n Ecclesiastes 2, King Solomon shares his search for fulfillment. He experienced pleasure, success, wealth, relationships, and achievement, yet without God it all felt empty - “vanity.”

This message explores:

• Why pleasure and laughter cannot produce lasting joy

• How success and achievement fail to satisfy the heart

• The danger of finding identity in what we do instead of who God is

• The truth that real joy comes from a relationship with Christ Solomon’s journey reminds us that the joy we seek cannot be found within ourselves or in this world - it is found in God alone.

📖 Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:1-26

🙏 Series: Emotions - Navigating Our Feelings with Biblical Truth

If this message encouraged you, like, subscribe, and share to help others discover where true joy is found.

Guilt Psalm 51:1-14

Today we continue our series Emotions: Navigating Our Feelings with Biblical Truth by looking at the weight of guilt.

Guilt is the internal acknowledgment that we have done wrong. When we bury or excuse sin, guilt does not disappear - it grows, affecting our relationships, fueling anxiety, and leading to anger, bitterness, and depression.

In Psalm 51, David responds to his sin with Bathsheba. Though a king and a man after God’s own heart, he fell into sin, reminding us that no one is above guilt. Yet his prayer shows the path to freedom.

In this message we explore:

• The depth of guilt - how it haunts and weighs us down

• The solution for guilt - acknowledging sin, confessing it, and seeking reconciliation

• The restoration after guilt - the joy and freedom found in forgiveness

Romans 8:1 reminds us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. In Him, we are fully known, fully forgiven, and truly free.

In this message, we explore how the Gospel transforms the way we respond to anger. Paul reminds us that spiritual maturity is revealed not only in what we believe, but in how we handle our emotions-especially when we don’t get what we want or feel we deserve. The Gospel frees us to experience righteous anger without sinning, to guard our words, and to replace bitterness with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.

If you’ve ever struggled with lingering frustration, outbursts, or unresolved hurt, this teaching points us back to the only lasting solution-the transforming work of Christ in our hearts.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:26-32

Series: Emotions: Navigating Feelings with Biblical Truth

Join us as we learn how forgiven people forgive, and how the kindness of Jesus reshapes the way we respond to others.

In this episode, we talk about why unforgiveness becomes a prison and how the forgiveness we’ve received through Jesus is meant to change the way we live with others. Many of us carry wounds from broken marriages, betrayal by friends, painful words from parents, disappointment from leaders, or moments when people didn’t show up the way we hoped.

Jesus teaches that forgiveness is not about keeping score, but about reflecting His heart. When forgiveness is withheld, it leads to broken relationships, unhealthy reactions, and a hardened heart. But forgiveness brings freedom - not just for others, but for us.

The gospel reminds us that forgiveness is an inside-out transformation. Forgiven people forgive people. This episode points us to the cross, where we see the heart of Christ-like forgiveness and the freedom it brings.

This week, we focus on depression. Depression is real, complex, and Christians are not exempt from it. From 1 Kings 19:1–15, we look at the story of Elijah and see that even a faithful prophet struggled with fear, exhaustion, and discouragement. Through his life, we learn that depression can affect us emotionally, spiritually, and physically - and that God meets us in all three.

In this message, we explore:

+How fear and burnout contribute to depression

+Why spiritual victory doesn’t make us immune

+Where true strength and peace are found in God The church should be the safest place to talk about what we’re feeling.

You are not alone - and God cares deeply about your inner life. If this message encourages you: Like, share, and comment below to engage with your church family!

In this message concluding our Giving > Receiving series, we look at Philippians 4 and discover why generosity is such a powerful source of joy in the life of a believer. Writing from a prison cell, the Apostle Paul thanks the church at Philippi for their faithful support and reminds them that giving to God’s work is never wasted.

This message walks through four reasons Scripture shows us that joy is found in giving to the mission of God:

• Giving is commended and pleases God 🤍

• Giving is an eternal investment ⏳

• Giving is rewarded by God 🙏

• Giving spreads the Gospel to people far from Him 🌍

The church at Philippi modeled sacrificial generosity, partnering with Paul for years so the Gospel could go further than they ever could themselves. Their giving reached even into Caesar’s household, proving that generosity fuels Gospel impact.

When we give, we are not simply meeting needs. We are partnering in God’s mission, storing up eternal fruit, and helping others experience the grace of Jesus that has changed our own lives.

