Series: Nehemiah Title: The Secret before the Service Text: Nehemiah 1:5-11 __________________________________ Support Our Media Ministry: https://faithway.churchcenter.com/giving ABOUT FAITHWAY BAPTIST CHURCH Faithway Baptist Church is a Bible-teaching church in Leesburg, Virginia. Each week Pastor Barnabas Schwanke opens the Scriptures with clarity and warmth. Whether you are a longtime believer or exploring faith for the first time, you are welcome here. Join us live every Sunday morning at 10 AM and Wednesday evening. Watch live here: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithwayBaptistChurch/streams Faithway Baptist Church https://FaithwayBaptistChurch.com Leesburg, VA #obstacles #failure #success

Sermon: Grace in a Graceless World Text: Philippians 4:4-5 Topic: Sermon on Christian Grace Pastor: Barnabas Schwanke Series: The Meaning of Life — Philippians Church: Faithway Baptist Church, Leesburg, Virginia __________________________________ How can Christians show grace when life is painful, people are difficult, and the future feels uncertain? In Philippians 4:4-5, Paul shows that Christian grace is more than something we receive from God—it should become visible in the way we rejoice, respond to others, and rest in the nearness of Christ. BIG IDEA The grace we have received from Christ should become the grace other people encounter through us. We can live differently in a graceless world because Christ is with us now, and Christ is coming again. WHY THIS MESSAGE MATTERS It is easy to speak about grace while showing very little grace to the people around us. Philippians 4:4-5 brings grace into everyday life: how we respond when circumstances hurt, how we treat people who frustrate us, and how we face an uncertain future. IN THIS SERMON * Why Christian joy can remain when circumstances are painful * What “moderation” in Philippians 4:5 means * How grace changes the way we respond to difficult people * Why the nearness and return of Christ give believers confidence THREE TRUTHS FROM PHILIPPIANS 4:4-5 1. GRACE REJOICES IN THE LORD “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” Paul does not tell believers to rejoice in their circumstances. He tells us to rejoice “in the Lord.” Christian joy does not mean pretending pain is pleasant or denying grief. Circumstances change, people disappoint us, and plans collapse—but the Lord does not change. Biblical joy does not ignore what has been lost; it remembers the God who can never be lost. Joy does not mean the tears never come. It means our tears do not wash away our confidence in God. This week: * Thank Him for your salvation. * Remember His faithfulness. * Repeat His promises. * Worship Him before your circumstances improve. 2. GRACE RESPONDS WITH GENTLENESS “Let your moderation be known unto all men.” The word translated “moderation” carries the ideas of gentleness, patience, reasonableness, graciousness, and a willingness to yield. Biblical gentleness is not weakness. It is strength brought under the control of grace. A Christian can hold strong convictions without becoming harsh. We can disagree without becoming disagreeable. We do not have to compromise truth to show grace, and we do not have to abandon grace to defend truth. The real test often comes when someone interrupts our plans, questions our judgment, overlooks our contribution, or treats us unfairly. Those moments reveal whether grace has merely informed our theology or transformed our temperament. 3. GRACE RESTS IN THE LORD'S NEARNESS “The Lord is at hand.” The Lord is coming, and the Lord is with us now. There are times when God feels far away—when prayers seem unanswered, direction is unclear, or we face grief, illness, loneliness, or disappointment. God's nearness does not mean we will avoid the valley; it means we will never enter the valley alone. We also do not have to settle every score, win every argument, or avenge every wrong. Christ is coming, and our future is secure in His hands. When anxiety rises: “The Lord is near.” When loneliness settles in: “The Lord is near.” When someone treats you unfairly: “The Lord is near.” When the future feels uncertain: “The Lord is near.” QUESTIONS THIS SERMON ANSWERS * What does “rejoice in the Lord always” mean? * How can Christians have joy during suffering? * What does “moderation” mean in Philippians 4:5? * Is Christian gentleness a sign of weakness? * How should Christians respond to difficult people? * What does “the Lord is at hand” mean? * How does Christ’s nearness help with anxiety and uncertainty? A QUESTION TO CARRY WITH YOU Where does grace need to become visible in your life this week? * Is there a circumstance in which you need to recover your joy? * Is there someone who needs a gentler response from you? * Is there a burden you need to carry with renewed awareness that the Lord is near? GOSPEL APPLICATION Christians are not naturally better, kinder, or more patient than everyone else. We simply know what it is to receive grace from Jesus Christ. We were guilty, but Christ forgave us. We were undeserving, but Christ loved us. We were lost, but Christ came looking for us. The grace we have received should now become the grace others encounter. This world desperately needs more grace. God has placed His people here to show it. If this sermon helped you, share it with someone who may need this reminder. Subscribe for more biblical preaching and Bible teaching, and continue with another message on the channel. #Philippians #ChristianGrace #ChristianJoy #BibleSermon #BibleTeaching __________________________________ Faithway Baptist Church https://FaithwayBaptistChurch.com Leesburg, VA

