Biblical teaching from Bay Leaf Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC — a multi-campus church passionate about gospel-centered preaching, disciple-making, and mission. Tune in weekly for sermons that explore God’s Word and encourage you to follow Jesus in everyday life. Whether you’re part of our Falls Lake or 540 campus—or listening from afar—you’ll find truth, hope, and practical application from Scripture.
Episodes
Nov 4, 2025
Nov 4, 2025
45 min
Pastor Jared Richard examines James 4:1-10, comparing church conflict to an autoimmune disease where the body mistakenly attacks itself. Just as autoimmune diseases cause the body's defense system to malfunction, spiritual conflict causes believers to view fellow church members as enemies rather than brothers and sisters in Christ. The root of this problem lies not between us but within us—our wrong desires, pride, and jealousy create internal war that manifests as external conflict.
James uses strong language of "war" and "murder" to emphasize how devastating church conflict is to the body of Christ. Pastor Jared shares his personal experience with a church split over music styles, illustrating how such division permanently damages relationships and distracts from the gospel. The cure for this spiritual disease is God's grace, which humbles us and draws us near to Him. As James 4:6 reminds us, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect
We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.
ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION.
Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614
Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613
SERVICE TIMES
Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!
CONTACT
(919) 847-4477
#BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration
Oct 27, 2025
Oct 27, 2025
44 min
In this sermon on James 3:1-12, Pastor Jared Richard examines how our words reveal the condition of our hearts. He explains that God has given humans the unique ability to speak as image-bearers of a speaking God, making our tongues powerful instruments that can either build up or destroy. Pastor Jared illustrates how the tongue, though small, functions like a rudder that can guide an entire ship or a spark that can set a forest ablaze.
The central question Pastor Jared poses is whether our words evidence a heart ruled by Christ and under the control of God's Word. He reminds us that we cannot tame our tongues on our own strength (James 3:8), but through the Gospel, Christ can transform our hearts and therefore our speech. When our words are aligned with Scripture, they bring life, order, peace, and healing to others. Pastor Jared challenges us to consider if what we say is "true, kind, and necessary," so our speech glorifies God rather than staining our testimony.
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect
We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.
ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION.
Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614
Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613
SERVICE TIMES
Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!
CONTACT
(919) 847-4477
#BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration
Oct 21, 2025
Oct 21, 2025
35 min
In this sermon on James 2:14-26, Pastor Patrick Austin tackles the seemingly contradictory Biblical teachings about faith and works. He establishes that Scripture doesn't contradict itself, then explains that James is combating a false belief that how you live after professing faith doesn't matter. The pastor articulates that "a saving faith in Jesus evidences itself through a life of good works done to the glory of God."
Pastor Austin identifies two key evidences of genuine faith: showing heartfelt care for the needy rather than offering empty words, and living in obedience rather than merely voicing intellectual belief. He illustrates these principles through Abraham and Rahab, who both demonstrated their faith through concrete actions. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac and Rahab's protection of the Israelite spies weren't attempts to earn God's favor but confirmations that their faith was genuine. The pastor concludes by challenging us to examine our faith, place our trust in Jesus, and actively demonstrate our faith through serving others and walking in obedience.
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect
We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.
ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION.
Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614
Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613
SERVICE TIMES
Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!
CONTACT
(919) 847-4477
#BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration
Oct 13, 2025
Oct 13, 2025
37 min
In this sermon on James 2:1-13, Pastor Jared Richard challenges believers at Bay Leaf Baptist Church to examine how they treat people of different socioeconomic backgrounds. Using James's illustration of the rich man and poor woman visiting church, Pastor Jared explains that showing partiality is not merely inappropriate but fundamentally opposed to the gospel for three key reasons. First, it reveals a heart captivated by lesser glory rather than by Christ, "the glory of the Lord." Second, it demonstrates alignment with the world's kingdom rather than God's kingdom, which elevates those whom the world casts aside. Third, it shows we've forgotten the mercy God has shown us in the face of judgment.
Pastor Jared reminds us that as recipients of God's unmerited favor, we should extend the same compassion to others regardless of their status. Our treatment of others, especially the poor and marginalized, testifies to whether we're truly holding the faith rightly and living according to godly wisdom rather than worldly values.
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect
We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.
ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION.
Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614
Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613
SERVICE TIMES
Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!
CONTACT
(919) 847-4477
#BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration
Oct 7, 2025
Oct 7, 2025
39 min
Addressing a congregation grieving seven recent deaths, including a 17-year-old young man, Pastor Jared Richard turns to Lamentations 3 to provide Biblical guidance through sorrow. He explains how Jeremiah, after witnessing unimaginable suffering during Jerusalem's fall to Babylon in 586 BC, found hope in the midst of despair. The sermon centers on the profound truth that "life is hard, but God is good," offering three hope-giving truths from Scripture: God's steadfast love never ceases, His mercies never come to an end but are new every morning, and the Lord Himself is our portion and inheritance. Pastor Jared then challenges believers to respond to these truths by actively seeking the Lord, crying out to Him in honest lament, and examining their ways—practical steps that transform grief into hope-filled faith.
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect
We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.
ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION.
Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614
Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613
SERVICE TIMES
Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!
