Southside Baptist Church Podcast

The foundation for the Christian faith is not a philosophy or set of theological principles. The core of our faith doesn’t reside in a moral code or a series of ancient teachings. Even though Christians have shared convictions, theology, ethics, and a clear set of teachings, none of these define the essence of our faith. The truth and reliability of Christianity hinge on a single, verifiable historical event: the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, Christians would have nothing to offer and would be victims of the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on humanity. Join us for a three-part series exploring the Resurrection of Jesus and how that single event can lift us from doubt, despair, and complacency.

The first “Choose Your Own Adventure” book was published in 1979. These books allowed readers to make important decisions for the story’s main character, and based on those decisions, there could be any number of outcomes to the story. As Luke tells the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, he introduces several key figures and the choices they faced on that fateful day. Join us for part 4 of The Joy Set Before Him as we explore the decisions we must face when considering the cross of Jesus Christ.

We’ve all had to deal with them: those people who enjoy being critical about everything and everyone. People who are never satisfied and are constantly adversarial. You probably already have someone in mind. And while I may not know who that person is, I’m confident I know who it’s not. YOU. Hardly anyone believes himself to be too critical or adversarial. Throughout His ministry, and especially on His journey to the cross, Jesus faced adversaries and critics. Join us for part 3 of The Joy Set Before Him as we explore how even God’s adversaries can benefit from what Jesus did on the cross.

Perhaps the most surprising and puzzling of the seven deadly sins is the sin of acedia or slothfulness. We rarely hear the first word and often associate the second with slow-moving mammals living in South America’s rainforests. But as Jesus neared the cross and intensified His warnings to the disciples, this deadly sin is one to which He repeatedly referred. Join us for part two of The Joy Set Before Him as we discuss the reasons, results, and remedies for spiritual laziness.

In the hours leading up to His crucifixion, Jesus endured terrible suffering. He was abandoned by His friends, betrayed by one of His closest associates, falsely accused, and wrongfully convicted. After this, He was stripped, beaten, mocked, nailed to a Roman cross, and left to die. Even after almost 2,000 years, these well-documented historical events are still shocking. But what is perhaps more surprising still is how one first-century witness described the manner in which Jesus faced such horrific circumstances. “For the joy set before Him,” the writer of Hebrews said, Jesus “endured the cross, scorning its shame.” What joy could come out of the cross? Join us for five-part series exploring Luke 22-23, recounting Jesus’ journey to the cross. 

People love a good conspiracy theory. Rumors of war and destruction have been passed around as long as there have been those willing to listen. People in first-century Jerusalem were certainly no exception. With political tensions rising and Roman soldiers standing guard, there was no shortage of prophets and prognosticators predicting open conflict between the Jews and the Romans. Jesus’ disciples had heard all the predictions before, but they weren’t prepared for what Jesus had to say on the subject. Join us for the conclusion of Tipping Point, where we hear Jesus describe the end of religion as we know it.

Studies show that money is behind ninety percent of the crimes committed in the United States. Perhaps that is why the first law of detective work is to “follow the money.” For good or for evil, money is one of the strongest motivators known to man. Jesus certainly believed this to be the case. Perhaps that is why He talked more about money than about heaven and hell combined. Join us for part six of Tipping Point, where Jesus points to the dangers of greed and the power of generosity. 

Americans are fascinated with royalty, which is ironic since our nation was founded on the idea that “all men are created equal” and that government should be “of the people, by the people, for the people.” But a glance at the tabloids in any check-out line in America reveals our interest in the royal family we once overthrew. Our fables, literature, and movies point to a deep human desire to find and follow a king. Join us for part 3 of Tipping Point, where we explore Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to discover how the once and future King has made Himself known to us.

William Ernest Henley’s classic poem, Invictus, ends with the declaration, “I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.” Frank Sinatra captures the same conviction in his popular song, “I Did It My Way.” Both texts celebrate human independence and self-determination. But the famous poet is dead, and the crooner is no more. Are we ultimately in control of our own lives and destinies, or are our attempts at self-determination evidence of rebellion against our true Master and Commander? Join us for part 4 of Tipping Point, where we will explore Jesus’ parable about the rebellious tenants.  

