Hear Tony tell a story of how God changed his criminal heart.  This audio will both inspire and challenge you.  For more information on his ministry, go to freeinchristministries.com  

There is so much brokenness in our world over being rejected or "dumped".  The hurt is deep and quite destructive.  God wants to adopt us regardless of who we are.  He wants to call us His and pour grace on us through redemption.  

All of us have experienced being the outcast in some form or another.  We must know that God through Christ wants to love us, accept us and redeem us.

When we lift the vision of those around us, we are being a powerful witness for Christ.  To instill in others their significance and their worth is to give life.  We ALL need to raise our vision a bit as well and know that God can use us in incredible ways.

The Gospel is only effective and well received if we are living it before others.  Words are not enough to convince somebody that Christ can save their soul.  We must demonstrate His love through our love for others to truly reach the world around us.

One of the greatest miracles of Christmas is the fact that God became more than the Almighty - He became Emmanuel, God with us.  God is so loving that He made a way to be on our level.  He is, indeed, God WITH US.

For many, Christmas is a time of utter brokenness.  It seems to remind us of what's wrong.  The real story of Christmas is one of chaos, murder and evil.  King Herod was on a rampage and wanted full control.  A miracle unfolded as the baby Jesus was born and escaped the pursuits of this evil tyrant.  Heaven had an awesome plan to provide the world with a Savior to help us not just feel better, but get better in our sufferings.  A dynamic and meaningful message as part of the series Christmas 2011.

At Christmas we read about Jesus being our Prince of Peace.  What does this really mean?  How do we really experience peace in our lives?  Find out what it means to truly live out Sar Shalom.

It was once said, the best argument for Christianity is Christians and the best argument against Christianity is Christians.  Our role in making faith in Christ real and valid is critical.  If we live our lives with the love of Christ we will make the greatest impact for Christianity.  Conversely, if we claim to be Christians but live our lives without the love and hope of Christ, we destroy the witness and any community possible for the kingdom of Christ.  REAL COMMUNITY is achieved through our authenticity as followers of Christ living just as He would want us to live.

Reports from various groups at Fellowship Church.  This Sunday highlighted ways for us to have real community.

One major problem for many is getting so consumed by effort put into complaining.  Our discontent can be directly related to our spiritual health.  We need to stop excessive complaining and handle the major problems we have with people directly and privately.  In general, we are blessed and need to consider all that has been done for us through Jesus.  Another great message in the QUITTING FORWARD series.

Looking at the story of John the Baptist and Jesus, we can learn a lot about unhealthy comparisons.  At the root of comparing is envy, jealousy and discontent.  We must be careful to not compare ourselves with others.  In the end, we will find that our spiritual growth is slowed.

Fear can grip us in our tracks.  Maybe you have fears that are holding you back from moving forward in your spiritual growth with God. Sometimes we need to be bold and rely on God for those times when we are overcome by fears.

What do you need to quit in order to move forward in your relationship with Christ?  Whatever impedes your ability to carry out what God's desires are for you, needs to go away.  Is it an addiction?  Is it being focused on self?  Is it living a double life?  We need to come to grips with the truth and have no excuses when living a life according to His will and purposes.  This message is the first in a series QUITTING FORWARD.

When we get to heaven, it will be ALL about the ONE who made it possible - God Almighty.  Nothing about heaven will be about us or our achievements.  The focus will be the throne of God - to Him, glory, honor and praise!

The reality of heaven is far greater than the symbols that represent it.  The classic symbols of a crown, a robe and a great city are mere attempts at characterizing the experience.  When you think about heaven, what do you picture?  Perhaps a better question for us is, do you believe in it's reality to the point that it alters your perception of dieing or death?  Are we really ready?  For many, heaven is so lofty and "unreal" that it doesn't alter or effect their lives here on earth.  This message is the third in a series on Heaven's Images.

The bible refers to an image that means so much more than it seems at first.  The table is mentioned as an image that holds deep meaning. Even though it's hard to fathom, sitting with our greatest enemy and dining is something that is implied as part of our experience in heaven. Heaven is going to be a place where we love all and are loved as well, regardless of our past or who we are.

The question for the present is, "Why can't we start loving everyone now regardless of who it is we are loving?".  We are called to reconcile with eachother just as Jesus has loved without condition.  The image of the table is powerful.  This is the second of the series on Heaven's Images.  Enjoy!

So many have reported near death experiences and described going and then coming back.  One of the most common images reported is the experience of LIGHT.  We read in the Word that when we come into the presence of God, we will encounter a great time of knowing.  Our lives will be brought to bare - a truth telling experience.  This is the light that uncovers all things.  Knowing this will happen, we are encouraged to seize our opportunity in this life to do what God commands of us.  This message is the first of the series Heaven's Images - stay tuned for more!

It's one thing to know about Jesus, but an entirely different thing to have Jesus in your heart.  His spirit within you is truly needed to have the heart of Jesus.  For us to really move the world for Christ, we must have Him within us in our lives.

