Holly Springs Bible Fellowship Podcasts

Parables 30 - The 10 Virgins - 2021 0912

The parable of the 10 virgins is a reminder that everyone must be ready to meet the Savior.  Unbelievers are challenged to have a personal relationship with Jesus.  Believers are challenged to live so that they are not ashamed when the Savior comes back.  Be prepared for that day which will come unexpectedly.  

Parables 29 - Wedding Feast - 2021 0905

Matthew 22:1-14 - The parable of the wedding banquet is the story of salvation.  Everyone is free to choose or reject God's invitation.  Every choice has a consequence.  Rejection of God's invitation will result in eternal separation from God and His people.  On that day, you will stand before God, silent and without excuse.  Accept His offer of salvation today while you still can. For those who have accepted Christ, may we be bold in our witness.  

Parables 28 - Unclean Spirit - 2021 0829

Luke 11: 24-26 - In the parable of the unclean spirit, Jesus reminds us that Christianity is not about the things you don't do.  Christianity is focused on removing the things that are not helpful and replacing them with something that brings glory to Christ.  Honor Christ in the things you do this week. 

Parables 27 - New Win Sskins 2021 0822

Luke 5:33-38 - Jesus explains to the Pharisees that following Him involves a new way of living.  You cannot just add His teachings to your life.  Following Him means embracing a totally new way of thinking.  It involves replacing your old ways with His ways.  Live your life this week the way Jesus intended.    

Parables 26 - Fig Tree 2021 0815

Luke 21:25-36 - Jesus uses a blooming fig tree to remind us that there will be signs of His coming.  Our focus is not to focus on the signs but on being prepared, praying, and living in a way that demonstrates peace from within.  We do not find our comfort and encouragement in external things but in our relationship with our Lord and His Word.  

Parables 25 - The Rich Fool 2021 0808 - County Fair Service

Luke 12:13-21 - Jesus reminds us that life is short and life invested in this world only is a foolish way to live. Real wealth is possessed by people who are trusting Christ in the world to come.  People who invest and spend their life on things that impact eternity are rich toward God.  Invest your life in something that outlasts your time in this world.  

Parables 25 - Counting the Cost - 2021 0801

Luke 14:25-35 - In the parable of the Tower and the King, Jesus lays out the terms for discipleship.  Jesus is not interested in followers who will not follow through.  He has to be the essential thing in your life, and all your life must revolve around Him.  Discipleship requires an all-or-nothing commitment.  As a true disciple, you are a steward of everything God has given you and an owner of nothing.  

Parables 24 - Counting the Cost - 2021 0801

Luke 14:25-35 - In the parable of the Tower and the King, Jesus lays out the terms for discipleship.  Jesus is not interested in followers who will not follow through.  He has to be the essential thing in your life, and all your life must revolve around Him.  Discipleship requires an all-or-nothing commitment.  As a true disciple, you are a steward of everything God has given you and an owner of nothing.  

Parables 23 - 10 Pounds - 2021 0725

Luke 19:11- 27 - The parable of the pounds reminds us that Jesus will come again.  He came the first time as a servant, and He comes again as a King to claim His Kingdom.  Everyone will give an account to Him.  He will reject those who rejected Him and reward those who faithfully served and glorified Him.  Do everything this week for His glory, and do not be like the unprofitable servant who made life about himself and not the King's business.  

Labels - Rod Bartels - 2021 0718

Parables 22 - Profitable Servants - 2021 0711

Luke 17:7-10 - The parable of the unprofitable Servant reminds us that we should possess a Servant Mentality.  An attitude of entitlement has no place for a disciple of Jesus.  A servant mentality that focuses on sacrifice, duty, and responsibility will honor our Lord.  Jesus does not want volunteers. He seeks servants who will serve Him out of love, joy, and gratitude.  Serve Him with your body, soul, and mind in all you do this week. 

Parables 21 - Unjust Steward 2021 0704

Luke 16:1-13 - The unjust steward is praised for his ability to plan for his future but condemned for his job performance.  Jesus uses this parable to remind us that people of this world focus on their future here.  As God's children, our focus must be on the world to come.  True wealth comes from investing in things that matter for eternity in the world to come.  

Parables 20 - Pharisee & Publican 2021 0627

Luke 18:9-14 Pharisee & the Publican - Jesus teaches that good people do not go to heaven; justified people do.  The only way to forgiveness of sins is through Christ, not your good works.  In humility, you come to God asking for grace, mercy, and forgiveness.  God will make you His child forever change your relationship with Him.  Two men went to worship God that day, only one walked away as justified.  Which will you be?