Series: Nehemiah Title: When God Uses Ordinary People Text: Nehemiah 1:1-4 __________________________________ Support Our Media Ministry: https://faithway.churchcenter.com/giving ABOUT FAITHWAY BAPTIST CHURCH Faithway Baptist Church is a Bible-teaching church in Leesburg, Virginia. Each week Pastor Barnabas Schwanke opens the Scriptures with clarity and warmth. Whether you are a longtime believer or exploring faith for the first time, you are welcome here. Join us live every Sunday morning at 10 AM and Wednesday evening. Watch live here: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithwayBaptistChurch/streams Faithway Baptist Church https://FaithwayBaptistChurch.com Leesburg, VA #obstacles #failure #success

Series: Nehemiah Title: When God Uses Ordinary People Text: Nehemiah 1:1-4 __________________________________ Support Our Media Ministry: https://faithway.churchcenter.com/giving ABOUT FAITHWAY BAPTIST CHURCH Faithway Baptist Church is a Bible-teaching church in Leesburg, Virginia. Each week Pastor Barnabas Schwanke opens the Scriptures with clarity and warmth. Whether you are a longtime believer or exploring faith for the first time, you are welcome here. Join us live every Sunday morning at 10 AM and Wednesday evening. Watch live here: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithwayBaptistChurch/streams Faithway Baptist Church https://FaithwayBaptistChurch.com Leesburg, VA #obstacles #failure #success

Series: Nehemiah Title: When God Uses Ordinary People Text: Nehemiah 1:1-4 __________________________________ Support Our Media Ministry: https://faithway.churchcenter.com/giving ABOUT FAITHWAY BAPTIST CHURCH Faithway Baptist Church is a Bible-teaching church in Leesburg, Virginia. Each week Pastor Barnabas Schwanke opens the Scriptures with clarity and warmth. Whether you are a longtime believer or exploring faith for the first time, you are welcome here. Join us live every Sunday morning at 10 AM and Wednesday evening. Watch live here: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithwayBaptistChurch/streams Faithway Baptist Church https://FaithwayBaptistChurch.com Leesburg, VA #obstacles #failure #success

