Plains Baptist Church: Discover Jesus

The Gospel Continues

Raymond Smith — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 09:30:00 +0100

The Gospel Continues

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 17th August 2025

Passages:

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Jesus’ ascension was not the end of His work but the beginning of the gospel continuing through His people. He returned to the Father so the Holy Spirit could come, empowering you to carry the good news into the world. That same Spirit equips believers today with everything needed to share Christ and see lives changed.

What's Next!

Raymond Smith — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 09:30:00 +0100

What's Next!

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 10th August 2025

Passages:

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After His resurrection, Jesus spent forty days preparing His disciples for what came next—taking the gospel to the whole world. The Great Commission is not a one-time event but a continual calling to proclaim the gospel to every person.

Every person must respond to the gospel—either by accepting Christ as Savior or rejecting Him. Where you stand with Jesus Christ is the most important decision you will ever make.

The Resurrection Revealed

Raymond Smith — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 09:30:00 +0100

The Resurrection Revealed

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 3rd August 2025

Passages:

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The day that Jesus rose from the dead, he did not just quietly depart to Heaven. He wanted people to know that he was alive just as He had told them He would be! Following His resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days on earth being seen by hundreds of people. But that first day he wanted to reveal Himself to those dear to him. Jesus began first by appearing to Mary Magdalen. He came to console her broken heart, encouraging her with love and grace. The resurrection of Jesus changed everything and it is still changing lives today.

What A Difference A Day Makes

Raymond Smith — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 09:30:00 +0100

What A Difference A Day Makes

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 27th July 2025

Passages:

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The women who came to anoint Jesus' body expected sorrow and finality—but what they found changed everything. The tomb was open, not to release Jesus, but to reveal He was no longer there. This moment marked more than an event in history—it confirmed the victory over sin and death. The resurrection isn’t just a doctrine to believe, but a truth that demands a response. Are you living as if Christ is still in the grave, or as if He is alive and reigning? This message invites you to face that question honestly.

Identified with Christ

Raymond Smith — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 09:30:00 +0100

Identified with Christ

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 20th July 2025

Passages:

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Are you hiding your faith because of what others might think? Joseph of Arimathea followed Jesus in secret, until the moment came when silence was no longer an option. He stepped forward publicly, risking status and reputation to stand with Christ in His death.

Are you willing to be identified with Jesus, not just in private belief but in public obedience. True discipleship doesn’t shrink under pressure: it stands for truth. Don’t settle for silent faith when your Savior calls you to follow Him boldly.

The Hour

Raymond Smith — Sun, 04 May 2025 09:30:00 +0100

The Hour

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 4th May 2025

Passages:

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The hour Jesus died was no accident. Everything about the crucifixion happened exactly as God said it would. Jesus went to the cross on purpose, carrying the full burden of your sin and mine. In those dark hours, He gave His life so you could be made right with God. The veil in the temple was torn, the payment was finished, and the way was opened. You’re not asked to earn anything—only to repent and believe on Jesus. If you’ve never made that personal decision, today can be the day

The Steps to the Cross

Raymond Smith — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 09:30:00 +0100

The Steps to the Cross

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 13th April 2025

Passages:

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Jesus didn’t go to the cross because He was overpowered—He went because you needed a Savior. He knew the suffering ahead and chose it anyway. You see His innocence in contrast to the cruelty of men, but the real weight He bore wasn’t a wooden beam—it was your guilt. While the world mocked, heaven saw redemption unfold. This was the only way for you to be made right with God. If you’ve never come face to face with what Jesus did for you, now is the time. Watch the full message and confront what it means for your eternity.

The Road of Rejection

Raymond Smith — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 09:30:00 +0100

The Road of Rejection

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 30th March 2025

Passages:

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You’re going to face a decision about Jesus—just like the council, Pilate, and the crowd did. Each one had a chance to respond to truth of who Jesus is, and each one rejected it for their own reasons. Religion clung to tradition, Pilate feared opinion, and the crowd followed the majority. You don’t have to make the same mistake. This message walks you straight through Mark 15 and the rejection Christ endured for your sake. Watch the full message and ask yourself—what will you do with Jesus?

2025-03-30 AM

Peter's Denial

Raymond Smith — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 09:30:00 +0000

Peter's Denial

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Date: 23rd March 2025

Passages:

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Peter believed he was strong enough to stand with Jesus, but in a moment of fear, he denied even knowing Him. There were clear signs failure was on the horizon—self-confidence, defiance, prayerlessness, and impulsiveness. We can easily go down the same path. None of us are as far from failure as we think.

But failure isn’t the end. Peter’s story also points to forgiveness, restoration, and hope. If you’ve fallen, this is your invitation to come back to Jesus. Watch the full message and examine where you're really standing today.

The Condemnation of Jesus

Raymond Smith — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 09:30:00 +0000

The Condemnation of Jesus

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 9th March 2025

Passages:

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The religious leaders put Jesus on trial with a verdict already decided. They broke their own laws, twisted His words, and searched for false witnesses, but their accusations fell apart.

When asked directly if He was the Christ, Jesus answered, “I am,” leaving no doubt about His identity. The high priest called it blasphemy and condemned Him to death.

