True Christian Service | Foundations

What does it really mean to serve Christ?

In Philippians 2:25–30, we meet Epaphroditus—a servant in the shadows whose faithful and sacrificial service made him invaluable to Paul and the church. His life reminds us that every believer has a part to play in the work of Christ, whether or not anyone else sees it.

In this message from our Foundations series, we discover that Christian service is necessary, selfless, costly, and honorable. We’re challenged to serve quietly, carry the burdens of others, take risks for the sake of the Gospel, and encourage those who faithfully serve.

Following Jesus has never been safe—but it has always been worth it.

Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident. God’s desire for every believer is that we continue growing in our knowledge of Him and becoming more like Christ.

In this message from our Foundations series, we look at 2 Peter 3:18 and Acts 2:42 to discover the need for spiritual growth, the effort growth requires, and the pattern God has given us to pursue it.

Spiritual growth is the intentional, continual pursuit of Christlikeness.

Whether your next step is salvation, baptism, membership, joining a group, or serving on a team, the question for each of us is simple: What is your next step?

Prayer isn’t the church’s emergency exit—it’s the church’s engine.

In Acts 1:12–14, we find the early believers gathered together and devoted to prayer. Throughout the book of Acts, prayer wasn’t simply something the church did when circumstances became difficult—it was woven into the life and mission of the church.

In this message from our Foundations series, we discover how the early church was birthed in prayer, bathed in prayer, and bonded in prayer, and why prayer must remain foundational to the church today.

A praying church is a powerful church—not because prayer is powerful in itself, but because prayer connects a powerless people to an all-powerful God.

What is the mission of the Church? In Acts 1:1–11, Jesus makes it clear: the Great Commission is the Church’s mission. We have been called to make disciples of all people, everywhere, taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

In this message from our FOUNDATIONS series, we look at the unfinished task before us, the resurrected Savior who motivates us, the promised power of the Holy Spirit, the clear authority of Jesus, and the urgency of His return. The mission cannot be accomplished in our own strength—but through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Church is called to keep going until Jesus comes again.

The task is not finished. There are still souls to reach, cities to reach, churches to plant, and missionaries to send. Until Christ returns, may we never allow the Great Commission to become the Great Omission.

In a world filled with unreliable maps, where do we turn for truth?

In this message from 2 Timothy 3:14–4:2, Pastor Bryan Samms reminds us that Scripture is the only reliable guide for the church. God’s Word is supernaturally given, completely sufficient, and strategically given to shape what we believe, direct how we live, and equip us for every good work.

Whether your heart is heavy, your path feels unclear, or life is going wonderfully, the call is the same: read the Bible. Scripture isn’t merely a book for troubled days—it is God’s Word for every day.

What are you building your life around—and will it matter in the end?

In this message from Psalm 127, we’re reminded that “unless the Lord builds the house,” even our greatest efforts can ultimately be in vain. Our careers, accomplishments, possessions, and plans have their place, but they were never meant to come at the expense of the people God has entrusted to us.

Family Matters challenges us to consider our priorities, invest intentionally in our homes, and recognize our families as gifts from God. Children are a heritage from the Lord, and we have the responsibility to build, protect, cultivate, and point our families toward Him.

Life moves quickly, and none of us knows how much “daylight” we have left. Don’t give your best energy to everything else while giving your leftovers to the people God has given you to love. Family matters—so let them know today.

Psalm 133 celebrates the beauty and blessing of God’s people living in unity. In this message, we discover that unity is beautiful to behold, a blessing to enjoy, and refreshing to experience. In a world marked by division, the church is called to remember that what unites us in Christ is far greater than anything that could divide us.

A message from Dr. Bryan Samms, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Burnet.

Psalm 121 reminds us that we were never meant to walk through life alone. When the road is long, our burdens are heavy, and our strength is limited, our help comes from the Lord. In this message, we are reminded that God is both our Helper and our Keeper—the One who faithfully watches over, protects, and sustains His people every step of the way.

A message from Dr. Bryan Samms, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Burnet.