Community Baptist Church’s Sermons

"The Light That Shatters Darkness" Sunday Morning December 7th

This sermon explores Isaiah 9:6's prophecy of the Messiah by examining the historical context of 8th century BC Israel, when both northern and southern kingdoms had fallen into political corruption, moral debauchery, and spiritual darkness. Pastor Joe Fant demonstrates how God, through the prophet Isaiah, promised a coming child who would be the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. This prophecy was fulfilled 700 years later when Jesus began His ministry in Galilee—the very region Isaiah identified. The sermon emphasizes that while human governments and political alliances fail, Jesus established an eternal kingdom of justice and righteousness. God pursues His people even in their darkest moments, and the baby in the manger represents God's zealous love for His people, offering hope, victory over sin and death, and eternal joy to those who turn to Him in faith.

Key Points:

• The historical context reveals three types of darkness in Isaiah's time: political (corrupt kings seeking pagan alliances), moral (idol worship and child sacrifice), and spiritual (turning to demons and necromancers instead of God)
• King Ahaz in the south and King Pekah in the north both rejected God and led the people into wickedness, seeking protection from Assyria through political alliances rather than trusting God
• Isaiah prophesied that the regions first devastated by darkness (Zebulun and Naphtali in Galilee) would be the first to see the great light
• Jesus fulfilled this prophecy by beginning His ministry in Galilee, bringing the light of the gospel to the darkest places first
• The victory Jesus won through His death and resurrection surpasses even Gideon's miraculous victory over 135,000 Midianites with only 300 men
• Jesus is the child born and son given who possesses perfect government, eternal wisdom, divine power, and brings true peace
• The solution to darkness is unwavering loyalty to Scripture and proper fear of the Lord, not looking to worldly solutions
• God pursues His people even when they are far from Him, demonstrating His zeal and love through sending prophets, His Word, and ultimately His Son

Scripture Reference:

• Isaiah 9:1-7 (primary focus on verse 6)
• Isaiah 8:12-22 (context of darkness and calling to Scripture)
• Isaiah 1:2-4, 21-23 (description of Israel's moral corruption)
• 2 Kings 16 (King Ahaz's wickedness)
• 2 Kings 15:27-28 (King Pekah's evil reign)
• Matthew 4:12-17 (Jesus beginning ministry in Galilee, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy)
• John 1:1-14 (Jesus as the Light of the world)
• 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 (victory over death through Christ)

"The Promised Redeemer" Sunday Morning November 30th

This Christmas sermon traces the theme of redemption from its first promise in Genesis 3, demonstrating that Christ's coming was purposeful and prophesied from humanity's fall. Pastor Joe Fant establishes that before we can accept a rescuer, we must recognize our need to be rescued. Through the account of the fall, four critical needs for a redeemer are revealed: the need for accurate revelation of God's word in a world that twists truth, the reminder to walk by faith rather than sight, the necessity of God seeking us out when we hide in sin, and the reversal of the curse that affects all creation. The sermon culminates in the promise that the Redeemer will conquer Satan, provide protection through covering (symbolized by God clothing Adam and Eve with animal skins), and give eternal life through death. Multiple shadows of grace appear throughout Genesis 3, including God cursing the ground rather than humanity directly, God seeking out Adam and Eve rather than abandoning them, and God preventing eternal life in a sinful state by removing access to the tree of life. The message connects the manger to the cross, showing that the Christ child came with the specific purpose to seek and save the lost.

Key Points:

• We need a redeemer to accurately reveal the word of God, as both Satan and humans twist Scripture to their own ends
• We need a redeemer to remind us to walk by faith and not by sight, as sin promises satisfaction through what we see but delivers only consequences
• We need a redeemer to seek us out, because left to ourselves we will continue running from God and trying to cover our own sin
• We need a redeemer to reverse the curse that affects all creation, bringing pain in childbearing, toil in work, and ultimately death
• The promised redeemer will conquer Satan (crushing the serpent's head while having his heel bruised)
• The promised redeemer will provide protection through covering (pictured in God clothing Adam and Eve with animal skins requiring sacrifice)
• The promised redeemer will give life through death (God's mercy in preventing eternal life in a sinful state)
• Sin produces hiding, fear, and shame—emotions leveraged by Satan but never used by God for good
• Grace appears throughout the fall narrative: God curses the serpent and ground but not humanity directly, dialogues with his children, and protects them from eternal sinfulness

