The Church at Smyrna (Part 2)

What does it mean to be truly rich? In Revelation 2, Jesus tells the impoverished and persecuted church at Smyrna, “I know thy poverty, (but thou art rich).” Though these believers possessed little of this world’s goods, they enjoyed spiritual riches that no earthly power could take away.

In this concluding message on the Church at Smyrna, we examine the sources of their persecution, the spiritual wealth they possessed in Christ, and the Lord’s promise that their suffering would be temporary. We also consider the remarkable historical account of Polycarp, an early pastor of Smyrna who suffered martyrdom for his faith, illustrating the courage and steadfastness of these early Christians.

Though the world may regard a struggling congregation as weak or insignificant, the Lord sees things differently. Join us as we consider Christ’s encouraging promise to His suffering people: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

Radio broadcast for November 8, 2026. Continue reading “The Church at Smyrna (Part 2)”

The Church at Smyrna (Part 1)

What does it mean to be rich in the eyes of God? In Revelation chapter 2, Jesus addresses a congregation that was surrounded by wealth but personally acquainted with poverty, persecution, and suffering. Yet unlike a majority of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor, the church at Smyrna received no rebuke from the Lord. Instead, Christ offered words of assurance to a people who had remained faithful despite tremendous hardship.

In this first part of our message on the Church at Smyrna, we consider the historical setting of this congregation, the opposition these early Christians faced, and the significance of Christ introducing Himself as the One who was dead and is alive. Their circumstances were difficult, but their Savior knew their suffering. What an encouragement to us today, knowing that no trial escapes His notice and that even death itself has been conquered by Jesus Christ!

Radio broadcast for November 1, 2026. Continue reading “The Church at Smyrna (Part 1)”

The Judgment, from Matthew’s Gospel (Part 1)

In this first episode of a two-part study from Matthew chapter 25, we consider one of the most solemn subjects in all of Scripture: the final judgment.

When the Son of Man returns in His glory, accompanied by all the holy angels, He will sit upon the throne of His glory. The dead will be raised, all nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate mankind as a shepherd divides the sheep from the goats.

In this episode, we examine the context of Matthew 25:31–33 and its connection to the Second Coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the great white throne judgment. We also consider the certainty and unmistakable nature of Christ’s return, the gathering of all people before Him, and the significance of Christ’s titles in this passage: the Son of Man, the King, and the Shepherd.

Finally, we consider the great division between the sheep and the goats—and the comforting truth that while we may not always be able to discern the difference, the Shepherd knows His sheep. Continue reading “The Judgment, from Matthew’s Gospel (Part 1)”

The Suffering Servant Rises

In the conclusion of this special Easter-season message, Ben Winslett returns to Isaiah 53 to consider the very heart of the gospel. Why did Christ suffer? Why was the Servant wounded, bruised, and cut off out of the land of the living?

This message explores the substitutionary sufferings of Jesus Christ, the mystery of the cross, and the triumphant hope of the resurrection foretold in prophecy. Isaiah not only tells us that Christ would die for sinners, he also shows us that the Servant would prolong His days, see the travail of His soul, and be satisfied.

Radio broadcast for April 5, 2026.

#Easter #HuntsvilleAlabama #PrimitiveBaptist Continue reading “The Suffering Servant Rises”

An Interrupted Funeral Procession

On today’s episode of Words of Grace, Pastor Winslett takes us to a small Galilean town called Nain in Gospel of Luke chapter 7, where a funeral procession meets the Prince of Life.

A widow, already burdened by the loss of her husband, now follows the bier of her only son. In any  culture, this tragic and heartbreaking. But in that day, this was devastation; her support, her security, her future provision were gone in a moment. But as this procession of death moves forward, it is suddenly interrupted by the Lord Jesus Christ.

In this message, we consider the compassion of Christ, the authority of Christ over death itself, and the hope that only He can give. When Jesus says, “Weep not,” it is not a dismissal of sorrow, but a declaration of power. There is no situation too far gone for Him to overturn.

Radio broadcast for March 1, 2026. Continue reading “An Interrupted Funeral Procession”

When Jesus Wept

In this episode of Words of Grace, Pastor Ben Winslett turns to one of the most moving passages in Scripture: the death and resurrection of Lazarus in John chapter 11. Here we witness the compassion, purpose, and power of Christ. Though He knew Lazarus would live again, Jesus still wept with those He loved. What comfort this gives us: a Savior who conquers the grave yet enters into our sorrow with tenderness and understanding.

This message reflects on God’s perfect timing, the hope of the resurrection, and the precious promise that death is but sleep for the children of God. Join us as we consider the glory of Christ in one of His most unforgettable miracles.

Radio broadcast for November 16, 2025. Continue reading “When Jesus Wept”

Answering Christ’s Accusers | Isaiah 53

In our latest edition of Words of Grace, Benjamin Winslett shares a recent sermon preached at Flint River Primitive Baptist Church, focusing on two false accusations made against Christ during His mock trials, before the crucifixion. Drawing from Isaiah 53:7-9, we explore the silence of Jesus before His accusers, the meaning behind the phrases “He had done no violence” and “neither was any deceit in His mouth,” and how these statements prophetically defend His innocence. This powerful message not only highlights the purity of our Savior but also encourages believers to follow His example in times of suffering.

Radio broadcast for May 4, 2025. Continue reading “Answering Christ’s Accusers | Isaiah 53”

He Is Risen Indeed!

In this special Easter edition of Words of Grace, Pastor Benjamin Winslett proclaims the triumphant truth of Christianity: Christ is risen! Drawing from all four gospel accounts, Pastor Winslett walks listeners through the moments in which the empty tomb was discovered, exploring what the resurrection proves to us, and what it teaches us about our own sufferings in this world. From eyewitness testimony to deep theological truth, this message reminds us that because Jesus lives, we shall live also. He is risen indeed!

Radio broadcast for April 20, 2025. Continue reading “He Is Risen Indeed!”

In Christ, from Thessalonians

In this broadcast titled “In Christ from Thessalonians,” we explore the profound connection believers have with Christ, focusing on key “In Christ” statements found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Join us as we discuss our union with Christ, the resurrection of the dead in Christ, and the call to live for the glory of Christ. We consider the context of Paul’s letters to a largely Gentile church undergoing persecution, his teachings on the return of Christ, and how the church should live in anticipation of His coming. This is a message of comfort and hope, reminding us to labor faithfully while we wait for His return.

Radio broadcast for October 20, 2024. Continue reading “In Christ, from Thessalonians”

Suffering With Christ

While Jesus’ life was one of difficulty, His final week leading up to the crucifixion was one of extreme and intense suffering. He would be betrayed, arrested, forsaken, lied about, tried, beaten, scourged, and then crucified. And yet despite knowing all of this, He rode into Jerusalem for the joy set before Him.

As we continue our series on the reality of afflictions, we look to the sufferings of Christ, and find examples for us in our own suffering.

Radio broadcast for March 31, 2024. Continue reading “Suffering With Christ”