Podcast
Mark Massaro – First Baptist Church Dunkirk NY
Hosted by Unknown Author · EN
Worship God. Grow in Christ. Share the Gospel.
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The Spirit Gives Life
1w agoTap to summarizeScripture: 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 Ministry Commendation Do we really need a résumé? YOU are our letter We are confident in our calling Not sufficient in ourselves Our sufficiency is through God Ministers of the New Covenant First Covenant of blood sacrifice New Covenant is Christ’s sacrifice Letter (Law) kills Rom 3:20; 3:23; 6:23 Spirit gives life! Eph 2:8-9 Salvation by Grace through Faith Five Marks of Competent Minister 1. Established reputation for godliness 2. Used in transforming lives 3. Confident in his calling 4. Humble dependence on God’s power 5. New covenant message Take Aways Spiritual transformation & growth? Are you confident in your call to ministry? Maybe you’re not serving because you’re not a member yet.
Transcribe →Welcome Home
2w agoTap to summarizeScripture: Luke 15:11–32 Father’s Character v. 12 Patient and kind v. 17 Generous v. 20 Optimistic & expectant v. 20 Compassionate v. 20 Took action v. 20 Not afraid of emotions v. 22 Forgave vs. Lecture v. 22 Generous v. 23 Celebrated & enjoyed Shared Gospel (Good News) Proactive pursuit Two Sons’ Characters Younger Son Focus on money & fun Selfish Squandered = wasted Hit rock bottom Wised up (came to himself) Repented & Confessed Older Son Obeyed and worked for father’s approval Full of anger & bitterness Principles to Own “Dad, how much do you really love me?” The Father is present The Father is patient The Father pursues his sons Take Aways Are you lost this morning? Fathers communicate your love to your kids. – Be present, patient, & pursuing.
Transcribe →Joy Restored
3w agoTap to summarizeScripture: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17 Paul’s Weariness in Ministry Paul was waiting for a report from Titus about Corinth He was discouraged Similar issues today Love. Know. Speak. Do. Five Joys Led by a Sovereign God 1 The 5:18; Eph 5:20; Col 3:17; Rom 1:8 Ps 23; Gal 5 Rom 8:29-29 Promised Victory in Christ Roman Triumph Paul’s Triumph in Christ Eph 2:4-7 Influence for Christ Rom 10:14-15 Are you supporting the Gospel? Are you giving regularly to church? Pleasing God in Christ 2 Cor 5:9; 1 Cor 10:31 Same Gospel message affects people differently Power in Christ Who is sufficient? Power from Christ Not a peddler Take Aways Have you lost your joy in ministry ? Do you serve in ministry for recognition? Have you humbled yourself before God? Write down the name of two brothers or sister you can encourage this week. Do it!
Transcribe →Power of Forgiveness
4w agoTap to summarizeScripture: 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 Unforgiveness Hurts You Forgive and comfort otherwise more sorrow and pain Hate is like murder Bitterness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die Hatred & anger rage in our hearts Our sin is first against God If you don’t forgive, God will not forgive you We are unfit for worship if we don’t forgive Why Forgive? Neh 9:17 – God is ready to forgive Luke 15 – Father forgives prodigal son Their sin is greater against God than me Forgive freely as you have been forgiven by God Mat 5:44-45 Love your enemies & pray for them Jam 1 – we grow more like Jesus 1 Pet 2:19-23 – God is in control. Leave justice to Him Don’t Give In v. 11 Don’t be tricked by Satan Eph 4:27, 6:11 – Be ready 1 Pet 5:8 – Be cautious & watchful Repentance Needed? 1. Someone else was harmed 2. Ignoring may continue to bring harm 3. Potential for church to be damaged 4. Relationship is broken <span data-slate-fragment="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...
Transcribe →Character Matters
May 31Tap to summarizeScripture: 2 Corinthians 1:15-2:4 Series Our new sermon series is called Strength & Suffering because those themes show up over and over again in this incredible letter. We find strength in our relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit living with us. Believers are called to strengthen and encourage each other. We should not be surprised by suffering as followers of Jesus. Because in our suffering, in our weakness, our strength in Christ grows deeper and more powerful than ever. Change of Plans Paul was not able to visit Corinth as planned Paul gives background and reasons for change God at Work God established us God anointed us God put his seal on us God gave us His Spirit Character Matters Loyalty Honesty Reliability Authenticity Sensitivity Purity Love Take Aways Is God at work in your life? Is there evidence in your life? How do you treat brothers & sisters at church? At home?
Transcribe →Early Warning System
May 24Tap to summarizeScripture: 2 Corinthians 1:12-14 Intro Clear Conscience Classical/traditional view – internal voice of God Immanuel Kant’s Moral Argument for God Moral revolution – outcome of a person’s desires and interest. It changes based on society. Says, “No absolute truth” Rom 2:14-16 – Internal code 2 Cor 1 – Clear conscience Conscience as an Early Warning System against threat of sin Right Behavior Outward behavior reflects inward conscience. Testimony = statement of truth Simplicity – Uncomplicated or clear. Lev 20:7; 1 Thess 4:7; Col 3:12; Heb 12:14; 1 Cor 6:19-20; Eph 4:24 Godly Sincerity – honesty with no hidden agenda 1 Cor 9:18 Are you trustworthy? 1 Cor 2:4-5 The Grace of God – undeserved blessing v. 13 – Know and believe; understand my words Pure motives Holy Spirit at Work Spirit convicts unbelievers Eph 2:4-5 Made us alive Holy Spirit is our EWS Heb 9:14 Purifies conscience Rom 12:1-2 Transforms minds & hearts Heb 10:15-16 Writes law on our hearts Turning off or down EWS 1 Tim 4:2 – Seared 1 Cor 8:7 – Weak & defiled Clear conscience Take Aways Convicted of sin? EWS working properly? Are you listening? Renew your conscience!
