(903) 753-2299 faithlongview@gmail.com
Select Page
John 1:14

John 1:14

Mar 25, 2024 | David Webber

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

– John 1:14

Main Thought: Here John the Apostle recounts to us the marvelous truth of Jesus Christ becoming flesh and residing among us. The One who was eternal along with the Father and the Holy Spirit, became flesh, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, and dwelt, or tabernacled among us as men. His time here on earth was brief, only 33 years, but His purpose was very clear from early on, that He came to “save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). John points out that we beheld His glory, indicating that the apostles and other followers were privileged to see the glory of God displayed in the person of Christ. They saw this glory in the many miracles that He performed, which included healing multitudes of their sicknesses and demon possession, commanding the winds and waves of the sea, forgiving men of their sins, and raising the dead to life. John himself saw Christ’s glory when He was transfigured before him, saw the risen Christ after His resurrection, and watched as He ascended back to the Father. Oh, what evidence of the glory of God the apostle John witnessed. Not only did John witness His glory, but he witnessed that Christ was full of grace and truth. Like no other, Christ demonstrated grace in His life and spoke the truth of God. He did not seek out the Pharisees, the religious elite of that day, but He sought out those who were sinners, the reviled of society, those most in need of the grace and salvation of God, saying “For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matt. 9:13). And the truth that He spoke was unmatched, speaking with perfect knowledge and clarity. He spoke of man’s greatest need, which was and is not social justice or reclamation, but of the salvation of his soul, saying to Nicodemus “You must be born again” (John 3:3); telling Martha that “I am the resurrection and the life… everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die” (John 11:25-26); and telling the apostles “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6). What great mercy, grace and love our Lord showed to this world in becoming a man, making Himself into the form of a servant, speaking the absolute truth regarding salvation, and dying upon the Cross of Calvary to pay the sin debt for every sinner that will ever come to Him. May we today raise our voices and our hearts in praise to Him for what He has done for us.
David Webber

David Webber

David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.

Faith Baptist Church: Longview, Texas
More from David Webber
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Mar 19, 2024 |

“To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill all your good pleasure for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Matthew 16:6
Matthew 16:6

Mar 18, 2024 |

“And Jesus said to them, ‘Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” – Matthew 16:6

Philemon 1:7
Philemon 1:7

Mar 15, 2024 |

“For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” – Philemon 1:7

Hebrews 12:5-7
Hebrews 12:5-7

Mar 14, 2024 |

“And you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the LORD, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; for those whom the LORD loves He disciplines, and He flogs every son whom He receives.’ It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” – Hebrews 12:5-7

Isaiah 28:15-16
Isaiah 28:15-16

Mar 13, 2024 |

“Because you have said, ‘We have cut a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have made a pact. The overflowing scourge will not reach us when it passes by. For we have made falsehood our refuge and we have hidden ourselves with lying. Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh, ‘Behold I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.” – Isaiah 28:15-16

Psalm 84:11-12
Psalm 84:11-12

Mar 12, 2024 |

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you.” – Psalm 84:11-12

Psalm 84:1
Psalm 84:1

Mar 11, 2024 |

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!” – Psalm 84:1

Hebrews 2:1
Hebrews 2:1

Mar 8, 2024 |

“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” – Hebrews 2:1

John 4:13-14
John 4:13-14

Mar 7, 2024 |

“Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him, will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'” – John 4:13-14

Matthew 4:17
Matthew 4:17

Mar 6, 2024 |

“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” – Matthew 4:17

John 1:14

Psalm 85:6

Mar 22, 2024 | David Webber

“Will You not Yourself return to revive us, that your people may be glad in You?”

