FBC Benbrook Sermons

According to the Scriptures

One of the earliest confessions of faith is captured in 1 Corinthians 15.3-7: Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He was raised on the third day. But the confession states that Christ was raised on the third day was in “accordance with the Scriptures.” This has puzzled Bible readers for there is no Old Testament Scripture that clearly prophecies the resurrection of the Messiah on the third day. However, “the Scriptures” bear testimony that “three days” is sufficient time for certainty and that God often acts “on the third day” to reverse a situation from potential death to life. How does this pattern in the Old Testament help us to understand the resurrection but also our hope that God continues to act in our present time to deliver His people? (1 Corinthians 15.3-8) April 13, 2025

Faith: Worthless or Worthwhile?

In the longest teaching in the New Testament about the resurrection of Christ and the resurrection of the saints, the apostle Paul begins by comparing and contrasting genuine saving faith with “believing in vain.” Being saved means confessing we are sinners who need to be saved, who can’t save ourselves, and who can only be saved through the atoning death of Jesus. Saving faith receives, stands, and holds fast. How do these images help us to understand how saving faith is different than believing in vain? (1 Corinthians 15.1-2) April 6, 2025

Trust the Fountain, Not the Streams

The apostle Paul knew first-hand what it was to be brought low and to abound, to face hunger and plenty, to have abundance and to have nothing. And in all situations, he learned the “secret” of contentment. The way that Paul gave thanks to the saints in Philippi for their generous gift to help with his needs give us great insight into this secret. Paul trusted in the Fountain and not the streams. (Philippians 4.8-13) March 23, 2025

Praying with the Saints Through Anxiety

The apostle Paul encountered many situations that would bring the average person great anxiety. He learned to pray with the saints of old about these situations, and he shared this type of prayer with the saints in Philippi. We can pray with the saints through our anxiety by nurturing an ongoing relationship with God, saturating our prayer with thanksgiving, meditating on the beauty and greatness of God, asking God to get involved with complete honesty, and taking refuge in Him. Prayer does not magically make all of our problems go away, but we do find the peace that passes understanding as we dwell under His refuge. (Philippians 4.4-7) March 16, 2025

Christian Liberty and Adiaphora

For 2000 years, Christians have struggled to “agree in the Lord” over matters that the Scriptures neither command or forbid. The practice of Christian liberty, so difficult as a community of faith, is vital to proclamation of the gospel. The practical advice found in Romans 14 helps the church navigate the process by faithfully discerning, faithfully choosing, freely liberating, and freely restraining. (Philippians 4.2-3) March 9, 2025

Enemies or Citizens?

The apostle Paul challenged the saints in Philippi, and all who follow Jesus today, of the only two optional response to the gospel as we wait for the return of Christ. We will either walk as enemies of the cross or walk as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. Those who walk as enemies have their minds set on earthly things, pursue their desires as their god, and glory in their shame, ultimately leading to destruction. In contrast, citizens of the Kingdom are transformed, recognize Jesus as their king, and live in a new community with a renewed perspective on life. This change is a result of genuine rebirth in Christ, of being transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. This passage of Scripture calls us to examine ourselves to see if we are walking as enemies of the cross or living as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. (Philippians 3.17-4.1) March 2, 2025

How Can We Run Like Paul When We Feel Like Elijah?

Paul’s personal response to the gospel and his desire to gain Christ and to know Him is to forget what lies behind and to press on to the goal. However, sometimes forgetting the past and reaching out for the future can be hard to do. In these moments, we are reminded that the reason we can reach out to lay hold of Christ is because Christ has already lay hold of us. (Philippians 3.12-14) February 23, 2025