The greatest inspirer was Jesus.  He still holds this position today.  We can model our own lives after Him by being a person that lifts others / inspires others.  Everyone needs encouragement and inspiration in this life.

Forgiving can be hard to do.  But, forgiveness can be just as beneficial for the forgiver as the forgiven.  If we want to have the heart of Jesus, we must strive to forgive even the vilest offenders.

God loves all of us greatly.  There is no difference from person to person.  Our worth to Him is high regardless of who we are.  We must treat eachother with the same kind of overall love that is not tied to who we are or what we have done.  If we are to have the heart of Jesus, we will love unconditionally everyone around us.

When faced with hardships in life, we often wonder, why am I going through this?  What good could possibly come from this?  The scriptures tell us that God is working out a plan through us and in us.  Our response in times of hardship could save souls for the kingdom - we could make history.  We must trust in Him as we journey through it all.

In order for us to really BE like Jesus through our missional life here on earth, we must practicie humility.  It is putting self last and considering your neighbor as yourself.  A critical element to a life following after Christ's example.

We are part of God's plan.  We must realize that we shouldn't seek to live our lives the way we want without any regard for God's purpose in us.  Part of living missional is understanding that this life is not for ourselves - it is for God.

It's dangerous when we as Americans hold freedom as the ultimate value above all things.  To be free for our own gain is not good.  We are free so we must use this wonderful opportunity to serve with all that we have.  In essence, we must give up self in the midst of our freedoms to gain the most.

General Baptist Ministries National Missions Director Don Key continues our series on PRAYER looking at the One we pray to.  If we have a better understanding of the One we are conversing with, we can become better at praying and communicating with God.

There are several elements of prayer that we must consider when approaching God.  Confession, Intercession, Petition and Thanksgiving are the main ones covered in this message.  We should understand what these mean and utilize them in our conversations with God.

All of the pastors at Fellowship help us understand more fully what prayer really is.  Prayer tends to become something that is disregarded or used in the wrong way as we approach God.  What is is for you?  We need so badly to understand that God wants us to come to Him broken and honest.  He's looking for the right heart, not a bunch of information that He already knows.  This is the first installment on the subject of prayer.

We tend to follow the same process with our lives before God that the story about the Pharisee and Tax Collector shows.  We think, "at least I'm not as bad as those guys...".  If we think getting into heaven only requires us to be a little better than the other guy, we are gravely mistaken.  We MUST learn that we should be about honesty and humbleness before God.  He wants us to be broken before Him for Him to really use us for His glory.  Our goal isn't all about getting into heaven, but doing all we can to glorify God with our lives.

In the American culture, we acclimate ourselves into a mindset that getting the latest gadget or product will enhance our lives greatly.  That even these things will help us through our times of despair.  We seem to get a "high" off of buying the brand names and obtaining those things that bring us great status. In what ways do you think these desires we have impede our spiritual progress?  Listen and find out.

Jesus really broadens the definition of family.  Today, we've made our homes to be very "closed doored" instead of "open doored".  Another words, we do not allow this space to be an extension of God's love for others outside our family unit.  We can be so effective for the Kingdom if we would open our lives up more as families.

Looking at the story of followers in Moses' time, we learn much about getting consumed by idols.  God wants our full devotion and commands us to give Him highest priority.  This message is a call to "true" discipleship that can only be done by getting rid of your idols.

An Easter Sunday message. Using the parable of the sparrow and the worms, we learn how we can be lured into enslavement.  We eventually can give away ourselves to any number of idols in life.  We can focus on and devote ourselves to many other gods, yet in the process of trying to gain what satisfies us temporarily, our lives are given away to dark forces.  What things are you giving your life away to today?  There is a resurrection awaiting you today.

We can easily be caught up in the activity of Christianity by praying, reading the Word and attending our local church that these become our idols in life.  What about our focus on God?  Are we keeping His central commandments to love Him and love others?  What are our 'real' goals as followers?

This message kicks off a series on real DISCIPLESHIP.  What does it mean?  Where does it come from?  In our culture today, it is often easy to develop the wrong discipleship in the name of a real Jesus.  This message uses the story taken from the popular cartoon The Simpsons where Homer becomes a missionary in the name of Jee-bus!  An interesting look at how many are living a life of Christ with no real connection to the One who called us to be His disciples.

Sean Warren and Will Gillean share their experiences from a visit to Haiti.  The calling is vivid in this informal report about a realm that has been devastated.  What can you do to share blessings with Haiti?

Is it possible to be too salty, too bright?  Sometimes we can force feed the world with Jesus, so much so that they wince and want to run away.  The gospel is attractive to the world if it truly takes root in our hearts and causes us to love and serve those around us.  The world is looking for hope and love, not condemnation.  This message is part of a series on being Salt and Light

Salt that stays on the shelf doesn't do any good at all.  We must serve those around us and truly season the world with Jesus to make a difference for His kingdom.

