A series of sermons from First Baptist Church in Union, New Jersey. Pastor Anthony Rodriguez delivers Bible-centered sermons that take a world 2,000 years ago and brings it into the modern era with every-day application. Visit us at www.firstbaptistunion.org
Reading the feed…
Subject: Prayer Alters Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): 2 Kings 19 & 20 Date of Delivery: August 16, 2026 Hezekiah is not the smartest king, but he is one of the most faithful kings in all of Judah. Taking the throne at 25 years old Hezekiah had all the pagan alters torn down and even destroyed the bronze snake of Moses as people began to worship it. He reopened and had the Temple cleansed and the Levitical priesthood restored. This week we will see how in times of crisis he cried out to God, and how God answers us in our own crises.
Subject: Prayer Alters Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): 1 Samuel 1:11 Date of Delivery: August 9, 2026 Hannah cries out from the depths of grief, isolation, and desperation to the Lord for a child. She is tormented by a vicious rival, betrayed by her own body, and mistaken for a drunkard on the steps of the tabernacle. Still she trusts in the God who sees, the God who meets our every need, and asks of Him for a child. She is a servant of the Lord and is willing to return to this child to the service of the Lord from which he came.
Subject: Prayer Alters Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 Date of Delivery: August 3, 2026 In the midst of a list of names that pays special attention to the tribe of Judah there is a single mention of a man named Jabez, who calls out to God in prayer. A prayer that seemed to alter the course of his life, a prayer heard and answered by God. What we discuss this week is not a formula for prayer, or some secret wording that unlocks the blessings of the universe. But a sincere prayer, by a righteous man, whom God answered.
Subject: 7 Churches Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Revelation 21-22 Date of Delivery: July 26, 2026 As the victory of Christ solidifies, this fallen earth cannot hold the immense glory of God. A new heaven and earth is created, with the presence of God dwelling amongst His people. No longer separated by sin, by temple, or by physicality, we dwell with God forever. What is our response to this weighty book filled with symbolism and future events? How then shall we live? Let us welcome this kingdom as we pray: Come Lord Jesus.
Subject: 7 Churches Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Revelation 18-20 Date of Delivery: July 19, 2026 After outlining the enemies of God we now turn toward their judgment and retribution. The arrival of Christ comes not quietly in a humble baby laid in a manger, but with a shout and cry, with a great trumpet and triumph as He descends and brings judgment upon Babylon, the Bests, Satan, and even Humanity. How shall we stand before the sword of the Lord? By the blood of the Lord, which write our name in the Book of Life.
Subject: 7 Churches Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Revelation 12-14; 17 Date of Delivery: July 12, 2026 Enemies of God abound in the book of Revelation as God uses even their malice for His glory. In mockery of God and His creation, Satan seeks to create an unholy trinity, to coerce, lure, and even violently threaten people to turn away from the Living God. The Anti-Christ, the False Prophet, and the pinnacle of human sin: Babylon, work to submit and destroy humanity. How then shall we stand against such foes? With God, and God alone.
Subject: 7 Churches Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Revelation 7,10-14,16 Date of Delivery: July 5, 2026 The book of Revelation is about judgment, but isn’t all about judgment. There are moments between the scrolls, trumpets, and bowls that gives us brief interludes of events transpiring both in heaven and on earth. These are not to meant to fill us with dread, but rather have firm assurance in the power and will of God that is coming about in these last days. God brings assurance in these interludes, to affirm His faithful ones.
Subject: 7 Churches Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Revelation 6,8,9,16 Date of Delivery: June 28, 2026 Scrolls, Trumpets, and Bowls are judgments that fall upon the earth. While it is easy to see the pain, suffering, and despair that arises out of such judgment, we must also see amidst the destruction, the Creator and Redeemer and Spirit, who still show patience and mercy in their judgment. Though the end is near, there is still time to repent and be saved, and Revelation stands as a testimony to God’s goodness, even as He pours out His wrath.
Subject: 7 Churches Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Revelation 5 Date of Delivery: June 21, 2026 We remain in the heavenly throne room as our first conflict arises, a sealed scrolls rests in the hand of God but no one is worthy to open it. As sin itself has corrupted not only man, but the entirety of creation, God’s word is locked away with no one able to fulfill it. This feeling of helplessness is not entirely alien to us. Overwhelming odds, bad news on every station, and everything good just out of reach. Who is the one who can open this scroll?
Subject: 7 Churches Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Revelation 4 Date of Delivery: June 14, 2026 As we conclude the letters to the 7 churches, John’s vision now is cast into heaven and upon the throne of God. Here we are bombarded with colors, creatures, and kings, each with their own dazzling descriptions, but also ones we have heard before. Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah have also been granted visions of the throne room of God, granting us a pictures of God’s power, authority, majesty, and consistency. He is, He was, He forever will be.
Subject: 7 Churches Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Revelation 3:14-22 Date of Delivery: June 7, 2026 Reading the Bible requires a level of context for complete understanding. What is natural for us is to interpret the word according to our own experiences and understanding. Generations of culture, history, and language are built into the Bible. Is hot water good and cold bad? Is Jesus knocking an evangelistic calling? Let’s unravel these often misunderstood text by looking at the context and applying God’s truth to our lives.
