the ability to do what is pleasing to Him. Then we’ll have joy unspeakable

Do you need peace today? Maybe you’re agitated and worried. You’re operating with inner friction and turmoil because someone has let you down, you’re under pressure, your children are into bad things. But God is a God of peace. Let’s ask God to fill us with His Spirit and produce His fruit in us—the fruit of peace.

It’s miserable to have an unclear conscience. When that “umpire” inside us is nagging at us, calling out “Strike!” we can’t enjoy anything. But praise God, the blood of Jesus cleanses us! If we confess our sin, we can have clear consciences. Oh, thank God for His mercy.

The news today is filtered to fit various agendas. But God always tells things exactly like they are. In 1 Peter He gives us news that is cause for rejoicing—we are chosen, we have a living hope, we have an inheritance in heaven! But He tells us the honest truth: the joyous gifts are mixed with suffering. Why? God is strengthening our faith. That’s good news! Let’s keep believing God.

Everybody needs someone praying for them. That’s why the author of Hebrews wrote, “Pray for us.” God uses prayer as a channel to dispense grace, blessings, strength, love, encouragement, guidance, consolation. What would happen if we all started praying for each other? Let’s pray for someone we love today, and let’s ask others to pray for us.

Hebrews describes a healthy local church: the leadership is like Jesus, who washed the disciples’ feet, and the members submit to the leader because they know God put that person there. Is the leader perfect? No. But we respect the authority of a leader who is watching out for our souls, preaching the Word, and declaring Jesus. Let’s serve the Lord together in peace and harmony.

A lot of people don’t like to submit to leaders. Are there bad leaders? Absolutely. But a true shepherd is not after people’s money or bragging about their church. A true shepherd watches over people’s souls. Let’s make sure that we’re worshiping where we can cooperate biblically with those who are over us in the Lord, and then let’s honor our leaders.

Sometimes the secret to answered prayer is just praising God. At times God says, “Don’t ask me for anything. Just stand still and praise me. Watch what I will do.” Let’s not be discouraged or afraid. Let’s stand in faith, praising God like King Jehoshaphat and the army of Israel did. The battle is not ours but God’s! The Lord will give the victory.

Jesus didn’t die so we could have organized religion. He died so we could belong to Him. So let’s not just go to church on Sundays. Instead, let’s do what Hebrews tells us to: profess Jesus’ name openly, do good, and share with others. We can praise the Lord today, and we can do good to someone today, and we can share with someone today. As we do, our Father will look down on us and say, “Well done.”

Jesus has done so much for us! His blood has totally covered our sins. Now we don’t need incense. We don’t need rituals. Because of this, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise. Not just on Sundays but in the subway, on a bus, in a car, in the shower, in the morning, in the evening, on the street. Jesus deserves our praise.

Did your parents ever say to you, “Why don’t you listen?!” God says that to us too: “If my people would only listen to me!” (Psalm 81:13). Too often we’re distracted, and we miss God's voice. But if we will listen, the Lord will guide us, protect us, delight in us, and bless us abundantly. When the Lord whispers to our hearts, it changes everything. Let’s listen to Him today.

What makes God happy? According to Hebrews 13:16, God is pleased when we “do good” and “share with others.” We can do good, even to our enemies. And we can share with others, buying someone lunch or helping with a need. The more we do it, the more we’ll enjoy it, and God will be happy with our sacrifice to Him.

A lot of us praise God only in church. But Hebrews says that we should “continually” offer God a sacrifice of praise. Jesus gives us grace, blesses us, protects us 24/7, but we can praise Him only on Sunday for seventeen minutes? Let’s freely, openly, unashamedly praise Jesus today. He’s worthy of our praise.

How many Christians are “looking for the city that is to come”? Yes, we live in this world—we rent, we buy, we vote. But this world is not our home. Let’s not get entrenched here on earth, because everything we have will pass away in a millisecond. Let’s be looking for the city that Jesus is preparing for us in heaven.

Many denominational traditions make themselves the portal of salvation. “Join us. Go to our church. That’s where it’s at.” But true Christianity is not anywhere but outside the city gate, at the cross of Christ. Have we met Jesus there, or are we religious? Let’s go to Him, outside the gate, willing to bear the disgrace He bore for us.