Consider your response to Jesus—will you trust Him as Savior or face Him as Judge? Watch the full sermon to understand the choice before you.

The Hour of Betrayal

Raymond Smith — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 09:30:00 +0000

The Hour of Betrayal

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 23rd February 2025

Passages:

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In the quiet of the garden, Jesus stood face to face with betrayal. Judas arrived with an armed crowd, selling out the Savior for thirty pieces of silver—but Jesus didn’t resist. He met his captors with courage, knowing the cross was the only way to redeem us. His disciples, once so bold, fled in fear, yet even in that dark hour, Christ showed compassion. Christ could have destroyed those who came to arrest him but He showed them compassion. His actions reveal the depths of His love and the price He willingly paid for our salvation.

A Place of Dependence

Raymond Smith — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 09:30:00 +0000

A Place of Dependence

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 16th February 2025

Passages:

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The night before the cross, Jesus faced unimaginable sorrow and anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane. Knowing He would bear the weight of the world’s sin, He fell to the ground in prayer, crying out to the Father, “Not what I will, but what thou wilt.”

His struggle wasn’t just physical—it was the crushing burden of taking on sin and enduring the wrath of God. Yet, through prayer, He found the strength to rise and walk forward in obedience.

In our life, trials will come and the flesh will fail, but God provides the strength needed to stand. The call is clear: trust in Christ, stay spiritually alert, and depend on God rather than our own strength. Don’t miss this look into the intense battle before the cross and what it means for life today.

Not Me!

Raymond Smith — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 09:30:00 +0000

Not Me!

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 9th February 2025

Passages:

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As believers, we all like to think, "Not me! I’d never fall away from Jesus." But Peter thought the same—and still denied Him three times.

Self-reliance leads to failure, but true strength comes from depending on Jesus. Even in our weakest moments, Christ offers grace, restoration, and the power to stand firm.

Trusting in Him—not ourselves—is the only way to faithfully follow Jesus.

trust #FindStrengthInJesus #DependOnJesus #JesusIsOurStrength

The Master’s Picture

Raymond Smith — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 09:30:00 +0000

The Master’s Picture

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 26th January 2025

Passages:

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As Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples for the final time, He explained the significance of each element—a familiar explanation they had heard many times before. This time, however, Jesus revealed a deeper meaning: the Passover lamb symbolized Himself, and the meal pointed to His impending death on the cross. His body would be broken body and his blood shed to provide salvation for all those who put their faith in Him. The Passover meal, once a remembrance of Israel's deliverance, would now serve as a memorial of Jesus’ sacrifice to take the punishment for sin.

The Proclamation

Raymond Smith — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 09:30:00 +0000

The Proclamation

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 19th January 2025

Passages:

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During the Passover meal, Jesus reveals that one of His disciples will betray Him, leading the others to examine their own hearts. Despite Jesus' offer of grace and an opportunity for repentance, Judas chooses to reject Him, sealing his eternal fate. We, too, are offered the chance to turn to Jesus, to repent and be saved.

The Last Passover

Raymond Smith — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 09:30:00 +0000

The Last Passover

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 12th January 2025

Passages:

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In Mark 14:12-16, Jesus prepares for the Passover with His disciples, knowing His betrayal is near. Jesus gives Peter and John somewhat vague instructions to prepare for the Passover and they trust His plan without knowing all the details. The Passover lamb they prepare points to Jesus Himself—the sinless Lamb of God, whose shed blood provides salvation to those who trust Him personally as Savior. This powerful moment invites us to reflect on our faith: Do we trust God’s plan, even when it’s unclear? Watch the video to explore how this passage reveals the beauty of Christ’s sacrifice and the call to make Him your Savior.

Motives

Raymond Smith — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 09:30:00 +0000

Motives

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 5th January 2025

Passages:

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Motive matters. We can try to understand a person's motives by what they do but even then we cannot know for certain. There are only two that can really know the motives of someone: God and self. And sometimes, we may not even understand our own motives. But God always accurately assesses the motive of every paerson. What is your motive for the things you do? To give or take? To love or hate? To be devoted or deceitful?

whatsyourmotive #motivematters #motivesrevealed #God #Jesus #pbclincoln

Ready or not!

Raymond Smith — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Ready or not!

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 29th December 2024

Passages:

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Jesus instructs his disciples and everyone today that we need to be ready and watching for what is to come. Jesus is coming, whether we are ready or not! If you aren’t ready, you can be! If you are ready, be praying, producing, and protecting for the Master will soon return.

It Will Be Done

Raymond Smith — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 09:30:00 +0000

It Will Be Done

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 22nd December 2024

Passages:

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In a few days we celebrate the first phase of God’s redemptive plan being fulfilled. The arrival of Jesus into the world as a babe in Bethlehem brought to reality the promises of a Savior. Just as the details of Jesus arrival was foretold in detail so is his return in power and glory. What God has promised will come to pass.

