In this final message of the Advent series, Pastor Billy Driver preaches from Matthew 2:1-12 about how people respond to the coming of Christ. He identifies three distinct responses to Jesus's birth: King Herod responded with hostility because he felt threatened and wanted to maintain his own power and throne; the chief priests and scribes responded with indifference, knowing the Scriptures intellectually but showing no interest in actually seeking the newborn Messiah just five miles away in Bethlehem; and the Magi responded with worship, traveling over a thousand miles to fall down and adore Christ with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Pastor Driver emphasizes that the birth of Christ should shape our worship throughout the entire year, not just during the Christmas season. He challenges the congregation to avoid both hostility and indifference, instead responding like the Magi with faith that results in joyful worship. The sermon concludes with a call to repent and receive Christ as King, believe and trust Him by faith, and worship Him with exceeding great joy, followed by an invitation to the Lord's Supper as a response of remembrance and renewal.   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

In this Christmas sermon from Isaiah 35, Pastor Jared Richard used the universal desire to go home for the holidays as a gateway to discuss our deeper spiritual longing for our true home with God. He explained that Isaiah 35 describes two contrasting places - the wilderness and desert representing our current broken world, versus the paradise of Lebanon, Carmel, and Sharon representing the home God has prepared for us. Pastor Richard walked through multiple layers of this prophetic passage, beginning with God's promise to bring exiled Israel home from Babylon, then expanding to humanity's exile from Eden due to sin, and ultimately pointing to Jesus as the solution. He emphasized that Jesus willingly left his perfect home in heaven, was born in exile-like conditions in a stable, was rejected by his own people, and died on the cross bearing our judgment so that we could return home to the Father. The sermon concluded with three applications: receiving the hope of Christ's salvation, following Christ's example in reconciling broken relationships, and rejoicing with fellow believers as we journey toward our eternal home together.   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

Pastor Jared Richard explores Isaiah 11's unique "Christmas tree"—not a decorated evergreen, but a stump with a shoot and root—as a powerful gospel metaphor. The stump represents God's judgment on pride, showing how "God will always humble the proud" as He did with Israel and Assyria. From this apparent death springs the shoot, a greater David who will establish a perfect kingdom where "the wolf will dwell with the lamb" (Isaiah 11:6) and all creation finds peace. Most remarkably, this king is also the root of Jesse, revealing Jesus as both descendant and divine source—the God-man who offers surprising eternal life. Pastor Richard urges us not to place our hope in an idealized past but in Christ's future kingdom, where all brokenness will be healed and "the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea" (Isaiah 11:9).   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

In this sermon on Isaiah 9, Pastor Jared Richard explores how God prepared for Christmas centuries before Christ's birth. Using the analogy of a Ferrero Rocher chocolate with its layers, Pastor Richard unpacks three prophetic layers: the failure of faithless King Ahaz who trusted Assyria rather than God, the promise of a greater king described with four divine titles (Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace), and finally the arrival of Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. The sermon highlights how we, like Ahaz, often seek peace through human wisdom, politics, wealth, or idolatry instead of trusting God. Just as God demonstrated His power through weakness when Gideon defeated the Midianites, He sent His Son as a child to conquer our greatest enemies—sin, Satan, and death. While Christ's first coming allows us peace with God, we await His return for the complete fulfillment of Isaiah's promise of eternal peace.   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

In this sermon "Comfort in Sorrow," Pastor Patrick Austin begins a new Advent series exploring passages in Isaiah that prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ's coming. Focusing on Isaiah 40:1-11, Pastor Austin observes that while the Christmas season offers temporary comforts through traditions and material things, we're all searching for something deeper—a comfort that truly saves and soothes our weary souls. The sermon reveals that just as the Israelites in Babylonian exile needed God's comfort, we too need the same message: "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God" (Isaiah 40:1). Pastor Austin explains how this passage points to Christ in three ways: the promise of comfort (God's forgiveness and love), the person of comfort (Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy), and the proclamation of comfort (the good news that Jesus has come and will come again). He concludes with practical applications: rest in God's promise that He hasn't forgotten us, receive Jesus as the only true source of comfort, and proclaim this message to others who are searching for hope during the Christmas season.   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