📖 Scripture: Philippians 4:14–23 📌 Series: Giving > Receiving

In this message, we continue our Giving / Receiving series by focusing on the heart behind our giving. Scripture reminds us that generosity is not about the amount we give, but the heart in which we give. God does not need our money - He wants our hearts.

Jesus illustrates this truth through the widow who gave two small coins, showing that sacrificial, faith-filled giving matters more than impressive amounts. The Apostle Paul builds on this in 2 Corinthians 9, teaching that cheerful giving flows from a heart transformed by the Gospel, not from obligation or pressure.

This message explores:

-Why giving is a heart issue, not a numbers issue

-What it means to be a cheerful giver

-The spiritual principle of sowing and reaping

-Why generosity is something God wants for us, not from us

-How we can trust God to supply as we give faithfully

When we give with joy and faith, God produces far more in our lives than money alone could ever provide. The truth remains - you cannot out-give God.

📖 Scripture: Acts 20:35, Mark 12, Luke 21, 2 Corinthians 9

📌 Series: Giving / Receiving

Through Paul’s teaching to the church at Corinth, this series reveals God’s desire for His people to be generous, disciplined, and gracious with what He has entrusted to them. Giving is more than an action - it is a mindset shaped by the gospel. God doesn’t need our money; He wants our hearts.

You’ll discover the difference between giving and generosity, why intentional and disciplined giving matters, how tithing serves as a baseline of faith, and why Christian giving is an act of grace rather than obligation.

Ultimately, this series challenges believers to ask an honest question - if your money could talk, what would it say about your heart? Learn how aligning your finances with your faith leads to freedom and deeper trust in God.

In this message from our Christmas series Road to Bethlehem, we step into the story through the eyes of the shepherds. Considered the lowest in society and often overlooked, they were ordinary people doing ordinary work. Yet God chose them first to hear the good news of Christ’s birth. Through their story, we see that God comes to nobodies, makes them somebodies, and entrusts them with a message that is meant for everybody.

In this message from our Christmas series Road to Bethlehem, we step into the story through the eyes of Mary and Joseph. God’s promise, first spoken through the prophets, now becomes deeply personal - and profoundly inconvenient. As they follow God’s call, we see that obedience may disrupt our plans, but it is always met with God’s strength, presence, and purpose.

Before Mary and Joseph ever began their journey… before the angels appeared to the shepherds… the road to Bethlehem was already being paved by the Old Testament prophets.

In this episode, we look through the lens of Isaiah, who delivered a breathtaking promise to one of the most unlikely recipients: King Ahaz - a king who wasn’t walking with God at all. So why did God give him the announcement of a coming Messiah?

Because God comes to us, even when we aren’t looking for Him. Because His faithfulness isn’t dependent on ours. And because the sign He promised - the virgin birth - would become one of the clearest demonstrations of His power, sovereignty, and love.

Join us as we explore how prophecy points the way to Bethlehem and sets the stage for the greatest arrival in history.

We explore how this commandment isn’t just about avoiding envy - it’s an invitation to gratitude, contentment, and seeing Christ as our ultimate treasure. When our hearts rest in Him, we’re freed from comparison and able to genuinely appreciate the blessings God has already placed in our lives.

Join the conversation as we close out this series with a message that challenges, encourages, and fits the season perfectly.

From everyday dishonesty to the deeper heart issues of gossip, slander, half-truths, and character-damaging words, this sermon shines a light on the subtle ways we can misuse our words and misrepresent the truth. More than a rule to follow, the Ninth Commandment invites us to reflect the character of a God who is truth.

Whether you're watching or listening, this message will challenge and encourage you to live with integrity, speak life, and pursue truth in every relationship.

🔔 Subscribe for more messages in our Written in Stone series!

📖 Scripture Focus: Exodus 20:16

Stealing isn’t just about taking what belongs to someone else; it’s about a heart that forgets gratitude and trust in God’s provision. In this message, we’re challenged to look deeper — to be thankful, content, and faithful stewards of what the Lord has already blessed us with.