Many religious groups say, “We are the way.” But Jesus isn’t found in any religious system. We have to experience Jesus personally, “outside the city gate” (Hebrews 13:12), where He died when He was totally rejected by the Jewish religious system. Praise God for the life we have in Jesus Christ alone.

Do you struggle with imperfections in your walk with the Lord? Paul likens the Christian life to a race, showing us the way to maturity in Jesus. As we focus on Jesus, God will help us drop the things that weigh us down. We will run in a way that will make us more and more like Christ, until we gain the ultimate prize: seeing Him face to face.

Christianity has nothing to do with pomp and ceremony. In the Old Testament, the worshipers had an altar of sacrifice. But in the New Testament, our altar is the old rugged cross. And the only one who can partake of this altar is the one who accepts Jesus as his or her Savior. Let’s rejoice in Him today.

Strange teachings have been around for a long time. That’s why the writer of Hebrews told us not to be “carried away” by teaching that’s not in the Bible. Supposed miracles or ceremonial rules don’t matter. We go by the Word of God. It’s not religious practices that strengthen our hearts—it’s the grace of God, which cleanses us from all our sin.

People can be moody. But Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What Jesus has always been—loving, patient, forgiving—He will be today and for eternity. Let’s learn from Scripture how Jesus was yesterday so that we can count on Him always. Thank God for Jesus Christ and His unchanging love for us.

Faith rubs off on other people. When a godly leader follows Jesus, it can make us say, “I want to imitate how he carries himself, how happy she is in Jesus, how he has faith in hard times.” Let’s thank God for positive spiritual influences in our lives. Let’s also be conscious that we too will impact people today. Let’s influence them for Jesus.

Where would we be without anointed men and women of God who have spoken the Word into our lives? Hebrews tells us to remember them. Many leaders today are not teaching God’s Word but talking about dreams, psychology, or positive thinking. Let’s thank God for anyone who gave us His Word, and let’s pray that God will raise up more like them.

When does Satan tempt us? Often when we’re at our best. “You’ve got it made,” he says. “You’re in the union. You have a pension. People love you.” But the minute we take our eyes off God and start depending on His blessings, we sin. People, money, houses—these are not our security. God alone is our source of security.

Where do you need help? In your emotions? Your finances? An attack from the enemy? God is your helper. Not just was your helper or will be your helper. God is your helper today. Because of that, you can say with confidence, “I will not be afraid.” No matter what’s against you today, you’re not alone. The Lord is your helper. Praise His name.

Some people are always complaining—they’re never happy. But the Lord wants us to be content with what we have, whether it’s a little or a lot. Our money could forsake us; so could family or friends. But God will never leave or forsake us. Let’s be content and make the Lord happy with our testimony for Him.

Sex and money—so many people idolize these things. Even churches today wink at sexual immorality, and Christians become consumed with riches. But Hebrews tells us to avoid both sexual immorality and the love of money. May God help us to love Him first. Let’s choose Jesus today and stay close to Him.

What stubborn problem do you have that only Jesus can fix? Blind Bartimaeus had an impossible need, but it didn’t stop him from crying out to the Lord. The devil says, “Be quiet! It’ll never happen.” But Jesus hears our cry. He asks us what He asked Bartimaeus: “What do you want Me to do for you?” Nothing is too hard for God. Let’s take our mountains to Him today. Streamed on July 2, 2024

God is drawn to people who are vulnerable and in pain—the widow, the orphan, the stranger. That’s why the writer of Hebrews tells us to remember those who are mistreated as if we ourselves were suffering. Every day we should have our antenna up: is someone mistreated, down, discouraged? Oh, Lord, give us hearts to help them.

Do you know anyone in prison? How can you reach out to them? Hebrews reminds us to remember prisoners as if we ourselves were in their position. The apostle Paul always thanked God for those who visited him, helped him, cheered his spirits when he was in chains. Let’s remember those in prison and show God’s heart to those who are hurting.