Because I am in Christ and Christ is in Me

In this sermon, Pastor Todd emphasizes the profound benefits of being in Christ and having Christ in us, as articulated by Paul in Philippians 3. He highlights five key blessings: liberation from guilt, the ability to know Jesus as a friend, the experience of His power within us, the significance and purpose of our lives, and the absence of fear regarding death. Pastor Todd encourages the congregation to translate these theological truths into everyday language, making them relatable and applicable to their lives. As they prepare for the Lord's Supper, he invites everyone to reflect on their personal gratitude for these gifts, reminding them that their unique expressions of thanksgiving are valuable and meaningful to God. The sermon culminates in a call to worship, urging individuals to present their personal praises during the communion service, celebrating the transformative power of being in Christ and Christ in them. (Philippians 3.1-11) February 16, 2025
 
Sermon Summary:
As we gather to celebrate the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of the profound benefits that come from being in Christ and having Christ in us. This sacred moment is not just a ritual but a deep expression of our faith in the all-sufficient atoning death of Jesus and the transformative power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. In Philippians 3, Paul warns against those who distort the gospel, emphasizing the necessity of these two gospel keys: the atoning death of Christ and the life-changing presence of the Holy Spirit. Without these, our understanding of the gospel is incomplete.Paul's message to the Philippians is a call to rejoice in the Lord and to put no confidence in the flesh. He shares his own journey, highlighting that despite his impressive religious credentials, he considers them worthless compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. This realization leads to a life liberated from guilt, empowered by the resurrection, and filled with purpose and significance.In practical terms, being in Christ means we are freed from the burden of guilt. We no longer need to strive for a righteousness of our own, as Christ's righteousness is imputed to us. This liberation is a profound gift that our culture desperately needs to hear. Furthermore, we can know Jesus as a friend, experiencing a personal relationship with the transcendent God who knows us intimately and loves us deeply.The power of Christ's resurrection is at work within us, providing the strength to endure life's challenges and to live victoriously. Our lives gain significance and purpose as we live for the sake of Christ, knowing that we are part of a larger story that God is writing. Finally, we no longer fear death, for in Christ, death is not the end but a transition to eternal life with Him.As we partake in the Lord's Supper, let us offer our personal words of thanksgiving, acknowledging the unique ways Christ's presence has transformed our lives. This is a moment to present our sacrifices of praise, celebrating the profound truth that we are in Christ and Christ is in us.Key Takeaways:Liberation from Guilt: In Christ, we are freed from the burden of guilt. We no longer need to strive for our own righteousness, as Christ's righteousness is imputed to us. This liberation is a profound gift that offers peace and freedom from the condemnation we often place on ourselves.  Friendship with Jesus: Knowing Jesus as a friend transforms our lives. He is the ultimate best friend who knows us intimately, loves us deeply, and acts in our best interest. This personal relationship with the transcendent God is a source of comfort and strength.  Experiencing Resurrection Power: The power of Christ's resurrection is at work within us, providing the strength to endure life's challenges and to live victoriously. This divine power enables us to overcome obstacles and live with purpose and hope.  Significance and Purpose: Our lives gain significance and purpose as we live for the sake of Christ. We are part of a larger story that God is writing, and our daily actions have eternal value. This understanding infuses our lives with meaning and direction. Freedom from the Fear of Death: In Christ, death is not the end but a transition to eternal life with Him. This assurance removes the fear of death and fills us with hope for the future, knowing that we will be with Christ forever.

Modern Day Distortions

The apostle Paul warned the saints in Philippi to watch out for the “evildoers.” In today’s sermon, we explore who these people were, what they were doing that was so evil, and how the same danger might appear in our modern culture. We examine these two keys of the Christian gospel: the all sufficient atoning death of Jesus on the cross, and the life changing experience with the indwelling Holy Spirit. (Philippians 3.1-11) February 9, 2025.

Just a Bit Outside

After urging the saints in Philippi to be of one mind, striving side by side for the sake of the gospel, Paul presents a case study of two men who did exactly that: Timothy and Epaphroditus. The testimony of their lives encourages us to find peace and joy in the way God has shaped us to strive for the gospel even as we are open to Him leading us just outside our comfort zone for His glory. (Philippians 2.19-30) February 2, 2025