In this sermon "Wisdom in Prayer," Pastor Billy Driver examines James 5:13-20, explaining that prayer reveals the true condition of our hearts and is foundational to Christian life. He outlines three key expectations: God wants individuals to pray in every circumstance (both suffering and joy), pastors to pray for their people (especially during sickness), and congregations to pray for one another. Pastor Driver clarifies that the "prayer of faith" isn't a formula guaranteeing specific outcomes but a posture of complete dependence on God's sovereign will. Using Elijah as an example, he reminds us that even this great prophet was "a man with a nature like ours" who prayed fervently and saw God move powerfully. The sermon concludes with the story behind the hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," emphasizing that prayer is our lifeline to God's power and grace. WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

In this sermon from James 5:7-12, Pastor Jared Richard explores how the promise of Christ's return should shape our lives and ministry. Drawing from Jesus' parable in Luke 19 about a nobleman who entrusts resources to his servants before departing, Pastor Richard emphasizes that Jesus has entrusted us with His kingdom work and will one day return to evaluate our faithfulness. When we establish our hearts on Christ's return—intentionally dwelling on this reality—it produces spiritual fruit, particularly patience and steadfastness during hardship. The sermon clarifies that Jesus' return will be unmistakable, unpredictable, unparalleled, and unstoppable. For believers, this day should inspire joy rather than fear, as Christ's posture toward faithful servants is one of commendation, not condemnation. Pastor Richard concludes by challenging Bay Leaf Baptist Church to use every resource God has entrusted to them for kingdom purposes, so they might be found faithful when Christ returns.   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

In his sermon on James 4:11-5:6, Pastor Jared Richard explores how pride—which God hates—is the root of all sin. Using the metaphor of invasive weeds that must be pulled from the root, Pastor Richard identifies three manifestations of pride that threaten the Christian heart. First, a judgmental view of others reveals we've forgotten our own sinfulness and God's mercy toward us. Second, a presumptuous view of the future shows we're planning without acknowledging God's sovereignty, forgetting that "this is the day that the Lord has made" (Psalm 118:24). Third, a self-indulgent view of wealth demonstrates we've forgotten that "the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof" (Psalm 24:1). The solution to pride isn't simply behavior modification but remembering who God is—sovereign, holy, and gracious—which properly reorients our understanding of ourselves. When we humble ourselves before God, submitting to His lordship in every area of life, He promises to lift us up. This begins with repentance and faith in Christ for salvation and continues as we allow the Holy Spirit to root out pride in our daily lives.   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

Pastor Jared Richard examines James 4:1-10, comparing church conflict to an autoimmune disease where the body mistakenly attacks itself. Just as autoimmune diseases cause the body's defense system to malfunction, spiritual conflict causes believers to view fellow church members as enemies rather than brothers and sisters in Christ. The root of this problem lies not between us but within us—our wrong desires, pride, and jealousy create internal war that manifests as external conflict. James uses strong language of "war" and "murder" to emphasize how devastating church conflict is to the body of Christ. Pastor Jared shares his personal experience with a church split over music styles, illustrating how such division permanently damages relationships and distracts from the gospel. The cure for this spiritual disease is God's grace, which humbles us and draws us near to Him. As James 4:6 reminds us, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

In this sermon on James 3:1-12, Pastor Jared Richard examines how our words reveal the condition of our hearts. He explains that God has given humans the unique ability to speak as image-bearers of a speaking God, making our tongues powerful instruments that can either build up or destroy. Pastor Jared illustrates how the tongue, though small, functions like a rudder that can guide an entire ship or a spark that can set a forest ablaze. The central question Pastor Jared poses is whether our words evidence a heart ruled by Christ and under the control of God's Word. He reminds us that we cannot tame our tongues on our own strength (James 3:8), but through the Gospel, Christ can transform our hearts and therefore our speech. When our words are aligned with Scripture, they bring life, order, peace, and healing to others. Pastor Jared challenges us to consider if what we say is "true, kind, and necessary," so our speech glorifies God rather than staining our testimony.   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