Sermon: Until That Day Text: Philippians 3:20–21 Pastor: Barnabas Schwanke Series: The Meaning of Life — Philippians Church: Faithway Baptist Church, Leesburg, Virginia Speaker: Pastor Barnabas Schwanke __________________________________ How should Christians live while waiting for Jesus Christ to return? In Philippians 3:20–21, the Apostle Paul reminds believers of three life-changing truths: our citizenship is in heaven, our Savior is coming again, and our bodies will one day be transformed to be like Christ's glorious body. In this message, Pastor Barnabas Schwanke of Faithway Baptist Church in Leesburg, Virginia, connects Paul's promise with the Lord's Supper and shows us what it means to live between two great days—the cross of Jesus Christ and His promised return. UNTIL THAT DAY On the night before the cross, Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples. The bread pointed to the body He would give. The cup pointed to the blood He would shed. But Jesus also pointed His disciples forward: “...until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” —Matthew 26:29 Christians live between those two days. We look back to Christ's finished work on the cross. We look forward to the day Christ returns. Until that day, we remember His death, proclaim the gospel, wait for His return, and live as people who belong to another kingdom. 1. THE PLACE WHERE WE BELONG “For our conversation is in heaven...” —Philippians 3:20 The word translated “conversation” carries the idea of citizenship. Paul was telling the Philippian believers that although they lived on earth, they belonged to heaven. Christian, this world is where you presently live, but it is not where you ultimately belong. If you have trusted Jesus Christ, your deepest identity is not determined by your address, occupation, possessions, successes, or failures. You are a citizen of heaven. So ask yourself: If someone observed the way I lived this week, would anything suggest that I belong to another kingdom? 2. THE PERSON WHOM WE AWAIT “...from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” —Philippians 3:20 Christians aren't merely waiting for a better world. We are waiting for a Person. Jesus Christ died for our sins, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and promised to return. The Lord's Supper reminds us of that promise: “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.” —1 Corinthians 11:26 Those final words matter: “Till he come.” Our ultimate hope cannot rest in improved circumstances, restored health, financial security, or human leadership. All of those can change. Our hope is a Person—the Lord Jesus Christ. 3. THE PROMISE WE ANTICIPATE Philippians 3:21 promises that Jesus Christ will transform our present bodies so they will be fashioned like His glorious body. Our bodies today experience weakness, sickness, aging, pain, and eventually death. But our present condition is not our permanent condition. Jesus Christ has the power to raise and transform His people. Every cell, molecule, atom, disease, grave, and even the power of death itself is subject to Him. That gives Christians hope in suffering. Your suffering is real, but it will not have the final word. Christ will. It also gives us hope when a believer dies. We grieve—but not without hope. The body placed into the ground is not forgotten by God. When Christ returns, death will surrender everything it has taken. BEFORE WE COME TO THE TABLE The Lord's Supper calls Christians to look in three directions: BACKWARD — Remember Christ's body and blood given for us. FORWARD — Anticipate Christ's return and our promised resurrection. INWARD — Examine our own hearts before God. “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” —1 Corinthians 11:28 The Lord's Table is not for sinless people. It is for redeemed people willing to deal honestly with their sin. Is there a known sin you have concealed, defended, or refused to abandon? Confess it. Forsake it. Rest—not in your own worthiness—but in the finished work of Jesus Christ. QUESTIONS THIS SERMON ANSWERS • What does “our citizenship is in heaven” mean? • What does Philippians 3:20–21 mean? • What should Christians expect when Jesus returns? • What does the Bible teach about our resurrected bodies? • Will Christians receive new bodies? • How should Christians live while waiting for Christ's return? • What does the Lord's Supper teach about Jesus' return? • Why should Christians examine themselves before Communion? • What hope does Christianity offer in sickness, aging, and death? THE BIG IDEA Our citizenship is in heaven. Our Savior is coming. Our transformation is certain. Until that day, we faithfully serve, patiently endure, confidently wait, remember Christ's death, and anticipate His return. #Philippians #JesusIsComing #BibleSermon #ChristianSermon #FaithwayBaptistChurch

Series: 1 Peter Title: Grace will have the Last Word Text: 1 Peter 5:10-11 __________________________________ Support Our Media Ministry: https://faithway.churchcenter.com/giving ABOUT FAITHWAY BAPTIST CHURCH Faithway Baptist Church is a Bible-teaching church in Leesburg, Virginia. Each week Pastor Barnabas Schwanke opens the Scriptures with clarity and warmth. Whether you are a longtime believer or exploring faith for the first time, you are welcome here. Join us live every Sunday morning at 10 AM and Wednesday evening. Watch live here: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithwayBaptistChurch/streams Faithway Baptist Church https://FaithwayBaptistChurch.com Leesburg, VA #obstacles #failure #success

