Sermon Theme: God Leaving. Title: A Nation That Fired God Bible Verses:Judges 17-18 Speaker: Pastor Barnabas Schwanke ____________________________________________ Support Our Media Ministry Help us spread God's word further by giving to our Media Ministry. Your generosity allows us to continue streaming and reaching more people. Give Online: https://faithway.churchcenter.com/giving Faithway Baptist Church https://FaithwayBaptistChurch.com Leesburg, VA

Sermon Theme: God Leaving. Title: When God Leaves and You Don’t Notice Bible Verses:Judges 16!! Speaker: Pastor Barnabas Schwanke ____________________________________________ Support Our Media Ministry Help us spread God's word further by giving to our Media Ministry. Your generosity allows us to continue streaming and reaching more people. Give Online: https://faithway.churchcenter.com/giving Faithway Baptist Church https://FaithwayBaptistChurch.com Leesburg, VA

Sermon Theme: Blessings Sermon Title: Samson’s Downfall: Living Beneath Your Calling Bible Verses:Judges 13-16 Speaker: Pastor Barnabas Schwanke ____________________________________________ SAMSON'S DOWNFALL: LIVING BENETH YOUR CALLING | Judges 13-16 In Judges 13-16, we meet Samson — a man called by God, gifted by God, and yet living beneath his calling. This message asks a gut-check question: am I walking in holiness, or just wearing the look of it? If you’ve ever felt spiritually numb, pulled by temptation, or tired of starting over, Judges 13-16 is for you. SERMON SUMMARY William Borden wrote “No reserves. No retreats. No regrets.” Samson had supernatural strength, but not a surrendered heart. Before Samson falls, God shows us a faithful home — Manoah and his wife — proving it’s possible to have the best of life in the worst of times, even in a dark generation. THE DARK BACKDROP * Israel did evil again, and the Philistine oppression lasted forty years (Judges 13:1) * The scariest part wasn’t politics — it was apathy: no cry, no repentance, no urgency * God still interrupts the darkness with grace in one ordinary home (Judges 13:2) A GODLY HOME IN A DARK AGE * Mutual respect: she speaks, he believes * Spiritual oneness: “teach us” (Judges 13:8) * Mutual teachability: wisdom listens, pride panics * Shared perseverance: faithful when life is long and hard SAMSON’S SLIDE STARTS WITH ONE WORD “And Samson went down…” (Judges 14:1). Down geographically. Down spiritually. He understood the code of separation, but not the concept of holiness. The Nazarite vow wasn’t meant to be a costume — it was a constant reminder that this life belonged to the LORD. WARNING SIGNS FROM SAMSON’S LIFE * External obedience without internal devotion is hollow (Matthew 15:8) * Neglect the inside, and you’ll be governed by what looks good outside (Judges 14:2, 1 John 2:16) * Godly parents may not reap godly children (Ezekiel 18:20) SAMSON IS A NATIONAL SERMON Samson isn’t only a personal tragedy — he mirrors Israel’s spiritual collapse: * Samson rejected God’s authority, and Israel rejected God’s law * Samson violated covenant boundaries, and Israel compromised worship * Samson did what was right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25) WHEN SIN FEELS “SAFE” * Human failure never derails divine purpose, but it can destroy your joy (Psalm 76:10) * Delayed judgment is not approval (Ecclesiastes 8:11) * A man ruled by passion won’t learn from experience (Proverbs 25:28, Proverbs 5:23) THREE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF * What am I tolerating because “nothing happened yet”? * Where am I letting attraction choose for me instead of Scripture? * Am I more concerned with the symbol than the Savior? THE TRAGIC LINE There’s a difference between being used by God and walking with God. Samson reached heaven by grace, but his life could have told a better story — and so could mine, if I keep drifting “down.” CLOSING CONTRAST Adoniram Judson suffered greatly and stewarded his calling. Samson suffered little and squandered much. By God’s grace, may our story be different — not perfect, but faithful. SCRIPTURES CITED * Judges 13:1-25, Judges 14:1-2, Judges 21:25 * Matthew 15:8, 1 John 2:16 * Psalm 127:1, Psalm 76:10, Galatians 6:9 * Ecclesiastes 8:11, Proverbs 25:28 NEXT STEPS * Read Judges 13-16 and circle every “down” step * Pray Psalm 139:23-24 for a clean heart * Text this message to someone who needs a reset LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE — and ask God to help you stop living beneath your calling and start walking with Him today. #judges #Samson #ChristianSermon #Holiness #RevivalInADarkLand ____________________________________________ Support Our Media Ministry Help us spread God's word further by giving to our Media Ministry. Your generosity allows us to continue streaming and reaching more people. Give Online: https://faithway.churchcenter.com/giving Faithway Baptist Church https://FaithwayBaptistChurch.com Leesburg, VA _____________________________________________YOUTUBE TAGS FOR JUDGES 13-16 1. Judges 13-16 sermon 2. Samson sermon 3. Revival in a Dark Land series 4. Living beneath your calling 5. Holiness and temptation 6. Delilah and Samson Bible study 7. Godly marriage Manoah 8. Book of Judges preaching 9. Christian sermon on purity 10. External obedience vs heart devotion Video Tags: Samson sermon, Judges 13-16, holiness, calling, Delilah, Nazarite vow, Christian preaching, Book of Judges

