Podcast
First Baptist Joplin
Hosted by First Baptist Church of Joplin, Missouri · EN
Sermons and podcasts from First Baptist Church of Joplin, Missouri. Join us for worship Sundays at 9:00am and 10:30am. Visit our website firstjoplin.org or check us out on your favorite social media platforms for more information. To contact us email churchoffice@firstjoplin.org or call the church at 417-624-4585.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
What Is Christian Freedom?
2w ago00:29:19Tap to summarizeJohn Swadley | John 8:34-36This week's message reminds us that the freedom Jesus offers is far greater than simply doing whatever we want. Through John 8, we discovered that true freedom is found only in Christ. Because of His sacrifice, we are free from the penalty of sin, being transformed daily from the power of sin, and can look forward to one day being completely free from the presence of sin in eternity. Following Jesus isn't about losing freedom. It's about trading slavery to sin for the abundant life only He can give. The question we all have to answer is simple: Who is sitting on the throne of your heart?
Transcribe →Do Good People Go to Heaven?
3w ago00:26:20Tap to summarizeJohn Swadley | Luke 23:39-43This compelling message confronts one of the most common misconceptions about eternity: that good people go to heaven. Looking to the thief on the cross, we discover that our hope isn't found in our morality, our efforts, or trying to be "good enough." Scripture makes it clear that every one of us falls short, and no amount of good works can earn God's favor. The incredible news of the gospel is that Jesus didn't come to save the deserving. He came to save sinners. Just as He welcomed the repentant thief into paradise, Christ offers forgiveness and eternal life to everyone who turns from sin and places their faith in Him. Heaven isn't reserved for good people. It's promised to forgiven people, because our salvation depends not on what we've done, but on what Jesus has already done for us.
Transcribe →What Does It Mean To Be A Godly Father?
4w ago00:29:03Tap to summarizeJoshua Bloyd | Joshua 24:14-15This encouraging message challenges men to lead their homes with unwavering conviction because they serve a faithful, covenant-keeping God. Drawing from Joshua 24, we're reminded that godly fathers reject the idols of culture, choose to stand for truth, and lead their families by both word and example. A godly man is called to be a prophet, priest, protector, provider, and practitioner of his faith, intentionally pointing the next generation toward Christ. As Joshua boldly declared, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord," every believer is invited to embrace the lasting legacy of faithful leadership that echoes far beyond a lifetime.
Transcribe →How Can I Know God's Will for My Life?
Jun 1400:26:01Tap to summarizeJohn Swadley | Psalm 143:10 This message reminds us that knowing God's will isn't about chasing mysterious signs. It's about faithfully following the God who has already revealed Himself. Through Psalm 143:10, we discover three dimensions of God's will: His providential will that cannot be stopped, His moral will that leads to a better life, and His personal will that He faithfully reveals as we walk with Him. As we surrender every area of our lives to Christ and pray, "Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God," we can trust the Holy Spirit to guide our steps and lead us on level ground.
Transcribe →Why Suffering?
Jun 700:32:53Tap to summarizeJohn Swadley | Luke 23:13-25Suffering is one of life's hardest questions, but Scripture reminds us that God has not abandoned us in the middle of our pain. This message explores why suffering exists, pointing us back to humanity's brokenness, God's perfect justice, and the hope of eternity. Even when life feels unfair, God is still at work, using our trials to shape us, strengthen our faith, and draw us closer to Him. The cross is the greatest reminder that while God may not always remove our suffering, He never wastes it.
Transcribe →
Jesus
May 3100:30:15Tap to summarizeEd Barlow | Hosea 2:16-20 This powerful message centers on the Hebrew word 'chesed' - a covenant love that costs everything yet gives freely. Through the dramatic story of Hosea and Gomer, we encounter a stunning portrait of divine love that refuses to let go. We are the unfaithful bride who has wandered away time and again, yet God pursues us with relentless love, paying the ultimate price through Christ's blood. The early church was known by pagans who marveled, 'See how they love one another.' That same chesed should overflow from us today, breaking the transactional patterns of worldly love and demonstrating the covenantal faithfulness we've received.
Transcribe →Lessons From An Old Testament Veteran
May 2400:28:40Tap to summarizeJohn Swadley | Judges 6:1-6This powerful message takes us into the story of Gideon from Judges chapter 6, revealing how we can find divine help in the midst of life's battles. We discover that Israel endured seven years of oppression by the Midianites—living in caves, losing their crops, and watching their livestock stolen—all because they had turned away from God. When Israel finally cried out for help, God didn't send a warrior; He sent a prophet with a sermon, reminding them of His past faithfulness. When Gideon's army was reduced from 32,000 to just 300 men facing 135,000 enemies, God demonstrated that our weakness becomes the stage for His strength, ensuring He receives all the glory when victory comes.
Transcribe →Foster Parents
May 1700:29:50Tap to summarizeJohn Swadley | Deuteronomy 6:4-9This powerful message takes us deep into Deuteronomy 6, one of Scripture's most foundational passages on passing faith to the next generation. The message presents a compelling paradox: if we want our children to love God, we must first examine our own hearts. We cannot give what we don't possess. The call to love God with all our heart, soul, and might isn't burdensome duty—it's an invitation to fall so deeply in love with our Creator that everything else pales in comparison. Our homes become universities of faith where formal teaching meets everyday conversation, where Scripture isn't confined to Sunday morning but permeates driving in the car, sitting at dinner, and tucking kids into bed. The Jewish people survived as a distinct community precisely because they mastered this art of passing faith from generation to generation, making God's truth visible in every doorpost and deliberate in every conversation.
Transcribe →Honoring Our Moms
May 1000:23:58Tap to summarizeJohn Swadley | Ephesians 6:2In this Mother’s Day message, Pastor John explores Ephesians 6:2 and what it truly means to “honor your father and mother.” Through heartfelt stories, humor, and biblical truth, he reminds us that honoring moms goes beyond a holiday. It means recognizing the weight they carry, showing genuine appreciation, and living lives that reflect the faith and sacrifice they poured into us. Whether it’s biological moms, spiritual moms, or those who simply loved us like family, this message challenges us to value the people God used to shape us.
Transcribe →Our Graduates
May 300:28:28Tap to summarizeJohn Swadley | John 13:3-5This encouraging message from John 13:3-5 reminds us that life is shaped by three defining questions: Where did you come from? Where are you going? And what will you do while you’re here? Through the example of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet, we’re challenged to embrace a life of humble service rooted in our identity in Christ. This message calls us to move beyond living for ourselves and into a life that reflects Jesus through compassion, sacrifice, and everyday acts of kindness that point others toward God.
Transcribe →