Highland Baptist Church

Romans 12:3-8

“A Church United: Family Resemblances”

September 13, 2026

1. A Church United Must Also Be Humble:
2. A United Church Will Use Its Gifts:

Paul is pleading with his brothers and sisters in Christ: present yourselves to God, sold out and to His service, like bringing a sacrifice to the altar, but instead like ...

Recorded 9/6/2026

Pastor Larry Stephens delivers a message reminding believers to know who they are in Christ Jesus.

The letter of Romans may be the most important letter in human history.

Pastor Larry challenges the church to proclaim the gospel message frequently and to affirm the assurance of salvation. Believers can know with certainty if they are in Christ.

Rom 10:12  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; fo...

Pastor Larry G. Stephens continues a sermon series through The Letter of James: 

James 5:1-6 “Seeking Wisdom in Contentment” August 16, 2026

I. The Riches of This World Will One Day Fade Away II. True Satisfaction in Christ Yields Worshipful Stewardship

These verses will catalog the sins against those who have put their faith in their possessions. These accusations also mirror Chapter 2 on the sin of partiality. Ja...

Recorded 8/9/26

Pastor Larry Stephens brings a message on examining motives. The question is, "What kind of legacy do you want to leave?"

Examine the Atmosphere of Your Life Today:

James writes the equivalent of “Come on Now," or “Consider carefully what you are saying.” There seem to be some business people who have first stubbed their nose at the poor, and now seem to be setting up their practice to see what the...

1. Run Away from Selfish Ambition (vss. 1-5):
2. Submit Yourself to the Lord (vss. 6-12):

Do you ever wonder why there are so many church divisions over trivial things? Do you ever wonder why people in church culture fight and quarrel over things that make no sense? James asks this, but then answers. He identifies this fight as warfare (armed conflict); the origin of a war or any quarrel is sometimes hard to find, but Jame...

James 3: 13-18 “Seeking Wisdom from Above

July 26, 2026

1. Seeking Wisdom from Above While Separating from Jealousy and Selfishness
2. Seeking Wisdom from Above and Bearing Good Fruit

James hopes that everyone in the communities he speaks to will take his warnings about having the right kind of wisdom to heart and reflect on their own lives. This kind of wisdom will build up and not tear down.

“Zeal” can ei...

Recorded 7-19-2026

Pastor Larry Stephens brings a sermon from James 3:1-12 on the importance of taming the tongue.

I. Seeking Wisdom in Taming the Tongue: Evaluating Responsibilities to Truth (vss. 1-6):

II. Seeking Wisdom in Taming the Tongue: Evaluating Consistency (vss. 7-12):

What are some ways that we can live a consistent life in Christ?

1. Fix Your Eyes on Jesus First.

2. Be Slow to Judge Others.

3. Extend Grace to Others, ...

Recorded 7/12/2026

James 2: 14-26 “Seeking Wisdom in Works, Faith, and Justification."

1. Seeking Wisdom in Faith and Works:
2. Seeking Wisdom in Justification:

By the power of God’s Spirit, you and I can cast away all sin of partiality and favoritism and look at all people the way God sees them, in need of a savior. Ev...

Recorded for the ordination service of Eric Hudson, 06/28/2026

Pastor Larry Stephens issues a challenge from James 2:1-13 to seek wisdom in ordination with respect of persons and also in mercy.

The ordination council both challenged and encouraged Eric to remain faithful to the ministry and continue following what the Lord has called him to do.

This is a lesson on humility and total trust in God to sustain and keep those He also ca...

Recorded June 7, 2026

Pastor Larry Stephens begins a new sermon series through the Letter of James on "Seeking Wisdom."

James 1:1-18, “Seeking Wisdom in Times of Turmoil, Doubt, and Temptation”

I. Seeking Wisdom: In Times of Turmoil (vss. 1-5)

II. Seeking Wisdom: In Times of Doubt (vss. 6-13)

III. Seeking Wisdom in Times of Temptation (vss. 14-18)

This letter was written around 45 AD, during a time of heavy persecution ...

Recorded for Graduation Sunday, 5/31/2026

Youth Minister Eric Hudson brings a timely message to the graduating class of 2026 from II Timothy, chapters 1 and 2.

Eric issued six challenges, not only for the graduates, but also for the whole body to consider.

2Ti 1:6  For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,  2Ti 1:7  for God gave us a spirit not ...

II Corinthians 9:12-15 “The Worshipful Giver”

May 24, 2026

 Pastor Larry Stephens

1. The Worshipful Giver Will Bring Confession and Glory to God
2. The Worshipful Giver Anticipates God’s Providence

Paul composed this section of the epistle to remind the congregation of their commitment to support the church in Jerusalem. He encourages them to proceed with the preparations for the offering and to refle...

Generosity Series: II Corinthians 9:10-11 “The Thankful Giver”

Pastor Larry Stephens

May 17th 2026

The reformers had a tenet that is helpful in regard to salvation, or anything pertaining to the Christian life, it is, Sola Deo Gloria, to the “glory of God Alone,” and that the only ambition we have is to bring Glory to God Alone.  I. I. I.Express Open-Handed Giving: The Latin word provideo, from which we...

Pastor Larry Stephens brings a message on the importance of families praying together. This message was preached on Mother's Day 2026, and also with a Child Dedication Service.

From Genesis 25:21-24, Pastor Larry makes the points,

I. The Family that Prays Together Stays Together (vss. 21-22)

II. Pray Through The Adversity(vss. 23-24) 

Discipleship Reflection: How to Protect and Train Your Children:

• Read Scripture daily, ...

1. The Hilarious Giver Will Sow Bountifully
2. The Hilarious Giver Will Be Fully Supplied, for Every Good Work

• Paul is mediating an offering to the Saints in Jerusalem who are experiencing poverty. Historically, poverty was a common condition in Jerusalem. In Acts, it is noted that some individuals had relinquished their property to assist “all those who had need.”
• Sowing bountifully implies more than just p...