Burnt Hickory | Sermons - Episodes Tagged with “Spiritual Growth”

Living in God’s Power in Trials | To the Ends of the Earth

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Living in God’s Power in Trials | To the Ends of the Earth

In Acts 21 through 26, Paul faces intense opposition, arrest, and pressure from every direction. Yet instead of retreating, he continues to obey God, trust His promises, and share the gospel.

This message explores how believers can walk in God’s power during difficult seasons. It reminds us that trials are not the end of the story and that even in hardship, God is present, working, and using every moment for His purpose.

Key Insights:

Obedience to God matters more than the opinions or warnings of others.
God’s promises remain true even when circumstances feel uncertain or overwhelming.
Trials can become opportunities to share faith and point others to Jesus.
Trusting God in difficult seasons strengthens spiritual endurance and perspective.
Living with integrity and a clear conscience reflects a life grounded in faith.

Scripture Focus Acts 22

Speaker: Matt Petty
Series: To the Ends of the Earth
Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church

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Remember Me | To the Ends of the Earth

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Remember Me | To the Ends of the Earth

In Acts 20, Paul reflects on his life and gives a clear picture of what mattered most. Faithfulness to God’s calling. Proclaiming the gospel. Living with humility. Finishing strong.

This message invites listeners to examine their own lives through those same questions. It is not about perfection. It is about direction. Are we living in a way that points people to Jesus and reflects a life fully surrendered to Him.

Key Insights:

Faithfulness is not about doing everything. It is about doing what God has specifically called you to do.
Sharing the gospel is a responsibility for every believer, not just a select few.
A life that points to Jesus requires humility and a shift away from self-focus.
Finishing strong is built through daily obedience, not one-time decisions.
A meaningful life is marked by giving, serving, and adding value to others rather than taking.

Scripture Focus: Acts 20:7

Speaker: Matt Petty
Series: To the Ends of the Earth
Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church

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Living for Eternity

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Living for Eternity | Burnt Hickory Baptist Church

Life moves quickly and the pressure to achieve can feel overwhelming. In this message, we are challenged to step back and consider what truly lasts. Teaching from 2 Corinthians shows how trials refine faith, how priorities can be realigned toward eternal impact, and why living for God’s approval brings deeper freedom and purpose.

Discover how to invest your life in what will matter forever.

Key Insights:

Hard seasons can refine faith and deepen dependence on God rather than weaken it.
An eternal perspective helps believers navigate anxiety, pressure, and disappointment with hope.
True purpose is found by investing time and energy in scripture and in people.
Every vocation can become a platform for spiritual influence and kingdom impact.
Living for God’s approval brings freedom from the constant pursuit of worldly success.

Scripture Focus:
2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Speaker: Marty Godfrey
Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church

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Treasures and Trust | All In

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0500

Treasures and Trust | All In

In Treasures and Trust, we look at Exodus 35 and Matthew 6 to understand why God calls His people to give. Giving is not about funding a project. It is about surrendering control, declaring trust, and investing in what lasts beyond this life.

This message challenges listeners to examine their priorities, reconsider their affections, and take a step toward faithful kingdom generosity.

Key Insight:

Generosity is not about God needing resources. It is about shaping our trust.
Tithing is a starting point that trains the heart to put God first.
What we prioritize financially reveals what we truly worship.
Faith grows when we step beyond comfort and choose obedience.
Investing in God’s kingdom has eternal impact beyond temporary possessions.

Scripture Focus: Exodus 35:4-9

Speaker: Matt Petty
Series: All In
Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church

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The Faithful Life of a Christ Follower | The Gospel, The Kingdom, The World

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500

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 Fight God! | His Word, His Plan, His People

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Don’t Fight God! | His Word, His Plan, His People

Through the story of Peter’s escape from prison and Herod’s collapse, we’re reminded that fighting God always ends in loss—but trusting Him leads to freedom. If you’ve been feeling stuck, anxious, or unsure, lean into this message and let God lead.

Key Insights:

Fighting God only leads to loss—even if it feels like you’re winning in the moment.
God’s power can release you from any physical, emotional, or spiritual bondage.
Earnest, persistent prayer activates God’s movement in ways we often underestimate.
There is peace available in the storm when you truly trust God to lead.
You can’t glorify yourself and expect God to bless it—His glory is non-negotiable.

Key Scripture: Acts 12:1

Speaker: Matt Petty
Series: His Word, His Plan, His People
Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church

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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.

Breakfast on the Beach ...Oh Peter | Restored & Sent

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 18 May 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Breakfast on the Beach ...Oh Peter | Restored & Sent
This week’s sermon closes out our journey through the Gospel of John with a look at one of the most meaningful conversations in the New Testament. After publicly denying Jesus three times, Peter is met not with condemnation, but restoration. Jesus meets him on the shore, invites him into honest reflection, and reaffirms his calling.

Key Insights:

No failure is final when surrendered to Jesus.
Jesus restores us publicly to use us powerfully.
Real restoration starts with honest self-evaluation.
Jesus calls us back by asking for our love, not perfection.
Our past failures, when redeemed, become tools for ministry.

Scripture Reference: John 21

This message is a powerful reminder that no failure is final in the hands of Jesus. Whether you’re coming off a season of drifting, doubt, or denial, Jesus still invites you to follow Him again.