In this sermon on James 2:14-26, Pastor Patrick Austin tackles the seemingly contradictory Biblical teachings about faith and works. He establishes that Scripture doesn't contradict itself, then explains that James is combating a false belief that how you live after professing faith doesn't matter. The pastor articulates that "a saving faith in Jesus evidences itself through a life of good works done to the glory of God." Pastor Austin identifies two key evidences of genuine faith: showing heartfelt care for the needy rather than offering empty words, and living in obedience rather than merely voicing intellectual belief. He illustrates these principles through Abraham and Rahab, who both demonstrated their faith through concrete actions. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac and Rahab's protection of the Israelite spies weren't attempts to earn God's favor but confirmations that their faith was genuine. The pastor concludes by challenging us to examine our faith, place our trust in Jesus, and actively demonstrate our faith through serving others and walking in obedience.   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

In this sermon on James 2:1-13, Pastor Jared Richard challenges believers at Bay Leaf Baptist Church to examine how they treat people of different socioeconomic backgrounds. Using James's illustration of the rich man and poor woman visiting church, Pastor Jared explains that showing partiality is not merely inappropriate but fundamentally opposed to the gospel for three key reasons. First, it reveals a heart captivated by lesser glory rather than by Christ, "the glory of the Lord." Second, it demonstrates alignment with the world's kingdom rather than God's kingdom, which elevates those whom the world casts aside. Third, it shows we've forgotten the mercy God has shown us in the face of judgment. Pastor Jared reminds us that as recipients of God's unmerited favor, we should extend the same compassion to others regardless of their status. Our treatment of others, especially the poor and marginalized, testifies to whether we're truly holding the faith rightly and living according to godly wisdom rather than worldly values.   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

Addressing a congregation grieving seven recent deaths, including a 17-year-old young man, Pastor Jared Richard turns to Lamentations 3 to provide Biblical guidance through sorrow. He explains how Jeremiah, after witnessing unimaginable suffering during Jerusalem's fall to Babylon in 586 BC, found hope in the midst of despair. The sermon centers on the profound truth that "life is hard, but God is good," offering three hope-giving truths from Scripture: God's steadfast love never ceases, His mercies never come to an end but are new every morning, and the Lord Himself is our portion and inheritance. Pastor Jared then challenges believers to respond to these truths by actively seeking the Lord, crying out to Him in honest lament, and examining their ways—practical steps that transform grief into hope-filled faith.   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

In this sermon on James 1:18-27, Pastor Jared Richard explores how God works through His Word to both save and sanctify believers. The passage reveals that God "brought us forth by the Word of truth" (James 1:18), emphasizing that salvation comes through the gospel message being proclaimed and received through the Spirit's work. However, this new birth is only the beginning; God intends believers to become "a kind of firstfruits of his creatures," living testimonies of His redemptive work. Pastor Richard explains that while salvation is entirely God's work, sanctification requires our participation. Christians must position themselves before Scripture by hearing the Word (being "quick to hear"), receiving it with meekness, and obeying it rather than merely hearing it. True reception of God's Word manifests in three key areas: controlled speech that reflects Christ, putting away worldliness and sinful behaviors, and demonstrating "pure and undefiled religion" by caring for orphans and widows. The sermon concludes with the challenge that if we've been saved by the Word of truth, we must also be shaped by it.   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

Pastor Jared Richard's sermon on James 1:2-18 examines the strange pairing of joy and trials that James introduces in his letter. Just as some unexpected combinations work well together (like French fries and milkshakes), joy and trials can coexist when viewed through the lens of godly wisdom. Pastor Jared explains that God uses trials to reveal genuine faith and strengthen it as He prepares believers for future glory. The sermon outlines two possible paths when facing trials: the path of wisdom and the path of foolishness. The path of wisdom sees trials as tests from a good Father who wants us to succeed, leading to endurance, perseverance, and ultimately Christian maturity. This perspective allows believers to "count it all joy" (James 1:2) amid difficulties. Conversely, the path of foolishness views trials as temptations, leading to sinful desires, actions, and ultimately death. Pastor Jared reminds us that God is unchanging and good, that He "gives generously to all without reproach" (James 1:5), and that for those who remain steadfast, the "crown of life" awaits (James 1:12).   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

In this sermon on James 3:13-18, Pastor Jared Richard explores the theme of "godly wisdom in the midst of exile." He explains that as believers, we are exiles in this world, and James is calling us to pursue true wisdom rather than worldly wisdom. True wisdom is rightly applied knowledge that seeks God's glory, evidenced by meekness, peace, and purity. In contrast, worldly wisdom is characterized by jealousy and selfish ambition, leading to disorder and chaos. Pastor Jared emphasizes that we need this godly wisdom because it produces a "harvest of righteousness" (James 3:18) within the church and serves as a powerful witness to a world weary of the contradictions of worldly wisdom. This true wisdom is found in Jesus Christ himself, who is the embodiment of God's wisdom. When we pursue Christ through His Word and through Christ-honoring community, we have everything we need to live for God's glory in this broken world.   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

In this sermon celebrating Bay Leaf Baptist Church's expansion to two campuses, Pastor Jared Richard reflects on the church's 145-year history while looking to the Biblical church in Antioch as a model for continued effectiveness. Drawing from Acts 11-13, Pastor Richard identifies four qualities that made Antioch a church God used powerfully. First, God uses churches that evidence His grace—where His transformative work is so evident that it causes rejoicing, as when Barnabas visited Antioch and "saw the grace of God" (Acts 11:23). Second, God uses churches whose people live noticeably different lives, as evidenced by the Antioch believers being "first called Christians" (Acts 11:26) because their Christ-centered identity was unmistakable. Third, God uses churches that position themselves to hear from Him through worship, fasting, and prayer. Finally, God uses churches that respond in obedience even when it's costly, as the Antioch church did when sending out their best leaders, Barnabas and Paul. Pastor Richard challenges the congregation to continue Bay Leaf's legacy of kingdom-mindedness, holding resources with open hands and remaining positioned for God to use them for His gospel purposes in North Raleigh and beyond.   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

In the final message of the "Devoted" series, Pastor Patrick Austin explores the early church's commitment to prayer as described in Acts 2:42-47, highlighting how this core value should shape Bay Leaf Baptist Church, especially as they prepare to launch their second campus. Pastor Austin establishes that Jesus Himself was deeply devoted to prayer, which directly influenced the disciples and early church to make prayer central to their community life. Pastor Austin identifies three characteristics of a praying church: they pray worshipfully (delighting in communion with God rather than just making requests), proactively (before crises arise, not just reacting to problems), and expectantly (truly believing God will answer). He provides practical applications for developing a vibrant prayer life, including praying Scripture, creating prayer calendars, and using guided prayer resources. The sermon concludes with a challenge to pray "big prayers" that focus on kingdom advancement rather than just personal comfort, reminding the congregation that such prayers led to thousands being saved, churches being planted, and the gospel advancing mightily in the early church.   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

In this sermon, Pastor Jared Richard explores the significance of "breaking bread" as one of the four pillars of the early church found in Acts 2:42. He demonstrates how Jesus intentionally used meals throughout His ministry to teach about His kingdom and sacrifice. From dining with tax collectors in Luke 5 to instituting the Lord's Supper in Luke 22, Jesus transformed ordinary tables into gospel opportunities. The early church continued this practice, using both formal meals (the Lord's Supper) and informal gatherings to remember Christ's sacrifice and demonstrate gospel unity. Their shared meals crossed social, economic, and ethnic boundaries, proclaiming that all believers belong at Christ's table. Pastor Richard challenges us to redeem our tables for gospel purposes by using mealtimes to remember God's provision, deepen our love for one another, and invite unbelievers to experience Christ. As he concludes, "What better way to saturate North Raleigh with the gospel than by saturating it with bread... and giving thanks to the Lord for His physical provision and calling others to see the spiritual provision He has given us in Jesus."   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

In this sermon on Acts 2:42-47, Pastor Jared Richard addresses the concerning decline in church attendance among American Christians, emphasizing that God created the church for our good and His glory. The early believers were devoted not only to Jesus but to one another, gathering together daily for worship, meals, and mutual support. Pastor Richard explains that this fellowship isn't optional but essential, as God is forming a people, a family with purpose. Drawing from 1 Peter 2:4-10, he describes how believers are "living stones" being built into a spiritual house to proclaim God's excellencies. The church provides three vital gospel benefits: it deepens our joy in the gospel through shared worship, helps us evidence the gospel's power through meeting needs and extending forgiveness, and strengthens our hope by giving us glimpses of heaven. Pastor Richard challenges believers to resist autonomy by gathering faithfully, resist anonymity by pursuing meaningful relationships, and resist apathy by practicing gratitude for God's design of the church.   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration