NPPBC Audio Sermons

From the depths of despair to the solid foundation of Christ, Pastor Tommy Boring's message, “Out of the Pit and onto the Rock,” powerfully illustrates the life-changing work of salvation through Jesus Christ. Using Psalm 40 and the truth of being born again, this sermon reminds us that no one can escape the bondage of sin on their own, but God is able to lift every repentant sinner out of the pit and establish their life upon the Rock. Beginning with David's testimony in Psalm 40, Pastor Tommy explains the picture of the “horrible pit” and “miry clay” as the hopeless condition of every person apart from Christ. Sin leaves us trapped, unable to free ourselves, and destined for judgment unless God intervenes. Yet the same God who hears the cry of the lost is faithful to rescue, forgive, and place their feet upon the solid Rock, Jesus Christ. This message emphasizes that salvation is not religion, good works, church attendance, baptism, or simply knowing Bible facts. Jesus told Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again.” True salvation is a supernatural work of God that transforms a sinner into a new creature in Christ. When the Holy Spirit moves into a person’s life, old things pass away, new desires are born, and a new song of praise fills the heart. Pastor Tommy shares his own testimony of conviction as a child, describing the moment the Holy Spirit revealed that he was personally lost before God. No preacher manufactured the experience. It was God who spoke to his heart, bringing him to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. That same saving grace is still available today. The sermon also challenges those who may have religion without a relationship with Christ. Going through religious motions, attending church, or trying to improve yourself cannot satisfy God’s righteousness. Only the finished work of Jesus Christ and the new birth can make someone whole. Christ doesn’t simply make people better. He gives them new life. Throughout the message, listeners are reminded of God’s incredible mercy and the countless blessings that follow salvation. The greatest miracle is not earthly success, but being delivered from the bondage of sin, placed into the Father’s hands, and given the assurance of eternal life. With eternity drawing nearer every day, Pastor Tommy lovingly urges everyone not to delay responding to God’s call. The invitation to salvation is still open today, but it will not remain open forever. If the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart, now is the time to come to Christ and experience what it truly means to be lifted out of the pit and onto the Rock.

A sobering reminder of the urgency of eternity, Brother Bobby Whitehead's message, “Repent or Perish,” centers on Jesus' warning in Luke 13 that life is uncertain and every person must be prepared to meet God. Drawing from the accounts of the Galileans slain by Pilate and the eighteen who died when the tower of Siloam fell, Brother Bobby emphasizes that tragedy and death can come unexpectedly. Jesus made it clear that these people were not greater sinners than others, but His warning remains the same: “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Throughout the sermon, Brother Bobby shares personal testimonies, reflections on suffering, and the burdens he carries for lost souls. He speaks candidly about daily repentance, acknowledging that even believers must continually seek God's forgiveness and guidance. He reminds listeners that repentance is not merely feeling sorry for sin, but honestly recognizing our need for Christ and turning to Him for mercy. The message highlights the reality of heaven and hell, the certainty of coming judgment, and the danger of putting off salvation. Brother Bobby warns against trusting in good works, religion, family heritage, or following other people instead of following Jesus. Salvation comes only through Christ, who died for sinners and made a way for all who will come to Him. Using the illustration of the falling tower, he urges listeners to consider their own lives. None of us know when our “tower” may fall. Death can come suddenly, and after death comes judgment. Because of that, the call to repentance is not for another day, but for today. The sermon also addresses the distractions of the world, the deception of the enemy, and the importance of staying grounded in God's Word. Brother Bobby encourages believers to remain watchful, prayerful, and ready for the return of Christ, while continuing to share the gospel with those around them. Most importantly, this message points to the hope found in Jesus Christ. No matter a person's past, failures, addictions, or mistakes, God's grace is still available. The same Savior who changed Brother Bobby's life is still saving sinners today. If God is dealing with your heart, don't wait. The message is simple and urgent: Repent or perish.

What does true repentance really look like? In this heartfelt and convicting message, Brother Keith Mitchell challenges listeners to examine their hearts and respond to Christ with genuine repentance that produces lasting change. Drawing from Mark 1, Luke 13, Matthew 3, Matthew 13, and other passages, Brother Keith explains that repentance is far more than feeling sorry for sin. It is a complete turning away from sin and a wholehearted turning toward God. Jesus Himself began His ministry with the call, “Repent, and believe the gospel,” and that message remains just as urgent today. Throughout the sermon, Brother Keith warns against becoming comfortable with outward religion while neglecting a true relationship with Christ. Referencing Charles Spurgeon’s message on the wheat and the tares, he reminds us that people can attend church, sing the songs, and participate in religious activities while still missing genuine salvation. The greatest danger is not open rebellion, but self-deception. Through powerful personal testimonies and biblical examples, including Jonah, Nineveh, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, and others, this message demonstrates that true repentance always bears fruit. A broken and contrite heart leads to a transformed life marked by humility, obedience, generosity, forgiveness, and love for others. Brother Keith also encourages believers to practice daily repentance, allowing God to search their hearts, reveal hidden sin, and draw them into closer fellowship with Him. Rather than trusting in routine, tradition, or religious appearances, we are called to seek Jesus with sincerity and allow His grace to change us from the inside out. If you’ve ever wondered whether your faith is real, or if God is calling you to a deeper walk with Him, this sermon is a powerful reminder that God’s invitation is still open today. Don’t settle for just enough religion. Seek the Savior who alone can forgive, restore, and transform your life. Scripture References: Mark 1:14-15, Luke 13:1-5, Matthew 3:7-10, Matthew 13, Jeremiah 8:18-20, Galatians 5:22-23

In a world filled with competing voices, conflicting beliefs, and countless ideas about truth, Pastor Tommy Boring brings us back to the unchanging foundation of the Christian faith in this powerful sermon, “One Christ, One Gospel.” Preaching from 2 Corinthians, Pastor Tommy examines the Apostle Paul’s warning that believers must guard against having their minds corrupted from “the simplicity that is in Christ.” Just as the serpent deceived Eve through subtlety, the enemy still seeks to distract people from the only message that saves by promoting another gospel, another spirit, or another version of Jesus. This message emphasizes the beautiful simplicity of salvation. We are not saved by religious rituals, good works, traditions, emotions, or human effort. Salvation comes only through the finished work of Jesus Christ. There is one Savior, one Holy Spirit, and one Gospel that points to the shed blood of Christ and His power to save all who believe. Pastor Tommy also warns of the danger of adding to or subtracting from God’s truth. When people replace biblical doctrine with cultural opinions, personal preferences, or man-made requirements, they create confusion and lead others away from the true Gospel. The call of Scripture remains unchanged: repent, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and be born again. Throughout the sermon, listeners are encouraged to test every teaching against the Word of God, reject counterfeit gospels, and remain anchored in the truth that has never changed. Whether hearing the Gospel for the first time or needing a renewed confidence in biblical truth, this message points us back to the only hope for salvation. The Gospel is not complicated. Christ has done everything necessary through His death, burial, and resurrection. Our responsibility is to respond to His invitation by faith. Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 11, Romans 1:16, John 3:7, John 14:6, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:10-13, Romans 6:23, Matthew 11:28, Hebrews 9:27