Subject: 7 Churches Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Revelation 3:7-13 Date of Delivery: May 31, 2026 Doors are means by which we control the space around us and choose who is allowed to occupy that space with us. When a door is open it invites, when closed it restricts. Christ is the door, the means by which we have access to heaven. Christ asks that we come to Him and He will welcome us into His Father’s house. But woe to him who seeks to bar that passage and falsely claim the authority to do so.
Subject: 7 Churches Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Revelation 3:1-6 Date of Delivery: May 24, 2026 In 546BC, the city of Sardis was surrounded by an impenetrable wall, protecting the city and it’s inhabitants. But Cyrus the great was able to capture the acropolis after sending spies to scale a secret undefended path. With no watchmen to patrol and guard against enemies, the city fell to its enemies. We are also just as vulnerable if we don’t’ keep watch.
Subject: 7 Churches Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Revelation 2:18-29 Date of Delivery: May 17, 2026 The longest letter goes to the church we know the least about. Yet the text speaks plainly for itself. As opposed to Ephesus, the church in Thyatira was rich in love, but they lacked the proper theology to rebuke a false-prophetess that was destroying their church by twisting doctrine towards selfish and evil ends. Jesus speaks, the church must listen.
Subject: 7 Churches Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Revelation 2:12-17 Date of Delivery: May 10, 2026 Being in the world but not of it poses the challenge of the world constantly demanding we conform to it. The world demands we conform to it’s morality, it’s indulgences, it’s present and pressing issues. But our eyes cannot be what only is around us, they must be set on what is before us, our Lord Jesus, and the truth of His Word.
Subject: 7 Churches Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Revelation 2:8-11 Date of Delivery: May 3, 2026 Just 30 miles north of Ephesus the letter now turns to the city of Smyrna. Rebuilt buy Alexander the Great, it is known for its gymnasium and theater, as well as its deep dies to the Imperial Cult. The church in Smyrna is one of two church letters not to receive a reproof. Instead they are powerfully encouraged to endure in the face of persecution.
Subject: 7 Churches Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Revelation 2:1-7 Date of Delivery: April 26, 2026 The first letter of the book of Revelation is directed towards the church of Ephesus. A “Free City”, Ephesus is not constrained by the Roman government or the Imperial Cult. Instead Ephesus has their own god, a version of Athena that promotes lewd living and excess. The church stands strong against this and other heresies, but at what cost?
Subject: 7 Churches Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Revelation 1:1-20 Date of Delivery: April 19, 2026 As we enter into the book of Revelation we must hold to the purpose of the letter, to encourage the church through troubled times that God is in control. Whatever may assail us or this world, God will bring about a right and good end for those who believe upon Him and call upon His name.
Subject: 2026 Easter Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): John 3:16 Date of Delivery: April 5, 2026 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.~John 3.16
Subject: 2026 Easter Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Matthew 21:1-22 Date of Delivery: March 29, 2026 After the raising of Lazarus has put both the people and the Sanhedrin into a frenzy of anticipation and animosity respectively, Jesus enters Jerusalem. There are palms and praises; driving out thieves and welcoming in children at the temple, and an unfortunate fig tree that serves as the representation of Israel’s spiritual state.
Subject: 2026 Easter Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): John 11:1-53 Date of Delivery: March 22, 2026 Death is the natural consequences of sin. Yet death is an immensely unnatural event. It is not right that beings made in the image of the God of life should perish. But that’s what sin does, it separates us from the Father in rebellion against Him and brings about death. Thanks be to God who has provided victory over death and binds us to the Father.
Subject: The Acts of the Apostles Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Acts 28:30-31 Date of Delivery: March 15, 2026 As the book of the Acts of the Apostles comes to a close, we are left on an odd note. There’s no resolution, no final court-case confrontation, no repetition of moral. What we have is Paul finally in Rome and still proclaiming the Kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, an odd ending, but definitely the right one.
Subject: The Acts of the Apostles Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Acts 28:17-28 Date of Delivery: March 8, 2026 While in house arrest in Rome, Paul reaches out to the Jewish leadership to proclaim to them the “hope of Israel”, who is Jesus. After hearing him teach they are divided amongst themselves. Some are persuaded but others inflamed at this Gospel proclamation. The Gospel that binds us to God often also divides us from others.
Subject: The Acts of the Apostles Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Acts 28:11-16 Date of Delivery: March 1, 2026 This official journey to Rome began 5 months ago. After a slow start, storm throws them into open waters for 2 weeks. After crashing on Malta they must stay through the season, until sailing such waters is safe again. Surrounded by prisoners, soldiers, sailors, and barbarians, Paul and company finally see friendly faces of fellow believers in Christ.
Subject: The Acts of the Apostles Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez Scripture Passage(s): Acts 28:1-10 Date of Delivery: February 22, 2026 All 276 people aboard the shipwrecked boat survive, just as God had spoken, and they find safety on the Isle of Malta. Populated by “barbaroi” or “Barbarians”, they receive unusual kindness from a people conquered and ridiculed by the Roman world. This safety is soon interrupted by a venomous viper that bites into Paul’s hand.