Theme: Blessings Title: Living Stones: What a Sacred Life Really Looks Like Text: 1 Peter 2:4-5 Pastor Barnabas Schwanke. ____________________________________________

Sermon Theme: Blessings Sermon Title: Jephthah’s Vow: Bad Theology, Tragic Consequences Bible Verses: Judges 11:29-40 Speaker: Pastor Barnabas Schwanke ____________________________________________ Count the number of characters including spaces and linebreaks: BAD THEOLOGY = TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES | Judges 11:29-40 In Judges 11:29-40, Jephthah’s vow shows how bad theology creates tragic consequences, even when the Spirit of the LORD is already at work. This sermon from the Revival in a Dark Land series asks a simple, urgent question: do you trust God, or are you trying to manage Him? Truth always determines experience. You can shout “so far, so good” on the way down, but reality eventually asserts itself. OUR WORLD IS PROVING THE POINT When a culture abandons moral truth, the fallout isn’t just political or social, it’s theological. And the same root issue can show up in us: we chase Christian experience while neglecting Christian truth. THE SETUP IN JUDGES Jephthah is not a pagan. He believes in God, wants victory, and wants to serve his people. But he does not know God well enough to rest in Him. Many of our spiritual struggles aren’t because we lack effort, but because we misunderstand God, and then we live out those assumptions. WHAT THIS PASSAGE EXPOSES - Why fear can sound like faith - How vows can become spiritual control - Why weak theology produces real damage THE MOMENT THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING Judges 11:29 says the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah before the battle. God’s presence was already promised. God’s power was already active. Yet Jephthah still tries to bargain. He says “if” God will give victory, then he will offer whatever comes out of his house first (Judges 11:30-31). That “if” exposes fear dressed up as faith. The vow wasn’t bold spirituality, it was anxious control with religious language. CLEARING THE CONFUSION Did Jephthah sacrifice his daughter in Judges 11:29-40? I do not believe he did. The passage emphasizes her virginity, and clearly grieves the end of Jephthah’s family line. It appears she was devoted to lifelong service, and the consequence was still crushing. TWO DANGEROUS ASSUMPTIONS - God cannot be trusted under pressure - God can be manipulated with a vow Bad theology doesn’t stay in your head. It leaks into your choices, your prayers, and your peace. WHERE THESE LIES COME FROM Jephthah grew up with broken authority and painful rejection. When people fail us, we can start assuming God will fail us too. But God is not a magnified version of your past. SIGNS YOU’RE BARGAINING INSTEAD OF TRUSTING - You obey only if God gives you the outcome you want - You pray with panic, like the right words will force God’s hand - You serve expecting God to “pay you back” WHEN FAITH QUIETLY TURNS INTO CONTROL We may not make vows like Jephthah, but we still slide into the same trap: - Prayer becomes leverage instead of worship - Obedience becomes currency instead of love - Sacrifice becomes a transaction instead of surrender And when life does not go our way, we feel shocked and confused, because we treated God like He could be managed. WHO GOD REALLY IS - Sovereign and unbribable - Faithful and unchanging - Worthy of trust, not negotiation Jesus never invited us to negotiate. He invited us to follow. No deals, just trust. WHY THIS MATTERS RIGHT NOW As we finish one year and begin another, this story is a warning and a rescue. God is honored by humble trust. TAKEAWAYS TO LIVE THIS WEEK - Stop bargaining and start believing - Stop negotiating and start obeying - Grow your view of God, and your fear will shrink The truer your theology, the steadier your life. READY FOR REVIVAL If you’re exhausted, it might not be because you lack effort, but because you’ve been trying to control outcomes God never asked you to control. Come back to the God who keeps His word, and let truth steady your soul. If this message helped you, share it with someone who needs steadier faith, and subscribe for more teaching through Judges. #Judges11 #Jephthah #BibleSermon #TrustGod #Revival ____________________________________________ Support Our Media Ministry Help us spread God's word further by giving to our Media Ministry. Your generosity allows us to continue streaming and reaching more people. Give Online: https://faithway.churchcenter.com/giving Faithway Baptist Church https://FaithwayBaptistChurch.com Leesburg, VA _____________________________________________ YOUTUBE TAGS FOR JUDGES 11:29-40 Judges 11:29-40 sermon Jephthah vow sermon bad theology sermon tragic consequences Bible trust God not bargain Spirit of the Lord Judges Book of Judges preaching Christian discipleship message biblical theology for life Revival in a Dark Land Video Tags: Judges 11, Jephthah, vow, bad theology, tragic consequences, trust God, Judges sermon, Bible truth, revival

