Highland Baptist Church

"The Foundation of Discipleship," II Timothy 2:1-13

Recorded 1/18/2026
Pastor Larry Stephens continues the sermon series through II Timothy. This week, Pastor Larry highlights four disciplines illustrated by the apostle Paul for effective discipleship and disciple-making.
Application:
A faithful teacher takes the time to ensure the lesson is correct and invests enough to ensure that the recipients understand and receive it. A faithful teacher, passing down truth, ensures the message is clear and received.
A devoted soldier takes the time to train hard (in the Word) and knows the orders of his commander (to go).
Like a focused athlete, there must be consistent training in the Word, seeking guidance from the coach or discipler, and a knowledge of the landscape of Christianity for perspective on the Word of God and history.
To be like the hard-working farmer, to be like a hard-working farmer is to prepare for the future.
The Faithful Teacher
The Devoted Soldier
The Focused Athlete
The Hard-Working Farmer
Prayer Prompts:
Pray that the Lord will give you the desire to uphold sound teaching and live in such a way that will compel others to pay attention.
Pray that you will make the gospel of Jesus about all else, even our nation.
Pray that you will keep your eyes on the goal, which is Christ Jesus. Pray, you will be focused on what is important in your faith.
Pray we will work hard and serve Highland and the Kingdom of Christ with the right motives and gospel-centered goals.

"Contrasting Doctrines," II Timothy 1:13-18

Recorded 1/11/2026
Reverend Thomas Barber continues in the sermon series through the second letter of Timothy. He issues a challenge to pass down and guard sound doctrine and to encourage those who suffer for the sake of the gospel.
Application:
As a church, we are always reforming (semper reformada) and evaluating missions, ministry, and disciple-making principles.
Uphold sound doctrine and pass it down to the next generation.
Continue to pray and support those who are suffering for the gospel.
Prayer Prompts:
Pray that the Lord will give you the desire to uphold sound teaching and invest in the next generation.
Encourage those who are modeling rightful worship and bypass those who teach an unbiblical model of “worship.”
Pray that the Lord will give you a renewed and revived desire to make disciples. Pray that God would bring someone in your path to disciple or lead you to someone to disciple you. Since we are all still disciples of Jesus, age is not an issue.

"Protect the Treasure," II Timothy 1:1-12

Recorded 01/04/2026
Pastor Larry Stephens returns to the sermon series on Timothy and Titus.
II Timothy 1:1-12 “Protecting The Treasure.”
Application and Prayer Points:
 Application:
“Who are you discipling?” By the end of this journey through II Timothy, I hope you can identify someone in your life that you are discipling. Someone to whom you can pass down gospel truths.
Remember where God brought you from and where you are now. Commit to raising and equipping the younger generation to walk more closely with Jesus.
God did not give you a spirit of fear but of confidence in Him. The spirit of fear is not from God. Instead, He gives His people boldness (fearlessness) and self-control.
Unapologetically share your faith in Jesus and the gospel. Because of all the Lord has done, and because He brought you this far, and because you have no reason to fear, do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.
Discipleship Reflection: What Must We Do To Pass Down and Protect the Gospel Truth? 1. Pray and Rely on the Word and Spirit of God. 2. Consider Church Membership as a Top Priority. 3. Make Worshipping with Your Church a Necessity.
Prayer Prompts:
Pray that the Lord will give you a renewed and revived desire to make disciples. Pray that God would bring someone in your path to disciple or lead you to someone to disciple you. Since we are all still disciples of Jesus, age is not an issue.
Pray that God would give you the boldness to share the gospel of Jesus with a stranger or someone you have known for years. Pray that God would give you the words to say.

I Corinithans 5:17

Recorded 12/28/2025
Pastor Larry Stephens delivers the last message of 2025 with a challenge involving sanctification. 
2Co 5:17  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Discipleship Reflection: New Year's Steps Toward Sanctification:
1. Adopt healthy reading, meditation, and prayer rhythms.
2. Resolve to share the Gospel more frequently
3. Take time to rest
4. Read and study God’s Word in Community
 
 

"Joy Unspeakable," Hebrews 12:1-2

Recorded 12/14/2025
Pastor Larry Stephens brings the joy of the cross that Christ endured for sinners. 
 
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

"Peace Through Emmanuel," Matthew 1:23

Recorded December 7, 2025
Pastor Larry brings a message in the peace that only comes through Jesus. 

"Thankful for Humble Teachers," I Timothy 6:1-21

Recorded 11/30/2025
Pastor Larry Stephens wraps the first part of this sermon series. Finishing out I Timothy 6, a few challenges were:
1. Whatever your vocation, serve unto the Lord.
2. Exalt Jesus and Strive for Godliness.
3. Focus on God’s Sovereignty to Avoid Falsehoods.
4. Be Content and Satisfied in Jesus.
5. Continue to Fight the Good Fight.
6. Pass on What You Learn To Others.

"Thankful for Church Leaders," I Timothy 5:17-25

Recorded 11-23-2025
Pastor Larry Stephens brings a message from I Timothy 5:17-25 entitled, "Faithful for Church Leaders"
 
I.  Express Thankfulness for Leaders and Care for Them
II.  Leaders, Take Care of Yourself
 
Discipleship Reflection: "How do we show thankfulness to leaders?" 1. Honor their time. 2. Express a note of thanks. 3. Offer a Helping Hand. 4. Pray for them publicly and privately.  
 

Foundations for the Christian Faith, Angels and Humanity

Recorded on 11-12 & 19-2025

"Thankful for Church Family," I Timothy 5:1-16

Recorded 11/16/2025
Pastor Larry Stephens brings a message on the importance of church family and how to attend to those who are genuinely in need.
 Discipleship reflection: In what ways should we be Thankful for the church family?
1. A Bible Believing Church. 2. A Community Engaging Church.
3. A Church Who is Growing 4. A Church Who is Growing in Unity. 5. A Church Full of Faithful Servants, Leaders, and Encouragers.