We are called to season this world and show the light of Christ.  For you, what would that take to accomplish?  This message is a rally cry for Fellowship Church to engage in another Sunday full of service and love to the community of Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

If we only love those who love us, we are not doing anything extraordinary.  God calls us to a higher level of loving.  We have to learn how to love the unlovely without expecting anything in return.

You have to really love to be loved.  So many people roam the earth their whole lives trying to find love when the problem is possibly within them.  Do you truly love?  We have a lot to learn about really loving and really being loved.  God is the greatest example of real love.  Includes the inspiring story of Dr. Robertson McQuilkin's devotion to his wife.

A role-play styled sermon by Ernie Rogers.  A creative story told from the perspective of a tax collector.  All about really fully knowing Jesus and allowing Him to work in your life.

Taking the Greek word "Doulos", we find the Bible describes a Christian as a servant or slave of God.  But, we also learn that it is not a situation of "having to" serve.  Rather, it is a commitment because we want to serve.  This message is all about our commitment to God and His church.

What defines our denomination?  It's more than just some organizational attribute.  Benoni Stinson felt very convicted about the scripture that tells that Christ tasted death for ALL man.  Taking John Calvin's beliefs and going a step further, the General Baptist movement was born.  More than describing a denomination, this central truth is so critical for everyone to behold.  We are ALL accepted by Christ and given the gift of salvation.

What we do in response to hardships in life can either contribute to our growth spiritually or possibly make us bitter and run far away from God.  Submitting to God's plan to make us into something great is hard but part of the plan.

Salvation is more than insurance from hell.  He came to save us so that we would "want" to be more like Him. Do you have a passion to live for Christ?  Is your devotion to Him a lifestyle or a license to get to heaven?

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about how God can make all things new again.  New in a spiritual sense not in a timeline sense.  Taking the words of 2 Corinthians 4:16, Byron delivers a message about not losing heart and allowing God to give us His power to conquer this life for Him.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck continues his coverage of the book of Ezekiel.  There are many interpretations of what Ezekiel meant in his encounters.  Bright, awesome, grand and weird only begin to describe what Ezekiel experienced and then wrote about in the beginning of his writings.  Exiled and hopeless describe the people of God at this time.  One lesson we can take from the writings is that God is everywhere and still exists.  He will be with us even if we don't deserve His love.  He will be with us after those conflicts in life.  God is here!

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about the blaming of others for your plight in life.  God wants us to take responsibility for our own lives.  It's often too easy for us to avoid dealing with reality in life.  We love to blame other people or factors for our predicaments.  The words found in Ezekiel resonate with us even today.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks to wrapup the series of SERVING and notes the remarkable experience the Fellowship family had on the previous Salt and Light Sunday where many acts of service were carried out in the community of Poplar Bluff.  Communion is an acknowledgment of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus carried out and should be the example for us all seeking to be like Him.

The final installment of the SERVE series.  Senior Pastor Byron Beck concludes the series with a rallying message for our day of service "We Are Fellowship" blitz in the community of Poplar Bluff.  We are always called to be imitators of Jesus.  He would love unconditionally, He would serve sacrificially, He would give fully.  And, we do this NOT for brownie points or blessings, but because we love the Lord and want to do what His will is - to be the salt and light of this world.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks once again on the subject of Serving.  A hero is someone who does something significant in life.  By the world's standards, a hero isn't born everyday.  But, Christ has given us His blueprints for being a hero by giving and loving in little ways everyday.  Any follower can be a hero by impacting a life through simple acts of love and kindness.  To be significant for the cause of Christ is being a hero.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks once again on the theme of Serving.  We are really saved by Christ to do what He would do - serve, love and sacrifice.  We will want to serve if we truly love the Lord.  We are SAVED to SERVE.

Are we open to God using us when we're not in the mood or haven't the time?  Are we too busy to help someone in a small way?  Serving God is serving people when we truly love our neighbor as ourself.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks on the basics of conflict resolution in relationships.  For commitment to mean something and last, you've got to know how to appropriately handle conflicts.  A great message on ways to strengthen the home front.

Associate Pastor Michael Chambers speaks about the antithesis of fear.  If we can be made perfect in His love, then fear no longer grips us.  A great message about freeing ourselves from the controlling, hindering and defeating effects of fear.  The contrast to fear is love.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks on the subject of fear.  We all have fears or phobias in life.  What fears are you able to really overcome?  God did not give us the spirit of fear or timidity.  We must learn to trust in Him fully to accomplish what He wants for us.  Byron recites a story of an American soldier in Afghanistan on the brink of death who has to trust an unknown person to live.  A useful message for understanding how to overcome fear and rely on the Lord.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks on the subject of Baptism.  When you look at this act of obedience and faith under the surface, it really models a kind of betrothal ceremony.  How much do you really love the Lord?  A great message on the act of baptism.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks once more on Jonah.  Jonah really had a troubled view of the people he was called to minister - the Ninevites.  Jealousy and negativity were two strong components to the emotions Jonah displayed regarding the grace of God.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about and underlying theme in the book of Jonah.  Jonah used passive-aggressive behavior in his dealings with God.  The human element of Jonah is displayed as he really evokes his selfish control over the situation.  Lack of motivation, refusal for obedience are some of the dynamics as he really sets forth "intentional ineffectiveness".  The story about Jonah is rich with lessons on obedience and selflessness. 

