Burnt Hickory | Sermons - Episodes Tagged with “Christian Community”

Be the Church | His Word, His Plan, His People

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400

What does it really mean to be the church? In Acts 20:28, Paul reminds believers that the church belongs to God, bought with His own blood, and that every follower of Jesus is called not just to attend, but to belong.

This message explores foundational truths about what it means to live as part of God’s people and to carry His mission forward. You’ll learn:

Why the church is essential to spiritual growth and obedience
How God speaks to and through His church today
What it means to belong to a community shaped by love and purpose
Why the church is called to be a light to the world
How being planted in God’s house leads to lifelong fruitfulness

If you’ve ever wondered what the church really is or why it matters, this message will remind you that God’s plan has always been His people, together, living out His mission.

The Spirit-Filled Model | Spirit, Power & The Church

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 13:00:00 -0400

We want to show and receive God’s love to those around us, and we live that out practically everyday. We strive to bring hope by meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of everyone we come in contact with. We love fiercely—like a family, because everyone is included and our Father loves us all. We’re building biblical community by seeking God’s Word, believing in His promises, and applying what we learn everyday.

Our hope is that you and your family find a home with us where you can learn, grow, live, and thrive in Christ Jesus. We’re a multi-generational church with something to offer everyone in your family. Join us for an online or on-campus Sunday morning worship service, and take the next step in your journey with us!

Don’t Let Doubt Define or Defeat You | Restored & Sent

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 04 May 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Don't Let Doubt Define or Defeat You | Restored & Sent

Have you ever felt like your questions and doubts disqualify you from faith? You're not alone. The reality is that doubt is something virtually all Christians experience at some point in their faith journey.
We’ll challenge the one-dimensional view of "Doubting Thomas" by revealing six dimensions of his faith journey that are often overlooked. Through Thomas's story in the Gospel of John, we discover a disciple who was:

Willing to Sacrifice - When others hesitated to follow Jesus into danger, Thomas boldly declared, "Let us also go that we may die with him" (John 11:16)
Prepared to Follow - Even when uncertain of the destination, Thomas honestly asked questions to better understand and follow Jesus
Fully Honest - Rather than pretending to believe, Thomas expressed his doubts openly
Supported with Evidence - Jesus didn't rebuke Thomas for his questions but provided the evidence he needed
Stronger Than He Gets Credit For - Thomas made one of the strongest confessions of faith in scripture: "My Lord and my God!"
A Faith That Spreads to Others - Thomas's journey from doubt to conviction continues to help countless believers

You’ll walk away with a new perspective to never allow a season of doubt to limit your future walk with and effectiveness for Jesus. God is big enough to handle your questions and has given us all the evidence we need.
Whether you're currently wrestling with questions or walking alongside someone who is, this message offers practical hope that doubt can be a doorway to deeper belief rather than a dead end.

Speaker: Matt Petty
Series: Restored & Sent
Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church

Connect with us:
° Watch this sermon on YouTube
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° Follow us on Instagram
° Visit our website

Held in the Gardener’s Hands | Power and Promise

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Held in the Gardener's Hands | Power and Promise | John 15:1-8

Walking through the rich Holy Land context of John 15, this message unpacks Jesus' intimate teaching to His disciples after the Last Supper as they crossed the Kidron Valley toward the Mount of Olives. Using the familiar metaphor of vineyards, Jesus reveals Himself as the true vine and God as the gardener who tends to believers in two essential ways.

Key Insights:
• Jesus HOLDS Every Branch in His Hands - Understanding your secure position in Christ and how God lifts up fallen branches to reconnect them to the source of life.
• Jesus APPLIES the Shears with Love - Why pruning isn't punishment but preparation for greater fruitfulness in your life.
• Jesus NOURISHES Our Connection - The vital importance of abiding in Christ and how this relationship sustains us.
• Jesus DEVELOPS lasting FRUIT - How genuine spiritual fruit comes only through connection to the vine.
• Jesus STAYS through Every Season - Finding comfort in being chosen and kept by the Gardener who never gives up on you.

Key Scripture: John 15

Whether you're questioning your faith journey, struggling with spiritual growth, or seeking to understand God's purpose in difficult seasons, this message reminds us that "the gardener isn't looking to get rid of you. He's looking to reconnect you."

Speaker: Marty Godfrey
Series: Power and Promise
Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church

Connect with us:
° Watch this sermon on YouTube
° Follow us on Facebook
° Follow us on Instagram
° Visit our website

Will You Follow Him? | Come and See

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 13:00:00 -0500

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? Through John Chapter 1, verses 35-51, we discover how Jesus's first disciples responded to His call - not with perfect understanding, but with willing hearts. This message explores how Jesus meets us in our questions, knows us completely, and invites us into authentic relationship.

Loving God with all your Heart, Soul, and Strength

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 13:00:00 -0500

What does it truly mean to love God with everything you are? Beyond surface-level emotions and routine actions, there's a profound invitation to a love that transforms everything.
Join us as we hear from our dear mission partner, Peter Abungu, as he explores the depths of loving God completely—with our heart, soul, and strength. This sermon isn't just a talk—it's a heartfelt exploration of what it means to be fully alive, fully connected, and fully devoted.
In a world that often confuses love with temporary feelings or religious routine, we'll dive into the radical understanding that love is a choice. It's about relationship, not just going through the motions. It's about staying connected, not just momentary passion.
You'll discover:

The transformative power of loving God completely
How total devotion changes everything in your life
Why your heart determines your spiritual journey
The difference between serving with and without love

Whether you're wrestling with faith, seeking deeper meaning, or simply curious about spiritual growth, this message offers something profound for everyone.
Ready to take the next step in your faith journey? Visit burnthickory.com/next to learn more.

