Dr. Brian Keesler

Through the Storm Part 2: Storms Come Even When We Obey - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

No matter who you are or what you’ve done, storms will come up in your life. In the revisitation of the sermon series, Through the Storm, Dr. Brian Keesler comforts those finding themselves in the middle of a trial by reminding them that Jesus is the wave walker. Dr. Keesler stresses that the presence of a storm generally has nothing to do with what that person has done, but rather who they are and where they’re going. If you find yourself in a trial or tribulation, it is likely happening because you are walking in obedience. Dr. Keesler uses the account of the disciples crossing the lake in Mark 6:45 to illustrate this concept. The disciples obeyed Jesus’s command to get in the boat and head toward Bethsaida. As the disciples traveled to the destination that Jesus commanded, they encountered a storm. When Jesus saw the disciples struggling at rowing and heard their cry for help, He got in the boat and calmed the storm. This passage notes that Jesus was ready to pass them by before He heard their cry. The same is true for those found in Christ. Jesus is attentive and willing to respond, but the righteous must be willing to ask for help. As you watch this encouraging sermon, find reassurance in any situation knowing that Jesus sees you, your trial is not because of anything you’ve done, and He is about ready to get in your boat. 

Scripture References

  • Psalms 34:17-19 (NKJV)

  • Mark 6:45-52 (NKJV)

  • John 16:33 (NKVJ)

Through the Storm Part 1: The Afflictions of the Righteous - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. In the introduction to the sermon series, Through the Storm, Dr. Brian Keesler brings encouragement to the body from Psalms 34:19. Dr. Keesler reminds the church that living a perfect life does not equate to having a problem-free life. As long as we live in the world, we will encounter various storms. Even Jesus who was without sin was faced with temptations from the enemy during moments of weakness. Despite the surety of the storm, Dr. Keesler advises listeners to maintain their hope because Jesus promised deliverance from every trial. As you watch this sermon, find encouragement as you secure yourself in the truth that God is greater than anything you will ever face.

Scripture References

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. Psalms 34:19 (NKJV)

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NKJV)

Letting Go - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

When you’re running a race, even the slightest addition of weight can slow you down. In this self-reflective sermon, Dr. Brian Keesler expounds upon Hebrews 12:1-2 before asking listeners to search their own hearts for anything that may be keeping them from running their race with endurance. These hidden weights may include bitterness, unforgiveness, pride, etc. The Christian life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Therefore, it is imperative that we uncover and strip off any hidden burdens that may hinder our journey.

Scripture References

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)

Finding Joy Part 4: Joy in the Trial - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

You might not always feel happy, but you can always be full of joy. In Part 4 of the sermon series, Finding Joy, Dr. Brian Keesler brings an insightful message on how to have joy in the trial. Dr. Keesler begins his sermon by pressing in on the fact that the tests and trials we encounter are not from God. God is not evil nor will He ever employ evil to bring humility or strength to His children. Dr. Keesler also reminds believers of their ability to either lose their peace during a test or to count it all as joy. If you’re a follower of Christ, you always have cause for joy because the outcome for a Christian is always victory. If you’re not winning now, you’re just getting ready to win. The problems that we face will eventually fade away but our inheritance in Christ will always stand. We will always have our salvation and the hope of an eternity in heaven. As we ponder upon God’s promises we build up our ability to rejoice through every situation. God can and will pull you out of a storm even better than you were when you walked in to it. As you watch this sermon, anchor yourself in the ability to weather any storm when you learn the power of patience and the consistency of a victorious outcome for those who are in Christ. 

Scripture References

  • James 1:2-4 (NKJV, TPT)

  • 1 Peter 1:3-9 (NKJV, TPT)

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Finding Joy Part 3: Joy in Giving - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

You might not always feel happy, but you can always be full of joy. In Part 3 of the sermon series, Finding Joy, Dr. Brian Keesler continues to share ways believers can remain joyful, even amidst adverse circumstances. In this message, Dr. Keesler focuses on how to find joy in giving. Dr. Keesler begins his sermon by differentiating between the two types of emotions that motivate someone to give—fear and love. People either give to God because they love Him or because they fear Him. Many Christians view God as a “cosmic mafia boss” that is going to come to collect if they don’t pay up. If a person gives just to fill an obligation or to avoid punishment their motive is wrong. Giving that is based on this mentality rarely ever results in joy. On the contrary, when a person gives out of their love for God and the brethren they are able to experience true joy. The very nature of God is to give and as born-again believers we should share in His desire to freely give. As you watch this sermon prepare to see giving in a whole new light and experience the overwhelming joy that comes from having a generous heart.

Scripture References

  • 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 (TPT)

  • 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (TPT)

  • Romans 15:13 (TPT)

Finding Joy Part 2: Joy in God's House - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

You might not always feel happy, but you can always be full of joy. In the continuation of the sermon series, Finding Joy, Dr. Brian Keesler shares how attending church can increase your joy, if you have the right perspective. You can either view church as a chore on your checklist or as participation in heaven’s agenda here on earth. King David discovered this truth and proclaimed his gladness about going to the House of the Lord in Psalms 122:1. When was the last time you were this exuberant to go to church? Have you ever found yourself rejoicing in the car on your way to church because you were so enthusiastic? If you think church is boring, it’s time to remind yourself of what actually happens inside those four walls: the very presence of God is manifested, souls are rescued from an eternity in hell, bodies are healed, and callings are revealed. As you watch this sermon, prepare for a perspective shift as you begin to see church attendance in a new light. Never again will you view church as a chore.

Scripture Reference

“I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the LORD.” Psalms 122:1 (NKJV)

Finding Joy Part 1: Full of Joy - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

You might not always feel happy, but you can always be full of joy. In the first part of the sermon series, Finding Joy, Dr. Brian Keesler explains the difference between the emotion of happiness and the spiritual fruit of joy. Joy is a supernatural fruit and comes from the Holy Spirit, while happiness is a basic human emotion that results from circumstances/happenings. Joy does not result from what is happening around you; joy results from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within a born-again believer. Dr. Keesler then shares biblical practices that believers can employ to remain joyful despite their circumstances. Those practices include walking in close relationship with Jesus and believing upon the Word of God. As you learn more about the benefits of maintaining an intimate walk with the Lord, prepare for an infilling of joy.

Scripture References

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

God's Gifts - Pastor Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

Are the gifts of God still in operation today? How do I test the validity of a move of the spirit? Pastor Brian Keesler answers these questions and others in the sermon, God’s Gifts. Pastor Brian expounds upon the three categories of gifts mentioned in the Bible: gifts of the Father, gifts of the Holy Spirit, and gifts of the Son and explains the four major belief systems centered around their operation. Learn more about the function of fivefold ministers, the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the various levels of grace given by God.

Scripture References

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:7-10

We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8

Shareable Highlights

Good Ground - Pastor Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

Is the soil of your heart good ground? In Part 3 of the sermon series, Receiving the Word, Pastor Brian Keesler shares how the condition of our heart plays a key role in our ability to receive the Word. Outlined in his message are three practices that a person can follow to always get the most out of the Word they hear. Those methods include studying the message to verify its accuracy, meditating upon the Word to extract the most “nutrition” from it, and actually putting it into practice. The Word is one of the primary things satan will try to steal from a believer. When satan tries to steal the Word we need to double-down on it, not back down from it. After listening to this sermon you will be able to: determine the condition of the soil of your heart; ensure your heart is ready to receive all you can from the Word of God; and make sure the Word always works for you.

Scripture References

  • Mark 4:1-9 (NKJV)

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV)

  • James 1:21 (NKJV)

Shareable Highlights

Stony Ground - Pastor Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

Are you living a life of balance? Mark 4:16-17 speaks of the Word falling on the stony ground of someone who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness, but do not have any root so they can only endure for a short time. In part two of the sermon series, Receiving the Word, Pastor Brian Keesler shares that if your walk with the Lord seems to have halted it may be time to ask yourself if your Bible reading and prayer life is greater than, less than or equal to your extracurricular activities.

The Gospel Part 2: Removing the Veil - Pastor Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

Many times when sharing our faith we become discouraged due to the lack of immediate fruit that we see. In this powerful message Pastor Brian Keesler explains how we can stay encouraged and continue to share our faith understanding that satan has blinded the eyes of the lost so they cannot see the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel Part 1: Preach the Gospel - Pastor Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

The great commission is not just a good suggestion. In this message, Pastor Brian Keesler teaches that the moment you become a Christian is the moment you enter into ministry. As believers, we do not have a choice whether or not we get to proclaim the gospel of Jesus. It is our duty. You might not feel like a preacher, but according to Mark 16:15 you are called to evangelize.

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