Senior Pastor Byron Beck continues his series on Jonah.  We can identify with what Jonah experienced so many years ago.  What type of whale has swallowed you up lately?  What kind of storm have you been experiencing in life?  We find that Jonah prayed an unusual prayer while in the fish - a prayer of thanksgiving.  Lots to learn in this valuable message for life.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck continues the series on Jonah.  We must be aware that there are many hazards inherent in running from God.  There is collateral damage, risk of being too prideful and selfish and, most important, the destruction that disobedience to God causes.  We must answer the call to follow Him wherever He leads and live our lives in humility.

Associate Pastor Nathan Coleman speaks on dealing with life's trials and losses along the way.  Eventually we will find ourselves in the pit.  What's our solution?  Where do we turn?  The Psalmist David writes about his pit experience and helps us see that God is interested in helping us when we truly need Him.  We too can have a "new song" experience as we are raised out of the pit.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks on the first installment of the series JONAH with Running From God.  We can learn so much from Jonah.  When God told Jonah to go to Ninevah, Jonah refused Him and became very angry.  How many times have we turned from God and refused to do what He expected of us?  A sermon about truth and following after God fully.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks on sermon five of the series "God's Masterpiece" dealing with our focus.  What is your focus in life?  Today, there are so many distractions.  From media to sports, we hardly allow any time for God to be our focus.  How can we flourish in life if we are so overloaded with consuming outlets?  He needs our attention to work in, on and through us.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks once again on the series "God's Masterpiece".  This time we take a look at how the mind is so powerfully influential in our daily lives.  If we could 'take captive our thoughts', as Paul states we could control so much of what becomes our actions.  How we live out our days is reflective of this inner process and is either in correlation or conflict with how God designed us.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck continues the life-changing series "God's Masterpiece" with a look at our desire in life.  Do we serve with the gifts we are given because we want to or have to?  There's a huge difference in these motives.  If we truly love the Lord and want to glorify His name, we will want to bring Him honor in our serving.  We will desire to do His work.  A pulse check for us all.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks on spiritual growth in the series "God's Masterpiece".  In order to be effective for Christ, we must find what fits and go with it.  What is natural for you and me is a good indicator of what God has designed us to be.  This message encourages us to find our learning pathway and seek to flourish for our Creator.

Associate Pastor Keith Woodruff begins a series God's Masterpiece with the first message all about what it means to really flourish or languish in life.  God has designed each of us in a special and unique way to do certain things in certain ways.  If we deviate from that plan, we languish.  However, if we follow the plan God designed in us, we can flourish.  What kind of life do you lead?

Pastor Beck speaks on the first of two in a series called Judgment.  So much of this topic has to do with trust.  Do we trust God enough to allow him to rule over everything and everyone?  Scripture tells us explicitly that judging others for their wrongdoings is not our job, it is God's.  We need to pray that God gives us mercy in our dealings with others.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about how we can be saboteurs of others in their spiritual walk.  We must love people where they are at in life.  Many times we are quick to judge someone based on what we perceive, but God wants us to love them no matter what.  We can stifle progress for those seeking God on their level.

Pastor Byron Beck delivers the fourth message in the series CLAY.  He challenges us all to never allow Satan to make you think you're useless for God.  God used Moses to do great things for His people despite the doubts and problems with self-worth he had at the time.  One of the greatest obstacles can be ourselves.  Self-esteem can be a great barrier keeping us from doing what God wants.  Another great sermon on the theme of allowing God to shape our lives.  Download all of this series today!

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks again on the series CLAY with an installment about understanding that our moments of failure are grand opportunities to grow spiritually.  God can reshape us to be more effective when we learn from failure and continue forward in our journey.  We must also never quit because of our failings.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks once again in the series CLAY about trying to avoid allowing our failures to define us.  God can take any mess we've made and make something beautiful out of it.  The message continues along the path of allowing the Lord (the Potter) to sculpt us and mold us into His work of worthiness.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks on the first installment of the series - Clay.  This Easter Sunday sermon audio begins the journey as we look at how God can use our messiness.  He has a plan for everyone that is willing to submit to Him.  The Clay series deals with content largely based on Mike Yaconelli's Messy Spirituality book.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck concludes the series on Atonement with a message dealing with sacrifice.  To really advance the kingdom of Christ one has to sacrifice.  Giving is great, but giving when it hurts is kingdom advancing.  To truly become one with Christ (Atonement) is to be like Him as we sacrifice all that we can.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about most important element of our lives - grace.  If it weren't for grace, we would all be facing our end.  Grace is so vital to our walk with the Lord.  Listen and learn about grace extended to you and how grace needs to be extended to others.  The 2nd installment to the series "Atonement".

