Galilee Baptist Church

A Baptist Church in Tyler TX

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“Our Ebenezer Stone”

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SERMON RECAP: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2025

Based on the sermon by Pastor Anthony Williams

Anchor Scripture

“Then Samuel took a stone and placed it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’”
— 1 Samuel 7:12 (NASB 2020)

Pastor Williams guided us to reflect on our own “Ebenezer stones”—the markers in our lives that bear witness to God’s faithfulness. Just as Samuel set up a stone as a reminder of God’s deliverance, we too are called to recognize how God has helped us “thus far.”

This message invites us into remembrance, gratitude, and renewed commitment as a church and as individuals.

1. The Reason for the Ebenezer Stone

Samuel’s stone was not simply a monument, it was a testimony. It reminded the nation of Israel that victory came only through God’s intervention. Pastor Williams reminded us that every believer has moments when God stepped in, guided, protected, or carried us. Our own Ebenezer stones mark God’s undeniable help.

2. Remembering Our Church History

Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, like Israel, has its own story of deliverance, provision, and growth. We stand on the prayers, sacrifices, and faith of generations before us. Reflecting on where God has brought us is part of how we remain grateful and grounded.

3. The Reality of God’s Present Faithfulness

While we honor the past, we also celebrate the faithfulness we see right now. God is continually active in our church, our community, and our personal lives.

Pastor Williams connected this with Scriptures like:

  • “LORD, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.” — Psalm 90:1

  • “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion… He shall set me up upon a rock.” — Psalm 27:5

God has not stopped showing up for His people.

4. Remaining Relevant in the Future

Just as Samuel led the people forward, our church must continue to move faithfully into the future. This means being spiritually relevant, community-focused, mission-minded, and committed to the work God has called us to do. The Ebenezer reminds us that the God who helped us before will guide us ahead.

5. Recognizing God’s Faithfulness in Your Life

Pastor Williams encouraged each of us to pause and ask:
Where has God helped you “thus far”?
Your Ebenezer may be a moment, a testimony, a deliverance, a healing, a breakthrough, or even a quiet season where God sustained you. What God has done personally is just as important as what He has done corporately.

Journaling Questions

  1. What “Ebenezer stones” can you identify in your own life, moments when God clearly helped you?

  2. Why is it important for you to remember God’s past faithfulness?

  3. What steps can you take to help Galilee remain spiritually relevant in the years ahead?

  4. What testimony could you share that would encourage someone else this week?

  5. Where is God calling you to set a “stone of remembrance” in this season of your life?

Standing Firm in Trials — Part 4: Christ’s Victory Over Suffering

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SERMON RECAP – November 16, 2025

In Part 4 of Pastor Williams’ Standing Firm in Trials series, we were reminded that while trials are unavoidable, victory through Christ is guaranteed. Scripture teaches us that the believer’s strength in suffering doesn’t come from personal ability or willpower. Our strength comes from trusting in the One who already conquered every battle we will ever face.

Our anchor scripture for this message calls every believer to spiritual readiness:

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.
Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion,
seeking someone to devour.”
— 1 Peter 5:8 (NASB 2020)

Pastor reminded us that standing firm is not passive; rather, it is an intentional, watchful posture of faith.

1. Recognizing the Battle: Satan’s Strategy of Discontentment

The enemy’s goal is to undermine our faith by stirring discontentment; causing us to lose gratitude, lose perspective, and eventually lose strength. But God has equipped us with everything we need to recognize and resist these attacks.

We are not powerless in this battle, nor are we alone.

2. Remembering Christ’s Confrontation: The Ultimate Spiritual Battle

Pastor walked us through how Jesus faced and defeated Satan’s attacks at every major moment of His earthly life:

  • In the wilderness

  • Throughout His ministry

  • At the cross

Hebrews 12:3 encourages us to look to Christ’s endurance:

“Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

When we reflect on how Jesus stood firm, we gain strength for our own trials.