– Psalm 85:6

Main Thought: This is a plea by the Psalmist for God to return to His people in Israel and revive them once again. But even though this was written many centuries ago, it is certainly a plea that we as God’s people could make in this day. It seems we are surrounded by sin wherever we turn, and that the voices of the wicked are the loudest and most heard. However, it is during such times that we need to remember, as the Psalmist does, the lovingkindness and salvation of God. Prior to the Reformation, there was great spiritual darkness upon the continent of Europe and in England. However, we know that in the 16th Century, God began to move and that a great reviving of His truth, power, and salvation began. Within two centuries, Biblical Christianity was revived and many were saved. Eventually, that move of God crossed the oceans to this land and there was great preaching and a reverence for God. However, as happened in Israel so often, esteem for the truth of God and the worship of God in His majesty declined. The result over time was spiritual darkness that covered much of this world. However, as in past generations, as God’s remnant began to cry out for a reviving of the work of God in this land and throughout the world, we have begun to see a return of the truth of God to revive His people and certainly, we have been glad and revived to see it. While the work is certainly not complete, we can see that God is raising up pastors and churches across our world who are boldly proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, raising up the banner of the holiness and glory of God, and encouraging the people of God to realize that God will accomplish His purpose of building the Church against which the devil, the demons and all the forces of hell will not prevail. We can be confident, along with the Psalmist, that “Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land” (Ps. 85:9). May we continue to call upon God to return, to revive us, and to have confidence that “righteousness will go before Him and will establish the way of His steps” (Ps. 85:13), and that we will once again know the power, presence and glory of God among us.
David Webber

David Webber

David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.

Faith Baptist Church: Longview, Texas
More from David Webber
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Mar 19, 2024 |

“To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill all your good pleasure for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Matthew 16:6
Matthew 16:6

Mar 18, 2024 |

“And Jesus said to them, ‘Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” – Matthew 16:6

Philemon 1:7
Philemon 1:7

Mar 15, 2024 |

“For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” – Philemon 1:7

Hebrews 12:5-7
Hebrews 12:5-7

Mar 14, 2024 |

“And you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the LORD, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; for those whom the LORD loves He disciplines, and He flogs every son whom He receives.’ It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” – Hebrews 12:5-7

Isaiah 28:15-16
Isaiah 28:15-16

Mar 13, 2024 |

“Because you have said, ‘We have cut a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have made a pact. The overflowing scourge will not reach us when it passes by. For we have made falsehood our refuge and we have hidden ourselves with lying. Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh, ‘Behold I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.” – Isaiah 28:15-16

Psalm 84:11-12
Psalm 84:11-12

Mar 12, 2024 |

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you.” – Psalm 84:11-12

Psalm 84:1
Psalm 84:1

Mar 11, 2024 |

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!” – Psalm 84:1

Hebrews 2:1
Hebrews 2:1

Mar 8, 2024 |

“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” – Hebrews 2:1

John 4:13-14
John 4:13-14

Mar 7, 2024 |

“Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him, will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'” – John 4:13-14

Matthew 4:17
Matthew 4:17

Mar 6, 2024 |

“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” – Matthew 4:17

John 1:14

Psalm 86:1 and 86:5

Mar 21, 2024 | David Webber

“Incline your ear, O Yahweh, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy…For You, Lord, are good, and by nature forgiving, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.”

– Psalm 86:1, 5

Main Thought: Here we find David calling out to God for help in a time of need, as we see so often in the Psalms. And why should he not call out to Him, the One who has so faithfully responded to the cries and needs of David? I am sure that early in his life, even when David was a simple shepherd boy protecting his father Jesse’s flocks, he cried out to God in the day and the night to protect himself and the sheep from the predators. We find evidence in the Scriptures for David calling out to God when he was sought wrongly by King Saul (Ps. 57:1-11), when he had sinned against God and called out in repentance (Ps. 51:1-19), and when he was surrounded by his enemies (Ps. 7:6). David cried out to Yahweh, the name of the covenant keeping God, for he knew that God remembered His covenant with David and the people of Israel, and would not forsake His covenant. David knew that God would hear him in his need and would answer him and deliver him. Also, as we see in Psalm 86:5, David understood the good and forgiving nature of God, and the abundance of lovingkindness God has toward all those who call upon Him. It was an assurance to David that because of God’s nature, he would hear the need of his servant, would forgive him, and pour out an abundance of mercy upon him. In these words of David, we find reassurance for ourselves that in our time of need God, who has established with us an eternal covenant of grace, will hear our cries, will forgive our sins and restore a right fellowship with Him and fulfill our need according to His perfect will. Perhaps you have a need or a burden upon your soul, or you have a sin which you need to confess before God. We can know as a child of God that He does hear the cries of His children, that the throne of God to which our cries come is a throne of grace (Heb. 4:16), and that His mercies are rich and abundant every day (Lam. 3:22-23). Come to Him today as David did, and know that He will hear and He will forgive according to the riches of His grace (Eph. 1:7).
David Webber