This message centers on the greatest decision anyone can ever make: trusting Jesus Christ as Savior. Using Luke 16:19-31, the account of the rich man and Lazarus, Brother Mason reminds listeners that every person will spend eternity in one of two places. While there are many differences among people in this life, when life ends there are only two spiritual conditions: saved or lost. The message begins by emphasizing God’s unconditional love for every person. Regardless of age, past mistakes, church background, or life experiences, God loves each individual and demonstrated that love by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for the sins of the world. Because life is uncertain and no one knows how much time they have, the invitation to receive Christ should never be delayed. A central theme throughout the message is the question, “How long are you willing to be lost before you ask for directions?” Using the familiar experience of becoming lost while traveling, Brother Mason illustrates that no one seeks directions until they realize they are lost. Likewise, a person cannot be saved until the Holy Spirit reveals the true condition of their heart. Salvation begins when God lovingly convicts a sinner of their need for Christ. Drawing from Luke 16, the rich man and Lazarus provide a sobering reminder that eternity is real. The rich man enjoyed earthly prosperity but died without God and entered a place of torment. Lazarus, though poor in this life, was carried into comfort because of his relationship with God. The account illustrates that earthly possessions, accomplishments, and status cannot determine one’s eternal destiny. Only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can prepare someone for eternity. The study also explains why every person needs salvation. Referencing Psalm 51 and Romans 5, Brother Mason reminds listeners that all people are born with a sinful nature inherited through Adam. Because all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, no one is qualified to enter heaven through personal goodness or religious works. Sin separates humanity from God, and only the blood of Jesus Christ can remove that separation. Throughout the message, it is repeatedly emphasized that salvation cannot be earned. Good works, church attendance, family heritage, or even the prayers of parents and pastors cannot save anyone. Every individual must personally respond to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. When God speaks to the heart, the proper response is repentance, faith, and complete trust in Jesus Christ alone. Brother Mason shares his personal testimony of believing he was saved for several years before God revealed that he was still lost. Through a season of conviction and prayer, the Holy Spirit made his need for salvation unmistakably clear. That encounter with God brought genuine repentance, forgiveness, and the peace that only Christ can give. His testimony serves as an encouragement that salvation is not based upon repeating words or participating in religious activities, but upon a personal work of God’s grace in the heart. The message also reflects on the incredible sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Though He dwelt in the perfection of heaven, He willingly came to earth, lived a sinless life, suffered, shed His blood on the cross, and rose again so that sinners could be reconciled to God. His death removed the barrier that separated humanity from the Father, making forgiveness and eternal life available to everyone who believes. As the message concludes, listeners are urged not to delay responding if God is speaking to their hearts. Tomorrow is never guaranteed, and eternity is too important to ignore. The invitation is simple: if the Holy Spirit reveals that you are lost, trust Christ today. Through His grace alone, sinners can receive forgiveness, experience true peace, and have the assurance of eternal life. Ultimately, this message points to the hope of the Gospel. Every person is born in sin, but because of God’s great love and the finished work of Jesus Christ, anyone who comes to Him in repentance and faith can be saved. The greatest decision anyone can make is to accept Christ while there is still time, knowing that He alone is the way, the truth, and the life.

This Bible study continues an in-depth examination of prayer by focusing on the importance of humility, private fellowship with God, and developing a consistent, meaningful prayer life. Using Matthew 6:5-13 as the primary text, the lesson contrasts genuine prayer with the prideful, outward displays of religion that Jesus condemned. The study begins by identifying pride as one of the greatest enemies of effective prayer. Jesus warned against praying merely to be seen or heard by others, reminding His followers that those who seek the approval of people have already received their reward. True prayer is not about impressing others but about humbly approaching God with a heart that recognizes complete dependence upon Him. Believers are encouraged to examine their own hearts, lay aside pride, and remember the sacrifice of Christ on the cross as the greatest motivation for humility. The lesson also challenges the common misconception that prayer exists primarily to present God with a list of personal requests. Instead, prayer is presented as a relationship and ongoing conversation with the Heavenly Father. Jesus’ model prayer demonstrates that worship and praise should come before petitions. Prayer should begin by acknowledging God’s holiness, greatness, and sovereignty before bringing personal needs before Him. Worship is not limited to church services or singing but should become a central part of every private prayer. Another significant emphasis is the danger of prosperity and self-sufficiency. The lesson notes that when life becomes comfortable, people often become less dependent upon God. While many believers feel too busy to pray, the reality is that they are too busy not to pray. The study reminds us that compared to much of the world, most Americans enjoy tremendous material blessings, yet these blessings can quietly diminish our dependence upon the Lord if we are not careful. Prosperity often becomes an obstacle to spiritual growth when it replaces a daily reliance upon God. The heart of the lesson centers on Jesus’ command to “enter into thy closet” when praying. This private place represents intentional, uninterrupted time alone with God. Public prayer certainly has its place, but personal communion with the Lord cannot be replaced by praying in church or with family. The speaker explains that true intimacy with God is developed in private, where worship, confession, thanksgiving, and honest conversation take place without distraction or the desire to impress others. Drawing from personal testimony, the speaker shares how God answered a prayer for more time by allowing unexpected life changes that ultimately provided extended seasons of private fellowship with Him. Although the circumstances were difficult, they became the beginning of a deeper, life-changing prayer life. This testimony illustrates that God often answers prayers in unexpected ways and uses life’s challenges to draw His children into closer fellowship with Himself. The lesson also reminds believers that meaningful prayer requires time. While prayer does not have to be lengthy to be sincere, developing a close relationship with God cannot be rushed. Just as Jesus frequently withdrew to spend extended periods alone with the Father, believers are encouraged to establish regular times of private worship and communion with God. Finally, the study examines the Lord’s Prayer, not as a prayer to be repeated mechanically, but as a pattern for approaching God. Jesus teaches that prayer should begin with worship, acknowledging God’s holiness and kingdom before moving to personal requests. His example provides a framework that includes praise, submission to God’s will, dependence upon His daily provision, confession, forgiveness, and spiritual protection. Ultimately, this lesson reminds believers that effective prayer is built upon humility, sincere worship, and a personal relationship with God. Public expressions of faith can never replace private fellowship with the Father. As Christians spend intentional time alone with God, their dependence upon Him grows, their hearts become more aligned with His will, and prayer becomes not merely a religious duty but one of the greatest privileges of the Christian life.