Scripture Reference:

• Genesis 3 (primary focus—the entire chapter)
• Genesis 1:26-27, 31 (creation of humanity in God's image)
• Genesis 2:15-17 (the command regarding the tree of knowledge of good and evil)
• Luke 19:10 (the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost)
• John 1 (Jesus as the Word)
• Hebrews 1 (Jesus as the exact imprint of God's nature)
• John 3 (Nicodemus and the need for new birth)
• James 1 (each person's own designer lust)
• Isaiah 61 (being clothed in righteousness)
• 1 Timothy (creation order and gender roles)

"A Psalm 100 Thanksgiving" Sunday Morning November 23rd

This sermon calls believers to celebrate a distinctly Christian Thanksgiving by anchoring their hearts in the truths of Psalm 100. The message emphasizes that Christian thanksgiving should be marked by supernatural joy, conscious awareness of God's presence (Coram Deo - before the face of God), and grounded in two foundational truths: that the Lord is God (our Creator, King, and Shepherd) and that the Lord is good (His steadfast love endures forever and His faithfulness extends to all generations). Pastor Joe Fant challenges the congregation to make this Thanksgiving different from secular celebrations by focusing on worship, service with gladness, and anchoring their hearts in biblical truth, especially during difficult seasons when joy may be hard to find.

Key Points:

• A Christian Thanksgiving must be distinctly different from secular celebrations, focused on giving thanks to God specifically
• Psalm 100 provides a formula for Christian thanksgiving centered on joy, God's presence, and truth
• Joy should characterize our thanksgiving through singing (making a joyful noise) and serving with gladness
• We are called to live "Coram Deo" - consciously before the face of God in every moment and action
• True joy and peace come through believing truth, which then affects our affections and actions
• The Lord is God means He is our Creator, King, and Shepherd who has authority over our lives
• Jesus is identified as both the Creator (John 1) and the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep
• The Lord is good, demonstrated through His steadfast love that endures forever and His faithfulness to all generations
• God's faithfulness is passed down from generation to generation, making multi-generational worship significant
• Even in difficult times - loss, estrangement, family tensions - we can find joy by anchoring in these truths

Scripture Reference:

• Psalm 100 (primary text)
• John 15:11
• Philippians 4:4
• Colossians 3:23-24
• Romans 15:13
• John 1:1-3
• John 10:11
• Ezekiel 34
• John 6 (feeding of the 5,000)
• John 13 (new covenant)
• Psalm 139
• Genesis 1:1
• Psalm 16:8
• Genesis 17

"United by the Gospel" Sunday Morning November 16th

This sermon explores Jesus' High Priestly Prayer in John 17, focusing on verses 20-21 and the theme of Christian unity. Pastor Joe Fant emphasizes that true Christian unity is not uniformity but rather diverse people becoming one as they pursue a shared purpose through the gospel. Unity flows from our union with Christ and is forged through shared spiritual experiences, particularly conversion. The sermon distinguishes between theological unity (our union with God through Christ) and visible unity (how that union is displayed to the world). Pastor Fant applies these truths practically to the local church context, explaining that unity gives the church strength, must be grounded in the gospel rather than preferences or secondary issues, and serves as a testimony to the world. Using the concept of "theological triage," the sermon concludes by explaining how to distinguish between first-tier gospel issues worth dying for, second-tier issues that define church membership, and third-tier issues where Christians can differ without division.

Key Points:

• Unity is diverse people becoming one as they pursue a shared purpose, not uniformity or everyone being the same
• Unity is forged through shared experiences, especially the shared experience of conversion through the gospel
• Christian unity flows from the transforming work of the gospel and our union with Christ
• God is eternally loving because He is Trinity—the Father has loved the Son for all eternity
• When unified with Christ, believers receive the Father's everlasting eternal love
• Unity in the church gives strength—like redwood trees with interconnected roots
• Our unity must be grounded in the gospel, not preferences, traditions, worship styles, or secondary theological issues
• Threats to our unity are threats to our gospel testimony to the world
• Unity with other local churches is based on gospel clarity, not denominational affiliation
• Theological triage: First-tier issues (worth dying for—Trinity, deity of Christ, substitutionary atonement), second-tier issues (church membership matters—baptism, church governance), and third-tier issues (personal convictions—end times details, entertainment choices)
• The early church was known by the testimony: "Behold, how these Christians love one another"

Scripture Reference:

• John 17 (entire chapter, with emphasis on verses 20-21)
• John 13:34-35 (new commandment to love one another)
• Hebrews 7:23-26 (Christ as high priest making intercession)
• 1 Corinthians 15:3 (matters of first importance)
• Jude 1:3 (the faith once for all delivered to the saints)
• Ephesians 4:5 (one faith)
• Romans 14 (not arguing over opinions)
• Mark 7 (Jesus warning about elevating tradition to doctrine)
• Isaiah 7:14 (virgin birth prophecy)

"Jesus' Prayer for His People" Sunday Morning November 9th

This sermon explores the conclusion of Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17:20-26, revealing how Christ prayed specifically for all future believers just before His crucifixion. The message emphasizes that genuine Christianity is defined by faith in Christ through the Word of God, and that Jesus' prayer for His people centers on four main themes: unity among believers, sharing in Christ's glory through suffering, our eternal destination with Him, and ongoing transformation into His likeness. The sermon stresses that Christian unity is not based on denominational affiliation, worship style, or cultural preferences, but on the gospel alone. It also highlights that Jesus anchors our salvation not in our ability to hold onto God, but in God's eternal love and unchanging power that existed before the foundation of the world.

Key Points:

• Jesus prayed specifically for all future believers who would come to faith through the apostles' word, meaning He was thinking of us as He went to the cross
• Genuine Christians are defined by belief in Christ that comes through the Word of God, not through works, denomination, church membership, or baptism
• Christian unity is theological, centered on the triune God and the true gospel, not on secondary doctrinal issues or preferences
• Unity among believers serves an evangelical function, showing the world something supernatural that points to Christ
• Believers share in the glory of Christ, particularly as they endure suffering with perseverance and faith
• There is a beauty and radiance that comes upon Christians who navigate suffering while keeping their eyes fixed on heaven
• Jesus desires that all His people be with Him in eternity, and our salvation rests on God's eternal power and purpose, not our own ability
• Spiritual maturity is evidenced by becoming a more loving person, reflecting the love of Christ
• The Christian life should be characterized by both unity with other believers and outward evangelism

Scripture Reference:

• John 17:20-26 (primary focus)
• Supporting passages: Acts 2:42, Philippians 1:15-18, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 1 Peter 4:12-13, John 14:1-3, John 14:16-17, Hebrews 1:1-3

"The Process of Biblical Change" Sunday Evening November 2nd

Pastor Joe Fant preaches the Sunday evening service with his sermon titled "The Process of Biblical Change."

"Sanctified by the Truth" Sunday Morning November 2nd

This sermon explores Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17, focusing specifically on His petition for the sanctification of His disciples. The message emphasizes that sanctification—being set apart for God's purposes—is not optional for believers but is the primary work God accomplishes in the Christian life. True transformation occurs when believers expose themselves consistently to God's Word through the power of the Holy Spirit, not through mere behavioral modification or self-effort. The sermon clarifies that sanctification is progressive, happening gradually over a lifetime as believers submit to Scripture's authority. Christians are called to be in the world but not of the world, remaining on mission to reflect Christ and proclaim the gospel while pursuing holiness. The ultimate goal is to resemble Jesus and fulfill God's purpose by living obediently according to His Word.