Senior Pastor Byron Beck begins a series leading to Easter on atonement.  Largely based on part of the story line of the Terminator movies, a parallel is made to Jesus' saving power.  He comes to terminate the terminators in our lives.  We must seek to become one with him (atonement) to overcome the sin that grips our lives.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck preaches his final message on the series Life's Healing Choices.  This particular sermon is all about sharing what God has helped you heal in your life.  God can powerfully use those that have gone through trials in life to help others in a similar path.  Ministry starts when one is willing to be real and allow God to use them.  Includes a testimony from Nate Larkin from the I AM SECOND ministry online.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks on the need to regularly maintain your relationship with Christ.  We are healed by Him and continue to be helped when we pray regularly and read the Word of God. We must commit to grow in our likeness of Christ.  Week 7 in the Life's Healing Choices series.

Associate Pastor Michael Chambers continues the series Life's Healing Choices with a look at how to heal relationships through forgiveness.  Forgiveness is a powerful and freeing process that we can experience ourselves and extend to others in need of redemption.  The ultimate model of forgiveness is Jesus.  And, we learn so much about this powerful grace when we fully experience Christ redeeming us. 

Senior Pastor Byron Beck continues the life-changing series of Life's Healing Choices as he hits on a pivotal stage in the process - house cleaning.  As we truly come clean about our issues, we can begin transformation in Christ.  What is it that you need to give over to God today?  Have you been honest about yourself?  Allow God to deal with your problems that you've been carrying for so long and begin to transform your life.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks on dealing with those deep-seated issues of the heart.  Coming clean and dealing with the junk buried inside is critical if we want to have a transformed life.  So many of us are wearing the mask of "I'm just fine", but the reality deep down is "I'm deeply troubled".  Where are you, really?  God is big enough to deal with what we carry deep inside.  It's up to us to clean the house.

Senior Pastor, Byron Beck speaks on the Life's Healing Choices series regarding the subject of surrendering or committing fully to Jesus.  It's one thing to say you need Jesus or even believe Jesus...it's an entirely different thing to truly surrender everything to Him - to really commit.  Part of the process of healing and overcoming the hang ups and habits that grip us is giving up and giving over control to Christ.  

Senior Pastor Byron Beck digs into the subject of TRUST. When life is tough and things seem grim, who can we trust? Only one can be counted on at all times - Jesus. Part of getting healed of our past or our problems / hang-ups is letting God take control of the process. He is faithful to forgive and then transform our lives.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck begins the series on Life's Healing Choices with a message that gets to the heart of our problem as humans - admission. If we admit our problem and submit it to God for repair and re-direction, He is faithful to help us. The critical pre-cursor for getting on the road to healing is our admission of a problem.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck introduces the need to rely on help when journeying through this life. We must understand that we are not "lone rangers" when it comes to our spiritual life. This message introduces some of the concepts of a new series - Life's Healing Choices. Together we are stronger, together we are able.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck continues the Advent season series by addressing love. Christ calls us to love, but defines the most effective yet challenging act of love - loving your enemies. We must go beyond merely loving the easy to love. We must love the hard to love - our enemies. A call to a higher devotion to Christ and His commands as we are His light in this world.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck continues the series of Advent with week two's message about PEACE. There is really two kinds of peace one can have - the peace of God and peace with God. Really, peace is more than just the absence of chaos of conflict. REAL peace through our God is the ultimate fulfillment.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks on HOPE, the first in a series during the Advent season before Christmas. Hope is powerful and can change the state of any situation. Do you have hope?

Senior Pastor Byron Beck delivers a powerful message about making life-changing choices in response to temptations. In response to either great trials or prosperity, we can decide to allow an event to grip our souls in a negative or positive way.