Transcribe →Comforted to Comfort
May 17Tap to summarizeScripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 Intro Comfort food hits the spot! The Source of Comfort God our Father – provider God of mercies & all comfort Affliction = pressure The Why of Comfort Because God loves us So we can comfort others Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? (John MacArthur) 1. To test the validity or authenticity of their faith 2. To pull them away from the world and rely on Him 3. To call His followers to their heavenly hope 4. To reveal to us what we really love 5. To teach us obedience 6. To reveal God’s compassion to us 7. To strengthen us for greater usefulness 8. So we can comfort others in their trials The How of Comfort We experience God’s comfort as we patiently endure. We are comforted when we see God’s faithfulness to other believers. * 1 Corinthians 10:6 * 1 Corinthians 10:11 * Romans 15:4 * 1 Peter 2:6 * James 5:10-11 Paul received comfort in hope for the future Ps 118:6 What can man do? Job 42:2 God’s purposes cannot be stopped Comfort from others praying for you Church is a family to comfort and encourage you Take Aways Are you part of God’s family? Where do you typically go for comfort? Are you building deeper relationships in the church?
Transcribe →Hannah – A Picture of Grace
May 10Tap to summarizeScripture: 1 Samuel 1-2 Intro Hannah’s name literally means grace which we understand as God’s undeserved favor. When God shows grace to people, they are blessed and realize they have not done anything to earn or deserve it. Hannah was shown grace by God and she in turn is a picture of grace in the way she loves her husband and family. She is a godly woman we can lift up as an example for others to follow – even if you are not a woman or a mother. Love for Her Husband Like Sarah, Hannah was barren and her husband, Elkanah took a second wife. Hannah worshiped with her husband. Mother’s and wives, your children and grandchildren need to see your love, honor, respect for your husband. Love for Her God Hannah prayed when we was distressed. God was first in her life! Hannah makes a vow to God. God’s holiness, goodness, sovereignty, power and wisdom. God was her Savior, creator, and sovereign judge. Hannah knows and loves God deeply. She rests and trusts in Him. <span data-slate-fragment="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...
Transcribe →Strength in Suffering – 2 Corinthians Overview
May 3Tap to summarizeScripture: 2 Corinthians Introduction Paul’s Greeting Apostle – sent out to represent Biblical Apostle – personally met and commissioned by Jesus to represent Him Saint – saved (sanctified) person Author: Paul – religious leader who persecuted Christians. Saved when he met Jesus. With Timothy our brother To: Church in Corinth & Saints in Achaia More about Corinth Corinth was the capital of Achaia, a region in the south of Greece. It was part of the Roman empire in the first century when Paul was visiting and writing. The major sections and building structures of Corinth in the first century. Major Themes Chapters 1-7 Reconciling with the Corinthians Defending his ministry Old vs. New Covenant Christ-centered leaders Chapters 8-9 Pattern of giving Lessons for giving Chapters 10-13 Challenge to believers Compares & contrasts himself with “Super Apostles” Paradox of the Cross – strength in suffering; growth in weakness Transformation by the Holy Spirit Take Aways Are you a Saint? Do you struggle with the culture around you? Are you surprised by suffering? Bible Project Overview Chart: (Download and Print) 2 Corinthians Overview Video from BibleProject.com https://dunkirkbaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/220Corinthians.mp4
Transcribe →Are You All In?
Apr 26Tap to summarizeScripture: Joshua 24 God’s blessings Repetition of “ALL” God is faithful and complete He does everything He says He will do His Word is true ALL the time God is good… ALL the time He keeps ALL His promises ALL in verses 1, 2, 3, 17, 17, 17, 27, 31, 31, 31 Joshua 4:24, 21:45, 22:5, 23:6 Joshua gathers ALL the people at Shechem – place where people meet God Reminder of God’s blessings A covenant relationship with God – All in! Rev 3 – Laodicea was lukewarm Choose Today Fear the Lord and Serve Him honestly and faithfully Put away idols – worship only God Choose today whom you will serve We will serve the Lord Will you really? Get rid of your foreign gods It’s not enough to say it, you have to obey! James 2 Faith without works? That’s not living active faith! An IDOL is anyone or anything that begins to capture our hearts and minds and affections more than God. v. 25 Joshua renews the covenant between God and His people Israel Sets up a stone at Shechem as a memorial & witness Nine Memorial Stones of Joshua 1. The stones in the midst of the Jordan (4:9). 2. The stones on the western bank of the Jordan (4:20–24). 3. The stones in the Valley of Achor (7:26). 4. The heap of stones at Ai (8:29). 5. The altar on Mt. Ebal (8:30). 6. The stones of the law on Mt. Ebal (8:32). 7. The stones at the cave at Makkedah (10:27). 8. The altar built by the Transjordanic tribes (22:10ff). 9. Joshua’s stone of witness (24:26–28). Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Strong, “Be” Commentary Series (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 155–156. End of an Era Epilogue is the ending & future Joshua dies & is buried Joseph’s bones are buried Priest Eleazar dies & is buried Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua & the elders. What’s next? Judges 2:10 – generation that did not the Lord or His works Redemption cycle continues: requires confession & salvation Take Aways Have you chosen to follow Jesus? Are you all in with your faith & actions? What are you doing to make sure the next generation knows God and His greatness?
Transcribe →