3. Responding With Weapons of Victory: Christ’s Example for Our Battles

Pastor Williams highlighted five spiritual weapons that empower believers to stand firm:

   1. Fix Your Eyes on Jesus — Hebrews 12:2

   2. Submit and Humble Yourself — 1 Peter 5:6

   3. Cast Your Anxieties on Him — 1 Peter 5:7

   4. Resist with Firm Faith — 1 Peter 5:9

    5. Embrace Suffering’s Purpose — 1 Peter 5:10

These steps are not burdens, they are biblical anchors that steady us when trials try to shake us.

4. Results Beyond the Battle: Eternal Perspective as Ultimate Victory

Pastor closed by reminding us that suffering is temporary, but God’s promises are eternal. When we adopt an eternal perspective, we can endure the present moment with hope.

Because Christ has victory over suffering, we can walk through our trials with confidence and assurance.

Journaling Questions

1. Where do I see the enemy using discontentment in my life, and how can I guard against it?

2. How does considering Christ’s endurance give me strength in my current trial?

3. Which of the five “weapons of victory” do I most need to put into practice this week?

Standing Firm Series, Part 3: “Courage in Crisis: Facing Your Giants”

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Sermon Recap – Sunday, November 9, 2025 

In this third installment of the Standing Firm series, Pastor Williams explored what it means to have Courage in Crisis—drawing lessons from David’s encounter with Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:26. David’s words, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” remind us that courage is not the absence of fear but the presence of faith.

1. When Faith Meets Fear

Before every victory, there’s a moment of fear. Pastor Williams reminded us that the difference between running from fear and facing it head-on is faith. Like David, our courage must be rooted in the confidence that the battle belongs to the Lord, not to us.

2. Perspective on Giants

David’s perspective transformed an impossible situation into a testimony of God’s power. He understood:

  • The battle was the Lord’s.

  • His identity was grounded in being a servant of the living God.

  • Every challenge was an opportunity for God’s glory to be revealed.

When our perspective shifts from fear to faith, we can see obstacles as platforms for divine demonstration.

3. Our Particular Giants

Pastor Williams named three “giants” that believers often face:

  1. Discouragement – the voice that says, “You can’t.”

  2. Division – the enemy’s strategy to weaken God’s people.

  3. Denseness (Spiritual Slowness) – when complacency replaces conviction.

Each giant tests our endurance and unity, but through faith, they can be defeated.

4. Five Stones for Our Giants

David’s courage was matched by preparation and trust. Pastor Williams outlined five practical steps inspired by David’s “five smooth stones”:

  1. Remember God’s Faithfulness – Recall past victories.

  2. Reject Ill-Fitting Solutions – Don’t wear someone else’s armor.

  3. Focus on God’s Reputation – Act for His name’s sake.

  4. Take the Next Small Step – Move forward even when the outcome isn’t clear.

  5. Stand Together in Faith – Unity fortifies courage.

5. From Personal Courage to Community Strength

True courage doesn’t end with one victory—it spreads. When we stand firm individually, we strengthen the community around us. Courage inspires courage; faith multiplies faith.

Journaling Questions

  1. What “giant” am I currently facing that challenges my faith?

  2. How can I shift my perspective from fear to faith in this situation?

  3. Which of David’s “five stones” do I need to apply most right now?

  4. In what ways can my personal courage strengthen others in my community or church?

Weekly Meetings

SUNDAYS:   10:00am: Sunday School
11:00am: Worship Service

WEDNESDAYS:   7:00pm: Bible Study (virtually via dial-in number 903-705-1352)

FRIDAYS:   7:00pm: Prayer Call (virtually via dial-in number 903-705-1352)

Physical Address

15876 CR 1113
Flint, TX 75762
Get Directions
(430) 351-1003
galileembctyler@gmail.com

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 4066 Tyler, TX 75712

Meet Our Pastor

Pastor Anthony Williams

On October 15, 1989, Anthony L. Williams accepted the call as pastor of Galilee Baptist Church. … Read More.