Key Points:

• Sanctification means to be set apart for God's use, carrying ideas of both cleansing from sin and transformation toward righteousness
• Christians, not unbelievers, are the ones who need sanctification—it's a process that begins after salvation and continues throughout life
• God, through the Holy Spirit, is the one who sanctifies believers; we cannot change ourselves through willpower alone
• Genuine transformation happens when believers give themselves to believe and obey the Word of God, not just memorize or know it intellectually
• Sanctification is progressive, happening from "one degree of glory to another" throughout a believer's lifetime
• The goal of sanctification is twofold: to resemble Jesus and to remain on mission in the world
• Believers are called to be in the world but not of the world—avoiding both isolation from unbelievers and assimilation to worldly patterns
• Justification is the one-time event of being declared righteous; sanctification is the gradual growing in righteousness
• Exposure to Scripture is like exposure to the sun—consistent, repeated contact produces gradual but real change

Scripture Reference:

• John 17:14-19 (primary focus on verse 17: "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth")
• Romans 8:29-30, 34
• 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:23
• Ephesians 1:4
• 1 Peter 1:15-16
• Philippians 2:13
• 2 Corinthians 3:18
• Jeremiah 1:5

"Kept by the Power of God" Sunday Morning October 26th

This sermon explores Jesus's high priestly prayer in John 17:11-16, focusing on Christ's intercession for His disciples and all future believers. The central theological truth presented is that genuine Christians are eternally kept, protected, and preserved by God's power rather than their own strength. Pastor Joe Fant addresses the common Christian struggle of wondering whether one has enough strength to finish the race of faith, providing assurance that perseverance is guaranteed through divine protection rather than human effort. The sermon emphasizes three areas of protection: from destruction (eternal judgment), from purposelessness (living with Christ's joy), and from the judgment that comes from being in a hostile world. Using the imagery of God holding believers rather than believers holding onto God, the message brings comfort to those experiencing doubt, suffering, or spiritual weariness by anchoring their security in God's sovereign keeping power.

Key Points:

• Believers are kept and preserved by God's power, not by their own strength or ability to hold on to faith
• Jesus prayed specifically that His disciples would be kept in the Father's name, establishing a relationship of divine protection
• Christians are protected from three primary threats: destruction, purposelessness, and divine judgment
• The case of Judas demonstrates that true apostasy occurs only because someone was never genuinely saved, not because God's power was insufficient
• God's sovereignty means that all evil is "on God's leash" and can only extend as far as He permits
• Believers possess Christ's own joy, which comes from relationship with the Father rather than circumstances
• Christians remain "in the world" but are "not of the world," protected while living among spiritual darkness
• The forces of darkness must go through Christ before reaching believers, as they are hidden in God's hand
• Perseverance in faith is guaranteed for the genuinely saved because of divine protection, not human effort

Scripture Reference:

• John 17:11-16 (primary passage)
• 1 John 3:19-20 (reassurance when hearts condemn)
• Philippians 1:6 (God completing His work)
• Luke 22:31-32 (Jesus praying for Peter)
• John 6:64-65 (Jesus knowing who would betray Him)
• Psalm 41:9 and Psalm 109 (prophecies fulfilled in Judas)
• Romans 14:17 (kingdom characterized by joy)
• Nehemiah 8:10 (joy of the Lord as strength)
• Psalm 16:11 (fullness of joy in God's presence)
• Romans 8:1 (no condemnation in Christ)
• 2 Kings 6 (Elisha and Gehazi seeing angelic protection)

"Avoid Lust at All Costs" Sunday Morning October 19th

Pastor Shawn Alexander preaches the Sunday evening service with his sermon titled "Avoid Lust at All Costs."

"The Lord's Supper" Sunday Morning October 19th

This sermon explores the significance of the Lord's Supper as a sacred ordinance given to the church. It emphasizes the importance of observing communion as a unified body of believers, highlighting its role as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice and a symbol of the church's unity. Pastor Joe Fant explains the biblical basis for the practice, differentiates it from other interpretations, and stresses the importance of participating in a worthy manner within the context of the local church gathering.

Key Points:

• The Lord's Supper is a replacement for the Old Testament Passover
• It is a visual representation of the gospel, along with baptism
• The elements (bread and wine) are symbolic, not literal transformations
• Participation should be limited to believers who have examined themselves
• The Lord's Supper is meant to be observed collectively as a church, not individually
• It represents both Christ's sacrifice and the unity of the church body

Scripture Reference:

• 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
• John 17:9 (referenced but not the main focus)