Do You Want to Be Made Whole? | John 5:5-14 🗡️ This expository sermon was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 11:00 am. 🗡️ 🔥 Are you stuck in spiritual paralysis after 38 years of the same struggles? This powerful Bible study of John 5:5-14 reveals why some people never experience true healing and breakthrough in their Christian walk. Why This Biblical Truth Will Transform Your Life In this in-depth expository preaching session, we explore the incredible account of Jesus healing the man at the pool of Bethesda. Discover the shocking parallels between this man's 38-year infirmity and Israel's 38 years wandering in the wilderness - and what it means for your spiritual journey today. What You'll Learn in This Bible Teaching: ✅ The real reason behind 38 years of spiritual stagnation ✅ Why Jesus asked "Do you want to be made whole?" and what it means for us ✅ How unconfessed sin creates cycles of defeat in the Christian life ✅ The difference between wanting physical healing vs. spiritual wholeness ✅ Why some believers become comfortable with their spiritual limitations ✅ Biblical principles for breaking free from wilderness wandering ✅ The connection between obedience and miraculous breakthrough Biblical Insights That Will Challenge You: This verse by verse Bible study examines how the man's excuse-making mirrors our own spiritual condition. Learn why immediate obedience to God's Word is essential for lasting transformation, and discover the sobering warning: "sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee." Pastor Fortunato delivers solid Biblical exposition that connects Old Testament typology with New Testament truth, showing how Israel's rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea parallels our own spiritual battles today. Ready for Your Spiritual Breakthrough? If you're tired of circling the same mountain for decades and want genuine freedom in Christ, this sermon will equip you with Biblical truth for victorious Christian living. Don't let another day pass in spiritual defeat! 👍 LIKE this video if it blessed you 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more expository preaching and Bible studies 💬 COMMENT below: What "bed" do you need to take up and walk? 📤 SHARE with someone who needs this message of hope 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 on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

🔥 DESPERATE FOR JESUS? The Pool of Bethesda Will Change Your Perspective on Waiting | John 5:1-4 🗡️ This expository sermon was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 11:00 am. 🗡️ Are you tired of waiting on God? Struggling with spiritual blindness, instability, or feeling spiritually withered? This powerful sermon from John 5 reveals why Jesus intentionally positions himself near the hurting and how the Pool of Bethesda teaches us profound lessons about divine timing, spiritual desperation, and God's mercy. What You'll Discover: ✅ Why the sheep gate and Pool of Bethesda location matters for your salvation ✅ The controversial verses most modern Bibles remove - and why they're crucial ✅ How spiritual blindness, being "halt" (unstable), and withered conditions mirror our walk with Christ ✅ Why waiting on God isn't passive - it's active anticipation that builds spiritual muscle ✅ The difference between casual interest and desperate faith in Jesus ✅ How the "whosoever gospel" cures the "whatsoever disease" - no matter your struggle Pastor Jim Fortunato exposes the dangerous deception of procrastination and challenges American Christianity's lack of desperation for Christ. Through careful Bible study comparing John 5 with Nehemiah 3, discover how Jesus as our Great High Priest opened the way of salvation and why being first to respond to God's calling matters. This isn't just another Bible study - it's a wake-up call for lukewarm Christians who've lost their spiritual urgency. Whether you're struggling with sin, spiritual instability, or feeling distant from God, this message will reignite your passion for Jesus and show you how to position yourself and your family for spiritual wholeness. Perfect for: • Christians struggling with spiritual dryness • Anyone questioning manuscript authority and Bible versions • Believers needing encouragement during waiting seasons • Parents wanting to raise spiritually desperate children • Church members seeking deeper biblical understanding Don't let another season pass without responding to God's call. The healing is instantaneous, complete, and permanent - but you must step into the troubled waters first. 🙏 Ready to Get Desperate for Jesus? Visit our website: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/ Read Pastor Fortunato's blog: https://fortunato.blog/ Connect with us on Facebook: / pilgrimbaptistcookeville Support our ministry: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/giving Like this message? Subscribe for more verse-by-verse biblical teaching that challenges comfortable Christianity and ignites spiritual desperation for Christ! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

🍕 BIBLICAL MODESTY: Why God Cares About What You Wear (Lesson 2) | Does Appearance Really Matter to God? 🗡️ This family Sunday School lesson was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 10:00 am. 🗡️ Are you struggling with the biblical view on modesty and wondering if God truly cares about outward appearance? This powerful sermon will challenge everything you thought you knew about biblical modesty and God's standards for Christian living. In this eye-opening message on biblical modesty, Pastor Fortunato tackles one of the most controversial topics in modern Christianity using a creative pizza illustration that will help you understand why this subject divides so many churches. Discover the critical difference between the world's standard of indecency, the average Christian's standard of decency, and God's call for "most decency" in our lives. 🎯 What You'll Learn: • Why 1 Timothy 2:9 proves that apparel DOES matter to God • The truth about 1 Samuel 16:7 and whether it dismisses outward appearance • How to avoid both the "shallow preacher" and "legalist" ditches • Why the heart-only argument leads to dangerous antinomianism • Biblical examples showing God's concern for both inward and outward righteousness 📖 Key Scripture References: • 1 Timothy 2:9 - Women adorning themselves in modest apparel • 1 Samuel 16:7 - God looks on the heart (but does this dismiss appearance?) • Matthew 23:25-28 - Jesus addresses both inside and outside cleanliness This biblical teaching on Christian modesty isn't about legalism or shallow rules - it's about understanding God's complete standard for holy living. Whether you're a new believer or mature Christian, this message will help you navigate the challenging waters of biblical modesty in 2025. Don't let this controversial topic divide your understanding of God's Word! Pastor Fortunato provides clear biblical foundation while addressing common objections and misconceptions about Christian dress standards and modest living. 🔥 WATCH NEXT: Part 1 of our Biblical Modesty Series for the essential foundation! 💬 What's your biggest question about biblical modesty? Drop it in the comments below! 👍 If this sermon challenged your thinking about God's standards, LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE for more biblical teaching that doesn't compromise God's Word! 🔔 Hit the notification bell so you never miss our weekly sermons and Bible studies! 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 on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

🔥 SHOCKING TRUTH About Biblical Modesty That Churches Won't Tell You! | Pastor Fortunato Exposes Religious Deception 🗡️ This family Sunday School lesson was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 10:00 am. 🗡️ Are you ready for a biblical truth that will challenge everything you think you know about modesty and righteousness? In this powerful sermon, Pastor Fortunato delivers a convicting message on biblical modesty that goes far deeper than just clothing choices. What You'll Discover: ✅ Why religious clothing can be dangerously deceiving (Matthew 23:27-28) ✅ The shocking reality about human righteousness - it's all "filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6) ✅ How false teachers are contaminating the modern church with watered-down messages ✅ Why your good works won't save you and what God really requires ✅ The only true source of righteous clothing that God accepts ✅ How to identify religious hypocrites who look spiritual but are "full of dead men's bones" This isn't your typical feel-good sermon that tickles itching ears. Pastor Fortunato delivers hard biblical truths about spiritual modesty, salvation by grace, and the deception of works-based righteousness. Whether you're struggling with legalism, wondering about true salvation, or seeking biblical answers about Christian living, this message will challenge and transform your understanding. Perfect for: Christians seeking biblical truth, parents wanting to teach biblical principles, anyone questioning religious traditions, believers studying modesty and righteousness, those interested in learning the Bible and understanding grace-based salvation. This is part 1 of a weekly series on biblical modesty that will revolutionize how you view both inward and outward righteousness. Don't miss the upcoming messages that will dive deeper into practical applications of biblical modesty principles. Ready to go deeper in your faith? 🌐 Visit our website: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/ 📖 Read Pastor Fortunato's blog: https://fortunato.blog/ 👥 Connect on Facebook: / pilgrimbaptistcookeville 💝 Support our ministry: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/giving 👍 SMASH that LIKE button if this message convicted your heart, SUBSCRIBE for more uncompromising biblical truth, and SHARE with someone who needs to hear this message! What part of this sermon hit you the hardest? Drop a comment below! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

🚨 GOD'S URGENT WARNING: "How Long Will You Ignore Wisdom?" - A Life-Changing Message from Proverbs 1 🗡️ This expository sermon was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 2:00 pm. 🗡️ Are you tired of making the same mistakes over and over? This powerful sermon on biblical wisdom from Proverbs 1 will shake you to your core and transform how you view God's call on your life. Pastor Fortunato delivers an urgent message about Wisdom's Public Proclamation that every believer needs to hear TODAY. What You'll Discover: ✅ Why God's wisdom isn't secret knowledge but a public cry in the streets ✅ The three dangerous categories of people: the Simple, the Scorners, and the Fools - which one are you? ✅ How biblical wisdom intersects with everyday life, business, and civic leadership ✅ Why Jesus Christ himself is identified as the wisdom of God in Scripture ✅ The heartbreaking reason behind God's urgent question: "How long?" ✅ Why God's patience has limits and what that means for your spiritual life This isn't just another Bible study - it's a wake-up call for anyone who's been spiritually lazy, mocking godly wisdom, or hardening their heart against God's truth. Pastor Fortunato explains how Christian living requires us to move beyond spiritual immaturity and embrace the wisdom of God that's freely available to all. Key Biblical Insights: • Proverbs 1:20-22 reveals wisdom as a woman crying out in public places • How 1 Corinthians 1 connects Christ as our wisdom • Why wisdom appears in the streets, gates, and cities • The urgent nature of God's call and why timing matters Whether you're struggling with spiritual growth, dealing with difficult decisions, or wondering how to apply biblical principles to your daily life, this message provides the clarity and urgency you need. Don't let another day pass living as the simple, the scorner, or the fool. The question isn't "How long will you continue in folly?" - it's "How long before it's too late?" This expository preaching will challenge your heart and mind while showing you the compassionate yet urgent nature of God's call. Perfect for anyone seeking biblical wisdom, spiritual maturity, or understanding how to live out their Christian faith in today's world. Ready to Connect and Grow? 🌐 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 👍 LIKE this video if it challenged you, SUBSCRIBE for more life-changing biblical teaching, and SHARE with someone who needs to hear this urgent message. Comment below - which category spoke to your heart and how will you respond to God's call? Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

🚨 PARENTS: This ONE Biblical Truth Could Save Your Child from Lifelong Regret 🗡️ This expository sermon was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 2:00 pm. 🗡️ Are you tired of watching young people make devastating choices that destroy their futures? This powerful sermon from Pastor Fortunato at Pilgrim Baptist Church reveals the biblical wisdom every parent and young person DESPERATELY needs to hear. DISCOVER THE LIFE-CHANGING POWER OF PROVERBS 1:15-16 📖 In this eye-opening message, Pastor Fortunato exposes the dangerous paths that lead to destruction and shows you how ONE simple biblical principle can protect your family from: • Addiction and substance abuse 🚫 • Teenage pregnancy and sexual immorality • Financial ruin and poor decision-making • Social media traps that destroy reputations • Academic dishonesty that kills integrity • Toxic relationships that lead nowhere good Why do smart kids make stupid choices? Pastor Fortunato breaks down the psychology behind temptation and reveals why "I'll only go a little way down the path" is the LIE that destroys lives. Learn the biblical wisdom of COMPLETE avoidance rather than partial compromise. BIBLICAL WISDOM FOR CHRISTIAN PARENTING 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 This isn't just another church sermon - it's a roadmap for raising godly children in an ungodly world. Discover how to give your kids CLEAR commands (not suggestions) that will protect them from paths of destruction. Learn why Christian parents must stop fearing their children and start leading with biblical authority. POWERFUL BIBLICAL TRUTHS REVEALED: ✅ Why paths are predictable (and how to avoid them) ✅ The difference between stumbling and running toward evil ✅ How to build spiritual discernment in young people ✅ Why waiting on the Lord is better than instant gratification ✅ The secret to raising kids who WANT to live for God Ready to transform your family with biblical wisdom? This sermon will challenge you to examine the paths you're allowing in your own life and give you practical tools for discipleship and Christian living. 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 blessed you, SUBSCRIBE for more biblical preaching, and SHARE with parents who need this message! Comment below: What path do you need to refrain your foot from? Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

🚨 YOUNG PEOPLE: This Could Save Your Life! Essential Wisdom from Proverbs 1:10-14 🗡️ This expository sermon was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 2:00 pm. 🗡️ Are you tired of feeling pressured to compromise your values? In this powerful sermon, Pastor Fortunato delivers a life-changing message that every Christian young person needs to hear. Drawing from Proverbs 1:10-19, discover the third essential principle for living: how to separate from wrongdoings and wrongdoers. What You'll Learn: • Why God commands us to "consent thou not" when sinners entice us • How to recognize and resist peer pressure in school, work, and social situations • The dangerous psychology behind group recruitment tactics • Biblical strategies for standing firm in your faith when others mock your standards • Why your Christian presence convicts the lost world (and how to handle their reaction) This isn't just another sermon about avoiding temptation - it's a practical guide for developing unshakeable resistance to sin. Pastor Fortunato addresses real-world scenarios that Christian young people face daily, from workplace pressure to drink alcohol, to school friends mocking your dress standards and music choices. Perfect for: • Christian teenagers facing peer pressure • Parents wanting to equip their children with biblical wisdom • Young adults starting their careers • Anyone struggling with standing firm in their faith The message reveals how sinners use inclusive language ("come with us"), promises of easy gain, and group mentality to recruit others into their schemes. But God's word provides clear direction: develop your own walk with the Lord now, before you're faced with these critical decisions. Key Biblical Insights: Learn why verse 10 specifically mentions "sinners" (people) rather than just "sin," and how this changes everything about our approach to temptation. Discover the connection between Proverbs 1:12 and the biblical account of Korah, and why understanding this reference is crucial for recognizing the arrogance behind sinful enticement. Don't wait until you're 20 to start developing your relationship with God. Serve Him in your youth and build the spiritual strength you'll need when the world tries to entice you away from righteousness. Ready to grow deeper in your faith? Visit our website at https://pilgrimbaptist.church/ for more resources and sermon archives. Follow Pastor Fortunato's blog at https://fortunato.blog/ for additional biblical insights and practical Christian living tips. Connect with our church family: Facebook: / pilgrimbaptistcookeville Support our ministry: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/giving Like this video if it encouraged you, subscribe for weekly sermons, and share with a young person who needs to hear this message. Comment below with your thoughts - we'd love to hear how God is working in your life! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Proverbs 1:8-9 • Why Kids REJECT God (Satan's Plan EXPOSED) 🗡️ This expository sermon was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 2:00 pm. 🗡️ 🔥 Are Your Children Falling Into Satan's TRAP? The Biblical Truth About Parental Authority Discover the life-changing biblical principles that will transform your family relationships and protect your children from spiritual destruction. In this powerful sermon from Proverbs 1:7-9, Pastor Fortunato exposes why so many young people are abandoning their faith and reveals the divine blueprint for raising godly children in an ungodly world. What You'll Learn: • Why the fear of the Lord is the foundation of ALL wisdom and knowledge • The shocking reason most preachers avoid teaching true biblical authority • How Satan's two-part strategy targets both parents AND children • The spiritual significance of submitting to parental instruction • Why Christian character is more attractive than designer clothes • Biblical parenting vs. worldly parenting philosophies This isn't just another parenting sermon – it's a wake-up call for families who want to build generational faithfulness. Pastor Fortunato breaks down the Hebrew concept of "phylacteries" and explains how ancient Jews understood the importance of keeping God's Word at the forefront of their minds, not just their actions. For Parents: Learn your God-given roles as father and mother (not "primary caregivers"), and discover why biblical parenting requires both gentleness AND firmness according to Scripture. For Young People: Understand why obedience to parents is actually spiritual jewelry – an "ornament of grace" that makes you attractive to both God and man. For Church Leaders: See how compromising on God's authority leads to a generation that neither fears God nor respects earthly authority. Don't let your family become another casualty in the spiritual battle for this generation. The enemy is working overtime – are you prepared to counter his attack with biblical truth? 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 Like this video if it challenged you, subscribe for more biblical truth that transforms families, and share with parents who need to hear this message! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

🔥 SHOCKING: Why Smart People Make FOOLISH Decisions - The 3 Life Principles Every Christian MUST Know! 🗡️ This expository sermon was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 2:00 pm. 🗡️ Are you tired of seeing intelligent people make devastating life choices? In this powerful sermon on Proverbs 1:7, Pastor Fortunato reveals the critical difference between knowledge and wisdom that's destroying families, churches, and lives across America. Discover the 3 Essential Life Principles: ✅ Maintain a Right Relationship with God - Learn why "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" and how biblical fear transforms everything ✅ Submit to Parental Authority - Understand God's design for family structure and why rebellion leads to destruction ✅ Separate from Wrongdoers - Identify toxic relationships and learn biblical boundaries that protect your spiritual growth What You'll Learn: The THREE types of biblical parallelism in Proverbs (synonymous, antithetical, and synthetic) • Why highly educated people still make foolish decisions • The tragic story of King Solomon: from wisdom to foolishness • 10+ biblical definitions of a "fool" that will shock you • How to recognize false spiritual authority and manipulation • The connection between fearing God and trembling at His Word • Why homes in America are falling apart (and how to fix yours) This isn't just another Bible study - it's a wake-up call for Christians who want to live with true wisdom in a foolish world. Pastor Fortunato breaks down complex theological concepts with practical applications that will revolutionize your relationship with God, your family, and your community. The Holy Spirit is your ultimate teacher - learn how to yield to His guidance while avoiding the ditches of prideful knowledge and spiritual abuse. Whether you're a parent struggling with rebellious children, a young person facing peer pressure, or a believer seeking deeper spiritual maturity, this message provides biblical answers. Special Focus for Young People: Learn how to navigate a world full of temptation and bad influences while honoring your parents and growing in godly wisdom. Don't let another day pass living like a "biblical fool" - watch this sermon and discover how the fear of the Lord transforms everything from your marriage to your parenting to your daily decisions. 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 challenged you, SUBSCRIBE for more life-changing biblical teaching, and SHARE with someone who needs to hear this truth! What's one area where you need to grow in the fear of the Lord? Let us know in the comments below! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Proverbs 1:5-6 - Wise Counsel and Dark Sayings Explained 🗡️ This expository sermon was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 2:00 pm. 🗡️ 🔥 DISCOVER THE LIFE-CHANGING WISDOM THAT TRANSFORMS ORDINARY PEOPLE INTO SPIRITUALLY WISE LEADERS! 🔥 Are you tired of receiving bad advice that leads you down the wrong path? In this powerful Bible study on Proverbs Chapter 1, Pastor Fortunato reveals the three essential types of biblical parallelism that will revolutionize how you understand God's wisdom and discern wise counsel from foolish advice. What You'll Learn in This Bible Study: • The three types of parallelism in Proverbs (synthetic, antithetical, and synonymous) that unlock deeper biblical understanding • How to identify wise counsel versus unwise counsel in your daily Christian life • Why young people can possess biblical wisdom and spiritual discernment at any age • The difference between dropouts, struggling students, and honor roll students in spiritual growth • How to avoid false teachers and unwise counselors who cover up sin instead of confronting it Key Bible Verses Explored: Proverbs 1:5-6 - "A wise man will hear and will increase learning" Proverbs 10:1 - Understanding antithetical parallelism through wise son vs. foolish son Proverbs 10:12 - "Love covereth all sins" - proper biblical interpretation and context This expository preaching session demonstrates how the book of Proverbs provides practical wisdom for Christian living that surpasses secular psychology and self-help philosophy. Whether you're a new believer seeking biblical guidance or a mature Christian wanting to deepen your understanding of Scripture, this verse-by-verse Bible study will equip you with the tools needed for spiritual growth and biblical discernment. Why This Message Matters: Pastor Fortunato emphasizes that biblical wisdom is more crucial for daily Christian living than even eschatology and end times doctrine. The Proverbs teach us how to navigate relationships, make godly decisions, and identify the "dark sayings" that require spiritual insight to understand. Perfect for: • Bible study groups studying the book of Proverbs • Christians seeking practical wisdom for daily life • Young people wanting to develop biblical discernment • Church members learning expository preaching methods • Anyone struggling with discerning wise counsel from foolish advice Don't miss this opportunity to transform your understanding of biblical wisdom! Like this video if it blessed you, subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible studies, and share with someone who needs godly wisdom in their life. 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 COMMENT BELOW: Which type of parallelism in Proverbs speaks to your heart the most? Share your thoughts and let's discuss how God's wisdom is working in your life! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.