In this episode of the Middletown Baptist Church Podcast, Pastor Josh explores the concept of the church as a beacon of light and truth in the world. Building on previous discussions about the church as a body and a spiritual building, this episode emphasizes the church's role in upholding and proclaiming the truth of the gospel. Pastor Josh discusses scripture, particularly 1 Timothy 3:15, and how the church is to maintain and spread the truth, acting as a pillar and ground of truth in society. He underscores that the church’s authority comes from scripture alone and calls believers to reflect Jesus' light through their actions and words.

00:00 Welcome to the Middletown Baptist Church Podcast

00:07 Introduction to the Word of the Week Series

00:34 Exploring the Meaning of 'Church'

01:11 The Church as a Body

01:43 The Church as a Spiritual Building

02:51 The Church as a Beacon of Light

04:34 Proclaiming the Truth of the Gospel

06:15 Living Out the Truth in the World

08:46 The Great Commission and Our Mission

13:13 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

14:49 Conclusion and Contact Information

Thank you for joining our podcast. Visit our website at https://middletownbaptistchurch.org/

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This podcast is produced by Ralph Estep, Jr., host of the Ask Ralph Podcast, a daily podcast on Christian Finance you can find it at https://www.askralphpodcast.com/

In this episode of the Middletown Baptist Church podcast, Pastor Josh continues the study in the book of Acts, focusing on chapter 14. He discusses the perseverance of Paul and Barnabas despite facing opposition, emphasizing the importance of being faithful and not just successful in spreading the gospel. Pastor Josh introduces the acronym ACTS, which stands for Authentic Church Through Scripture. The episode highlights the need for boldness in preaching the gospel, understanding that opposition is inevitable. It also underscores the significance of unity in the church and the dangers of misplacing adoration on messengers instead of the message. The podcast concludes with a discussion on the importance of attributing success to God's power rather than personal acclaim and the continuous need for faithfulness in ministry.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:23 Studying Acts Chapter 14

01:18 Paul and Barnabas in Iconium

01:50 Facing Opposition and Perseverance

04:10 Preaching in the Synagogue

05:42 The Power of the Gospel

08:51 Division and Persecution

15:34 Miracles and Misunderstandings

22:23 The Temptation of Praise

22:59 Keeping Focus on Jesus

24:35 Paul and Barnabas' Response

28:08 Preaching to Pagans

32:16 Faithfulness in Ministry

41:30 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer

Thank you for joining our podcast. Visit our website at https://middletownbaptistchurch.org/

Subscribe to our YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@middletownbaptistchurchde5091

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This podcast is produced by Ralph Estep, Jr., host of the Ask Ralph Podcast, a daily podcast on Christian Finance you can find it at https://www.askralphpodcast.com/

In this Middletown Baptist Church podcast episode, Pastor Josh delivers a sermon titled 'God's Ambassadors' focusing on the role of believers as representatives of Christ. Pastor Josh references 2 Corinthians chapter 5 and explains the ministry and message of reconciliation. He emphasizes the concept of reconciliation between humanity and God through Jesus Christ, illustrating that believers, in their salvation, are entrusted as ambassadors to preach the gospel. The sermon further discusses the importance of living according to God's authority, gospel authenticity, and genuine action, encouraging believers to reflect God's character and truth in their daily lives and interactions.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:33 Understanding Our Ministry and Message

01:41 The Role of Ambassadors for Christ

03:23 Living as Ambassadors in a Foreign Land

08:06 Representing God's Authority

21:27 Gospel Authenticity

22:55 The Righteousness of God in Him

23:06 The Wrath of God and Jesus' Sacrifice

23:26 Gospel Authenticity: Speaking the Whole Truth

23:59 The Truth About Ourselves and Jesus

24:56 Living Without Hypocrisy

28:59 The Great Exchange: His Robes for Mine

33:37 Genuine Action: Living as Ambassadors

38:51 The Call to Be Authentic Ambassadors

41:56 Invitation and Conclusion

Thank you for joining our podcast. Visit our website at https://middletownbaptistchurch.org/

Subscribe to our YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@middletownbaptistchurchde5091

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This podcast is produced by Ralph Estep, Jr., host of the Ask Ralph Podcast, a daily podcast on Christian Finance you can find it at https://www.askralphpodcast.com/

Pastor Josh shares a preview of the upcoming Sunday service on September 8th at Middletown Baptist Church. The sermon, titled 'God's Ambassadors,' will focus on 2 Corinthians 5:20 and discuss what it means to be ambassadors for Christ in our daily lives. The sermon will explore how Christians are called to represent God in a world that is not their eternal home, and emphasize the importance of living out the message of the gospel. Pastor Josh invites everyone to join in person, or follow the service on YouTube, Facebook, or the podcast replay.