In this Bible study on prayer, we continue exploring the promises Jesus made concerning prayer and examine what it truly means to pray effectively. Beginning in John 16:23-24, we are reminded of Christ’s bold promise that whatever we ask the Father in His name, He will give according to His will. These promises encourage believers to approach God with confidence, faith, and expectation. The lesson emphasizes that powerful prayer is not simply about asking God for what we want, but about developing a closer relationship with Him. The speaker shares his own personal conviction, acknowledging that studying prayer revealed areas where his own motives and priorities needed to change. This serves as a reminder that every believer can grow in prayer and that spiritual maturity begins with humility before God. Several obstacles to answered prayer are examined throughout the study. We are challenged to consider whether we truly believe God is able to answer our prayers, whether we have failed to ask Him altogether, and whether we have given up too soon instead of praying persistently. Drawing from the teachings of Jesus and the book of James, we learn that faith, perseverance, and unwavering trust are essential characteristics of an effective prayer life. A major focus of this lesson is the importance of our motives. James warns that some prayers go unanswered because they are asked selfishly, with the intention of satisfying personal desires rather than glorifying God. The study encourages every believer to honestly examine the reason behind each prayer. Are we seeking God’s glory, or are we seeking our own recognition? Every answered prayer should point others to the goodness, power, and faithfulness of God rather than to ourselves. The lesson also highlights God’s loving provision for His children. Just as He faithfully feeds the birds of the air and clothes the flowers of the field, our Heavenly Father already knows our needs before we ask. This truth frees believers from anxious, self-centered prayers and encourages greater trust in God’s care and perfect timing. Prayer is presented not as an emergency resource but as the daily means by which believers remain connected to God. One memorable challenge asks whether prayer functions as our “steering wheel” or merely our “spare tire.” Rather than turning to God only during times of crisis, Christians are encouraged to allow prayer to guide every aspect of their lives. The study concludes by emphasizing the necessity of personal holiness. James teaches that “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much,” reminding us that God looks beyond outward appearances and examines the heart. Hidden sins, selfish attitudes, pride, and impure motives all hinder fellowship with God. Through confession, repentance, and the cleansing power of Jesus Christ, believers can experience restored fellowship and greater confidence in prayer. Ultimately, this lesson reminds us that effective prayer is not produced by eloquent words or repeated requests alone. Powerful prayer flows from a heart that believes God, seeks His glory above personal gain, walks in humility and righteousness, and remains completely dependent upon the Holy Spirit. As we grow in our relationship with God, our prayers become more aligned with His will, and our lives become greater instruments for His glory.

Even in the darkest valleys, God is still faithful. In this encouraging message, Pastor Tommy Boring shares how the life of Jeremiah reminds us that hope is never lost, even when hardship seems overwhelming. Preaching from Lamentations 3, Pastor Tommy walks through Jeremiah’s deep sorrow as he witnessed the judgment of Jerusalem and endured suffering alongside his people. Jeremiah felt abandoned, broken, and without peace, even believing that his hope had perished. Yet everything changed when he stopped talking about God and began talking to God. This sermon highlights the powerful turning point found in Jeremiah’s prayer. As he remembered God’s mercy, compassion, and faithfulness, hope returned to his heart. The same God who met Jeremiah in his darkest moments continues to meet His people today. No matter how heavy the burden, how long the trial, or how impossible the situation may seem, God’s mercies are new every morning, and His faithfulness never fails. Pastor Tommy reminds us that suffering does not mean God has abandoned us. Instead, difficult seasons can humble us, draw us closer to Christ, and help us remember the promises that never change. When fear, discouragement, and despair threaten to consume us, we are called to seek the Lord, patiently wait on Him, and trust that He is still working. If you’re facing disappointment, grief, uncertainty, or spiritual exhaustion, this message offers biblical encouragement to keep your eyes on the Lord. True hope is not found in changing circumstances, but in the unchanging character of God.

In a world filled with uncertainty, heartache, and constant distractions, Elder Dustin Parks delivers an encouraging message from Romans 8 titled, “Not Worthy to be Compared.” This sermon reminds believers that no trial, burden, or suffering in this life can compare to the glory that awaits those who belong to Christ. Drawing from Romans 8:18-39, Elder Dustin explores how the enemy works to keep people focused on fear, discouragement, bad news, and worldly concerns. Whether it’s personal struggles, family hardships, sickness, anxiety, or the pressures of everyday life, Satan seeks to distract God’s people from the promises of God and the hope found in Jesus Christ. Through personal testimony and biblical examples, he shares how salvation transformed his perspective on life and death. Before knowing Christ, fear and uncertainty dominated his thoughts. After being born again, he discovered a peace that only God can give and the assurance that eternity with Christ awaits every believer. The message highlights the powerful truth that believers are “saved by hope” and sustained by the Holy Spirit, who intercedes for us even when we don’t know how to pray. God remains faithful through every circumstance, working all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Using examples from Scripture, including Job, Moses, Esther, David, and the Apostle Paul, Elder Dustin demonstrates that God’s people have always faced difficulties. Yet each found strength by trusting the Lord rather than their circumstances. The same God who carried them through trials continues to guide, sustain, and strengthen His children today. The sermon also points believers toward the incredible promises of heaven found in Revelation 21:4, where God will wipe away every tear, remove all pain, eliminate sorrow, and bring His people into eternal joy and peace. The troubles of this present life are temporary, but the glory awaiting God’s children is everlasting. Most importantly, this message challenges listeners not to allow daily circumstances to dictate their worship, faith, or confidence in God. No matter what burdens we face, nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. If you’re carrying heavy burdens, struggling with fear, or simply need a reminder of God’s promises, this message will encourage you to lift your eyes beyond present troubles and focus on the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ.

