Plains Baptist Church: Unless the Lord

Disciplining With Love

Raymond Smith — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 09:30:00 +0100

Disciplining With Love

Series: Unless the Lord

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 21st June 2026

Passage: Hebrews 12:5-11

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Discipline has become one of the most debated parts of parenting. Many parents fear being too harsh, while others avoid correction altogether. Scripture presents a different picture.

God disciplines His children because He loves them, and His goal is not punishment for its own sake but growth, maturity, and righteousness. Loving correction looks beyond the moment and considers who a child is becoming.

Parents cannot control every choice their children make, but they can faithfully provide the guidance, consistency, and love God has called them to give.

Parenting with Patience

Raymond Smith — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 09:30:00 +0100

Parenting with Patience

Series: Unless the Lord

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 14th June 2026

Passage: Colossians 3:21

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Parenting tests patience in ways few other responsibilities do. God never called parents to raise children through frustration, harshness, or exhaustion. He calls them to reflect His character by correcting with love, encouraging with truth, and showing the same patience He extends to us every day.

Colossians 3:21 confronts the attitudes and habits that discourage children; and challenges parents to build homes marked by grace, consistency, and hope. The goal is not simply raising children, but helping them grow into adults who know God, love truth, and follow Him.

When patience runs thin, God's example reminds us where to turn and how to lead our families forward.

Serving One Another In Love

Raymond Smith — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 09:30:00 +0100

Serving One Another In Love

Series: Unless the Lord

Pastor: Raymond Smith

Sunday Morning

Date: 7th June 2026

Passage: Galatians 1:1-6:18

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Marriages struggle when husband and wife focus on what they deserve instead of how they can serve each other. The freedom Christ gives was never meant to fuel selfishness but to free us to love others, beginning with the person closest to us - our spouse.

A servant-hearted marriage sets aside scorekeeping, lays down personal preferences, and seeks the good of the other. That kind of love does not come from determination alone. It grows from a relationship with Christ, who served us first and gave Himself for us.

When husbands and wives draw from His grace, service becomes an act of love, worship, and a testimony to everyone watching.