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

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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

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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

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The Way, The Truth, and The Life | Power and Promise

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0400

"The Way, The Truth, and The Life" – Power and Promise
In this message, Pastor Matt explores Jesus' declaration in John 14:6: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Set during Jesus' final moments with His disciples before His crucifixion, this sermon reveals how Jesus used Jewish wedding customs to illustrate His relationship with believers. Just as a Jewish bridegroom would prepare a place for his bride and return for her, Jesus promises to prepare heavenly dwellings for His followers and come back for them.

Key Insights:

Jesus doesn't just show us a path—He IS the destination
Christianity isn't about religious performance but about "knowing, growing, and walking closer with Jesus, our eternal Savior"
From our first breath of faith to our final earthly moment, our relationship with Christ should be growing more intimate
Jesus patiently addresses His disciples' confusion and questions, showing us how He meets us in our uncertainty

Key Scripture: John 14

This message concludes with an invitation for believers who haven't yet been baptized to take this first step of obedience in their Christian walk.

As Jesus tells His troubled disciples: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms... I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

Whether you're new to faith or have been following Jesus for years, this message will deepen your understanding of what it truly means to follow Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Speaker: Matt Petty
Series: Power and Promise
Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church

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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.

Patience | Faith in Action

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 13:00:00 -0400

What does patience look like in your life? In today’s message from the book of James, we dive into the profound connection between faith and patience. We explore how Godly patience is not just about waiting, but about trusting—looking back on God's faithfulness, looking forward to His promises, and looking up for His strength. Through the examples of the farmer, the prophets, and the life of Job, we see how patience develops perseverance in the midst of life's trials. This kind of patience grows when we stand firm in faith, even when things seem uncertain.

Are you facing challenges that test your patience? Today’s message offers insight into how you can deepen your faith, build perseverance, and discover how God is full of compassion and mercy even in the waiting. If you’re ready to take the next step in your faith journey, we invite you to visit burnthickory.com/next.

God Willing | Faith in Action

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 13:00:00 -0400

We want to Today, we dive into a vital question: Are we truly living in line with God's will? In this message, we explore what it means to have an active, ongoing commitment to do the will of God. As we reflect on the teachings of James, we'll unpack the four common attitudes people have toward God's will—ignoring it, denying it, disobeying it, or faithfully doing it.

We’ll also consider what God’s will looks like in our lives: being radically saved, controlled by the Holy Spirit, pursuing a pure life, and submitting to His authority. Ultimately, a life in step with God's will is not just about knowing what is right—it's about living it out in every moment, every decision.

Where do you stand in your journey? Have you surrendered your life to follow God's will? If you’re ready to take the next step, we'd love to connect with you, answer your questions, and pray with you. Feel free to reach out, and remember—you’re never walking this journey alone.

Join us today and learn how you can align your life with God’s purpose and discover true fulfillment. To take the next step in your faith journey, visit burnthickory.com/next.

Faith Over Fear

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Fear is a gift from God. It can propel us forward and lead us to act. But what about the times when fear paralyzes us? This morning, as we hear from our Student Pastor, Chip Paul, we’ll explore the tension between faith and fear. It’s easy to let fear take over and guide our lives, but God's promises remind us that we are never alone, that He is our God, and that He will strengthen and uphold us. We’ll look at four promises from Isaiah to break free and no longer be afraid: God is with us, He is our strength, and He will sustain us through every challenge. This is a message of hope, purpose, and living intentionally for Christ, even in the face of uncertainty. Join us as we discover how faith can overcome fear and how we can live out that faith boldly, trusting in God's promises every step of the way.

The Mighty Tongue | Faith in Action

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Your words hold incredible power! They can uplift, guide, and praise—but they can also harm, deceive, and destroy. As we dive deeper into the book of James, we’ll uncover one of our greatest tools: the tongue. Just like a small rudder steering a massive ship, our words reflect our hearts' true direction. Together, we'll explore how the tongue reveals our relationship with Christ and wields immense power over our lives. The challenge? Acknowledging its influence and the ripple effects it has on everything around us. However, when we surrender it to God, the tongue transforms into a powerful instrument for honoring Him and guiding others. Join us on this journey as we discover how to tame the tongue and realize we can't do it alone.

What is the Big Deal about Being Committed to The Church?

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Attending versus membership: why should someone become a member of the church? What does it truly offer? Today’s sermon will show the significance of standing behind and belonging to a church community. God invites us not just to attend but to engage and grow within His family fully. As we explore the teachings of Jesus in the book of Matthew, we’ll see His passion for the church and understand why being an active part of a local church is essential for our spiritual well-being. The church is not just a building; it's a called-out body of believers. Join us as we look at scripture and the heart of the church and learn how to deeply root ourselves in a community that embodies God's love and calling for each of us.

No Favoritism | Faith in Action

Burnt Hickory — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0400

Love your neighbor as yourself. But how do we truly embrace this calling when differences arise? What if we find ourselves prioritizing or brushing off others, whether a coworker or even a family member, because of how we view them? This morning, as we continue our journey through the book of James, we invite you to reflect with us on the theme of favoritism. Together, we’ll uncover how favoritism can challenge our understanding of love and community and how it can steer us away from the grace we are called to embody. Join us in this exploration as we seek to align our hearts with God's vision of love, mercy, and justice for everyone. Let's walk boldly in our faith, celebrating diversity and unity without bias. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more content, and visit www.burnthickory.com to find out more!

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.