Parables 19 - Father and 2 sons 2021 0620

Matthew 21:28-31 - The parable with the father and two sons reminds us that God offers salvation to all.  God desires children who live in obedience to His will and plans.  God wants a faith that is evident in our actions as well as our words.  Salvation is by faith in Christ, not works.  But salvation without works is not the faith that Jesus offers to everyone. Authentic Christianity is a lifetime of changing things in your life to live more like Christ every day.  It is a faith that is co...

Parables 18 - Importunate Widow 2021 0613

Luke 18:1-8 - The parable of the widow and the judge reminds us that we serve a just God.  God will keep His promises, but we cannot equate God's delay or patience as inactivity.  Everything happens on God's timetable, not ours.  The ultimate goal for our lives is that God accomplishes His will through our lives as we serve Him.  

Parables 17 - Friend at Midnight 2021 0606

Luke 11: 5-8 - Jesus uses the parable of the friends request at midnight to remind us of some important principles regarding prayer.  Our Heavenly Father loves to hear and grant the requests of His children.  He is always listening and never sees his Children as a bother.  He does want them to be focused and sincere in their requests.  God actually encourages bold prayers and He His answer will always be what is best for us and His kingdom and plans for the world here and the world to come. ...

Parables 16 - Unmerciful Servant (Communion) 2021 0530

Luke 13:6-9 - Unmerciful Servant - The parable of the unmerciful servant has some serious implications regarding an unforgiving spirit.  At the very least, this attitude will lead to a life of torment and imprisonment.  God has forgiven you a debt you could never repay.  Allow God to work in your heart to create a forgiving, generous, and merciful spirit in all you do this week.  

Parables 15 - Fig Tree - 2021 0523

Luke 13:6-9 - The parable of the Fig Tree teaches us that God is a God of second chances.  However, this parable also reminds us that God never obligates Himself to give us a second chance.  God's patience and opportunities will one day cease and everyone will face a day of accountability. 

Parables 13 - Good Samaritan - 2021 0516

Luke 10:29-37 - Jesus uses the parable of the Good Samaritan to remind us that loving God is about actions, not just words.  Sowing love and mercy is a way we demonstrate our love for God and others.  Getting involved in the life of others is messy and will come at a cost to us.  We are to use the resources God gives us to bring glory to God and serve those God puts in our path.  

Parables 14 - Good Samaritan - 2021 0516

Luke 10:29-37 - Jesus uses the parable of the Good Samaritan to remind us that loving God is about actions, not just words.  Sowing love and mercy is a way we demonstrate our love for God and others.  Getting involved in the life of others is messy and will come at a cost to us.  We are to use the resources God gives us to bring glory to God and serve those God puts in our path.  

Parables 13 - 2 Debtors - 2021 0502 Mothers Day

Luke 7 - Jesus introduces the need for awareness of our sin.  He introduces us to a woman who is sacrificial, practical and focuses on her love for Jesus.  Jesus uses a parable to demonstrate that when we have been forgiven much, we love accordingly.  Love and worship God this week because He has paid a debt you could never repay.  Love Him with your heart, mind, and soul this week.  

Parables 13 - 2 Debtors - 2021 0502 Mothers Day

Luke 7 - Jesus introduces the need for awareness of our sin.  He introduces us to a woman who is sacrificial, practical and focuses on her love for Jesus.  Jesus uses a parable to demonstrate that when we have been forgiven much, we love accordingly.  Love and worship God this week because He has paid a debt you could never repay.  Love Him with your heart, mind, and soul this week.  

When Sorrows Come - 2021 0502

When Sorrows Come - God reminds us that our faith will be tested.  During the times of testing, we have to be honest about our struggles and help one another.  We have to continually make the decision to turn our focus and attention to God.  It is only then that we will experience the peace of God that surpasses anything we know.  

Parables 12 - Salt and Light - 2021 0425

Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt & Light - Jesus reminds His children that they must be salt and light in the world.  It is our responsibility to be in contact with a world that does not understand or know Christ.  We are called to be a light and a witness in that world.  We have to reflect the teachings of Jesus in all we do.  We have to allow Christ to be revealed by the way we speak and live our lives.  That is what we are called to do.  We must influence this world for Christ.  

Parables 11 - Wise Builder - 2021 0418

Matthew 7:24-27 - Wise Builder - In the parable of the builder Jesus focuses on the foundation.  While both people built houses, only the one built on a solid foundation stood the storms.  One day the storms of life will come and on that day, the foundation of your life will be revealed.  Make sure that the foundation is Christ and that you are not just hearing God's Word.  Even Satan hears God's Word, but he refuses to obey God.  Don't make the same mistake. 