Associate Pastor Keith Woodruff asks a poignant question - why do you come?. What is the purpose in coming to church for you? A basic question that demands an answer that cuts to the quick on our reason for being a Christian and doing the things that we do. We all need to stop and ponder our purpose in doing what we do.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks on a simple subject - Baptism. What does it mean? Why do we enact this sacrament? What did Jesus do regarding this? A message about burying the old self and raising up the new fully committed follower of Christ.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck explores the issue of how we can create expectations of others that are doomed to fail. This selfish path of how we expect to be treated and how we want life to turn out is a world of mythology. We need a new way of viewing others, our relationships and Christ. We should be more consumed by the expectations our Savior has on us right now.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks on the issue of finances - a gripping subject for most of us. We've accumulated debt, squandered our resources and lost our grip on the blessings that God pours out. We must take a look at what is important and organize our resources accordingly. A practical message on finances and planning.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck delivers a sermon about living a life of giving. Are you a giver or a taker? Jesus is explicit about living a life of sacrifice. What are we doing to fulfill this calling to be just like Jesus? Based largely on Acts 20, this message sites a story about Fellowship giving to Living Water International to build a fresh water well for a village in Peru. For, it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck takes a look at John's writings describing Jesus taking his disciples to the other side - a place known for evil, wild lifestyles and even a scary demoniac to the East of where they felt safe and guarded. His lesson for those visiting the other side is true for us today. We must love the unloved and part of our purpose in following after Christ is to shine His light into these dark places. A sermon about being the hands and feet of Jesus and going to those inconvenient places and people to minister in His name.

Sean Warren, International Missions Director for the General Baptists, speaks about being a world-class Christian. What does it mean to be this? Do we really have a heart like Jesus did? We are called to take light into the darkness not hide it. A missions-based message from a modern speaker.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about a snare that many of us fall prey to in our lives. What event in your past has crippled you so? God can free us from our sin. Real freedom means being able to leave behind the baggage that can do so much to damage our lives. The Word of God tells us to leave behind the past and move forward in His light.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks a second week on the challenge to accept and love others. We often look down on those that don't fit our requirements. Yet, God has commanded us to love others for when we do, we are loving Him. This second installment builds off the struggle we have within our minds to judge others and label them and takes us to the required outflow of love we must show them. After all, Christ died for everyone because He loves everyone.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck unveils a hidden sin that many of us tend to allow into our lives - gossip. But, not just gossip - mental gossip. A new concept of internal judgmental thoughts where we think ugly thoughts about someone, dubbing them in a negative light. This can eventually make it's way out of our thoughts and into our treatment of others. As Paul said, "I (we) must take captive certain thoughts", referring to self-control and devotion to the Lord. Showing the love of Christ for others begins within us and is carried out with how we treat others. The mind is a powerful thing!

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks on the powerful effect of belonging. We all need God because we are built to belong. How wonderful it is that we are a chosen people and can be part of a royal priesthood! There is a Savior that offers us peace, strength, love and redemption - not because we deserve it or can earn it, but because there is grace. We can also help show the world around us the power of this belonging to God.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck continues the theme of "Restoration". This second installment deals with some fresh angles on why we may not obtain restoration - even when we ask God for it. We live our lives in a chaos mode so much that we squelch any possible rest for our souls. Also interesting to this subject, overly compliant people seem to never construct boundaries in their lives. Many of us don't know when to say No or when to say YES. We live out our lives pegged in the red and unable to do the right thing for ourselves. We must build margins into our lives and allow God to restore us completely.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about true restoration in our crazy, fast-paced world. Since the creation of the sabbath, God has been interested in our weekly restoration both physically and spiritually. It is essential for following the Lord in this life. We need desperately a day of rest and remembrance of what Christ has done.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck preaches from Luke 14 on preparing appropriately to be successful. We will not always have 100% assurance that this preparation will always pay off, but we know that preparation is necessary to accomplish great things for Christ. You fail to plan and you might as well plan to fail. This simple saying is so true especially in our commitments to Christ. When walking our journey with Him, we must prepare to be free, to be faithful and to have a meaningful relationship with Him. Put simply, your grasp will not exceed your reach. Listen to this value-packed message today!

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about an often de-emphasized and lost sin component - greed. We seldom sight this as the root of our problem. However, greed is many times the reason for our stumbling away from God. Our lives become consumed with the pursuit of wealth and our decisions often get decided based on these pursuits. Where is God in all of this? A message calling us to be careful how we conduct our lives and what importance we place on God's plan.

The principle of reaping what you sow is so true in life. We don't sow to reap, but we commit ourselves to the Lord because we want to. We should live out our faith because it glorifies God and makes a real difference in our world. REAL faith is out of our "yearning" to do this. REAL faith is lived out in this way.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks on the well-known parable of the prodigal son. In this message it is pointed out that there is more to look at than just one son's wayward living. There is another son that display's immense self-centeredness when asked to celebrate that his brother is alive and home. Many of us outwardly display the right kind of living, but are very wrong on the inside.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck preaches from the text of Luke regarding the parable of the lost son. Like the son in this parable, we want what God can give us more than we want to know Him. This sermon gets to the heart of self-centered pursuits that we all fall prey to in our lives.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks on what defines a person. What defines you? What is your foundational identity? Your American heritage? Your family name? Your work? How about your spiritual convictions - your faith? We learn through the Word of God that these are most important in defining us as people.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck begins a series of messages pertaining to the parables of the lost. This particular sermon deals with the parable of the lost sheep and how remarkably similar we are to sheep. What do you think of when one refers to sheep? Fluffy, innocent, cute? When Jesus refers to people as sheep, He really makes the crude parallel regarding stupidity. We are so unable on our owns to find our way home. The parallel powerfully reminds us of our need for a savior. Taken from the gospel of Luke.