Theme: Blessings Title: Some Thing Must Never Change Text: 1 Peter 2:1-3 Pastor Barnabas Schwanke. ____________________________________________ ARE CHRISTIANS FIGHTING THE WRONG ENEMY? | JUDGES 7 & 8 SERMON Are Christians fighting the wrong enemy? This powerful sermon from Judges 7 and 8 reveals how Gideon's greatest battles came not from Midian, but from his own people. Learn how pride, fear, and disunity threaten the church—and what God's Word says about maintaining unity among believers. After God delivered Israel through 300 men with trumpets and torches, Gideon faced his most difficult opposition—not from the Midianites, but from fellow Hebrews. This timeless message challenges every believer to examine how we treat one another in the body of Christ. GIDEON'S BATTLE WITH HIS OWN PEOPLE While we often assume our greatest struggles come from external enemies, Gideon discovered that internal division poses the greater threat. After routing 120,000 Midianites, he encountered criticism, wounded pride, and fearful compromise from his own brothers. EPHRAIM'S WOUNDED PRIDE When Ephraim confronted Gideon, he responded with remarkable wisdom. His approach teaches us three critical principles for handling criticism: - Gideon responded with tact, considering the feelings and perspective of his critics - He demonstrated humility by highlighting their achievements rather than defending his own - He maintained a Godward focus, redirecting attention to God's work instead of human glory These principles remain essential for maintaining unity in the church today. When believers feel overlooked, division quickly follows unless handled with grace. FEAR AND DISUNITY The towns of Succoth and Penuel refused to support Gideon because they feared Midian's retaliation more than they feared disobeying God. Their fear reveals a timeless warning: - Fearful people can distract you from God's calling - Fear makes us choose earthly security over divine purpose - When we fear man more than God, we abandon our brothers in their greatest need Like the sabertooth cats discovered locked in fatal combat, believers can become so consumed fighting each other that both are destroyed. Galatians 5:15 warns that if we bite and devour one another, we risk being consumed by one another. GOD'S WARNING FOR HIS CHURCH This message from Judges 8 carries urgent application for believers today: - God never intended His people to function disunified over essential doctrines - A disunified church is a disabled church, losing its effectiveness and testimony - Unity comes from shared allegiance to Scripture and our Shepherd - Satan doesn't care what issue divides us, only that we remain divided Romans 16:17 instructs us to mark those who cause divisions contrary to the doctrine we have learned. Essential truths like the inerrancy of Scripture, the virgin birth, and bodily resurrection of Christ are non-negotiable. THE POWER OF A UNIFIED CHURCH A unified church remains the most powerful force on earth. Acts 17:6 describes early believers as those who "turned the world upside down." But who are we called to upset? Not each other, but the world for Christ's cause. The sermon challenges us: Are we seeking God's glory or our own? Are we pursuing God's purposes or our agenda? The answers determine whether we build unity or breed division. This message from Judges reminds us that revival in a dark land requires believers who refuse to turn on one another. Instead of competing for recognition, we must step down, recognize others' value, handle criticism with grace, and maintain our Godward focus. If this sermon challenged you, SUBSCRIBE and click the bell for more biblical messages that equip you to live faithfully. Share this with someone who needs encouragement to pursue unity in their church or ministry today. #ChristianUnity #Judges #GideonSermon #ChurchUnity #BiblicalTeaching ____________________________________________ Support Our Media Ministry Help us spread God's word further by contributing to our Media Ministry. Your generosity allows us to continue streaming and reaching more people. Give today at https://faithway.churchcenter.com/giving Faithway Baptist Church https://FaithwayBaptistChurch.com Leesburg, VA _____________________________________________ YOUTUBE TAGS FOR JUDGES 7-8 SERMON: Judges 7 and 8 sermon Gideon sermon Christian unity sermon Church disunity biblical teaching Fighting the wrong enemy Ephraim and Gideon Revival in dark times Old Testament preaching Biblical unity teaching Faithway Baptist Church VIDEO TAGS: Judges 7-8 sermon, Gideon, Christian unity, church disunity, fighting wrong enemy, biblical teaching, Old Testament