00:00 Introduction and Service Preview

00:11 Understanding Our Role as God's Ambassadors

00:16 Biblical Foundation: 2 Corinthians 5:20

00:36 Living as Ambassadors in a Foreign Land

01:41 Invitation to Join the Service

02:02 Closing Remarks and Blessings

Thank you for joining our podcast. Visit our website at https://middletownbaptistchurch.org/

Subscribe to our YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@middletownbaptistchurchde5091

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This podcast is produced by Ralph Estep, Jr., host of the Ask Ralph Podcast, a daily podcast on Christian Finance you can find it at https://www.askralphpodcast.com/

In this Middletown Baptist Church podcast episode, Pastor Josh explores the profound significance of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection from John chapter 19. Emphasizing the sacrificial love of Jesus, who took on humanity's sins and declared 'It is finished' as He paid the debt in full, the sermon underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the redemptive plan of God. Pastor Josh illustrates the implications of Jesus' resurrection for believers—confidence in salvation, power to live righteously, and hope for eternal life. The episode closes with a call to faith, inviting listeners to accept the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

00:00 Welcome to Middletown Baptist Church Podcast

00:38 The Early Life of Jesus

01:07 Jesus' Ministry and Betrayal

02:25 The Unjust Trial of Jesus

03:00 The Crucifixion of Jesus

05:53 The Significance of 'It is Finished'

12:27 The Fulfillment of Redemption

13:44 The Power of Sin is Broken

16:11 Jesus' Obedience and Sacrifice

18:27 The Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies

19:14 The Power of Faith and Salvation

20:04 The Victorious Resurrection of Jesus

20:46 Living a Life of Faith and Hope

23:34 Confidence and Power Through the Holy Spirit

25:51 Invitation to Accept Jesus Christ

32:41 A Prayer for Salvation

33:47 Final Words and Invitation

Thank you for joining our podcast. Visit our website at https://middletownbaptistchurch.org/

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This podcast is produced by Ralph Estep, Jr., host of the Ask Ralph Podcast, a daily podcast on Christian Finance you can find it at https://www.askralphpodcast.com/

In this episode of the Middletown Baptist Church podcast series 'Word of the Week,' Pastor Josh delves into the biblical concept of the church as a spiritual building. He explores 1 Peter Chapter 2, explaining how believers are likened to 'living stones' that form this spiritual house with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. The analogy emphasizes unity, humility, and the importance of building on the foundational truth of Jesus. In contrast to physical structures, this spiritual building points to a collective purpose of praising God and spreading the gospel. The episode concludes with an invitation to join next week's discussion on the church as a beacon of truth.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast Series

00:31 Word of the Week: Church - Part 2

01:27 The Church as a Spiritual Building

03:03 Living Stones and the Chief Cornerstone

06:08 The Role of Believers in the Spiritual Building

13:02 Humility and Praise in the Church

14:17 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

15:42 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Thank you for joining our podcast. Visit our website at https://middletownbaptistchurch.org/

Subscribe to our YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@middletownbaptistchurchde5091

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This podcast is produced by Ralph Estep, Jr., host of the Ask Ralph Podcast, a daily podcast on Christian Finance you can find it at https://www.askralphpodcast.com/

Pastor Josh shares a message from Acts chapter 13, emphasizing God's holiness above all attributes and encouraging believers to adopt this perspective. He revisits themes from his prior sermon, focusing on the central message any church should preach: the gospel of Jesus Christ. He analyzes Paul's sermon in Antioch, addressing the importance of preaching Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. The episode delves into the distinction between salvation through faith in Jesus versus works-based righteousness. Pastor Josh stresses the importance of growing in grace, understanding justification, and the reactions to the gospel message, including opposition and persecution. He concludes with encouragement for boldness in preaching and living the truth of Jesus Christ.

00:00 Welcome to Middletown Baptist Church Podcast

00:27 The Holiness of God

02:01 Paul's Message in Antioch

04:45 Justification Through Faith

06:44 The Warning Against Unbelief

16:57 Growing in Grace

20:50 Shepherding the Flock: Roles and Responsibilities

21:14 The Great Shepherd: Jesus Christ

21:49 Preaching the Word: Impact and Opposition

22:21 Envy and Persecution in the Synagogue

26:51 Paul and Barnabas: Boldness in the Face of Opposition

27:23 Turning to the Gentiles: A New Mission

30:54 Shaking Off the Dust: Moving Forward

32:29 Filled with Joy and the Holy Ghost

34:31 Boldness in Preaching: Facing Modern Challenges

38:27 Conclusion and Next Steps

Thank you for joining our podcast. Visit our website at https://middletownbaptistchurch.org/

Subscribe to our YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@middletownbaptistchurchde5091

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This podcast is produced by Ralph Estep, Jr., host of the Ask Ralph Podcast, a daily podcast on Christian Finance you can find it at https://www.askralphpodcast.com/

In this episode of the Middletown Baptist Church podcast, Pastor Josh delves into 2 Corinthians 5 to explain the concept of reconciliation through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that all Christians have a ministry – the ministry of reconciliation – and a message to proclaim – the message of reconciliation. Pastor Josh explains the importance of trusting in Christ, being a new creation, and understanding the role of believers in preaching the gospel. The sermon focuses on the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice and urges listeners to embrace their ministry and spread the word of God's love and salvation.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:33 Trust in the Lord

01:58 The New Creation in Christ

04:55 Our Ministry and Message

08:01 Understanding Reconciliation

16:37 Living Out Reconciliation

25:09 The Gift of Ministry

29:43 Living Out Christian Love

30:15 Ministry of Reconciliation

30:54 The Message of Reconciliation

31:24 Combining Ministry and Message

32:50 Serving with the Gospel

34:26 Faith Comes by Hearing

36:42 Morality and the Gospel

42:14 Preaching the True Jesus

46:40 The Ministry of Reconciliation in Action

52:09 Invitation to Reconciliation

54:35 Conclusion and Call to Action

Thank you for joining our podcast. Visit our website at https://middletownbaptistchurch.org/

Subscribe to our YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@middletownbaptistchurchde5091

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This podcast is produced by Ralph Estep, Jr., host of the Ask Ralph Podcast, a daily podcast on Christian Finance you can find it at https://www.askralphpodcast.com/