Associate Pastor Nathan Coleman speaks on the second message out of the series The Dangerous Church. This message deals with what being dangerous for Christ really means. At the core of this teaching is the Parable of the Talents. The challenge is for everyone following Christ to unbury the abilities, resources and opportunities Christ has placed in our reach and use them for His kingdom. We cannot be gripped by fear if we want to do great things.

General Baptist National Missions Director Dr. Stephen Gray starts a two week series called Dangerous Church.  This particular series has been adapted from Craig Groeschel.  Dr. Gray describes in detail what the church has become - safe.  We live in a culture of safety.  This safety mindset puts up walls that keep us from doing real ministry and reaching souls for Christ.  We must remember that Jesus called us to be different than the world and do, for Him, some things that involve risk, pain and loss.  We must lose ourselves for Him and His kingdom.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about getting ourselves ready for those Plan B moments in life.  Life is hard and can be different than we expect.  But with Christ, He can make a way.  A message of hope and faith.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck delivers a sermon that deals with how God uses imperfect people in low-profile areas of work. Through Jesus' example, we are shown how it's not about our egos or our feelings, but it's about glorifying the Lord in all we do. If you want to grow and become more like Jesus, you must place yourself in some ministry that God can use you through. Everyone has a place in the ministry of Christ.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about the importance of preparation in our lives. We all understand what this means for us physically. If one is asked to run 15 miles and has never taken the time to prepare, the trek would be impossible. Likewise, in our spiritual lives we need to engage in preparation to achieve the goals at hand. Christ has called us to dedicate ourselves to Him in all that we do. Therefore, it is imperative that we engage in the necessary training to fulfill the goals set forth in a life of faith.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck continues the theme on spiritual development as he speaks about the causes of stalling out on our Christian journey. If we desire to be close to Jesus or be "Christ-centered", we must deal with the sludge that blocks the way. A great message about working on our faith and becoming close to Christ. A deep look at where we find ourselves on the spiritual continuum (explorer to Christ-centered).

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks in detail about the Parable of the Soils in the gospels. The question is: which are you? And, where are you on the spectrum of spiritual condition? Introducing a new church-wide survey - REVEAL, Byron readies the congregation to take part in evaluating their spiritual maturity. The REVEAL survey results will help Fellowship become more effective in growing spiritually sold-out Christians that change the world for Christ. When the seed of the gospel falls on your soil, what type are you going to be?

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about a real life Easter message. In life, you can't have a resurrection without a crucifixion. Centered around the typical church Easter message, pastor Beck uniquely points to the real impact of Easter upon us all. The meaning of the cross and the amazing event that followed the cross show us the powerful hope available for all. One may find it hard to see beyond the trouble of the moment (economic woes, marital strife, loss of a loved one...), but thanks be to the Lord, there's hope for tomorrow.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks once again on the theme 40 Days of Love. This particular message asks a deep question in reference to the gospel of John. Do we really look like Jesus to the world around us? We are commanded by our Lord to love God and to love our neighbor as ourself. Do we really do this to the extent of giving our neighbor a true glimpse of the Jesus in us? What does the world see today? This message poses deep and powerful questions that are at the heart of our purpose for existence as Christians as we fulfill His commands.

Continuing the theme of "40 Days of Love", Senior Pastor Byron Beck focuses on how we control our anger towards others. We find that anger is not bad if it motivates us to do the right thing. However, if it is out of control, anger can damage us and others as it manifests itself in us. Control is the key as we treat others in a loving way and point them to the Christ.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks on the age old moral - do unto others as you would have them do unto you. He goes deeper with this simple life lesson. In the context of loving others the way Jesus would want us to love, this message is to challenge us to take great care and concern when dealing with others. We can exhibit powerful love when we treat others with respect and kindness no matter how we've been treated. Pastor Beck continues on our theme of 40 Days of Love. Check out all the podcasts in this theme.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck continues the 40 Days of Love theme as he speaks about a powerful element in loving others - our words.  Even a single word can change someone's life eternally for the good or tear them down and destroy their future.  This effective message deals with the true power of our words to one another.  If we are to really love others the way God wants us to, we must consider our speech.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about one of the most effective and powerful means by which we can love.  Forgiving is what Jesus was all about.  It is how we show the world the Christ in us.  And as we forgive we can accept others for who they are.  This showing of God's love can transform a persons life.  But, many times this can come with a cost.  Sometimes we should love people the world says not to love and accept.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about what true love exhibits.  It is not just a feeling but is manifested through our actions.  Today, so many of us are guided by feelings that are rooted in our selfish intents.  The Word of God challenges us to love by our actions.  In the end, this is how the world will see Christ.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about what love consists of according to 1 Corinthians 13.  Among the many results of real love, Byron majors on one specific area - to protect.  If we love someone, we will protect them.  This podcast features a song "Eleventh Commandment" that sets forth a message of child protection and a promotional talk from a local child advocacy representative.  This message is meant to help our church start to understand love on a deeper level as we enter into a new campaign "40 Days of Love".

