Latest Sermons
Stephen: God’s Truth in Opposition
When falsely accused before the Sanhedrin, Stephen delivered a bold survey of Israel’s history, demonstrating God’s unwavering faithfulness despite the nation’s repeated rejection of His messengers and culminating in their betrayal of the Righteous One. His courage challenges believers to consider whether they possess the depth of knowledge and integrity to defend the truth if called upon to do so. Stephen’s martyrdom stands as a powerful example of remaining faithful even unto death rather than compromising under pressure.
All Things Are Lawful
Paul’s statement “all things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful” is frequently misused to claim that God’s law has been abolished, yet the context shows he is addressing Christian liberty in matters of conscience, not moral lawlessness. The Greek word for “all” is almost always limited by context, and Scripture repeatedly warns that sin separates us from God and is never helpful to our relationship with Him. True freedom is found in submitting to God’s commandments rather than twisting isolated phrases to justify living as we please.
What Is Our Faith Percentage?
Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, yet it must be complete if we are to cross the spiritual “gorge” of life without crashing. Examples such as David facing Goliath, Abraham offering Isaac, and Peter stepping onto the water show that genuine faith acts boldly on God’s word even when the outcome is unseen. Believers are therefore challenged to examine their own “faith percentage,” refuse to sit on the fence between God and the world, and live by the faith that does not draw back.
Purpose of the Sacrificial Law
The sacrificial system was not part of the original Old Covenant given at Sinai but was added later because of Israel’s transgressions, providing a temporary means of approaching God when they stumbled. These rituals pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who alone can truly atone for sin and open permanent access to the Father. Studying the sacrificial law today helps believers grasp the seriousness of sin, the depth of God’s mercy, and the ongoing need to draw near through the once-for-all offering of their High Priest.
Lord, Teach Us to Pray
Prayer is the most intimate interaction believers can have with their heavenly Father, who desires deep, meaningful conversation rather than mere formulas or quick requests. Jesus responded to the disciples’ request by giving them a model that emphasizes reverence for God’s name, submission to His will, daily dependence, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil. Approaching God with the same attitudes a child should show a loving father—praise, repentance, thanksgiving, intercession, and confident hope—builds the close relationship He longs to share with every one of His children.
The Purpose of the Law
The law of God was never intended to justify or save anyone; justification comes only through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Its true purpose is to define sin, reveal the righteous character and mind of God, and show the way of life that leads to lasting happiness and eternal life in His family. Far from being a burden, the law is an expression of God’s love; keeping it through the power of the Holy Spirit produces the outgoing concern that fulfills the law and transforms believers into the likeness of Christ.
Tithe As God Commands
God commands three distinct tithes—first tithe for the work of the Church, second tithe to enable joyful observance of His feasts, and third tithe to care for the needy among His people—each an act of faith acknowledging that all blessings come from Him. Abraham set the pattern by giving a tenth of all to Melchizedek, and the same principle continues as a personal responsibility that honors God and builds character through generosity. When believers put God first in their finances and give freewill offerings above the tithes, they open the door for even greater blessings.
Today Is Not the Only Day of Salvation
Satan has deceived the world with the false doctrine that this present life is the only opportunity for salvation, based on the twin errors that man has an immortal soul and that death ends all hope. Scripture reveals instead that God is longsuffering and not willing that any should perish, having designed a plan that extends beyond this age so that every person will eventually receive a full opportunity for repentance and salvation. This distinctive truth sets the Church of God apart and reflects the compassionate character of a Father who ensures that no one is overlooked in His purpose.
A Great Day Indeed
Revelation 20–22 describes a magnificent future day when the dead are judged according to their works, the Book of Life is opened, and those whose names are written inherit a new heaven and new earth. In that time God will dwell with His people, wipe away every tear, and abolish death, sorrow, and pain forever as the New Jerusalem descends as a bride prepared for her Husband. Believers are therefore urged to overcome, develop righteous character now, and look forward with confident hope to the day when all things are made new.
Reconciliation and the Day of Atonement
The Day of Atonement portrays God’s desire to restore the broken relationship between Himself and humanity that began with Adam and Eve’s sin. The Father and the Son, who have existed in perfect unity for eternity, formed the plan of salvation before the foundation of the world so that Christ could pay the death penalty and open the way for mankind to join the God family. This holy day therefore calls believers to examine themselves, repent, and pursue the same oneness with the Father and Son that they have always shared with each other.