Parables 10 - Vineyard - 2021 0411

Matthew 20:1-16 -Vineyard workers - Jesus uses this parable to demonstrate the principles of God's grace. His grace is offered to everyone regardless of their standing.  It is offered equally and generously to anyone who will say yes.  None of us wants God to be just, we all want to be shown His grace and mercy.  Don't be envious of what God does in the life of others.  Rejoice in the grace and goodness He has shown to you.  

Easter - 2021 0404 - Matthew 21:42-4

Easter Sunday - Matthew 21:42-46 - 2000 years ago, Jesus presented Himself to the world as a willing sacrifice to pay for their sin.  He offered the world a new foundation for life.  He showed people a new way to live life and a solid foundation for the storms of life.  Jesus makes the same offer to everyone today.  Some will accept Him, and others will reject Him.  Please consider the foundation of your life.   Your choice in this matter will determine your life's direction and will decide ...

Easter - Palm Sunday - 2021 0328

Palm Sunday - Matthew 21:1-11 - Whether you realize it or not, God is at work in your life.  He is not going to do things the way that you think He should do something.  He gives everyone an opportunity to accept or reject Him as Savior and King.  You will either accept or reject Him, but He leaves the choice with you.  The people who praised him on Sunday rejected Him later in the week.  Don't make the same mistake.   

Easter - Palm Sunday - 2021 0328

Palm Sunday - Matthew 21:1-11 - Whether you realize it or not, God is at work in your life.  He is not going to do things the way that you think He should do something.  He gives everyone an opportunity to accept or reject Him as Savior and King.  You will either accept or reject Him, but He leaves the choice with you.  The people who praised him on Sunday rejected Him later in the week.  Don't make the same mistake.   

Parables 09 - Lost Son - 2021 0321

Luke 15:11-32 - Lost Son - Jesus concludes the stories of lost things by talking about a Father's love for his children.  In this story, we are challenged to think about the things that anger us.  Jesus reminds us that the Father welcomes everyone who comes to Him in repentance and without demands.  May each of us reflect God's love, grace, and kindness in all we do.  May we all rid ourselves of any self-righteousness that allows us to think we are better than anyone else and that everyone i...

Parables 08 - Lost Coin - 2021 0314

Luke 15:8-10 -  Lost Coin - Jesus reminds us that each person has value in the eyes of God.  It takes great effort and commitment to seek out people who are lost.  Jesus put great value in dealing with people individually one on one.  We must learn to see the value of one soul and rejoice when that person repents and chooses to follow Jesus.  

Parables 07 - Lost Sheep 2021 0307

Luke 15:1-7 - Jesus sees the world as lost.  This story challenges His followers to live in such a way that the world is attracted to what we possess and desire to be friends with us.  Jesus reminds us of our obligation to go to those that are lost without Him.  Ask God to burden your heart for those that are lost and desperately need a savior. 

Parables 06 - Fishing Nets 2021 0228

Matthew 13:47-52 - Jesus reminds us that a Day of Judgment is coming when God will sort the righteous from the unrighteous.  This parable is a warning to make sure that we have a personal relationship with Jesus and that we are part of His Kingdom.  It is also a challenge to share Christ with everyone we can.  We are required and encouraged to be a light in a dark world.  

Parables 05 - Treasure and Pearl 2021 0221

Matthew 13:44,45 =  For those of you who are reluctant to follow Jesus, please consider His free gift of salvation.  But understand, Being part of the Kingdom is an all-in kind of thing.  For those of you who possess salvation, may you value the joy of your salvation.  If you have gotten away from the joy of your salvation, may you find it this week.  

Parables 04 - Leaven 2021 0214

Matthew 13:33 =  God's kingdom is like leaven.  It has a tremendous ability to influence and impact from within.  God's kingdom will grow and prosper and Jesus will build His church and Satan will not win.  Make sure you allow God to impact your life from within.  Let God to use you to impact the lives of those around you to further God's Kingdom. 

Parables 03 - Mustard Seed - 2021 0207

Matthew 13:31,32 =  The parable of the mustard seeds reminds us that what begins in obscurity ends in glory.  God establishes His Kingdom with a tiny group of people, and it continues to grow.  God works the same way in our lives.  Do not minimize the impact that your life can make on those God puts in your path.  

Parables 02 - The Wheat and the Tares - 2021 0131

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 - The parable of the wheat and the tares is a story that provides fear and comfort.  Fear to those who are playing "Christian."  It gives comfort to Christians who can rest in the fact that one day will sort everything out.  The real will be permanently separated from the false.  Our job is not to sort but to be light in a dark world.  

