Shoal Lake Baptist Church - Messages

Why does our world feel less peaceful than ever — even after the coming of the Prince of Peace? In this message, we trace the sweeping storyline of Scripture to see how God has been confronting evil from the very beginning, from Genesis to the prophets to the arrival of Jesus Himself. The Bible reveals that the real conflict isn’t only “out there” in the world, but within the human heart — and God’s peace plan addresses both.

We fol...

In this first message of the Advent season, we explore the deep tension between the world-changing arrival of Jesus in Bethlehem and the brokenness we still experience around us. Why do sickness, conflict, and sorrow remain when the Messiah has already come?

Scripture gives us a compelling answer: what Jesus began in His first coming, He will finish in His return.

This episode traces the hope-filled anticipation of God’s people—from ...

From Genesis to Revelation, the story of the Bible is the story of God drawing near to His people — from walking in the garden, to dwelling in the tabernacle, to taking on flesh in Jesus, and now making His home within believers by the Holy Spirit. In this message, we explore the promise Jesus gave that He would baptize His followers in the Holy Spirit, and we trace how this filling appears throughout Acts as God empowers His peopl...

How do ordinary believers address the very real brokenness in our world, our families, our churches, and even in our own hearts? In this message, we explore the spiritual gifts—God’s perfectly-designed gifts, empowered by the Holy Spirit, given to every Christian for the building up of the church and the advancement of the Kingdom. Walking through the New Testament passages on gifts, we discover how these gifts work, why they’re gi...

On this special Sunday celebrating 145 years of ministry, we reflect on God’s faithfulness and explore three vital themes: Remember, Proclaim, Engage. From Scripture and church history, we see the importance of remembering God’s mighty works, proclaiming His deeds to the next generation, and engaging in the mission He has set before us. Be encouraged to see how your life, your church, and your calling fit into God’s ongoing story.

The fruit of the Spirit isn’t a checklist to complete — it’s the evidence of a life connected to Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit. In this message, we look at how each fruit of the Spirit was perfectly displayed in the life of Jesus — love that forgives enemies, joy that overflows, peace in the storm, patience with slow learners, kindness that stops for the broken, goodness with a backbone, faithfulness that never wavers, gent...

Following Jesus today means learning to walk by the Spirit — to trust His leadership in every step. In this message, Pastor Joel draws on Galatians 5 to show the contrast between walking in the flesh and walking in the Spirit, reminding us that the fruit of the Spirit isn’t something we produce through effort, but something that grows as we follow Him closely. Like a child trusting a good father to lead the way, the Spirit invites ...

Have you ever felt like your relationship with God has grown routine — full of right beliefs and good habits, but missing real connection and relationship? In this message, we’re reminded that faith isn’t just about knowing about God, but truly experiencing Him. From the psalms that cry out for God’s presence to Jesus’ promise that He stands at the door and knocks, this sermon invites you to open your heart again — to encounter the...

Have you ever really needed help—but just couldn’t bring yourself to ask for it? Maybe you’ve tried to push through life’s tight corners with an “I’ve got this!” attitude, only to be left with scars and frustration. The truth is, following Jesus isn’t something we were meant to do alone. That’s why, on the night before His crucifixion, Jesus promised His disciples “another Advocate”—the Holy Spirit.

In this message, we explore what ...

What if I told you it’s better to have the Holy Spirit living in you than to have Jesus sitting across the table from you? That’s exactly what Jesus Himself said in John 16:7. In this third part of our series on the Holy Spirit, we explore where the Spirit is, who has Him, and how He works in the world and in the lives of believers. From sustaining all life, to indwelling those who put their faith in Christ, to filling and empoweri...

Many people think of the Holy Spirit as a “New Testament thing” — showing up at Pentecost or in the 20th-century Pentecostal revival. But in reality, the Spirit of God has been active since the very beginning.

In this message, Pastor Joel walks through the Old Testament to show how the Holy Spirit has always been at work — empowering Joseph to interpret dreams, filling Moses and the elders with wisdom, giving courage to the judges o...

Who is the Holy Spirit? A mysterious force? A quiet whisper? A power to be tapped into? Like the Force in Star Wars? A Person to know and walk with?

This fall, we’re diving into a brand-new series on the Holy Spirit — exploring His story in Scripture, His work in our lives, and how He equips us with gifts, fruit, and power for mission.

Whether you’ve followed Jesus for years or are just curious about faith, this series will challenge...

Anxiety has a way of stealing our peace and robbing us of joy. In Philippians 4, Paul gives us a better way: thankful prayer, gentle love, and trust in a God who is always near. This message unpacks how choosing joy isn’t about denying our struggles, but about experiencing the peace of God that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. If worry has been weighing you down, this passage offers real hope and a practical path to joy...

Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle of struggle, battling the same challenges over and over? Maybe it’s anger, anxiety, or a habit you long to break free from. In this podcast, we’re diving into a heartfelt message about forgetting what’s behind and pressing on toward the prize in Christ Jesus. As we continue in Philippians, we’ll explore how God’s forgiveness allows us to let go of guilt and shame, and how, as citizens of heaven, ...