In this heartfelt message, Pastor Tommy Boring shares the powerful truth that salvation is as simple as responding to the call of God. Drawing from Luke 11:9-13, he explores Christ's promise: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Reflecting on the overwhelming love of the Father, Pastor Tommy describes the joy and assurance that comes from knowing God personally. He reminds listeners that prayer is never wasted when directed to the living God, who hears, answers, and works in ways beyond human ability. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the truth of God’s Word, hearts are awakened to the reality of eternity and the need for salvation. Throughout the sermon, he shares his personal testimony of being saved as a young boy when the Holy Ghost revealed his lost condition and drew him to Christ. Salvation was not earned through good works, religious knowledge, or personal merit. It came through a simple response of faith. He asked, and God answered. Using examples such as Zacchaeus climbing the sycamore tree to see Jesus, Pastor Tommy emphasizes that every person must make a personal decision when Christ comes calling. God does not force Himself into anyone’s life. He stands at the door and knocks, offering forgiveness, hope, peace, and eternal life to those who will open the door and receive Him. The message serves as a reminder that salvation is available to everyone, regardless of background, age, or past mistakes. Jesus has already done everything necessary through His death, burial, and resurrection. The question is not whether God is willing to save, but whether we are willing to respond. If God is speaking to your heart today, don’t delay. Tomorrow is not promised. The invitation remains the same: Ask and you shall receive.

A powerful reminder of both the simplicity of salvation and the urgency of sharing the gospel, Brother Victor Stefanini's message, “The Simple Promise,” centers on the life-changing truth of Romans 10:13: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Drawing from personal testimony, missionary experiences, and the Word of God, Brother Victor explains how salvation is not earned through religious works, traditions, or keeping laws. While the Old Testament contained hundreds of commandments, God's plan of salvation is available to anyone who will believe the gospel and call upon the Lord in faith. Through Jesus Christ, believers are saved from the power of sin, the penalty of sin, and one day even the presence of sin. The message highlights the necessity of hearing and believing the gospel. Brother Victor shares how, despite growing up with religious knowledge, he did not truly understand the saving message of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection until someone personally brought the gospel to him. That encounter changed his life forever and serves as a reminder that many people around the world, and even in our own communities, still need to hear the truth. Using Romans 10:13-14, he emphasizes God’s heart for all people and the vital role believers play in carrying the gospel to others. From the mission field in Italy to neighborhoods across America, countless souls are waiting for someone to tell them about Jesus. The question posed throughout the message is both personal and challenging: Who is waiting for you to share the gospel with them? This sermon encourages believers to trust God’s promise, rejoice in the simplicity of salvation, pray for revival, and faithfully proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ while there is still time.

What does it look like when God completely changes a life? In this powerful testimony and message, Brother Danny Buchanan, Jr. shares how the transforming power of Jesus Christ took him from years of addiction, brokenness, and hopelessness to a life filled with purpose, peace, and a desire to serve God. His story stands as a living witness that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Drawing from personal experience, Brother Danny recounts a past marked by drug addiction, multiple overdoses, and a life that seemed headed nowhere. Yet through the mercy of God, everything changed. The cravings that once controlled him have been replaced with a desire to walk with God, study His Word, and share the gospel with others. Today, he testifies that the same God who delivered him can deliver anyone who calls upon Him. Using the illustration of neglected flowers that were restored through the care of a gardener, the message highlights how God takes lives that seem broken, unwanted, and without value and transforms them into something beautiful for His glory. The changes God makes are so real that family, friends, and coworkers cannot help but notice the difference. At the heart of the sermon is the life-changing power of the Word of God. Through passages such as Psalm 119, John 1, 2 Timothy 2:15, Jeremiah 23:29, and Hebrews 4:12, listeners are reminded that God’s Word is alive, powerful, and able to reach places no human effort can touch. It cleanses, guides, convicts, strengthens, comforts, and reveals the condition of the heart. Brother Danny emphasizes the importance of studying Scripture, praying for understanding, and applying God’s truth to daily life. The Bible is more than a book. It is God’s instruction manual for living, a source of hope during trials, and a light that directs believers through life’s darkest moments. Through its pages we find God’s promises, His forgiveness, His guidance, and the assurance that He will never leave nor forsake His people. The message also challenges believers to live out their faith before others. It is not enough to talk about the gospel. Christians are called to live in a way that reflects the change Christ has made within them. The world is watching, and a transformed life can be one of the greatest testimonies of God’s power. Throughout the sermon, Brother Danny openly acknowledges ongoing battles and temptations, while emphasizing God’s faithfulness to provide strength, forgiveness, and a way of escape. His testimony serves as a reminder that spiritual growth is a daily walk of dependence upon God. “Living Proof” is an encouraging message for anyone struggling with addiction, temptation, discouragement, or doubt. It points listeners to the hope found in Jesus Christ and the power of God’s Word to change hearts and lives. If God can transform one life so completely, He can do the same for you. No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, God’s arm is not too short to save, His ear is not too heavy to hear, and His grace is still sufficient today.

Reflecting on the greatest demonstration of love ever shown, Elder Bruce Whitehead’s message “The Love That Opened the Veil” centers on the truth that God’s love made a way for sinners to come directly to Him through Jesus Christ. Drawing from John 3:14-17, this sermon magnifies the grace, mercy, and sacrifice of God, who gave His only begotten Son so that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. Beginning with a personal testimony of prayer and preparation, Elder Whitehead shares how the Lord directed his thoughts toward the overwhelming reality of God’s love. Though many struggle with feelings of unworthiness or question whether God truly loves them, Scripture provides a clear answer: the cross is proof of God’s love for humanity. The message revisits Christ’s words in Luke 10, where the disciples returned rejoicing that demons were subject to them. Yet Jesus redirected their focus, telling them not to rejoice in power or accomplishments, but to rejoice that their names were written in heaven. Elder Whitehead emphasizes that the greatest reason for joy is not what we do for God, but what God has done for us through salvation. Looking back to the Old Testament, the sermon explores the ministry of the Levites and the enormous effort required under the law to minister before God. Thousands of Levites were assigned to various responsibilities in the temple, offering sacrifices, maintaining worship, and serving as intermediaries between God and the people. Yet all of that pointed forward to something greater. When Jesus died on the cross, everything changed. At the moment of His death, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom, opening direct access to God for all who believe. Through Christ’s sacrifice, the barrier between God and man was removed. No longer would people need earthly mediators to approach the Lord. Through Jesus, every believer can come boldly into God’s presence. The sermon highlights the significance of this moment as one of the clearest demonstrations of divine love. God did not merely provide instructions or religion. He provided Himself. The tearing of the veil declared that salvation was available to all through faith in Jesus Christ. Elder Whitehead repeatedly returns to the beautiful simplicity of the gospel. The promise is for “whosoever.” Salvation is not based on denomination, status, achievements, or personal goodness. It is offered freely through faith in Christ. God’s desire is not condemnation but redemption. The message also points toward communion and Christ’s desire to fellowship with His people. Just as Jesus longed to share that final meal with His disciples, He continues to call sinners to Himself today. The invitation remains open to all who will believe. Throughout the sermon, listeners are encouraged to reject the lies that question God’s love and instead rest in the certainty of what Christ accomplished on the cross. Because of His sacrifice, names can be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, sins can be forgiven, and souls can be reconciled to God. “The Love That Opened the Veil” is a powerful reminder that every part of the gospel story is rooted in love. From the cross to the empty tomb, from the torn veil to the promise of eternal life, God’s love remains the foundation of salvation and the greatest reason for rejoicing.

