Salem Baptist Church of Chicago Sermons

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A sermon using David's experience under Saul (and a Michael Jordan/Chicago Bulls analogy) to teach that believers can 'succeed while bleeding'—thrive in God-given purpose despite opposition—by relying on the Spirit, maintaining a faithful 'yes' posture of service, and drawing strength from present and past successes. It closes with a gospel invitation and practical calls to prayer, Scripture, and humble service.

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Pastor Leslie teaches that God often meets us in ordinary life through people and circumstances — especially through community and hospitality — and warns that comparison, living in the past, hurry, and self-sufficiency can make us miss God. Using the Shunammite woman's encounter with the prophet as the central example, she explains that God names and meets deep longings (sometimes miraculously and despite our unbelief) and calls listeners to name their needs, return to community, and trust God's timing.

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Using Matthew 5:38–41 the preacher argues Christians should prioritize heart-formation over retaliation—refusing to be defined by offense, entrusting justice to God, and responding with freedom, forgiveness, and kindness.

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Dr. Michael Ditaway preaches from Acts 17:16–27 on Paul’s encounter in Athens, urging listeners to recognize the one true God—the Creator, Sovereign, Source, and Relational Lord—and to repent of modern idols so others might find the God they never knew.

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A sermon using the Jairus story to teach that God's timing often requires patient, persistent faith: God may delay even when it's 'your turn,' but He is present, able, and working—so trust, stay, and measure struggles by the strength of the Savior.

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Pastor Charlie Dates preaches on Jesus' teaching about divorce and marriage from the Sermon on the Mount, arguing that God's intent is one-man/one-woman lifelong covenant while acknowledging limited, compassionate permissions for divorce (such as abuse or sexual immorality). He emphasizes grace, forgiveness, the church's role in helping marriages, healthy singleness, and calls listeners to faith and community support.

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Pastor Shaun D. Marshall preaches from Acts 8:1-8 about the need to let go of the past so God can lead us into his future. He highlights three practical responses—grieve, grow, and go—using the scattering of the early church and Philip's ministry as an example, closes with an invitation to salvation and church membership, and connects the message to local church mission and the Beyond campaign.

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A Logos Bible Masterclass demonstration by Scott Lindsey showing how the Logos Bible Software (now with AI features) accelerates Bible study, counseling, and ministry work; includes practical examples, a Q&A, promotional offer (60-day/2-month trial) and pastoral application including an altar call and church announcements.

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A celebratory retirement and transition service for Rev. James T. Meeks after 38 years at Salem Baptist Church (Jan 8, 2023). Centered on Acts 20 and the theme "I Never Can Say Goodbye," the sermon reflected on the emotional bonds between pastor and congregation, the tensions of leadership change, key lessons from Paul's farewell (tears, tension, testimonies), and the formal passing of pastoral leadership to Rev. Charlie Dates. The program included civic recognition, a Baylor University archival gift, prayers, an altar call for salvation, and a stewardship appeal to bless the retiring pastor and first lady.

AI Summary

AHope-filled message about navigating large transitions at Salem by remembering God’s goodness, receiving God’s strength, and waiting on His timing; practical encouragement to stay connected, give sacrificially, and invite others to join the church’s next season.