David Webber

David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.

Faith Baptist Church: Longview, Texas
More from David Webber
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Mar 19, 2024 |

“To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill all your good pleasure for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Matthew 16:6
Matthew 16:6

Mar 18, 2024 |

“And Jesus said to them, ‘Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” – Matthew 16:6

Philemon 1:7
Philemon 1:7

Mar 15, 2024 |

“For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” – Philemon 1:7

Hebrews 12:5-7
Hebrews 12:5-7

Mar 14, 2024 |

“And you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the LORD, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; for those whom the LORD loves He disciplines, and He flogs every son whom He receives.’ It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” – Hebrews 12:5-7

Isaiah 28:15-16
Isaiah 28:15-16

Mar 13, 2024 |

“Because you have said, ‘We have cut a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have made a pact. The overflowing scourge will not reach us when it passes by. For we have made falsehood our refuge and we have hidden ourselves with lying. Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh, ‘Behold I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.” – Isaiah 28:15-16

Psalm 84:11-12
Psalm 84:11-12

Mar 12, 2024 |

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you.” – Psalm 84:11-12

Psalm 84:1
Psalm 84:1

Mar 11, 2024 |

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!” – Psalm 84:1

Hebrews 2:1
Hebrews 2:1

Mar 8, 2024 |

“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” – Hebrews 2:1

John 4:13-14
John 4:13-14

Mar 7, 2024 |

“Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him, will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'” – John 4:13-14

Matthew 4:17
Matthew 4:17

Mar 6, 2024 |

“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” – Matthew 4:17

John 1:14

John 14:19

Mar 20, 2024 | David Webber

“After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also.”

– John 14:19

Main Thoughts: This verse is included in the instructions and teaching of Christ very shortly before His betrayal and crucifixion. He has just told the disciples that He is about to go away, speaking of the events soon to follow, particularly concerning His death. As we know, this was a very disturbing and fearful time for them personally. They all forsook Christ at His trial, then went into hiding for fear of death themselves. They were weak in their faith, not remembering His words concerning His resurrection from the dead (John 20:9). However, Christ’s words here are a promise to them: “You will see Me; because I live, you will live also.” In the immediate context, He was promising them they would see Him following His resurrection from the dead. This He did on the day of His resurrection, in the evening, in the room where the disciples were hiding (John 20:19), then again eight days later when he appeared to them again along with Thomas (John 20:26) and then on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1). But the great promise He makes here to the disciples, and to all who believe in Him by faith, is that because He lives, all of us will live also. When we are saved, it is the very resurrection power of Christ that saves us from our sins, that raises us from spiritual death to spiritual life (Eph. 1:19-20), and the fact of Christ’s victory over the grave and death is our promise and guarantee of our future victory over the grave and our resurrection into our new and glorified bodies. As a reminder of that promise, Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:22 “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.” Because of Christ’s resurrection, this corruptible body will raised as an incorruptible body, this body that dies in weakness will be raised in power, and this natural physical body will be raised as a spiritual body that will live forever with Christ (1 Cor. 15:42-44). What a great and wonderful promise Christ has given us here, that takes away our fear of the power of sin and death and gives us a sure and certain hope of everlasting life. May all of us who know Christ rejoice in this promise today and may this promise give us encouragement in a discouraging world.
David Webber

David Webber

David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.