Special Guest: Peter Abungu.

Reaching the Unreached | Missions Sunday

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 13:00:00 -0500

What does it mean to truly live out your faith? Missions Sunday invites us to reflect on the picture of heaven painted in Revelation 7—a great multitude from every nation and tongue, united in worship before the throne of God. This vision challenges us to live as people redeemed by His grace, to praise Him for the victory that’s already ours, and to share His eternal love with a world longing for hope.

As you listen, consider this: Where is God calling you to make an eternal impact? Step into His purpose for your life today.

Take your next step with us at www.burnthickory.com/next.

Special Guest: Chris White.

Our View of God Shapes our Response to God | Living in His Glory

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0500

What happens when we truly see God for who He is? In this message, we explore the powerful moment of Jesus' transfiguration in Matthew 17 and how it reveals two foundational truths about God's nature: His transcendence and His immanence.

God’s transcendence reminds us of His majesty and holiness, elevating our reverence for Him. At the same time, His immanence brings us close, showing His intimate involvement in our lives and elevating our relationship with Him. Together, these truths challenge us to stand in awe of God's greatness while living devoted to His personal and unfailing love.

How should we respond? By surrendering to His eternal presence, living in awe of His bigness, and being deeply devoted to His love. This life-changing encounter teaches us that our view of God directly shapes our response to Him.

Are you ready to see God more clearly and take the next step in your faith? Visit www.burnthickory.com/next to learn more.

God Speaks and We Should Listen | Living in His Glory

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0500

What happens when God speaks? Do we stop to listen, or do we rush past His voice in the noise of life? Today, we'll explore Matthew 17:1-8, where Peter, James, and John experience the awe-inspiring transfiguration of Jesus. As they witness His glory, God interrupts their moment with a profound command: "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"

Through this passage, we’re reminded that encountering Jesus should leave us changed and moved to action. But how does God speak to us today? Whether through His Word, moments of worship, challenges, or wise counsel, He’s always calling us closer. This message challenges us to pause, ask how God might be interrupting our lives, and respond in obedience.

Are you ready to fully experience Jesus? Discover how to recognize, love, listen to, and live for Him in every moment. Watch now and take the next step in your faith journey by visiting burnthickory.com/next.

Personal Time with Jesus | Living in His Glory

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0500

Do we prioritize time alone with Jesus, or let the noise of life pull us away? This week, we dive into the transformative power of personal, intentional moments with God. Through the story of Jesus leading His disciples to Mount Tabor, we see that true strength for public witness starts in private surrender. Jesus calls us to set aside distractions and seek Him, allowing these private encounters to become the wellspring for our life and faith.

In Matthew 17, Jesus models solitude, prayer, and a heart open to God’s presence. As He chose, led, and revealed Himself to His disciples, He invites us to do the same—reflecting His glory in our lives by meeting with Him deeply and regularly. Together, we’ll explore practical steps for intentional time with Jesus, recognizing that these private moments hold the power to ignite purpose and impact the world for His kingdom.

Ready to go deeper in your walk with Christ? Take your next step at burnthickory.com/next.

Come and Die

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0500

What does it mean to truly follow Jesus? In today’s message, "Come and Die," we dive into Jesus’ powerful words from Luke 9:23-25, where He invites us to surrender our lives fully to Him. This call to "deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Me" is both a challenge and an invitation into a life transformed by faith. Jesus doesn’t just ask us to believe; He invites us to live fully surrendered—to let go of the world’s expectations and embrace a life set apart, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and driven by a purpose beyond ourselves.

We’ll explore what it looks like to say "yes" to God each day, trusting that He can realign our plans, reshape our desires, and repurpose our gifts for His glory. As we look at examples of surrender in Scripture, we’re reminded that Jesus is worth any cost, any sacrifice, and any risk we might take to follow Him.

Join us as we discover together how God intends to use each of us, how the Spirit empowers us, and how we can live fully for Him. Ready to take the next step? Visit burnthickory.com/next to learn more.

Special Guest: Mike Taylor.

Trials, Temptations and Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus | Faith in Action

Burnt Hickory — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 01:30:00 -0400

Are you finding it challenging to navigate the trials and temptations in your life? Join us this morning as we continue our sermon series, Faith in Action, journeying through the book of James. We’ll explore how trials expose the true foundations of our lives, reminding us to focus on God's eternal reward. You’ll learn the difference between trials and temptations, understand where temptation really comes from, and discover how to stand firm by fixing our eyes on Jesus. This is a powerful time to grow in faith, find encouragement, and connect with others. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more updates, and visit www.burnthickory.com for additional information. See you there!

Making Our Own God Never Goes Well

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 23 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0400

This week, we delve into the pitfalls of idolatry. Drawing from the rich narratives in Exodus, we will examine how the Israelites' creation of the golden calf serves as a stark warning about the dangers of shaping God into our own image instead of worshipping Him as He truly is. We will reflect on how we, too, can fall into the trap of creating our own "gods" in times of uncertainty and stress, rebelling against the one true source of satisfaction for our souls.

This sermon will challenge us to trust in God’s revelation, even when circumstances are unclear, and to expose and surrender our idols to Christ. We will learn the importance of recognizing and fleeing from sin, understanding its inevitable consequences, and grounding our trust in the God revealed in Scripture, rather than in cultural or personal distortions.

We invite you to reflect on these vital questions: Are there idols you’ve created in your life? Are you truly trusting in God's revealed character through Scripture? As always, we’d love to take the time to answer any questions you have and to pray with you – so reach out. Discover the next step in your faith journey by visiting burnthickory.com/next or visiting our website at www.burnthickory.com.