Theme: Blessings Sermon Title: How God's Grace Transformed Israel's Most Rejected Man Text: Judges 11 Speaker: Pastor Barnabas Schwanke ____________________________________________ HOW GOD'S GRACE TRANSFORMED ISRAEL'S MOST REJECTED MAN | JUDGES 11 SERMON ON JEPHTHAH In Judges 11, Jephthah’s life becomes a living picture of amazing unbelievable grace— revival in a dark land when God raises up the most unexpected deliverer. This message answers a big question: What does God do with people who’ve been rejected, labeled, and written off? He calls them, changes them, and uses them for His glory. THE DARK LAND BACKDROP Israel didn’t just need a battle plan—they needed mercy. After years of spiritual drifting, idolatry, and compromise, God could have given them what they deserved. Instead, He showed undeserved favor and moved toward them again. A SHOCKING INTRODUCTION Jephthah is introduced as a valiant warrior, but also “the son of a harlot” (Judges 11:1-3). In one breath, Scripture tells you why respectable people would have looked away— and why grace is about to shine. WHO THIS MESSAGE IS FOR - The one who feels like “the mistake” in the family - The one carrying shame you didn’t choose, but you still carry - The one who has been pushed to the margins and forgotten - The one who wonders if God can ever use you after what happened FOUR STRIKES BEFORE THE GAME EVER BEGAN - Strike 1: He was an illegitimate son (Judges 11:1) - Strike 2: His mother’s past became his public label - Strike 3: His brothers drove him out and denied his inheritance (Judges 11:2) - Strike 4: He led rejected men in Tob—outcasts gathered to an outcast (Judges 11:3) REJECTED BY PEOPLE—BUT NOT ABANDONED BY GOD When the people who should have protected him stayed silent, God didn’t. In Tob, far from applause and approval, Jephthah kept walking with the LORD. Grace was already doing quiet work: healing what rejection broke and building faith where bitterness could have grown. THE IRONY OF REDEMPTION Israel’s leaders asked, “Who will begin to fight against the sons of Ammon?” (Judges 10:18). Watch Judges 11:4-11 unfold and you’ll see how desperation turns into a divine appointment: the very man they exiled was the man God prepared. When the elders finally came to Tob, Jephthah didn’t pretend it didn’t hurt: “Did you not hate me and drive me out?” Yet he chose mercy over revenge and spoke his words before the LORD in Mizpeh (Judges 11:11). THREE GRACE-FILLED CHOICES - He rose above his past instead of being ruled by it - He helped people who once refused to help him - He risked his life for the very ones who wanted him gone AMAZING UNBELIEVABLE GRACE IN REAL LIFE John Newton proves grace isn’t theory—it’s rescue. He once lived in open rebellion and helped traffic human lives, but God met him in fear and began a slow transformation. Later he could say, “I am a great sinner, and Christ is a great Savior.” Grace didn’t excuse his sin; grace redeemed him from it. A FINAL PORTRAIT OF GRACE Mephibosheth, the crippled grandson of Saul, expected judgment when King David called. Instead, he received restoration for Jonathan’s sake—land returned, dignity restored, and a permanent place at the king’s table. That is grace: not earned, not deserved, but given. BIG IDEA Grace is undeserved favor. Grace stoops into the pit and lifts the broken. Grace rewrites stories people thought were finished. And grace can turn the wound of rejection into the doorway of purpose. WHAT GRACE IS NOT - Grace is not God ignoring sin; it’s God providing a Savior - Grace is not pretending pain is small; it’s God healing what’s been wounded - Grace is not a reward for the worthy; it’s a gift for the undeserving RESPOND TODAY If God can use Jephthah, and save John Newton, He can save—and use—you. Pray asking God to revive in your life right now, then like, subscribe, and send this to someone who needs hope today. #AmazingGrace #Judges11 #BiblicalGrace #ChristianSermon #Redemption ____________________________________________ Support Our Media Ministry Help us spread God's word further by contributing to our Media Ministry. Your generosity allows us to continue streaming and reaching more people. Give today at https://faithway.churchcenter.com/giving Faithway Baptist Church https://FaithwayBaptistChurch.com Leesburg, VA _____________________________________________ YOUTUBE TAGS FOR JUDGES 11 SERMON: 1. Judges 11 sermon 2. Jephthah Bible study 3. Amazing grace sermon 4. God's grace for the rejected 5. Old Testament preaching 6. Biblical redemption message 7. Overcoming rejection Christian 8. Jephthah deliverer of Israel 9. Grace transforms lives sermon 10. Christian encouragement teaching VIDEO TAGS: Judges 11 sermon, Jephthah, amazing grace, biblical rejection, redemption story, Old Testament teaching, Christian encouragement