Jesus tells us, “Come to me.” Praise the Lord! But after we come to Him, Jesus tells us, “Follow me.” Where do we follow Him? To the poor, the prisoners, the blind. Jesus is not with the high and mighty and popular people. He’s with the broken, wounded, and hurting. Let’s come to Jesus, and then let’s go to Him—outside the world’s value system—to serve others.

Isn’t it horrible when Christians say, “Church is so much fun”? It’s a joy to go to church, but we are to worship God “with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28). Yes, we are to come to our loving, gracious Father, but that call is mixed with a warning: “Our God is a consuming fire.” May the Holy Spirit open our eyes to our heavenly Father who loves us but is also worthy of our reverence and awe.

What do we value—our stocks? Our houses? Our phones? Hebrews warns us that, as He once shook the earth at Mount Sinai, God’s going to shake the earth again so that everything that can be shaken will be obliterated. What will remain? Love, salvation, eternal rewards, Jesus, heaven. Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. What we have, nobody can take away.

How seriously do we take God’s new covenant? It’s a better covenant with better promises, offering us cleansing, freedom, and peace. But we’ve got to pay attention to it. Hebrews says, “If God punished people under the old covenant when they refused Moses’ warnings, how much more us if we refuse God calling us into fellowship?” Let’s enjoy fellowship with our Savior, Jesus Christ, today.

We can refuse God. We can grieve the Holy Spirit. The Bible says so. “No, we can’t,” some say. “God is sovereign.” That’s true. But God has arranged it so that we will love Him from our hearts and not out of coercion. That’s why the writer of Hebrews says, “See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks” (Hebrews 12:25). Let’s have soft hearts that we might hear God today.

You ever notice that people who are into Old Testament legalism are also into vengeance? They say, “You’re denying Christ? We’re at war with you.” But Jesus said, “Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you.” The old covenant spilled people’s blood for vengeance. In the new covenant, Jesus shed His blood to give us peace. Praise God for the blood of Christ that brings us eternal life.

The law with its holy commandments can save no one. “No,” we say, “but I’m going to try.” Our desire is good, but it won’t change our behavior. What we need are new hearts and new minds, and no one can get those through the law. Ah, but the new covenant mediated by Jesus! It’s a better covenant, because in it our sins are washed away, forgiven, forgotten. We can rejoice in that today

We often pray “God, I have a need!” But the Lord wants to grow our faith so that we begin to pray also for the needs around us. He says, “I’ve got you—now I want you to bless others.” People around us need respite, like the man in Luke 11 who came to his neighbor at midnight seeking bread for his friend. God is calling us to be friends that people can come to in their storms. Let’s learn to intercede for others.

Your name might be on a church roll—but is your name written in heaven? If you’ve come to Jesus, then you’ve come to “the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven” (Hebrews 12:23). Too many of us find our identity in ethnicity, race, or political affiliation. But our identity is in being part of Jesus’ church. Thank God, as needy and undeserving as we are, our names are written in heaven.

We want a good report card from God. So we go back to the old-covenant way of trying to keep the law. But the law gives everyone an F. Praise God for the new covenant, which brings us to the city of the living God, where thousands of angels are rejoicing in His goodness and grace! We get forgiveness and heaven not through the law but by believing Jesus—and staying with Him.

How much of what we don’t receive from God has to do with not understanding who our Father is? To some of us, God seems distant or uncaring. But Jesus showed us otherwise. In fact, all the good in Jesus’ life came from spending time in prayer with His Father. The way God helps us is through prayer, but we will never pray unless we see God as a loving Father who will help us with whatever we need.

Are you stuck in the old covenant? Trying but failing to keep the law? The old covenant, Hebrews tells us, is gone. A new, better covenant has come, with the good news of Jesus Christ. Too many of us mix the two and miss God’s purpose for us. But we have not come to Mount Sinai, to the law. Thank the Lord, we have come to the new covenant of mercy and love.

“What have I done?” We’ve all had those moments. We can’t undo our mistakes, recover our losses, take back our words. When Esau came to his senses after selling his blessing for a bowl of soup, he wanted the blessing back. But he couldn’t get it. Let’s speak and act prayerfully and carefully. Jesus will help us do it today.