Faith Baptist Church: Longview, Texas
More from David Webber
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Mar 19, 2024 |

“To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill all your good pleasure for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Matthew 16:6
Matthew 16:6

Mar 18, 2024 |

“And Jesus said to them, ‘Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” – Matthew 16:6

Philemon 1:7
Philemon 1:7

Mar 15, 2024 |

“For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” – Philemon 1:7

Hebrews 12:5-7
Hebrews 12:5-7

Mar 14, 2024 |

“And you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the LORD, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; for those whom the LORD loves He disciplines, and He flogs every son whom He receives.’ It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” – Hebrews 12:5-7

Isaiah 28:15-16
Isaiah 28:15-16

Mar 13, 2024 |

“Because you have said, ‘We have cut a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have made a pact. The overflowing scourge will not reach us when it passes by. For we have made falsehood our refuge and we have hidden ourselves with lying. Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh, ‘Behold I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.” – Isaiah 28:15-16

Psalm 84:11-12
Psalm 84:11-12

Mar 12, 2024 |

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you.” – Psalm 84:11-12

Psalm 84:1
Psalm 84:1

Mar 11, 2024 |

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!” – Psalm 84:1

Hebrews 2:1
Hebrews 2:1

Mar 8, 2024 |

“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” – Hebrews 2:1

John 4:13-14
John 4:13-14

Mar 7, 2024 |

“Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him, will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'” – John 4:13-14

Matthew 4:17
Matthew 4:17

Mar 6, 2024 |

“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” – Matthew 4:17

John 1:14

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Mar 19, 2024 | David Webber

“To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill all your good pleasure for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

– 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Main Thought: As in many of his epistles, the apostle in this second letter to the Thessalonian church opens by praying for them. By this, he indicates that he was not simply a man of preaching and teaching doctrine, but a man of prayer, deeply concerned for the spiritual growth and well-being of those he knew and loved. He indicates that this concern is “for you always,” letting them know that they were never out of his mind and heart. What did he indicate he was praying for? First, so God would count or make them worthy of the calling of Christ. We need to be reminded that we were called by God, through the effectual working of the Holy Spirit and the Gospel, out of our sin and darkness into salvation and standing as the sons of God. As such, God has empowered us to live a life that honors Christ and bears spiritual fruit that gives evidence of the work of salvation in us. Secondly, he is asking for them that every holy and righteous resolve or desire that we have, every work of faith that we are motivated to perform, would be enabled and strengthened with power. This power is the same power that is spoken of in Romans 1:16 where Paul writes of the Gospel “being the power of God to salvation.” Our faith begins with the power of God, and the walk of faith and the works of faith continue to be empowered by God himself. We are humbled to remember that whatever we accomplish for Christ in this life is by His power. Then Paul reveals the purpose of this prayer: “That the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him.” As the apostle Paul recognized, all of us are children of God by His grace and that all we are is because of the grace of God. The purpose of our lives as His children, from the very beginning of our salvation, until we are called home to Him, is that He would be glorified in us. What a wonderful reminder of the love Paul had for those he ministered to, and a reminder to us that our purpose with every breath we take is to glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
David Webber

David Webber

David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.

Faith Baptist Church: Longview, Texas
More from David Webber
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Mar 19, 2024 |

“To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill all your good pleasure for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Matthew 16:6
Matthew 16:6

Mar 18, 2024 |

“And Jesus said to them, ‘Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” – Matthew 16:6

Philemon 1:7
Philemon 1:7

Mar 15, 2024 |

“For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” – Philemon 1:7

Hebrews 12:5-7
Hebrews 12:5-7

Mar 14, 2024 |

“And you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the LORD, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; for those whom the LORD loves He disciplines, and He flogs every son whom He receives.’ It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” – Hebrews 12:5-7

Isaiah 28:15-16
Isaiah 28:15-16

Mar 13, 2024 |

“Because you have said, ‘We have cut a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have made a pact. The overflowing scourge will not reach us when it passes by. For we have made falsehood our refuge and we have hidden ourselves with lying. Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh, ‘Behold I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.” – Isaiah 28:15-16