📖 Scripture: Exodus 20:15 🎙️ Message Title: Don’t Steal

#BetweenSundays #UGPodcast #GraceAndTruth #Forgiveness #JesusTeaches

At first glance, it’s easy to think this one doesn’t apply to us - after all, most of us haven’t physically taken someone’s life. But as Pastor Josh reminds us, Jesus took this command even deeper. In the New Testament, He made it a heart issue: if we carry anger, hatred, or bitterness toward someone, we’ve already broken this commandment in our hearts.

Before diving into that truth, we also take an honest look at the value of life, touching on abortion and God’s view of humanity as made in His image.

It’s a message that challenges us not only to avoid hatred, but to choose life, love, and reconciliation in every relationship.

🪨 Series: Written in Stone

📖 Passage: Exodus 20:13, Matthew 5:21–22

🎥 Listen now and let God’s Word shape your heart.

This isn’t just a command for kids - it’s a call for families to rediscover God’s design for respect, authority, and healthy relationships. Pastor Josh shares why so much of today’s chaos in schools and homes comes from parents trying to be their kids’ friends instead of their parents - and how we can reclaim a biblical foundation for parenting and honor.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 When children learn to honor, families thrive - and when parents lead with love and authority, homes are transformed.

📖 Exodus 20:12 - “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.”

👉 Watch, share, and let us know in the comments how this message spoke to you! #HonorYourParents #WrittenInStone #PastorJoshEvans #UnionGrove

Pastor Josh explains how the Sabbath was made for man and was never meant to be a burden for believers. Instead, it is a gift pointing us toward true rest in Christ. He unpacks the biblical foundation for the Sabbath and shows how living in step with God’s rhythm of work and rest leads to deeper worship, renewed perspective, and spiritual health.

If you’ve ever struggled to slow down in a busy world, this message will encourage you to embrace God’s design for Sabbath rest.

We often think of this command as only about the words we say—but Pastor Josh showed us that it also speaks to the way we live. Bearing God’s name means our lives should reflect His character. When our actions contradict His holiness, we dishonor His name just as much as when we misuse it with our lips.

📖 Scripture: Exodus 20:7 🎙 Speaker: Pastor Josh Evans

If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with a friend and don’t forget to subscribe for more messages each week.

Join us as we explore why this commandment matters today and how it shapes the way we worship and live.

📖 Exodus 20:4–6

🙌 Written in Stone: A Series on the Ten Commandments

🎙️ Subscribe and follow along as Pastor Josh walks us through God’s timeless truth.

God’s command to worship Him alone wasn’t just for ancient Israel—it’s still for us today. While the idols may not look like golden statues anymore, we often find ourselves worshiping the same “gods,” just under new names: success, comfort, relationships, money, and more.

In this message, Pastor Josh unpacks the timeless truth that only God deserves first place in our lives, and shows how we can identify and lay down the false gods that compete for our worship.

📖 Scripture: Exodus 20:1–3 ➡️ Series: Written In Stone ➡️ Message 1: No Other gods

Pastor Josh Evans reminded us that the Christian life is not centered on our own preferences or desires, but on Christ Himself - His body, His mission, and His glory.

The message concluded with a special time of communion, where we remembered the sacrifice of Jesus and celebrated the life we share in Him.

📖 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12 ✝️ Series: Not About Me (Final Week) 🍞 Communion Sunday

If you missed it, or if you want to revisit this moment of worship and reflection, watch now and be encouraged to live with Christ over self.

Join us as we learn what it looks like to live for God’s glory above our own desires, and how putting Him first impacts our choices, our freedom, and our witness.

What matters is the gospel - and letting it shape every part of our lives.

📖 Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27

🙌 Series: Not About Me

Join us as we continue walking through this powerful series and learn how to live a life centered not on ourselves, but on Christ and His mission.

After the 1,000-year reign of Christ, Satan is released briefly and deceives the nations before being cast into the Lake of Fire forever. Then the dead stand before God, the books are opened, and another book - the Book of Life.

This passage reminds us of several important truths:

+Satan is a powerful deceiver +God is perfectly just

+Eternal judgment is real

+What matters most is whether your name is written in the Book of Life

Revelation 20 is both a warning and an invitation. Through Jesus Christ, salvation is available today.