CONTACT
(919) 847-4477
#BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration
Sep 30, 2025
Sep 30, 2025
41 min
In this sermon on James 1:18-27, Pastor Jared Richard explores how God works through His Word to both save and sanctify believers. The passage reveals that God "brought us forth by the Word of truth" (James 1:18), emphasizing that salvation comes through the gospel message being proclaimed and received through the Spirit's work. However, this new birth is only the beginning; God intends believers to become "a kind of firstfruits of his creatures," living testimonies of His redemptive work.
Pastor Richard explains that while salvation is entirely God's work, sanctification requires our participation. Christians must position themselves before Scripture by hearing the Word (being "quick to hear"), receiving it with meekness, and obeying it rather than merely hearing it. True reception of God's Word manifests in three key areas: controlled speech that reflects Christ, putting away worldliness and sinful behaviors, and demonstrating "pure and undefiled religion" by caring for orphans and widows. The sermon concludes with the challenge that if we've been saved by the Word of truth, we must also be shaped by it.
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect
We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.
ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION.
Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614
Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613
SERVICE TIMES
Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!
CONTACT
(919) 847-4477
#BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration
Sep 23, 2025
Sep 23, 2025
43 min
Pastor Jared Richard's sermon on James 1:2-18 examines the strange pairing of joy and trials that James introduces in his letter. Just as some unexpected combinations work well together (like French fries and milkshakes), joy and trials can coexist when viewed through the lens of godly wisdom. Pastor Jared explains that God uses trials to reveal genuine faith and strengthen it as He prepares believers for future glory.
The sermon outlines two possible paths when facing trials: the path of wisdom and the path of foolishness. The path of wisdom sees trials as tests from a good Father who wants us to succeed, leading to endurance, perseverance, and ultimately Christian maturity. This perspective allows believers to "count it all joy" (James 1:2) amid difficulties. Conversely, the path of foolishness views trials as temptations, leading to sinful desires, actions, and ultimately death. Pastor Jared reminds us that God is unchanging and good, that He "gives generously to all without reproach" (James 1:5), and that for those who remain steadfast, the "crown of life" awaits (James 1:12).
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect
We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.
ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION.
Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614
Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613
SERVICE TIMES
Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!
CONTACT
(919) 847-4477
#BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration
Sep 16, 2025
Sep 16, 2025
34 min
In this sermon on James 3:13-18, Pastor Jared Richard explores the theme of "godly wisdom in the midst of exile." He explains that as believers, we are exiles in this world, and James is calling us to pursue true wisdom rather than worldly wisdom. True wisdom is rightly applied knowledge that seeks God's glory, evidenced by meekness, peace, and purity. In contrast, worldly wisdom is characterized by jealousy and selfish ambition, leading to disorder and chaos.
Pastor Jared emphasizes that we need this godly wisdom because it produces a "harvest of righteousness" (James 3:18) within the church and serves as a powerful witness to a world weary of the contradictions of worldly wisdom. This true wisdom is found in Jesus Christ himself, who is the embodiment of God's wisdom. When we pursue Christ through His Word and through Christ-honoring community, we have everything we need to live for God's glory in this broken world.
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect
We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.
ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION.
Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614
Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613
SERVICE TIMES
Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!
CONTACT
(919) 847-4477
#BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration
Sep 8, 2025
Sep 8, 2025
41 min
In this sermon celebrating Bay Leaf Baptist Church's expansion to two campuses, Pastor Jared Richard reflects on the church's 145-year history while looking to the Biblical church in Antioch as a model for continued effectiveness. Drawing from Acts 11-13, Pastor Richard identifies four qualities that made Antioch a church God used powerfully.
First, God uses churches that evidence His grace—where His transformative work is so evident that it causes rejoicing, as when Barnabas visited Antioch and "saw the grace of God" (Acts 11:23). Second, God uses churches whose people live noticeably different lives, as evidenced by the Antioch believers being "first called Christians" (Acts 11:26) because their Christ-centered identity was unmistakable. Third, God uses churches that position themselves to hear from Him through worship, fasting, and prayer. Finally, God uses churches that respond in obedience even when it's costly, as the Antioch church did when sending out their best leaders, Barnabas and Paul.
Pastor Richard challenges the congregation to continue Bay Leaf's legacy of kingdom-mindedness, holding resources with open hands and remaining positioned for God to use them for His gospel purposes in North Raleigh and beyond.
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect
We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.
ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION.
Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614
Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613
SERVICE TIMES
Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!
CONTACT
(919) 847-4477
#BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration
Sep 2, 2025
Sep 2, 2025
34 min
In the final message of the "Devoted" series, Pastor Patrick Austin explores the early church's commitment to prayer as described in Acts 2:42-47, highlighting how this core value should shape Bay Leaf Baptist Church, especially as they prepare to launch their second campus. Pastor Austin establishes that Jesus Himself was deeply devoted to prayer, which directly influenced the disciples and early church to make prayer central to their community life.
Pastor Austin identifies three characteristics of a praying church: they pray worshipfully (delighting in communion with God rather than just making requests), proactively (before crises arise, not just reacting to problems), and expectantly (truly believing God will answer). He provides practical applications for developing a vibrant prayer life, including praying Scripture, creating prayer calendars, and using guided prayer resources. The sermon concludes with a challenge to pray "big prayers" that focus on kingdom advancement rather than just personal comfort, reminding the congregation that such prayers led to thousands being saved, churches being planted, and the gospel advancing mightily in the early church.
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect
We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.
ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION.
Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614
Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613
SERVICE TIMES
Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!
CONTACT
(919) 847-4477
#BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration