🌙 When God Keeps You Awake: The Divine Purpose Behind Your Sleepless Nights | Esther 6 Bible Study 🗡️ This expository sermon was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 6:00 pm. 🗡️ Ever wondered why you can't sleep at 2 AM? What if those restless nights aren't just insomnia, but divine appointments with God? In this powerful sermon on Esther chapter 6, Pastor Fortunato reveals how God uses sleepless nights to accomplish His perfect will—just as He did with a Persian king 2,500 years ago. Discover the incredible story of King Ahasuerus's sleepless night that changed history. While the king tossed and turned, God was orchestrating events to save His people. Learn how Mordecai's five-year-old act of faithfulness—saving the king from assassination—was divinely brought to light at the exact moment needed to thwart Haman's evil plot. This isn't just ancient history; it's a blueprint for understanding how God works in your life today! ✨ In this eye-opening Bible study, you'll learn: • Why your sleepless nights might be divine insomnia rather than a medical problem • How God's timing is never late but always strategic—like lightning that strikes exactly when needed • The power of faithfulness without seeking recognition (and why God keeps perfect records) • What those 2 AM wake-up calls might really mean for your prayer life • How being a faithful "doorkeeper" in your current position matters for eternity • The sobering truth about the Judgment Seat of Christ and eternal rewards for believers Pastor Fortunato shares personal testimonies of how God has used sleepless nights to reveal crucial information and guide major decisions in ministry. From finding their church building to navigating difficult situations, learn how staying faithful is better than being informed, because God will reveal what you need to know exactly when you need it. This message challenges believers to consider: What door has God positioned you to guard faithfully? Whether you're a parent protecting your home, an employee at your workplace, or serving in ministry, your faithfulness matters. Every word, every motive, and every action is being recorded for that day when we stand before Christ—not for condemnation, but for rewards. 🙏 Next time you can't sleep, before reaching for your phone or a midnight snack, remember King Ahasuerus. God might be keeping you awake to pray for someone who needs a miracle at 7 AM, to restore a broken relationship, or to reveal your next step in His plan. 📖 Join us for more life-changing Bible studies and sermons that connect ancient wisdom to modern life! Connect with Pilgrim Baptist Church: 🌐 Website: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/ 📝 Pastor Fortunato's Blog: https://fortunato.blog/ 👥 Facebook: / pilgrimbaptistcookeville Support Our Ministry: 💝 Give Online: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/giving Your partnership helps us continue spreading God's Word and ministering to our community in Cookeville, Tennessee, and beyond. Every contribution makes a difference in lives being transformed by the Gospel! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

🚨 WARNING: Pride Comes Before the Fall - The Dangerous Intoxication You Can't See Coming 🗡️ This expository sermon was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 6:00 pm. 🗡️ Are you spiritually sober, or are you drunk on something far more dangerous than alcohol? In this powerful sermon from Esther 5, Pastor Fortunato exposes the deadly poison that destroyed souls in the Garden of Eden and continues to destroy lives today - PRIDE. Discover the shocking parallels between: ✅ Physical drunkenness vs. spiritual drunkenness ✅ How Haman's pride led to his own destruction ✅ Why pride is more intoxicating than any bottle ✅ The warning signs of spiritual pride in your life This isn't just another Bible study - it's a wake-up call for every Christian who thinks they're immune to pride's deadly grip. Watch as Pastor Fortunato breaks down how Haman went from royal banquet guest to building his own gallows, all because he couldn't handle one man's refusal to bow. You'll learn: • Why pride needs an audience and how it destroys relationships • How to recognize spiritual drunkenness in yourself and others • The difference between wine of joy and wine of destruction • Why surrounding yourself with "yes men" leads to disaster • How to maintain spiritual sobriety in a pride-filled world The truth hits hard: If you're building revenge plans under the influence of pride, what you're building to hang someone else will end up hanging yourself. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. This sermon will challenge your heart posture and make you examine whether you're living for God's glory or your own. Don't let pride write your story - let humility lead you to victory. Ready to check your spiritual sobriety? Hit that LIKE button if this message convicted your heart, SUBSCRIBE for more biblical truth that transforms lives, and COMMENT below with your biggest takeaway from this powerful message. Connect with us: 🌐 Website: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/ 📝 Pastor Fortunato's Blog: https://fortunato.blog/ 📘 Facebook: / pilgrimbaptistcookeville 💝 Support Our Ministry: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/giving Share this message with someone who needs to hear about the danger of pride and the beauty of biblical humility. Together, let's choose the wine of joy over the poison of pride. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