Using the story of Jonah and the testimony of Scripture, Pastor Tommy Boring delivers a sobering message titled “Two Hells, One Hope.” This sermon draws a powerful distinction between the temporary consequences of rebellion in a believer’s life and the eternal reality of hell for those who reject Jesus Christ. Beginning in Jonah 1:17 and Jonah 2:2, Pastor Boring examines Jonah’s experience in the belly of the great fish, where the prophet described his affliction as being in the “belly of hell.” Though Jonah found himself in a place of darkness, despair, and discipline because of his disobedience, there was still something available to him: hope. Jonah could still pray, God could still hear, and repentance could still bring restoration. The message explains that many believers have experienced a similar “hell” in this life. When God’s children become indifferent, rebellious, or wander from His will, they often find themselves in painful situations of their own making. Yet even in those moments, God remains willing to hear a repentant cry and extend mercy. Jonah’s experience was not punishment without purpose. It was God’s way of awakening him and bringing him back to obedience. In contrast, Pastor Boring presents the terrifying reality of eternal hell as described throughout Scripture. Unlike Jonah’s temporary affliction, the eternal hell awaiting those who die without Christ offers no relief, no second chances, and no escape. Referencing the rich man in Luke 16, the sermon highlights the immediate torment, the absence of hope, and the irreversible nature of eternity without God. Several striking differences are emphasized: Jonah could pray, and God heard him. In eternal hell, the opportunity to call upon God has passed. Jonah still had hope. Eternal hell offers none. Jonah was alive and able to repent. After death, the opportunity for salvation is gone. Jonah received a second chance. Those who die without Christ will not. Jonah’s suffering ended when he turned back to God. Eternal punishment has no ending. Throughout the message, listeners are reminded that hell was prepared for the devil and his angels, not for mankind. God desires that all people come to repentance and be saved. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God has provided a way of escape from judgment and eternal separation. Pastor Boring stresses the urgency of responding to God while there is still time. No one is promised tomorrow. The opportunity to receive Christ exists only in this life. The message repeatedly points to the truth that while a person is breathing, there is hope. Once life ends, eternity is settled. “Two Hells, One Hope” is both a warning and an invitation. It warns of the dangers of rebellion and the reality of eternal judgment, while offering the only true hope found in Jesus Christ. Whether someone is a wandering believer in need of restoration or a lost sinner in need of salvation, God’s call remains the same: come to Him today. If God is speaking to your heart, don’t put off what needs to be settled. Today is the day of salvation.

Centering on Hebrews 12:1-2, Elder Gary Massengill delivers a Christ-centered message titled “What Are You Looking For?” This sermon challenges listeners to examine the focus of their lives and directs their attention to the One who is worthy of it all: Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Drawing from the powerful exhortation to run the Christian race with patience while “looking unto Jesus,” Elder Massengill reminds us that salvation is not based on human effort, religious works, or personal merit. Our hope rests entirely in the finished work of Christ on the cross of Calvary. Before the foundation of the world, when no one in heaven, earth, or beneath the earth could be found worthy, God provided the perfect Lamb. Jesus willingly left the glory of heaven, took on human flesh, and became the sacrifice for the sins of mankind. The message reflects on the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, especially during the Easter season. Jesus endured the cross, suffered shame, and shed His precious blood so that every sinner could be saved by the grace of God. His cry of “It is finished” declared that the plan of redemption was complete forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing can be taken away. Elder Massengill beautifully illustrates salvation through the Old Testament tabernacle. The single door into the tabernacle points to Christ as the only way to the Father. The laver speaks of cleansing, the candlestick represents light, and the showbread reminds us that Jesus is the Bread of Life who sustains His people. When Christ died, the veil was torn from top to bottom, opening direct access to God through our great High Priest, Jesus Christ. Throughout the sermon, listeners are asked a simple but searching question: What are you looking for? Are you looking for fulfillment in the world, or are you looking unto Jesus? The world cannot satisfy the deepest needs of the soul. True peace, joy, forgiveness, and eternal life are found only in Him. The message also highlights the incredible love of Christ. While we were still sinners, He came to where we were, reaching into the depths of our brokenness to offer salvation. Through the convicting work of the Holy Spirit, He continues to call hearts to repentance and faith today. Elder Massengill reminds us that Jesus was looking for something as well. As He hung upon the cross, He was looking ahead to those who would believe, trust Him, and receive the gift of salvation. Even now, He is still drawing souls, making intercession for His people, and preparing a place for those who belong to Him. The sermon concludes with a glorious vision of heaven. A place where there are no more tears, no more death, no more sorrow, and no more pain. A place where believers will be reunited with loved ones, gather at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, and most importantly, see Jesus face to face. Whether you’re searching for hope, purpose, peace, or salvation, this message points to the answer found in Christ alone. The question remains: What are you looking for?