Associate Pastor Michael Chambers speaks about the big difference between believing something exists and really having faith in what you believe exists.  To fully become a citizen of the Kingdom you must have a real passion for God and a real compassion for mankind.  The message also encouraged the congregation to prepare for engagement in an upcoming church-wide campaign "40 Days of Love".  In addition, this message pointed to our vision for 2009 "Kingdom Pursuit - Bringing Up There Down Here".

Senior Pastor Byron Beck talks about how we should view failure in our lives.  We should plan on failing at times, but the most important thing we must do is use the failures to learn from and correct.  Also important to the Christian walk is to not allow fear of failure to grip us.  We must be willing to step out in faith and conquer our fears of failure.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck installs yet another great message to prepare the congregation for the vision of 2009 - Kingdom Pursuit Bring Up There Down Here.  The sermon focuses on our motivation to live for Christ.  The truth is exposed that we were bought with a great price, so we must submit to His will in our daily lives.  He didn't make the sacrifice for us to live according to our own will.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck talks about becoming a part of the team - the kingdom of God.  To whom or what is our loyalty?  Many claim to be on the team, but still have loyalties with another team.  Being fully integrated into God's kingdom takes time.  And, we must be committed to devoting our lives to Him and grow in our spiritual lives to become the loyalists that He calls us to be.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck delivers a message pointing to our church vision for 2009 - bringing up there down here.  In order to accomplish what God wants to do with us, we must work on meeting our goals in the future.  To meet those future goals, we must change how we are now. 

Senior Pastor Byron Beck begins a series based on Fellowship's 2009 vision - Kingdom Pursuit, bringing up there down here.  He ignites this theme with a sermon about understanding what it takes to truly abide in Christ and do His will.  Largely rooted in the Lord's Prayer which states "thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," this message challenges listeners to look beyond themselves and create a world that mimics His kingdom by loving, giving and serving those around us.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about how we build unity and community through our difficult experiences together.  The world needs to see our unity in Christ.  We should look upon our life in Christ as a daily adventure to be made more like Him.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck encourages us to conspire a bit this Christmas.  Instead of doing the usual that consists of being overwhelmed with consumerism and gifts, do things a little differently - serve.  Instead of our love being shown through items, it can be shown with more effectiveness through our service to one another.  Largely based around the Advent Conspiracy movement. www.adventconspiracy.org

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about how Jesus taught and exemplified how to love people outside our comfort zone.  As humans, we naturally gravitate to others that are like us.  We, in turn, love and minister to those that we are comfortable with most.  Jesus challenges us to go outside of this norm and love those outside the circle.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about how we are lured into sinning with what seems to be okay at first.  The term Euphemism is used to describe how we sometimes think of some sinful activity in milder or less problematic terms.  Satan uses this method to tempt us into sinful patterns when, in reality, the pattern will lead to destruction and death.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about how we respond to our world when we are sinned against.  Although it might seem fair to respond with justice, we could show mercy or, better yet, grace and exemplify Christ to those around us.  After all, it was grace that was given to all as Jesus died on the cross.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck asks an intriguing question - What Would Jesus Vote?  The sermon takes an interesting look at what the Bible indicates our role is regarding support and participation in our government.  In conclusion, we are reminded that no matter who takes the throne in Washington, Jesus is still Lord of all.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck presents a probing sermon on what we really pray about.  When we approach God in our prayer time, do we only ask for our own wants and needs?  Are we praying to change God or ourselves?  Are we asking the right questions and yearning for the right help?  Praying to our God is all about being unselfish and wanting to take on His will, not our own.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about changing our perception of how prayer should be - re-imaging this powerful tool.  Our Father wants to hear from our hearts not a fake attempt to show off by using King James words.  Prayer should be simple, personal and honest.

Senior Pastor Byron Beck challenges listeners to get a fire in the belly about Christ.  Prayer is at the center of gaining a passion and keeping a passion for the Lord.  The question is posed, "when was the last time you shed tears while talking to God?".  And, in reference to the church, when there's no fire in the furnace, the house is cold.  This is the first in a powerful series on prayer.
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Senior Pastor Byron Beck speaks about the awesome sacrifice made by Jesus.  We are given a gift, but this gift is many times refused or thrown back.  There is a world full of people whom Jesus died for yet, so many of these same people do not regard the event as relevant or even real.  The gospel is put into context so simple that anyone can understand and be radically changed in this sermon of grace, selflessness and salvation.