🔥 "You Can't Judge Me!" - What Jesus Said That Made Religious Leaders Want to Kill Him | John 5 Deep Dive 🗡️ This expository sermon was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 11:00 am. 🗡️ Have you ever wondered why religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus for healing someone? In this powerful sermon from John chapter 5, discover the shocking claim Jesus made that changed everything - He declared Himself equal with God the Father. This isn't just another Bible study; it's an eye-opening exploration of Christ's deity that will transform how you understand the Trinity. Pastor dives deep into verses 19-24, revealing how Jesus didn't ask permission from the Father but operated in perfect unity with Him. Learn why Jesus had to specifically address individuals like Lazarus and Jairus's daughter when raising them from the dead - and what would have happened if He hadn't! This fascinating teaching explains the "seeth" and "doeth" relationship between Father and Son, showing their eternal, unbroken union. ✨ Discover why honoring Jesus as just a "good teacher" or "prophet" actually dishonors God the Father. This message tackles the challenging questions non-Trinitarians face and resolves the seeming contradiction between Isaiah 42:8 and John 5:23. You'll understand why Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams missed the mark despite admiring Jesus's teachings. Most importantly, hear Christ's authoritative promise in verse 24: those who hear His word and believe HAVE everlasting life - not will have, but possess it right now! Learn what it truly means to be "quickened" - made alive so as to never die again spiritually. This isn't about religious rituals or living right to earn salvation; it's about the instant transfer from death to life through faith in Christ. Whether you're questioning your salvation, struggling to understand the Trinity, or seeking deeper biblical truth, this message will challenge and encourage you. Stop letting the noise of social media, culture, and conflicting voices drown out God's Word. 📖 Ready to dig deeper into God's Word? Connect with us: 🌐 Visit our website: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/ 📝 Read Pastor Fortunato's blog: https://fortunato.blog/ 👥 Join our Facebook community: / pilgrimbaptistcookeville 💝 Support this ministry: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/giving Have you truly heard Christ's words today? Have you passed from death unto life? Don't wait another moment - your eternal destiny depends on understanding and believing this truth. Watch now and discover why Jesus is more than just "the man upstairs" - He is God manifest in the flesh, worthy of all honor and worship. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

🔥 Are you REALLY supposed to keep the Sabbath as a Christian? This powerful Bible study will challenge everything you thought you knew about the Ten Commandments and New Testament Christianity! 🗡️ This expository sermon was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 11:00 am. 🗡️ Many Christians are confused about whether they should observe the Sabbath day. Some denominations teach that Sunday worship is wrong, while others claim the Sabbath commandment still applies today. But what does the Bible ACTUALLY say? In this eye-opening sermon from John Chapter 5, Pastor Fortunato reveals the shocking truth about the Sabbath law and why Jesus consistently worked miracles on the Sabbath day. Discover why the Jewish leaders wanted to kill Jesus for healing on the Sabbath, and learn the crucial difference between Old Testament law given to Israel and New Testament grace for Christians today. Key Bible Study Topics Covered: ✅ Why 9 of the 10 Commandments are restated in the New Testament (but NOT the Sabbath) ✅ The true meaning of Jesus saying "My Father works, and I work" ✅ How Seventh Day Adventists and other groups misunderstand biblical law ✅ Why Christians are NOT under Old Testament Sabbath requirements ✅ The difference between being controlled by rules vs. being led by the Holy Spirit ✅ What Deuteronomy 13 reveals about why Jews rejected Jesus as God This biblical exposition will set you free from legalistic thinking and help you understand your true rest in Christ. Whether you've been taught to keep the Sabbath or you're confused about Christian liberty, this sermon provides clear biblical answers that will strengthen your faith and understanding of New Testament Christianity. Perfect for: • Christians questioning Sabbath-keeping requirements • Bible students studying the Ten Commandments • Anyone interested in Old Testament vs New Testament theology • Believers seeking freedom from religious legalism • Those studying the Gospel of John 👆 LIKE this video if it helped clarify biblical truth for you, SUBSCRIBE for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching, and SHARE with anyone struggling with legalistic Christianity! 💬 What's your biggest takeaway? Comment below and let us know how this sermon impacted your understanding of Christian liberty! Connect with Pilgrim Baptist Church: 🌐 Visit our website: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/ 📖 Read Pastor Fortunato's blog: https://fortunato.blog/ 📘 Follow us on Facebook: / pilgrimbaptistcookeville 💝 Support our ministry: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/giving 📚 For more expository preaching, biblical theology, and verse-by-verse Bible studies, subscribe and hit the notification bell! New sermons uploaded regularly. Pilgrim Baptist Church - Cookeville, Tennessee | Independent Baptist Church committed to expository preaching and biblical truth Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Is Your Church Teaching FALSE Modesty Doctrine? 🚨 The Truth About "Drawing Eyes to the Countenance" 🗡️ This family Sunday School lesson was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 10:00 am. 🗡️ Have you ever been told that Christian women must always wear bright, smiling faces to be "the light of the world"? Or that V-necks, jewelry below the neckline, and even Jesus-themed shirts are immodest because they don't "draw attention to the face"? In this eye-opening sermon, Pastor Fortunato exposes one of the most manipulative false teachings infiltrating churches today - the unbiblical doctrine of "drawing eyes to the countenance." 📖 What You'll Discover: This powerful message dismantles the twisted interpretation of Matthew 5:14-16 that guilt-trips women into forced cheerfulness and arbitrary clothing rules. Pastor Fortunato reveals how this teaching has ZERO biblical support and shows how false teachers cherry-pick verses to control what women wear and even what emotions they're allowed to display. Through careful examination of Scripture, including Ecclesiastes 7, Numbers 6, and Job 31, you'll learn why: • Sorrow can be better than laughter (and why that's biblical!) • God never commanded men to draw their eyes to women's faces • Acknowledging beauty isn't sinful • External rules without heart transformation lead to legalism • Your countenance doesn't fulfill being "the light of the world" This isn't about promoting immodesty - it's about separating human tradition from God's actual Word. If you've ever felt confused about modesty standards in church, wondered why some teachings feel controlling rather than freeing, or questioned whether forced happiness is really what God requires, this message will bring clarity and biblical truth. ⛪ Connect With Pilgrim Baptist Church: 🌐 Website: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/ 📝 Pastor Fortunato's Blog: https://fortunato.blog/ 👥 Facebook: / pilgrimbaptistcookeville 💝 Support Our Ministry: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/giving Don't let false teachings burden you with man-made rules that God never commanded. Watch this sermon to understand what the Bible ACTUALLY teaches about modesty, countenance, and being the light of the world. Your freedom in Christ depends on knowing the truth! 👇 Comment below: Have you encountered this "countenance teaching" in your church? How has it affected you or someone you know? Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

🔥 STOP Blaming Women! The SHOCKING Truth About Biblical Modesty That Most Churches Get WRONG 🗡️ This family Sunday School lesson was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 10:00 am. 🗡️ Are you tired of hearing women blamed for men's lustful thoughts? This powerful sermon from Pastor Fortunato completely destroys the harmful teaching that makes women responsible for men's sin choices! The Biblical Truth About Modesty & Personal Responsibility: Discover why 1 Thessalonians 4:6 and Matthew 5:28 place the responsibility squarely on MEN, not women. This isn't your typical modesty sermon - it's a game-changer that exposes how conservative Christianity has flipped the biblical narrative upside down. What You'll Learn: ✅ Why "don't be a stumbling block" is being misused to oppress women ✅ The REAL meaning of "defraud" in Scripture (it's not what you think!) ✅ How Matthew 5:28 proves it's the "looker's" fault, not the woman's ✅ Biblical modesty principles that honor BOTH men and women ✅ Why personal responsibility matters more than dress codes ✅ How to teach daughters biblical modesty without shame and guilt Stop the Blame Game! This message tackles the toxic teaching that keeps women walking around apologizing for existing as attractive human beings. Pastor Fortunato courageously addresses how misinterpreting Scripture about biblical modesty, stumbling blocks, and defrauding has psychologically damaged countless women in the church. Perfect for: • Parents raising daughters in biblical truth • Women tired of carrying false guilt about modesty • Men who want to understand their biblical responsibility • Anyone seeking balanced, Scripture-based teaching on Christian modesty • Church leaders addressing these crucial heart issues 💬 What's YOUR take? Have you experienced this type of teaching? Share your thoughts in the comments - we read every single one! 📖 Want to dive deeper? Subscribe for more biblical truth that challenges popular but unbiblical teachings. Hit that notification bell so you never miss life-changing content! Connect with Pilgrim Baptist Church: 🌐 Website: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/ 📝 Pastor Fortunato's Blog: https://fortunato.blog/ 👥 Facebook: / pilgrimbaptistcookeville 💝 Support Our Ministry: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/giving Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

🔥 The God Who Laughs | When Divine Justice Meets Human Folly | Proverbs 1:26 Bible Study 🗡️ This expository sermon was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 2:00 pm. 🗡️ Have you ever wondered why Scripture says God laughs at calamity? This powerful sermon on Proverbs 1:26 reveals a side of God that modern Christianity often overlooks – the God who laughs at pride, mocks oppression, and uses holy humor to expose absurdity. In this eye-opening biblical teaching, we explore how God's laughter isn't cruel or petty, but purposeful and redemptive. From Sarah's laughter at God's promise to give her a son named Isaac (which literally means "laughter"), to Jesus Christ mocking the Pharisees' hypocrisy with divine wit, discover how righteous mockery has its place in confronting idolatry and injustice. 📖 We examine powerful passages, including: • Genesis 17-21: The beautiful story of how God gave Sarah's doubt a permanent reminder through Isaac's name • 1 Kings 18: Elijah's holy sarcasm against the prophets of Baal • Matthew 23: Jesus unleashing "woes" upon religious hypocrites • Luke 13: Christ calling Herod "that fox" while describing Himself as a protective mother hen • Psalms 2, 37, and 59: Understanding why God sits unbothered in heaven, laughing at those who oppose Him This sermon challenges comfortable Christianity and reveals how a God without righteous indignation is a God who's made peace with injustice. Learn why the fool's laughter is empty and destructive, while God's laughter is prophetic and redemptive. Understand the tragedy of rejected wisdom and why sometimes God's only response to human absurdity is divine laughter. Whether you're struggling with personal giants in your life or seeking deeper biblical understanding, this message offers profound insights into God's character and His response to human pride and rebellion. Discover why God laughs at oppressive systems but never at the oppressed, and how His laughter should bring comfort to believers facing trials. ✨ 📱 Connect with Pilgrim Baptist Church: 🌐 Website: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/ ✍️ Pastor Fortunato's Blog: https://fortunato.blog/ 👥 Facebook: / pilgrimbaptistcookeville 💝 Support Our Ministry: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/giving Join us as we dive deep into Scripture and discover the God who gets the last laugh – not out of cruelty, but out of sovereign confidence in His ultimate justice and redemption plan. 👉 SUBSCRIBE for more powerful biblical teachings and hit the notification bell to never miss a sermon that will transform your understanding of God's Word! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

🔥 Are you ignoring God's call to turn back to Him? This powerful biblical sermon from Proverbs 1:22-25 reveals why wisdom calls us home and what happens when we refuse to listen. 🗡️ This expository sermon was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 2:00 pm. 🗡️ The Cost of Refusing God's Reproof Pastor Fortunato delivers a convicting message about the three types of people in Proverbs - the simple, the scorner, and the fool - and how God's wisdom calls each one back home. This expository preaching will challenge your heart about biblical repentance and spiritual awakening. What You'll Discover in This Sermon ✅ Why reproof is essential for Christian living and spiritual growth ✅ The biblical connection between the Holy Spirit and God's Word ✅ Three crucial New Testament doctrines found in Proverbs 1:23 ✅ How repentance precedes conversion in authentic Christianity ✅ Why compartmentalizing God leads to spiritual defeat ✅ The difference between God's discipline and His love Transform Your Understanding of God's Call This Bible study on wisdom literature will help you understand why God's counsel is comprehensive for every area of life. Learn about biblical reproof, the role of the Holy Spirit in understanding Scripture, and why turning to God requires turning from sin. Perfect for Christians seeking deeper biblical truth and those struggling with spiritual stubbornness. Key Topics Covered: • Biblical repentance and conversion • The Holy Spirit's role in spiritual understanding • God's persistent love despite human rejection • The danger of treating God like "white noise" • Why God's grace is sufficient for every situation Don't Be a "Would None" Christian Stop compartmentalizing God in your life. His wisdom is calling - are you ready to listen and turn back to Him? This sermon will convict your heart about areas where you might be refusing God's counsel. Connect with Pilgrim Baptist Church: 🌐 Website: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/ 📝 Pastor Fortunato's Blog: https://fortunato.blog/ 📘 Facebook: / pilgrimbaptistcookeville 💝 Support Our Ministry: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/giving Like this sermon? Hit the 👍 button, subscribe for more biblical preaching, and share with someone who needs to hear God's call to wisdom today! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The Everlasting Gospel: Why an Angel Preaches It 🗡️ This family Sunday School lesson was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 10:00 am. 🗡️ There are FIVE distinct references to "gospel" in the Bible, and only ONE is preached by an angel - so it's NOT for us to preach today! Discover the shocking truth about the Everlasting Gospel from Revelation 14 that will transform your understanding of end times prophecy forever. Pastor Fortunato delivers this eye-opening final lesson in our groundbreaking Five Gospels series, revealing why this particular gospel is reserved for angelic proclamation right before Christ's second coming. Unlike the Gospel of Grace we preach today, this everlasting gospel carries a completely different message for a completely different time. In this powerful sermon, you'll discover: • Why angels desire to look into our gospel but can't preach it • The shocking difference between "eternal" and "everlasting" that changes everything • What happens when the tribulation reaches its climax in Revelation 14 • The three-part message this angel will proclaim to every nation • Why this gospel focuses on God as Creator • How this connects to Israel's future restoration and Jacob's trouble • The biblical definition of dispensation that settles theological debates Pastor Fortunato masterfully connects scripture with real-world application, showing how our culture's worship of sports heroes and political figures reveals humanity's desperate need to give glory to God. This isn't just prophecy study - it's a wake-up call for the church age we're living in right now. Don't miss this crucial biblical teaching that completes your understanding of God's redemptive plan! Like this video if it opened your eyes to new biblical truth, subscribe for more verse-by-verse expository preaching, and share with your fellow believers. Connect with Pilgrim Baptist Church: 🌐 Visit our website: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/ 📝 Read Pastor Fortunato's insights: https://fortunato.blog/ 📱 Follow us on Facebook: / pilgrimbaptistcookeville 💝 Support our ministry: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/giving Ready to dive deeper into God's Word with systematic Bible teaching that challenges and transforms? Subscribe now and ring that notification bell so you never miss our verse-by-verse exposition of Scripture! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Gospel of the Kingdom vs Gospel of Grace 🗡️ This family Sunday School lesson was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 10:00 am. 🗡️ Are you confused about the different gospels in the Bible? This powerful sermon will transform your understanding of Scripture! Discover why Jesus preached the "gospel of the kingdom" during His earthly ministry, but we preach the "gospel of grace" today. Pastor Fortunato breaks down the critical differences between these two distinct messages and explains who each gospel was meant for. In this eye-opening Bible study, you'll learn: • Why the gospel of the kingdom was specifically for the Jewish nation • How Jesus will literally reign as King on earth in the future • The difference between spiritual salvation and physical kingdom promises • Why understanding Bible dispensations is crucial for proper interpretation • When the kingdom of heaven will actually be established on earth This verse-by-verse exposition covers Matthew 24:14, Luke 1:30-33, Matthew 3:1-3, Matthew 4:17, Matthew 10:5-7, and Deuteronomy 28:13. Whether you're a new believer seeking clarity on biblical prophecy or a seasoned Christian wanting deeper understanding of end times theology, this sermon provides essential insights into God's plan for Israel and the church. Pastor Fortunato addresses common misconceptions about America in Bible prophecy and explains why the gospel of the kingdom will be preached again during the tribulation period. Learn how to properly witness to others by understanding which gospel message applies to our current church age. Don't miss this foundational teaching that will revolutionize your Bible study! Subscribe for more in-depth biblical exposition and share this video with someone who needs clarity on God's Word. Connect with Pilgrim Baptist Church: 🌐 Website: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/ 📝 Pastor Fortunato's Blog: https://fortunato.blog/ 📘 Facebook: / pilgrimbaptistcookeville 💝 Support Our Ministry: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/giving Like this video if it helped clarify Scripture for you, and comment below with your thoughts on dispensational theology and biblical interpretation! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.