Drawing from the sobering account of the famine in Samaria found in 2 Kings 6:24-29, Elder Dustin Parks delivers a searching message titled “Starving for the Word.” While the biblical famine brought people to unimaginable desperation for physical food, this sermon warns of a far greater crisis affecting many churches and believers today: a famine of hearing and obeying the Word of God. Elder Parks contrasts the horrifying conditions in Samaria, where people paid outrageous prices for scraps of food and even resorted to unthinkable acts to survive, with the spiritual condition of modern society. Unlike Samaria, many people today are surrounded by comfort, convenience, and abundance, yet remain spiritually starving. The danger is not an empty refrigerator but an empty desire for God, His Word, His house, and His presence. Using the prophecy of Amos 8, the message warns that we are dangerously close to a generation that no longer hungers for truth. Churches are struggling, attendance is declining, and many who once stood firmly in Christ are drifting away. The problem did not happen overnight. Spiritual famine often begins when believers slowly take God’s blessings for granted and allow other priorities to replace their love for Him. Throughout the sermon, Elder Parks challenges listeners to examine their own hearts. Have we become comfortable with the world? Have we traded worship for entertainment, conviction for compromise, and spiritual devotion for worldly pursuits? The enemy works gradually, drawing people away one step at a time until they find themselves distant from God and lacking spiritual hunger. The message emphasizes the importance of assembling with God’s people, enduring sound doctrine, and remaining faithful to biblical truth. Christians are called to be separate from the world, refusing to embrace the sinful values and influences that continually seek to pull them away from God. What one generation tolerates, the next generation often accepts as normal. Elder Parks speaks candidly about the deceptive nature of sin and the danger of following feelings rather than God’s Word. The world often presents sin as attractive while hiding its destructive consequences. Only the guidance of the Holy Spirit and obedience to Scripture can keep believers from falling into spiritual famine. At the heart of the message is a call to repentance. Whether for the lost soul needing salvation, the backslider who has drifted away, or the believer who has lost their desire to serve God, the invitation remains the same: return to the Lord while there is still time. God stands ready to forgive, restore, and heal those who humble themselves and seek His face. Quoting 2 Chronicles 7:14, Elder Parks reminds listeners that God is not the problem. God remains faithful. The need is for His people to repent, pray, and turn from their wicked ways. Revival begins when individuals allow God to search their hearts and reveal anything that stands between them and Him. This message is both a warning and a plea. Don’t wait until spiritual famine has consumed your life. Hunger for the Word of God. Desire His presence. Stay faithful to His house. And if God is speaking to your heart, respond today while His Spirit is still calling.

From the pages of Proverbs 4:20-23, Pastor Tommy Boring brings a challenging and practical message titled “Guarding and Yielding Your Heart”. This sermon focuses on the spiritual heart, the inner man, the soul that will live forever, and the responsibility every believer has to protect, maintain, and surrender it completely to God. The message begins with a powerful reminder that the heart is the most important part of who we are. While much attention is given to the outward life, God is concerned with the inward condition of the heart. The issues of life flow from it, making it essential that believers diligently guard what enters and influences their soul. Pastor Boring warns that there is a real enemy who is after the heart of every child of God. Satan’s goal is not merely to disrupt the outward life but to damage the inner man, dull spiritual sensitivity, and render believers ineffective in their walk with Christ. What we allow into our minds through entertainment, habits, relationships, and worldly influences can either strengthen or weaken our spiritual condition. This sermon emphasizes the necessity of spiritual discipline. Just as physical health requires maintenance, spiritual health requires effort. Believers are called to pray, stay in the Word of God, and actively guard against anything that draws them away from Christ. If something leads toward sin or weakens fellowship with God, it must be removed. Pastor Boring explains that guarding the heart involves more than avoiding wrong influences. It also requires attending to the heart’s needs. A healthy spiritual life includes regular cleansing through repentance, feeding on the Word of God, and exercising the heart through worship, prayer, obedience, and faithful church attendance. The message highlights the importance of allowing God to search the heart. Only He can see every hidden motive, every wound, every struggle, and every area that needs attention. When believers bring their hearts before God with honesty and humility, He is able to cleanse, restore, and strengthen them. A central theme throughout the sermon is surrender. Many people want God’s help without fully yielding their hearts to Him. Yet Scripture teaches that God desires complete devotion. We are called to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. A broken and contrite heart is never rejected by God. Pastor Boring encourages those who may have drifted spiritually, struggled with sin, or neglected their walk with God. No matter how much of a mess life may seem, God is still able to restore what has been damaged. When we finally surrender our hearts and allow the Holy Spirit to work, God begins putting things back in order and guiding our steps once again. This message serves as both a warning and an invitation. Guard your heart carefully. Feed it with truth. Exercise it in worship. Cleanse it through repentance. Most importantly, yield it completely to God. The One who saved your soul is also able to help you keep your heart.

Pastor Tommy Boring delivers a passionate and heartfelt message titled “The Big Event of Salvation”, reminding believers never to lose the wonder of what God has done for their souls. Drawing from Acts 3:1-9, the account of the lame man healed at the gate called Beautiful becomes a powerful picture of salvation and the life-changing work of Jesus Christ. The lame man expected only a few coins to help him through another day, but God had something far greater in store. Through the name of Jesus Christ, he was instantly healed, lifted from his helpless condition, and filled with praise. Pastor Boring uses this miracle to illustrate the greatest miracle of all: the salvation of a lost sinner. Throughout the message, listeners are challenged to remember the day God changed their lives. The biggest event in life is not a career achievement, a wedding, or any earthly accomplishment. The greatest event is when the Holy Spirit awakens a sinner to their need of Christ and brings them from death unto life. Pastor Boring reflects on his own testimony and reminds the church that salvation is not a small thing. It is a miracle that only God can perform. Religion cannot do it. Good works cannot do it. Human effort cannot do it. Only Jesus Christ can rescue a soul from sin, forgive the guilty, and write a name in heaven. The sermon revisits some of the greatest moments in Scripture, from Zacchaeus meeting Jesus in the sycamore tree, to the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, to the cross of Calvary, and finally to the empty tomb. Each event points to the same truth: God did something so great that it should never cease to amaze us. When Jesus was born, heaven announced it. When Jesus died, the earth trembled. When Jesus rose again, death was defeated. Because He lives, sinners can be saved and believers have the promise of eternal life. Pastor Boring warns that many Christians have allowed the wonder of salvation to fade. If the cross no longer amazes us, if the resurrection no longer stirs our hearts, or if the day we were saved no longer fills us with gratitude, then we need to return to our first love and remember just how big God's gift truly is. The message closes with a call to remember, rejoice, and never get over the day Jesus changed everything. The greatest thing that ever happened was not what we did for God, but what God did for us through His Son. If you’ve never experienced that life-changing moment, Christ still saves. Trust Him today and discover the greatest event that could ever happen in your life.