📖 Passage - Revelation 20:7-15

📍 Series - Revelation: The Returning King

#BibleStudy #Revelation #EndTimes #BookOfLife #JesusIsComing #ChristianTeaching

In this message from Revelation 19:11-21, we see a powerful picture of Christ’s return: Heaven opened, the King of Kings revealed, and evil finally defeated. Jesus returns in righteousness, bringing justice, judgment, and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

This passage reminds us that history is not random and evil does not win. Christ’s return is certain, His victory is final, and every person will one day stand before Him. The question isn’t if He’s coming - it’s are we ready?

📖 Scripture: Revelation 19:11-21

In Revelation 19, we shift from the wrath of God to one of the most hopeful and powerful scenes in all of Scripture - the return of Christ and the celebration known as the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

In this message, we explore the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ and why understanding that distinction matters. We also look at the “sounds in heaven” as John hears worship, rejoicing, and repeated cries of Alleluia as the church is united with Christ forever.

Using the Jewish tradition of marriage, we see a beautiful picture of the gospel:

+The betrothal period points to our salvation.

+The waiting period reflects our current season as we wait for Christ’s return.

+The wedding feast points to the eternal celebration we will one day experience with Him.

The bridegroom is coming soon. The question is simple... Are you ready?

📖 Scripture: Revelation 19:1–10

📍 Series: Revelation – The Returning King

🏛 Union Grove Baptist Church

This message examines the deception of wealth, power, and self-glory, and God’s clear call to His people to separate from a corrupt world system. As Babylon falls, Revelation reminds us that every man-made kingdom will fail, but the Kingdom of Christ will stand forever.

Knowing how the story ends shapes how we live today. Where we place our trust matters, and Jesus alone is worthy.

📖 Scripture: Revelation 18:1–24

📌 Series: The Returning King

What city are you living for?

In this message from our Revelation series The Returning King, we examine A Tale of Two Cities found in Revelation 17-18. Scripture presents a powerful contrast between Babylon, a man-made system opposed to God, and the Kingdom of God, Christ’s eternal and unshakable kingdom.

As the tribulation unfolds and the Antichrist system rises, Revelation reveals the true nature of Babylon - religious deception, political power, economic seduction, and spiritual adultery. Though Babylon appears beautiful and powerful, its end is certain. Jesus will overcome every anti-God system.

This message walks through:

-The meaning of Babylon as a global, anti-God system

-Why Babylon is described as spiritual adultery

-How false religion, wealth, and power deceive the nations

-The role of the Antichrist during the tribulation

-The hope and victory found in Christ’s coming kingdom

Knowing how the story ends changes how we live today. Jesus wins - and that truth calls us to examine where our allegiance truly lies.

📖 Scripture: Revelation 17:1-18 📌 Series: The Returning King

Revelation 16 reveals the final series of judgments poured out on the world before the return of Christ. Each vial exposes the seriousness of sin, the justice of God, and the reality that humanity cannot escape the consequences of rejecting Him. Yet even in judgment, we see God’s righteousness, His patience running its full course, and His ultimate plan to set things right.

In this teaching, we look at:

• 💧 The First Bowl - painful sores and the consequences of rebellion

• 🌊 The Second & Third Bowls - waters turned to blood and the justice of God

• ☀️ The Fourth Bowl - scorching heat and hardened hearts

• 🌑 The Fifth Bowl - darkness over the kingdom of the beast

• 🌍 The Sixth Bowl - preparations for Armageddon

• ⚡ The Seventh Bowl - the final shaking before the King returns

Through all of this, we’re reminded that Jesus is the Returning King, and every event is leading toward His victorious return. This chapter isn’t just about judgment - it’s about hope, justice, and the certainty that God will finish what He started.

If you’re following our series, this episode will help you understand not only what these judgments mean, but what they reveal about the heart and character of God - and how we should respond today.

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more teachings in our series, Revelation: The Returning King.

Join us as we step into the heavenly scene of worship and judgment, and discover what it means to trust God’s justice, celebrate His faithfulness, and stand in awe of His holiness.

📖 Passage: Revelation 15 🙌 Theme: God’s Perfect Wrath & the Song of the Redeemed

If this message blesses you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs encouragement today.

In this powerful message, we uncover the breathtaking vision of Revelation 11-12 - the woman, the child, and the dragon; a cosmic battle between God’s redemptive plan and Satan’s rebellion.

🔥 Discover the meaning behind the Seventh Trumpet and what it reveals about Christ’s coming reign.