Theme: Blessings Sermon Title: The Tragedy of Gideon: How to Finish Strong Text: Judges 8:22-35. Pastor Barnabas Schwanke. ____________________________________________ ENDING WELL: THE TRAGEDY OF GIDEON | JUDGES 8 SERMON Gideon's story reveals a sobering truth about spiritual compromise and finishing poorly. This Judges 8 sermon examines how a mighty man of faith who defeated the Midianites tragically ended in moral and spiritual failure, offering crucial lessons for ending 2025 strong and starting 2026 faithful to God's Word. Moral failure among once-faithful leaders has become all too common. Gideon began as a timid farmer whom God transformed into a courageous deliverer. Yet he ended creating an idolatrous ephod, marrying multiple wives, fathering seventy sons, and paving the way for Israel's return to Baal worship. GIDEON'S THREE FAILURES Gideon's downfall teaches us how yesterday's obedience does not purchase today's immunity from sin. His decline happened in stages, each compromise opening the door to the next. First, he made an ephod from gold earrings and placed it in Ophrah. Though he refused to be king in Judges 8:23, saying "the LORD shall rule over you," he immediately stepped into a priestly role God never assigned him. Only Aaron's line could handle the ephod, yet Gideon created his own. - He was not qualified according to Exodus 28 - He used impressive but unacceptable materials - He placed it in the wrong location Scripture says "all Israel went thither a whoring after it" in Judges 8:27. Gideon's religious compromise became a snare to his household and led the nation into spiritual adultery. Second, his lifestyle degenerated into sensuality. Judges 8:30 records he had seventy sons "for he had many wives," and verse 31 mentions a concubine who bore him Abimelech. Deuteronomy 17:17 warned against multiplying wives, yet Gideon adopted a king's harem. When a man steps out from under Scripture's authority, he replaces it with his own reasoning. Third, his pride became evident when he named his son "Abimelech," meaning "my father is king." After refusing the title, he embraced the lifestyle and branded his son with royalty. Judges 9 records how Abimelech murdered his seventy brothers and plunged Israel into violence. The last period of peace in Judges ended because Gideon lowered the standard. APPLICATION: FINISH 2025 STRONG As we close out 2025, Gideon's tragedy confronts us with urgent questions. No matter how faithful you have been, sin and spiritual compromise are always possible. That is why 1 Corinthians 10:12 warns, "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." Spiritual compromise often begins with something that looks reasonable. Gideon's ephod seemed spiritual, but it was disobedience dressed in religious clothing. Small negotiations with sin never end in your favor. Prosperity is a dangerous test. Affliction humbles, but success whispers lies that suffering never does. How are you finishing this year? Before we rush into celebrations, God calls us to examine our hearts. Finishing strong means ending with a clear conscience, clean hands, a tender heart, and a life under Scripture's authority. Some of you have run well. Do not coast into the finish. Others have drifted into neglect, and prayer has cooled. You are negotiating with sin. Still others carry secret guilt and manage appearances. God's silence may be mercy giving you time to repent. Do not mistake patience for permission. Start 2026 strong by returning to humble submission to God's Word, honest confession of sin, and renewed dependence upon the Holy Spirit. Refuse the lie that usefulness equals holiness or that past victories excuse present disobedience. Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." May our lives close the same way. If God finished writing your biography today, how would it end? Finish 2025 strong by making things right. Make the confession you have delayed. Seek forgiveness where you have sinned. Cut off the compromise you have tolerated. Put your life back under Scripture's authority. By God's grace, may we end well. #GideonSermon #Judges8 #FinishingStrong #SpiritualCompromise #ChristianIntegrity ____________________________________________ Support Our Media Ministry Help us spread God's word further by contributing to our Media Ministry. Your generosity allows us to continue streaming and reaching more people. Give today at https://faithway.churchcenter.com/giving Faithway Baptist Church https://FaithwayBaptistChurch.com Leesburg, VA _____________________________________________ YOUTUBE TAGS FOR JUDGES 8 SERMON: Gideon sermon Judges 8 sermon Ending well Christian Spiritual compromise warning Finishing strong faith Year end sermon 2025 Revival preaching Christian integrity message Bible study Judges VIDEO TAGS: Gideon sermon, Judges 8, spiritual compromise, finishing strong, Christian integrity