Psalm 84:11-12
Psalm 84:11-12

Mar 12, 2024 |

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you.” – Psalm 84:11-12

Psalm 84:1
Psalm 84:1

Mar 11, 2024 |

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!” – Psalm 84:1

Hebrews 2:1
Hebrews 2:1

Mar 8, 2024 |

“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” – Hebrews 2:1

John 4:13-14
John 4:13-14

Mar 7, 2024 |

“Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him, will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'” – John 4:13-14

Matthew 4:17
Matthew 4:17

Mar 6, 2024 |

“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” – Matthew 4:17

John 1:14

Matthew 16:6

Mar 18, 2024 | David Webber

“And Jesus said to them, ‘Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

– Matthew 16:6

Main Thought: When Jesus speaks of leaven here, He is not speaking literally of leaven, the ingredient that makes bread rise, but He is speaking of leaven in a figurative way, in the spiritual sense that represents wickedness and sin (1 Cor. 5:8). Jesus is warning the apostles of the sinfulness and wickedness of the Pharisees and their teaching. The Pharisees had an outward appearance of religiosity and righteousness, but inwardly later on Jesus said concerning the Pharisees “You are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matt. 23:28). They were extolled and held in high esteem by Jewish culture, but Jesus saw through their outward appearance and revealed their sin and wickedness. There is a warning here for us as Christians, to be discerning concerning those who appear religious outwardly but in reality are concerned first with the adoration and admiration of men, and are full of sin and hypocrisy. Their love is for self first, not God and the people of God. They are more concerned about appearance and success than being humble servants of God. They are more concerned with the opinions of men and pleasing the surrounding culture than they are about preaching the Gospel of Christ, seeing men and women repent of their sins, and equipping the church to advance the kingdom of God. They will be the ones who on the day of God’s judgment will say to Christ, “Lord, Lord, in Your name did we not prophesy, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many miracles? And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness'” (Matt. 7:22-23). The call of Christ here is for us to be discerning about who we listen to and who we follow as teachers of the things of God. Be sure that those you listen to extol the Gospel and the Word of God without apology, serve God humbly and do not brag about their own accomplishments, and demonstrate love for the kingdom of God and His people above themselves. May God give us more spiritual shepherds in this day who are not full of ‘leaven’, but are full of humility, a love for God and His Word, and love for the people of God.
David Webber

David Webber

David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.

Faith Baptist Church: Longview, Texas
More from David Webber
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Mar 19, 2024 |

“To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill all your good pleasure for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Matthew 16:6
Matthew 16:6

Mar 18, 2024 |

“And Jesus said to them, ‘Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” – Matthew 16:6

Philemon 1:7
Philemon 1:7

Mar 15, 2024 |

“For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” – Philemon 1:7

Hebrews 12:5-7
Hebrews 12:5-7

Mar 14, 2024 |

“And you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the LORD, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; for those whom the LORD loves He disciplines, and He flogs every son whom He receives.’ It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” – Hebrews 12:5-7

Isaiah 28:15-16
Isaiah 28:15-16

Mar 13, 2024 |

“Because you have said, ‘We have cut a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have made a pact. The overflowing scourge will not reach us when it passes by. For we have made falsehood our refuge and we have hidden ourselves with lying. Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh, ‘Behold I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.” – Isaiah 28:15-16

Psalm 84:11-12
Psalm 84:11-12

Mar 12, 2024 |

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you.” – Psalm 84:11-12

Psalm 84:1
Psalm 84:1

Mar 11, 2024 |

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!” – Psalm 84:1

Hebrews 2:1
Hebrews 2:1

Mar 8, 2024 |

“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” – Hebrews 2:1

John 4:13-14
John 4:13-14

Mar 7, 2024 |

“Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him, will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'” – John 4:13-14

Matthew 4:17
Matthew 4:17

Mar 6, 2024 |

“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” – Matthew 4:17