When life approaches a tipping point, the decision-making process can feel overwhelming. Simple choices become more complex as every decision we make has the potential to instigate significant change. As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the religious leaders were at a tipping point. How they responded to Jesus could incite the people to riot or lead to war with the mighty Roman Empire. Join us for part five of Tipping Point, where Pastor Gary explores three questions every follower of Jesus should ask when approaching a tipping point. 

As Jesus made His way to Jerusalem, He told an unusual story about a man who journeyed to receive for himself a kingdom. While he was away, he left his servants in charge of his affairs. But the man’s servants didn’t want their master as king, so some of the servants were not good stewards of their master’s resources. Join us for part two of Tipping Point, where we will see how our use of time and treasure reflects the king we’ve chosen to serve.

There is a point at which a series of small incidents suddenly breaks through to accomplish a major change. This “Tipping Point,” as it is called, may seem to happen suddenly but always comes about because of a number of seemingly insignificant incremental events. Think of a house of cards; there is always one final card that instigates the Tipping Point, but the weight of all the cards ultimately brings down the house. As Jesus made His way to Jerusalem, His ministry reached a Tipping Point. The political and religious establishments could no longer ignore Jesus and His radical claims about the Kingdom of God, and soon, His disciples would no longer be able to ignore the reality of what He came to do. Join us for a sermon series exploring Luke 19 and 20 as we consider how the life of Jesus still leads each of us to a Tipping Point.  

Society tends to associate happiness with getting something. But several studies show that people who invest their time in serving the needs of others tend to be more satisfied, less depressed, and experience greater joy. The Bible made the connection between joy and serving long before the first clinical study. Join us for a message from Psalm 100, where we will learn how to find joy in service.

Joy is a difficult word to define. Most people associate it with happiness, but the Bible clearly teaches that joy is not an emotion. Joy does not depend on our circumstances but is rather a choice. In fact, the most repeated command in the Bible is to “rejoice!” But how can we obey that command in a world filled with so much pain and brokenness? Join us on New Year’s Day as Pastor Gary explores the biblical definition of joy. 

People love adoption stories. The bonds of new relationships can be strengthened by the bitterness and pain of what has been broken before. There is also something about the choice inherent in the adoption process that speaks to a deep human need. We want to believe that we have been chosen and that our existence isn’t an accident or mistake. Join us for the concluding message of The Family Christmas Tree where we will discover how the birth of Jesus resulted in our adoption into God’s family. 

Four out of every ten children born in America are born to single mothers. Most of these children will grow up with a lack of positive male influences in their lives. Mary was single when she got word that she would give birth to Jesus. And like many children, Jesus would have been the child of a single mother, except for the obedience of a humble carpenter named Joseph. Join us for part four of The Family Christmas Tree where we will explore the life of Joseph, the father-who-stepped-in. 

The New Testament writers tell us that Jesus had brothers and sisters. And, like many siblings, Jesus’ relationship with His brothers was a lifelong challenge. Join us for part three of The Family Christmas Tree, where we will explore Jesus’ relationship with His brothers and how His unwavering love for them changed their lives and eternities. 

Cousins are often our first and most enduring friends. The family ties may not be as strong as those of siblings, but a bond between cousins can hold an extended family together. Before the shepherds and angels, before the inn and wise men, Jesus’ story begins with a story about His cousins. Join us for part two of The Family Christmas Tree where we will learn that families should be patient in doubt, hopeful in adversity, and constant in prayer. 

The family Christmas tree is a staple in most homes.  And just like the families who set them up, Christmas trees come in all shapes, styles, and sizes.  Some are fancy and color-coordinated, while others are filled with a hodgepodge of homemade ornaments.  Jesus, though He was God, was nonetheless born into a family. And like any other family, Jesus’ family faced many of the same problems all families face.  Join us each Sunday this Advent as we consider The Family Christmas Tree of Jesus.