Bart Byl Sermons
Religion og åndelighetChrist-centred sermons from Bart Byl. Former evangelical pastor, now an Orthodox Christian. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Siste episoder av Bart Byl Sermons podcast
- The End of All Our Stories (00:12:04)
Bart Byl on Revelation 22:1-5,12-13,16-17,20-21.In the Bible’s final chapter, we are reminded of the ultimate end of our journey, where all our toils and sacrifices will be met with the eternal reward of Christ's presence in the New Jerusalem. Here, the curse will be broken, and we will experience the fullness of God's love and glory, with no more suffering or pain, but eternal joy and peace. As we labor and wait, we hold onto the promise of His coming, praying for the grace and strength to persevere until we are welcomed into His eternal embrace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- The Shrewd Manager (00:27:30)
Bart Byl on Luke 16:1-12.In his parable of the dishonest steward who leveraged his resources and relationships to build security for himself after he lost his job, Jesus teaches his disciples to act shrewdly with what in light of the coming kingdom. In this present age, which is rapidly passing away, we must cunningly leverage our earthly resources for heavenly impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Finish Well (00:20:33)
Bart Byl on 2 Timothy 4.Series: Tenacious Witness (2 Timothy)In his final letter to Timothy, Paul delivers a solemn charge to faithfully preach the Gospel, stressing the importance of readiness and endurance in ministry despite challenges. He reflects on his impending death with peace, confident in the reward awaiting him and urging Timothy to remain steadfast in faith. This poignant farewell highlights the enduring call to serve with grace and perseverance, even amidst adversity and personal trials. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Stand Firm (00:30:30)
Bart Byl on 2 Timothy 3.Series: Tenacious Witness (2 Timothy)Over-realized eschatology, the belief that all future blessings are available now, is a pervasive false teaching that destroys faith by promoting a life free from suffering, contrary to the true Christian call to carry the cross and endure trials. Desperate individuals are misled into making financial sacrifices and blaming their lack of faith for their unfulfilled promises, leading to disappointment and bitterness towards God. True Christian life involves suffering and struggle, not guaranteed health and wealth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Endure Hardship (00:28:02)
Bart Byl on 2 Timothy 2.Series: Tenacious Witness (2 Timothy)Paul urges Timothy to stay strong in the grace of Christ and to faithfully pass on the apostolic gospel to reliable people who can teach others, creating a self-sustaining chain of witnesses. Using metaphors of a soldier, athlete, and farmer, Paul emphasizes the need for dedication, endurance, and focus in ministry. We are reminded to keep Jesus Christ at the center, enduring all for the sake of the gospel, knowing that our labor is not in vain and will ultimately result in eternal glory with Christ. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Guard the Gospel (00:31:52)
Bart Byl on 2 Timothy 1.Series: Tenacious Witness (2 Timothy)Paul, nearing the end of his life, writes a heartfelt letter to his spiritual son Timothy, urging him to remain steadfast in faith and to preserve the gospel message entrusted to him. He emphasizes the importance of continuing the legacy of faith handed down by Timothy's grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, and encourages Timothy to rely on the Holy Spirit's power, love, and self-discipline rather than succumbing to fear. Paul concludes by highlighting the eternal victory of Christ over death and the necessity of guarding and proclaiming this gospel until the end.—Artwork referenced in this sermon:Rembrandt van Rijn, "St. Paul in Prison”Orthodox icon of the Harrowing of Hell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- The Saving Justice of God (00:35:36)
Bart Byl on Romans 1:1-17.What is the Gospel, according to St. Paul? In the opening verses to his great (and often misunderstood) letter to the Romans, the apostle defines and describes the gospel of God that has claimed his life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Christ’s Heavenly Offering (00:26:15)
Bart Byl on Hebrews 9:11-14, 23-26.When Jesus ascended into heaven, he entered the true heavenly sanctuary as both High Priest and perfect sacrifice, securing our eternal access to God's presence. This pivotal event calls us to reflect on Christ’s ongoing intercession for us and our role as a royal priesthood, joining in the heavenly worship and service to our living God. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- The Spirit of Sonship (00:25:53)
Bart Byl on Galatians 3:26-4:7.In the fullness of time, God sent His Son to redeemus, so that we might receive adoption as sons. God has also sent the Spirit of His Son into the hearts of believers, enabling them to cry out to God as their Father. And so we are no longer slaves but sons and heirs of God, enjoying the privileges and security of belonging to His family forever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Firm and Resolute (00:33:41)
Bart Byl on Jude 1-4, 17-25.Series: Discipleship on the EdgeJude, eager to write about salvation, instead urges believers to contend for the faith due to emerging threats from within the Christian community. He warns against ungodly individuals who distort grace into a license for immorality and encourages believers to build each other up in faith, keep themselves in God's love, and show mercy to those led astray. His closing doxology reminds the faithful of God's power to keep them from stumbling and present them blameless with great joy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- My Lord and My God! (00:29:31)
Bart Byl on John 20:19-31.Though his followers had abandoned him at his crucifixion, the risen Jesus appears to them, offering peace and commissioning them to announce the forgiveness of sins in his name. Even the most skeptical disciple, Thomas, is transformed by his encounter with the risen Lord into a bold witness who would carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth.[Caravaggio’s painting The Incredulity of Saint Thomas can be viewed here.] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- The Cosmic, Crucified Christ (00:27:22)
Bart Byl on Colossians 1:15-23.The apostle Paul declares the cosmic supremacy of Christ, emphasizing his role as the creator, sustainer, and ultimate purpose of all things. Through his death on the cross, Christ reconciled all things to God, who took the initiative to restore the relationship between sinful humanity and their Creator. We now stand before God without blemish or accusation, having been freed from the powers of sin and death, sharing in Christ's ministry of reconciliation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Humble and Hospitable (00:32:36)
Bart Byl on 3 John.Series: Discipleship on the EdgeIn his third letter, the apostle John commends Gaius for his faithfulness and hospitality towards traveling missionaries. However, he also condemns Diotrephes for his selfish ambition, gossiping, and refusal to welcome fellow believers. These contrasting examples of moral behaviour prompt us to ask ourselves: are we ambitious for ourselves, or for the glory of the Name? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Loving and Discerning (00:31:42)
Bart Byl on 2 John.Series: Discipleship on the EdgeAs soon as a fledgling church begins to sprout, Satan sends false teachers to draw it away from Christ. Because he knows that when we abandon or neglect Christ, we’ve lost touch with life itself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Ready and Resilient (00:32:04)
Bart Byl on 2 Peter 3.Series: Discipleship on the EdgeThe apostle Peter warns that in the last days, scoffers will mock the promise of Christ's return, deliberately forgetting the divine origin and end of all things. However, God is not slow in keeping his promise, but patient, desiring all to come to repentance before the day of the Lord arrives. Therefore, we ought to live holy and godly lives, making every effort to be found spotless and blameless, growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Bound and Free (00:34:17)
Bart Byl on Philemon.Series: Discipleship on the EdgePaul's letter to Philemon addresses a delicate situation involving Onesimus, a slave who had left his master and then becomes a Christian under Paul's guidance. Paul urges Philemon, Onesimus's master, to welcome him back not just as a slave but as a brother in Christ, encouraging him to forgive and welcome him. The letter highlights the transformative power of the gospel, challenging societal norms and creating new relationships of love within the Christian community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Patient and Eager (00:27:49)
Bart Byl on Titus 1:1-4; 2:11-3:8.Series: Discipleship on the EdgeAs we struggle with the frustrating human condition, the letter to Titus offers profound insights. Anchored in the promise of eternal life, Paul emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace, urging us to embrace a life of godliness while we await the fullness of our inheritance in the age to come. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Blessed and Grateful (00:27:37)
Bart Byl on 1 Timothy 4:1-5.Series: Discipleship on the EdgeIn the last days, the Spirits warns, deceitful teachers will appear in the church teaching the doctrine of demons: forbidding marriage and forcing people to abstain from certain foods. Paul urges us to resist this distortion of Christian asceticism by practicing gratitude and enjoyment of God's creation as acts of worship. The best defense against the Enemy’s hatred of creation is a childlike simplicity of heart that finds joy in God's gifts. In doing so, believers fulfill their priestly role in unifying the spiritual and material, highlighting the ultimate goal of all creation being offered back to God in Christ. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Persecuted and Prevailing (00:26:55)
Bart Byl on 2 Thessalonians 1.Series: Discipleship on the EdgeDespite enduring heavy persecution, the believers in Thessalonica are following Christ with joy. Paul encourages them with the hope of Christ’s return, when he will not only publicly vindicate God’s children, but share God’s glory with them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Hopeful and Alert (00:26:03)
Bart Byl on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11.Series: Discipleship on the EdgeHow do we grieve with hope and live alertly in anticipation of Christ's return? Paul offers the Thessalonians guidance on mourning with the assurance of victory, urging them to live in alert readiness for the Lord's imminent coming. In present grief and toil, we must hold onto the joyful expectation of eternal life, remind ourselves and each other that those in Christ will share in His triumphant return and everlasting kingdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Refiner’s Fire: Christ in Malachi (00:31:09)
Bart Byl on Malachi 3:1-4, 4:1-6.Series: Christ in the Old TestamentIn the closing book of the Old Testament, God promises to send His Messenger before him, whose arrival will mean God Himself has come to His temple. And so this book closes with breath held, leaning forward, waiting for the Saviour whose name has been whispered in every book of the Old Testament. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Lowly Rider: Christ in Zechariah (00:29:19)
Bart Byl on Zechariah 9:9-17.Series: Christ in the Old TestamentAmid the strange visions and oracles against the nation in the book of Zechariah are a collection of prophecies about an unusual figure. A future king is coming who will come in triumph, yet lowly and riding on a donkey. Valued at the paltry sum of thirty pieces of silver, the shepherd will be rejected and pierced. Yet somehow his death will open a fountain of cleansing for God's people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Glorious Presence: Christ in Haggai (00:26:21)
Bart Byl on Haggai 2:1-9.Series: Christ in the Old TestamentThe remnant who have returned to the land have grown discouraged and abandoned the rebuilding of the temple. God sends Haggai to stir them up to the work, because nothing is more important to God than dwelling in the midst of his people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Delighted Singer: Christ in Zephaniah (00:29:12)
Bart Byl on Zephaniah 3.Series: Christ in the Old TestamentZephaniah was called to speak God's word in a time of spiritual crisis and opportunity. Through his prophet God warns of creation itself being reversed in judgment, but holds the door of mercy open until the last repentant sinner squeezes through. For the Lord longs to bring all his lost children home, so he can sing over them in delight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Faith Keeper: Christ in Habakkuk (00:27:38)
Bart Byl on Habakkuk 3.Series: Christ in the Old TestamentHabakkuk is a conversation between the prophet and God, in which Habakkuk wrestles with the judgements of God in history. In the end, what gives us the ability to wait for him to act is the whole-hearted allegiance to God which we call faith: the enduring fidelity which Christ himself demonstrated for us in going to the cross Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.