Sermon: Choose Your Path Carefully Text: Philippians 3:15–19 Pastor: Barnabas Schwanke Series: The Meaning of Life — Philippians Church: Faithway Baptist Church, Leesburg, Virginia Speaker: Pastor Barnabas Schwanke __________________________________ CHOOSE YOUR PATH CAREFULLY | PHILIPPIANS 3:15–19 How can you know whether the path you're following is leading you closer to Christ—or slowly taking you in the wrong direction? In Philippians 3:15–19, the Apostle Paul shows us two very different paths. One is marked by spiritual growth, godly examples, and an eternal perspective. The other is controlled by earthly desires and ultimately leads to destruction. In this sermon, Pastor Barnabas Schwanke of Faithway Baptist Church in Leesburg, Virginia, challenges us to examine not only where we are today, but where the direction of our lives is taking us. BIG IDEA You cannot judge a path merely by how it looks at the beginning. You must consider where it leads. The direction of our lives reveals what we value, whom we follow, and where we are headed. THREE TRUTHS FROM PHILIPPIANS 3:15–19 1. KEEP GROWING Spiritual maturity does not mean we have arrived. A mature Christian recognizes how much further there is to grow and remains teachable when God's Word confronts our thinking, exposes our sin, or challenges our priorities. Paul's instruction is practical: live according to what God has already taught you. You may not know every step God has planned for your future, but you can take the step of obedience He has placed before you today. 2. CHOOSE WISELY Every Christian is influenced by someone. Paul tells believers to pay attention to faithful Christians whose lives demonstrate what it looks like to follow Jesus. But that raises another question: What kind of Christian would someone become if they followed your example? Your children are watching. Younger believers are watching. Your coworkers and neighbors are watching. Choose carefully whom you follow—and live carefully because someone may be following you. 3. LOOK ETERNALLY Paul warns about those who live with their minds focused only on earthly things. Their desires become their masters, and they live as though this world is all there is. Christians should work faithfully, care for their families, serve their communities, and enjoy God's gifts with gratitude. But we must never mistake this temporary world for our permanent home. Paul's warning also reminds us how Christians should view people who do not know Christ. Paul spoke of them “even weeping.” Biblical conviction should never make us cruel. The reality of eternity should move us toward compassion, prayer, and sharing the gospel. QUESTIONS THIS SERMON ANSWERS What does spiritual maturity look like according to the Bible? What does Philippians 3:15–19 mean? Why do Christians need godly examples? How do I know whether someone is a good spiritual influence? What does Paul mean by “enemies of the cross of Christ”? What does “whose God is their belly” mean? What does it mean to “mind earthly things”? How should Christians think about eternity? How can I tell whether something has become more important to me than God? How should Christians respond to people who do not know Christ? A QUESTION TO CARRY WITH YOU If someone followed the pattern of your life this week, where would it lead them? Would they become more prayerful or more anxious? More gracious or more critical? More committed to Christ—or more consumed with earthly things? Examine the path you're walking. If God is correcting you, don't continue down the wrong road simply because you've already traveled a long way. And if you have never trusted Jesus Christ, your first step is to come to the cross. Christ died and rose again to save sinners. Turn from your sin and trust Him today. Join us every Sunday at 10:00 AM for worship and Bible preaching. Subscribe to Faithway Baptist Church on YouTube so you don't miss the next message in our study through Philippians. If this sermon helped you, like the video, leave a comment, and share it with someone who may need this message. #Philippians #BibleSermon #ChristianSermon #FaithwayBaptistChurch #BibleTeaching __________________________________ Faithway Baptist Church https://FaithwayBaptistChurch.com Leesburg, VA __________________________________

Series: 1 Peter Title: Faithful in the Fire Text: 1 Peter 4:19 __________________________________ Support Our Media Ministry: https://faithway.churchcenter.com/giving ABOUT FAITHWAY BAPTIST CHURCH Faithway Baptist Church is a Bible-teaching church in Leesburg, Virginia. Each week Pastor Barnabas Schwanke opens the Scriptures with clarity and warmth. Whether you are a longtime believer or exploring faith for the first time, you are welcome here. Join us live every Sunday morning at 10 AM and Wednesday evening. Watch live here: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithwayBaptistChurch/streams Faithway Baptist Church https://FaithwayBaptistChurch.com Leesburg, VA #obstacles #failure #success