A Picture of Prophecy

Raymond Smith — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 09:30:00 +0000

A Picture of Prophecy

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 8th December 2024

Passages:

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Then end times fascinate people, Jesus's disciples were no different and had many questions. Jesus reveal to his disciples the framework for how God is going to deal with Israel in the future. He directs their attention to the prophecy of Daniel and gives them a broad overview of what is to come. But He doesn't want our focus to be on the end and looking for signs of the end, rather Jesus wants us to be prepared for the end and our focus to be on Him.

endtimes #prophecy #focusonJesus #priorities #Jesus #God #pbclincoln

End Times 101 part 1

Plains Baptist Church — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 09:30:00 +0000

End Times 101 part 1

Series: Discover Jesus

Sunday Morning

Date: 17th November 2024

Passages:

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Questions about the end of times captivates people today just like it did in Jesus' time. People want to know what's going to happen and when it will happen. Jesus's disciples asked Him these same questions. Jesus is coming again and the world will go into a time of terrible tribulation and judgment. But Jesus assures us there is a way to miss this horrible time of tribulation.

A Perspective of Giving

Raymond Smith — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 09:30:00 +0000

A Perspective of Giving

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 3rd November 2024

Passages:

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A Christian’s motivation to give ought to be out of love for God and what He has done for them. In this message we look at Jesus's perspective of giving through His observation of the widow woman who "of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living." Even though she was poor she did not use it as an excuse not to honor the Lord. She gave willingly and liberally.

Likewise, because God has given so much to us through salvation and a multitude of daily blessings, we ought to recognize that He is worthy and so cheerfully return a portion of our resources to Him.

Attention to Truth

Raymond Smith — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Attention to Truth

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 27th October 2024

Passages:

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Keep your eyes on the truth. Don’t let the truth and its authority be diminished because of someone that uses it wrongly or applies it wrongly. Regardless of how other people use or misuse truth each person has a responsibility to submit to truth and each person will be held accountable for their choices.

Who Is the Messiah?

Raymond Smith — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 09:30:00 +0100

Who Is the Messiah?

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 20th October 2024

Passages:

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Who is Jesus? This is the question each person must answer. Jesus is fully God and fully man. He is the promised Messiah who took sin on Himself, carried it to the cross, and made payment for sin so he can offer salvation freely. Who you say Jesus is will determine whether you stand before him as Savior or Judge.

A Priority Question

Raymond Smith — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 09:30:00 +0100

A Priority Question

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 13th October 2024

Passages:

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What is the first commandment of God? Not the first given but the most important. This was the question of priority.

Jesus' answer was clear: the first command is the Lord is one God and we are to love Him with all of our being.

But then Jesus goes on to say the second is like unto it: love others as ourselves. These are the two greatest commands: love God first with all we are and love others as ourselves.

Clarifying Confusion

Raymond Smith — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 09:30:00 +0100

Clarifying Confusion

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 6th October 2024

Passages:

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Many questions about spiritual things are based in wrong presuppositions or false assumptions and can be set straight with an understanding of the scripture. Its easy to twist scripture to support whatever position you want. But Jesus' response will always be an accurate clarification of scripture and its application.

In Mark 12, the Sadducees attempted to trap Jesus by asking an absurd question based on a concept they didn't even believe in. Their goal wasn't understanding but entrapment. Jesus responded by clarifying the truth of scripture and its application.

Question of Responsibility

Raymond Smith — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 09:30:00 +0100

Question of Responsibility

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 15th September 2024

Passages:

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The Pharisees and Herodians sought to trap Jesus by asking if they had to pay taxes to Caesar. They didn't realize the at the core was really the matter of balance between responsibility to God and responsibility to government.

God created government and it has its proper place and authority in people's lives. God also has authority in peoples lives. When these two authorities come into conflict, God is the supreme authority and where our first responsibility is.

responsibility #authority #government #Godfirst #pbclincoln #lincolnne #lincolnnebraska

Lord of the Vineyard

Raymond Smith — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 09:30:00 +0100

Lord of the Vineyard

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 8th September 2024

Passages:

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In the parable of the vineyard, Jesus demonstrates that God is good and gracious, but that He must also hold people accountable for their sin. His Glory demands it. God offers every person a chance at forgiveness. And every person has a choice to make: either fall on Jesus for mercy or face God's punishment.

The Question of Authority

Raymond Smith — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 09:30:00 +0100

The Question of Authority

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 1st September 2024

Passages:

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The Jewish leaders demanded to know by what authority Jesus acted. They were not seeking information and truth though. They were looking for a gotcha moment trying to ensnare Jesus. His response posed a dilemma for the leaders though and forced them to evaluate the question of authority for themselves. Likewise, every person today must also make a choice regarding Jesus, his authority, and his person. He either is the Son of God sent to take away your sin or he is not.

The Focus of Faith

Raymond Smith — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 09:30:00 +0100

The Focus of Faith

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 25th August 2024

Passages:

Real Sight

Raymond Smith — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 09:30:00 +0100

Real Sight

Series: Discover Jesus

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 4th August 2024

Passages:

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“No one is so blind as he who will not see.” Many walk around today, with eyes that work just fine physically, but seem blind to the path that they are traveling leads ultimately to destruction. We each need our eyes opened to see our lost condition and need for a Savior! How is your sight today?