A sobering message with eternal significance, Pastor Tommy Boring's sermon “Too Late!” from Luke 16:19-31 brings listeners face to face with the powerful account of the rich man and Lazarus. Through this well-known passage, the message reminds us that there comes a moment when opportunities end, decisions are final, and eternity begins. The rich man lived in comfort and luxury while Lazarus, a poor and suffering beggar, lay at his gate longing for even the crumbs from his table. Though their lives looked vastly different on earth, eternity changed everything. Lazarus was carried into paradise, while the rich man lifted up his eyes in torment. In hell, the rich man suddenly realized truths he had ignored in life, but by then it was too late. Pastor Boring uses this account as a warning against delay and spiritual complacency. Too many people assume there will always be another opportunity to pray, another church service to attend, another chance to get right with God, or another day to share the Gospel. Scripture reminds us that tomorrow is not promised. The message emphasizes the tragedy of missed opportunities. The rich man had countless chances to show compassion to Lazarus and countless opportunities to heed the Word of God, yet he neglected both. In eternity, he desired only a drop of water and wished he could go back to warn his family. The realization of what could have been became part of his torment. One of the strongest challenges in this sermon is the urgency of sharing our faith. The rich man begged for someone to warn his five brothers so they would not come to that awful place. Pastor Boring reminds believers that we still have time to witness, pray, invite people to church, and tell loved ones about Jesus while the door of grace remains open. This message calls Christians to live with urgency and purpose. Be on fire for God. Love people. Care for those in need. Make things right while there is time. Do not put off salvation, obedience, forgiveness, or compassion for another day. There is coming a time when every opportunity to respond will end. The question is not whether that day is coming. The question is whether we are ready. Now is the time to seek God. Now is the time to warn others. Now is the time, before it becomes… too late.

A powerful reminder from Pastor Tommy Boring, “Qualified by Grace” centers on Colossians 1:10-20 and the truth that salvation is not earned by our works, merit, or goodness. We are made worthy only through the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This message turns hearts toward the Father and gives thanks for His eternal plan of redemption. Before the foundation of the world, God had a plan to save sinners. Because of His great love, He sent His Son so we would not have to face eternal separation from Him. As Pastor Boring emphasizes, salvation was never about what we can do for God. It has always been about what God has done for us. The sermon highlights the call to walk worthy of the Lord, grow in spiritual fruit, and increase in the knowledge of God. Though the flesh wars against the things of God and becomes a hindrance in our lives, believers are reminded that there is something greater living within them through the power of the Holy Spirit. One of the central truths of this message is that we were spiritually helpless and unqualified on our own. Pastor Boring shares the powerful illustration of the thief on the cross, who had no good works, no achievements, and no earthly qualifications. His only hope was Christ. Jesus simply said, *”Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”* That same grace still saves today. The message explains that God qualified us through Jesus Christ. He paid the sin debt we could never pay and redeemed us through His blood. Our righteousness could never earn heaven, but Jesus made a way where there was no way. Pastor Boring also speaks about the inheritance awaiting the children of God. Through Christ we become heirs and joint-heirs, promised an eternal home where there is no sorrow, sin, pain, or graveyards. Like Abraham who looked for a city whose builder and maker was God, believers are reminded to keep their eyes on a heavenly country. This sermon also warns about the reality of spiritual darkness. Sin blinds people from seeing their need for a Savior, and many remain trapped under the power of darkness without realizing it. Yet through salvation, God delivers us, translates us from darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son, and makes us new creatures in Christ. The invitation closes with a simple but important question. The issue is not whether God can save. The question is whether you have truly been made His. If your heart is not where it needs to be with God, today is the day to prepare to meet Him. #QualifiedByGrace #TommyBoring #Colossians1 #SavedByGrace #JesusChrist #BiblePreaching #KingJamesBible #Salvation #Faith #ChristianSermon #GraceOfGod #BornAgain #Gospel #JesusSaves #ChildOfGod #Redemption #Heaven #BloodOfJesus #WalkWorthy #TruthOfGod

Rev. Danny Buchanan delivers a heartfelt message titled “There’s a Cause” from 1 Samuel 17:27-29, centered on David's words: “Is there not a cause?” Through the story of David and Goliath, this sermon reminds us that God has a purpose for every life and a calling for every believer. This message challenges us to examine our walk with God and ask if we are truly listening, praying, witnessing, and obeying His voice. Too often people turn to prayer only in times of tragedy, but God is calling His people to humble themselves, seek Him, and cry out with sincere hearts. Revival does not begin with programs. It begins with prayer. Rev. Buchanan reminds us that the battle belongs to the Lord. David was not the biggest or strongest, but he came in the name of God. The same God who delivered then is still delivering today. God has not changed. He still has power, still answers prayer, and still works in the lives of His people. The sermon also carries a burden for lost souls. There are people all around us searching for hope, hurting, and far from God. We are called to witness, invite others to church, let our light shine, and never give up praying for family members, neighbors, and friends. Whether on the highway, in the grocery store, or in church, we are called to share the Gospel. Rev. Buchanan speaks on the importance of preaching the true Word of God without compromise. In a day when many are changing the message, God’s Word remains pure and unchanging. The church needs truth, old paths, and a fresh desire to seek God. This sermon is also a reminder of the urgency of the hour. We are living in uncertain times and none of us are promised tomorrow. Now is the time to get close to God, make things right, and answer His call. Don’t go backward. Press on. Keep running the race. Keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep serving. No matter what burdens you carry, whether in your family, your home, or your own heart, there is still a cause. God has a purpose for your life, and one day it will all be worth it when we see Him face to face. If God is speaking to your heart, don’t wait. Respond while you can.

A message from Lamentations 3, Pastor Tommy Boring explores the compassion of the prophet Jeremiah and the importance of allowing what we see and hear to affect our hearts for the glory of God. Jeremiah witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem, the suffering of his people, and the consequences of sin and rebellion, yet he never lost his tenderness, compassion, or burden for souls. Drawing from Lamentations 3:51, “Mine eye affecteth mine heart,” Pastor Tommy challenges believers not to become hardened or indifferent to the hurting world around them. Jeremiah saw starvation, captivity, broken homes, and suffering, and instead of turning away, he wept before God. Though he preached faithfully for decades with little visible response, he continued to stand in the gap for the people because his heart was moved by what he saw and heard. This sermon emphasizes that what enters through the eyes and ears should lead believers to prayer, compassion, and action. Pastor Tommy shares moving examples of people witnessing tragedy, broken families, addiction, and suffering, only to realize afterward that God was calling them to pray and care more deeply. The message warns against protecting the heart to the point of becoming cold toward the needs of others. The compassion of Christ is woven throughout the message. Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Jesus wept at Lazarus' tomb. Jesus showed mercy to the hurting, healed the broken, and even prayed for forgiveness for those crucifying Him. Pastor Tommy reminds the church that if we truly follow Christ, our hearts should be affected by the pain, struggles, and lost condition of humanity. The sermon also points to the comforting voice of God in times of affliction. Jeremiah cried out from the “low dungeon,” and God answered him with the words, “Fear not.” Pastor Tommy encourages listeners that when every other voice brings fear, confusion, and discouragement, the voice of God still brings peace, courage, hope, and rescue. This message is a call for believers to care again, pray again, and engage with the needs around them instead of ignoring them. Souls are worth crying over. Hurting people are worth loving. The church has a responsibility to reflect the compassion of Jesus Christ to a broken world. “The Impact of Seeing and Hearing” is both a challenge and an encouragement to let God soften the heart, deepen compassion, and move believers into prayer and action for those in need.

