Sermon Video: Restraining Sensual Indulgence - Colossians 2:20-23

Do groups that attempt to isolate themselves from the world, like medieval monks or the Amish of today, hold the key to holiness?  What is the value of self-denial (Asceticism)?  Paul explains why this belief is misguided and ultimately fails to accomplish its goal, the restraint of sensual indulgence.

To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video

The 4th Annual Ecumenical Sunday: Music from the choir

The King B9's choir from the Cathedral of St. Andrew (Grand Rapids)
Performing at the First Baptist Church of Palo under the direction of Tom Good

"Jesus Met the Woman at the Well"
"Here I am Lord"
and a duet by Nicole Powell and Tom Good
"And all these things will be added"

to watch the video, click on the link below:
Music Video

Sermon Video: "A Tale of Two Child Kings" - II Chronicles 33-35

The lives of these two child kings of Judah, Manasseh and Josiah illustrate the responsibility that each man and woman has before God.  Manasseh had a righteous father, Hezekiah, but turned into one of Judah's most wicked kings.  Josiah had a wicked father, Amon, but became one of the nation's most God-honoring kings.  In both cases, these men defied that "apple doesn't fall far from the tree" mentality.  In the end, we must all answer to God for what we do with the situation we find ourselves in.

To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video

Ecumenical Sunday

We've just completed another of our annual Ecumenical Sunday services at the First Baptist Church of Palo.  What this service entails is primarily a visit from the King B9's choir (that Nicole and I sing with on Sunday night) from the Cathedral of St. Andrew (in Grand Rapids, under Tom Good's direction).  The choir sings several songs of course, but the purpose of the service is to foster fellowship between these two groups that might not otherwise have any interaction.  It may be a small step in the direction of inter-church cooperation and worship, but it is one we're glad to be part of.
There are many churches, but there is only one Church.  All those who follow Jesus Christ belong to his Church; we're just keeping the pews warm, he owns the place.

Sermon Video: "I am the Good Shepherd" - John 10:1-18

In this well known figure of speech, Jesus calls himself the "good shepherd" who cares for his sheep.  Jesus also claims to be the gate through which the sheep must enter.  In this dual role, Jesus is the way to the Father, AND the means of guiding and protecting those who have found God through him.  Jesus also warns his disciples that there are others who will try to lead the sheep astray if they don't listen carefully to their message.  In addition, Jesus offers abundant life to those who believe in him which he was able to achieve by choosing to lay down his life on our behalf and then taking it back up again.  This message of Jesus in the Gospel of John makes clear that Jesus is the exclusive path to God, all others lead to false hope.

To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video