⚔️ Learn why every scheme of the enemy will fail and how God’s plan of redemption will prevail through every age and nation. This isn’t just prophecy - it’s a reminder that the victory has already been won, and the Returning King is coming soon.

📖 Scripture: Revelation 11:15-19; Revelation 12:1-17

🎥 Series: Revelation: The Returning King

💡 Theme: God’s plan of redemption will always triumph over evil.

#Revelation #EndTimes #BibleProphecy #JesusReturns #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #SpiritualWarfare

Whether you’re studying Revelation for the first time or looking for deeper insights, this teaching will help you see the text in a fresh, practical light.

📖Scripture references: Revelation 10-11

🙏 If this message blesses you, consider liking, commenting, and subscribing to stay connected with our study series.

Episode: The First Six Trumpets (Revelation 8–9)

Speaker: Pastor Josh Evans

Join Pastor Josh Evans as he dives into Revelation 8–9, exploring the dramatic and sobering events of the first six trumpets. In this message, Pastor Evans unpacks the judgment, symbolism, and divine purposes behind these trumpet blasts, helping us understand how God’s sovereignty and justice intersect with human history and the ultimate return of Christ.

Whether you’re studying Revelation for the first time or looking for deeper understanding, this teaching offers clarity, encouragement, and a call to faithfulness as we await the returning King.

Listen. Learn. Be Prepared.

Join us as we explore how this vision reminds us of God’s faithfulness, His promise to redeem, and the hope we have in Christ, the returning King.

📖 Scripture: Revelation 7:1–17 🎙️ Speaker: Pastor Josh Evans 🔔 Subscribe to stay updated with future messages in this series.

We’ll look at what these seals mean, how they point us to the sovereignty of Christ, and what it means for us as we wait for His return.

📖 Scripture: Revelation 6:1–17

🎙 Series: The Returning King

👤 Speaker: Pastor Josh Evans

If this message encourages you, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe so you won’t miss future messages from Union Grove Baptist Church.

In this episode of our Revelation study, The Returning King, Pastor Josh Evans takes us into the awe-inspiring throne room of heaven. From John’s vision in Revelation 4, we see the majesty, holiness, and glory of God displayed in powerful imagery - the throne, the worship of the living creatures, and the twenty-four elders casting their crowns.

This passage reminds us that no matter what’s happening on earth, God reigns supreme from His throne in heaven. Our response is the same as theirs: unending worship to the One who is worthy.

🙏 Join us as we open Scripture and fix our eyes on the King who is returning.

#Revelation #TheReturningKing #BibleStudy #TheThroneRoom

📖 Scripture: Revelation 4:1-2 🔔 Subscribe for more messages from RETURN OF THE KING!

#Revelation #Rapture #BibleTeaching #ReturnOfTheKing

From Matthew 28:16-20, we’re reminded that Jesus’ authority empowers us to reach people and make disciples across the street and around the world. Our responsibility is to go - God is responsible for saving. The goal is not just conversion, but discipleship: learning from Jesus and living in obedience to Him.

As we go, teach, and baptize, we make disciples who make disciples. And we do it with the incredible promise that Jesus is with us always.

Are you just a believer, or are you a disciple? And who are you bringing along with you?

Join us as we pursue God’s mission together.

Afterward, six members of our church shared brief reflections on different Scriptures about thanksgiving - each highlighting what gratitude looks like in the life of a believer.

Whether you were with us in person or catching up later, we pray this service encourages a heart of true thankfulness as we follow Christ.

In this challenging and heartfelt sermon, we’re reminded of Paul’s compassion for the Philippian jailer - a love that went beyond comfort and convenience. Pastor Baker calls us to examine our own hearts: Do we truly care about the lost? Do we care enough to reach out, to share, and to live with an eternal perspective?

Join us as we’re stirred to renew our passion for souls and reflect the heart of Christ to a world that desperately needs Him.

📖 Scripture Reference: Acts 16

🎙️ Speaker: Brian Baker

🏷️ Message Title: Do We Really Care?

Our special guest speaker, Dr. Howard Wilburn, a former pastor in our area and dear friend of our ministry, shared a powerful message about Paul’s confidence in Christ - a reminder that our faith and hope are secure in Him alone.

📖 “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” - Philippians 1:6

#HomecomingService #ChurchAnniversary #UGBC #ConfidenceInChrist