Parables 01 - The Sower and Soil - 2021 0124

Matthew 13:1-23 - The parable of the sower deal with how one enters the Kingdom of God.  Jesus explains that the true believer is not someone who only professes Christ but a person who is faithful, obedient, and growing in Christ.  Make sure that you are hearing and doing what God desires of you this week.  

Parables 00 - Understanding the Parables- 2021 0117

 Matthew 13:1-13 - Jesus uses parables to both conceal and reveal the truth.  He challenges His listeners by telling them parables relating common everyday things to spiritual truth.  Jesus seeks out those who want to genuinely follow Him and He spends his last days helping those people grow in their knowledge of Him

Parables 00 - Understanding the Parables- 2021 0110

Matthew 13:1-13 - Jesus uses parables to both conceal and reveal the truth.  He challenges His listeners by telling them parables relating common everyday things to spiritual truth.  Jesus seeks out those who want to genuinely follow Him and He spends his last days helping those people grow in their knowledge of Him

Confidence in God - 2021 0110

Psalm 46 - In an uncertain world, we need to be tethered to something that will not move.  David does not live in fear, because his confidence is in God.  He waits patiently on God and he understands that God is with him in every situation.  David understands that God is still on the throne and we must remember that as we go forward in 2021. 

Moses 39 - Entering the Promised Land - 2021 0103

Joshua 3,4 - After Israel prepared to cross the Jordan, the day came when they had to act.  They went forward in faith, trusting that the God of the desert was also the God of the water.  No barrier (included a flooded river) would keep them from the Land God promised them.  They were committed to following God completely and the same should be true of us as we head into 2021.  

Moses 38 - Preparing for the unexpected - 2020 1227

Joshua 1-3 - As Israel comes to the end of 40 years of wandering in the desert, they face a new journey.  Joshua challenges the people to be strong and courageous during the days ahead.  They must obey and follow God in order to claim the victory that already belongs to them. May we each face the new year with strength and courage in the road that God has ahead for us. 

Christmas 2020c No Savior - December 20 (Communion Service)

Luke 2 - In the Christmas story we see young and old, poor and rich worship Jesus.  The story is about Jesus and He is the center of the story.  His birth demands a response and you will either see Him as a baby or as your savior.  He came to die for you and save you from your sin.  What you do with Jesus determines your eternal destiny.  Please accept Him as your savior the season.  

Christmas 2020b No Lights - In Darkness - December 13

Luke 1,2 -   Light is an important theme in the Christmas story.  The light that surrounded the angels, or the star that led the wise men were all part of the story.  Jesus came as the Light of the world and saved us so that we could be light to the world.  This season may you be a light in a very dark world so that people may see Christ in you.  Live this week as Children of light.

Christmas 2020a - If there were no Christmas - No Celebration - December 6

Luke 1,2 - If there were no Christmas, there would be nothing to celebrate.  Celebration is ingrained in the Christmas story.  All of creation celebrates the savior's birth from the lowly shepherds to the highest angels.  An unborn child celebrates and an old man Simeon and the elderly widow Anna bless this miraculous child.  Make this Christmas a season of celebration, because a Savior was born.    

Moses 37 - When God Buries you

Number 21 - We come to the end of a life of a man who faithfully, humbly, and boldly served God.  His story ends with God-honoring a life that was lived for and with God.  The reality is that life will end for every one of us, and we will stand before God.  What happens at that moment is determined by what we have done with Jesus Christ.  Please make sure you are ready for the appointment you have with death because you will not escape it.  

Thanksgiving 2020 - John 6 - 2020 1122

John 6 - In a world that is faced with hardship and crisis, it is important that we focus on a heart of gratitude.  We cannot focus on our ability or resources.  We have to focus on Jesus and be grateful for the things He has already provided.  This week cultivate a heart of gratitude in spite of the circumstance or any crisis you face.  

Moses 36 - Snake on a Stick - 2020 1115

Number 21 - Look and live.  The message to Israel thousands of years ago is the same message Jesus offers to everyone today.  Don't make it more complicated than Jesus did.  Make sure you have placed your faith and trust in Him alone.  For those of you that have, live like you have a different destiny and purpose for life.  Point others to the cross with the way you live your life each day. 

Moses 35 - Disobedience of Moses - 2020 1108

Number 20 - God's blessing requires that we do the right thing, the right way, at the right time.  While our actions may produce results, they only produce God's blessing when we do all 3 things equally.  Moses allowed sin to take root and grow in his life (over 40 years) without dealing with it.  Serve God honestly this week and deal with the things in your life that you know are not pleasing to God.