Real People of the Bible - Faith Baptist Church of Champaign

Moses

June 22, 2025 • Pastor Brandon Tipsword • Acts 7:17–36

In this exploration of Moses' life, we're reminded that God can use anyone, regardless of their past or perceived limitations. Moses' journey is divided into three 40-year periods, each teaching us valuable lessons about faith, obedience, and dependence on God. We see how God prepares His chosen leaders, often through humbling experiences and personal growth. The burning bush encounter shows us that God calls us out of our comfort zones, challenging our excuses and self-doubt. As we reflect on Moses' reluctance and God's patience, we're encouraged to trust in God's power rather than our own abilities. This message urges us to become faith-minded Christians, focusing on developing greater dependence and humility rather than just honing our skills. It's a call to step out in faith, knowing that God equips those He calls and that our willingness to trust Him is more important than our perceived readiness or perfection.

Noah

June 1, 2025 • Pastor Brandon Tipsword • Genesis 9, Genesis 6

In this exploration of the life of Noah, we're reminded of the transformative power of God's grace. Noah, like all of us, was an undeserving recipient of divine favor. This grace, however, inspired a faithful response - Noah walked with God, lived righteously, and obeyed even when faced with seemingly impossible tasks. As we reflect on our own lives, are we allowing God's grace to shape our daily walk? Are we, like Noah, willing to stand firm in our faith even when the world around us seems chaotic? This message challenges us to examine our own faithfulness and to recognize that our relationship with God should be evident in every aspect of our lives. It's a call to action - to live out our faith boldly, to warn others of coming judgment, and to invite them into the safety of God's love and salvation.

RAHAB

May 18, 2025 • Pastor Brandon Tipsword • Joshua 2

In this powerful exploration of Joshua 2, we delve into the remarkable story of Rahab, a woman whose faith transformed her life and secured her place in God's plan. This account challenges us to reconsider our preconceptions about who can be used by God. Rahab, despite her background as a Canaanite prostitute, demonstrated extraordinary faith by protecting the Israelite spies and aligning herself with the God of Israel. Her actions remind us that salvation has always been by grace through faith, not by our own merits. The scarlet cord she hung from her window parallels the blood of the Passover lamb, foreshadowing Christ's redemptive work. This story encourages us to look beyond surface-level categories and recognize that God sees only two types of people: those who belong to Him and those who don't. As we reflect on Rahab's journey, we're challenged to examine our own faith, trust God's promises, and be willing to take courageous actions that demonstrate our allegiance to Him.

David

May 4, 2025 • Pastor Brandon Tipsword • Psalm 32

In this powerful exploration of King David's life, we're reminded that even the greatest biblical figures struggled with sin. The story of David's adultery with Bathsheba and subsequent murder of Uriah serves as a stark reminder of our human frailty. Yet, it's David's response to his sin that truly defines him as 'a man after God's own heart.' Through Psalm 32, we see the transformative power of genuine repentance. David's journey from guilt to forgiveness teaches us that true godliness isn't about perfection, but about how we respond when confronted with our sins. Are we willing to acknowledge not just our actions, but the depravity and rebellion in our hearts? This message challenges us to examine our own approach to confession and repentance. Are we seeking worldly sorrow focused on consequences, or godly sorrow that recognizes our offense against a holy God? As we reflect on David's example, we're called to cultivate a spirit of openness and honesty before God, free from guile and excuses. This path of sincere repentance leads us to experience the profound joy and peace that comes from God's forgiveness and restoration.

Eljah

April 27, 2025 • Pastor Brandon Tipsword • 1 Kings 19

In this powerful exploration of Elijah's journey, we're reminded that even the mightiest servants of God can face moments of deep despair. The story in 1 Kings 19 reveals how Elijah, fresh from his triumph on Mount Carmel, plunges into depression after a threat from Jezebel. This stark contrast teaches us that spiritual highs don't make us immune to emotional lows. We see God's compassionate response to Elijah's distress - not with rebuke, but with gentle care, providing rest and nourishment. This beautifully illustrates how our Heavenly Father understands our human frailty and responds with love. The message encourages us to be honest with God about our struggles, reminding us that there's no shame in admitting our weaknesses. It challenges us to listen for God's 'still, small voice' amidst life's turmoil, emphasizing the importance of intimate connection with God over seeking dramatic signs. This story resonates deeply with our own experiences of doubt and fear, offering hope that God can restore and recommission us, just as He did with Elijah.