A message from Deuteronomy 26 and Nehemiah 8, Pastor Tommy Boring explores the true meaning and essence of worship according to the Word of God. Worship is not based on personal preference, emotion, or outward appearance. True worship is centered entirely on Jesus Christ and flows from a heart that remembers where God brought us from and what He has done for us. Pastor Tommy explains that God Himself defines worship. Singing, shouting, lifting hands, and outward actions alone are not worship without the presence and moving of the Holy Ghost. Real worship comes from a humbled heart that recognizes the greatness of God, the mercy of salvation, and the deliverance from the bondage of sin. Drawing from Deuteronomy 26, the message highlights God's command for Israel to bring the first fruits before Him and remember their past. They were to recall being strangers, afflicted in Egypt, and rescued by the mighty hand of God. In the same way, believers today should never forget the pit God brought them out of, the bondage He broke, and the grace that saved their souls. Pastor Tommy emphasizes that worship is deeply connected to remembrance. Remembering our past without Christ and remembering the moment Jesus rescued us should stir gratitude, humility, and praise. If we ever lose the wonder of being saved from hell, something is wrong spiritually. Christ is worthy of worship simply because of who He is and what He has already done. Using Nehemiah 8 as an example, this sermon also focuses on the importance of reverence for the Word of God. When Ezra opened the book, the people stood in honor, lifted their hands, bowed their heads, and worshipped with humility. The Bible remains central to worship because it reveals Christ, convicts hearts, and brings life to the believer. Pastor Tommy challenges believers to come to the house of God with an “audience of One” mindset. Worship is not about impressing people or depending on feelings. God deserves praise whether circumstances are good or bad. Worshipping in difficult seasons honors God and invites the presence of the Holy Spirit. This message is a call to bow the heart before God, remove distractions that take Christ's place, and once again make Jesus the center of worship. Everything we have came from Him, everything we need is found in Him, and everything we are belongs to Him. Jesus Christ is the reason we worship.

In this powerful message from Ephesians 1:18-23, Pastor Tommy Boring explores the exceeding greatness of God's power and challenges believers to truly understand who God is. From creation itself to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, this sermon points to a God whose power has no limits, no rival, and no equal. Pastor Tommy reminds us that God simply spoke light into existence, formed man from the dust, parted the Red Sea, held the sun still for Joshua, calmed raging storms, and raised the dead. The same God who performed miracles throughout scripture is still all-powerful today. If God has all power in heaven and earth, why do we struggle to pray boldly and trust Him fully? This message centers on Paul's words about the “exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe.” Pastor Tommy emphasizes that God's power is not distant or theoretical. It is directed toward believers. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest demonstration of that power. Death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him, and today Christ sits at the right hand of the Father far above all principality, power, and dominion. Through personal testimony and scripture, Pastor Tommy encourages listeners to stop bringing God down to human limitations. There has never been a problem too hard for God. The struggle is not whether God has the power, but whether we truly believe Him and trust His will. A greater understanding of God's power changes the way we pray, worship, and live. Referencing Romans 8, this sermon also highlights the assurance believers have in Christ. If God is for us, who can be against us? Nothing can separate us from the love of God. No trial, fear, devil, government, sickness, or circumstance is greater than the God we serve. Pastor Tommy calls the church back to awe, faith, and confidence in prayer. He reminds believers that the Holy Spirit of the all-powerful God lives within them, and that God is still able to help, heal, save, strengthen, and carry His people through every circumstance. If you need encouragement to trust God more deeply and pray with greater faith, this message will point your heart back to the unmatched power of Almighty God.

In this powerful and deeply personal message, Elder Ronnie Blair shares the life-changing truth of God's hope and redemption through the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. Drawing from his own testimony, he reflects on seasons of struggle, conviction, and the overwhelming grace that led him back to the Father's house. This sermon reminds us that no matter how far we wander, God's love never fails. Just like the prodigal son, there comes a moment when we “come to ourselves” and realize our need for the Father. Elder Ronnie emphasizes that valleys, hardships, and broken places are often where God shapes us and prepares us for restoration. Even in life's darkest moments, God is still on the throne, still calling, and still ready to receive anyone who will return. With heartfelt sincerity, he speaks about the drawing power of the Holy Spirit, reminding listeners that salvation is not something man can manufacture. It is God who calls, convicts, and restores. Through personal stories and biblical truth, he highlights the urgency of responding when God speaks, warning against delaying or remaining at a guilty distance from Him. The message also points to the incredible love of the Father, who is always watching, always waiting, and ready to run toward those who come home. There is no need to clean yourself up first. God welcomes you as you are, forgives completely, and restores fully. His grace covers the past, His Spirit transforms the present, and His promise secures the future. Elder Ronnie challenges believers to pursue holiness, guard their hearts and minds, and live lives surrendered to Christ. He reminds us that true peace and assurance come only through a genuine relationship with Jesus, not through outward religion or human effort. Whether you feel far from God, burdened by past mistakes, or simply in need of renewal, this message is a clear call to return, repent, and receive the mercy and redemption only Christ can give. Come home. The Father is waiting.

In this passionate and Spirit-filled message, Brother Bobby Whitehead magnifies the Word of God as the source of light, power, and truth in a dark and troubled world. From John 1:1, he reminds us that the Word was with God in the beginning and is God, revealing that Jesus Christ Himself is the living Word that brings life and salvation. Using the picture of a lighthouse on a dangerous shore, Brother Bobby explains how God's Word shines into darkness, guiding lost souls to safety. Just as a lighthouse warns and directs ships, the Bible provides direction, clarity, and hope to those searching for truth. It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, offering guidance for every step of life. The message emphasizes that the Word is not only light, but also power. Through scriptures like Jeremiah 23:29, the Word is described as a fire and a hammer, able to break hardened hearts and burn away sin. Before salvation, the heart can become cold and resistant, but when the Word is preached and received, it begins to soften, convict, and transform. Pride is broken, and truth takes root. Brother Bobby shares how the Word of God works deeply in the soul, often revealing things no one else knows. It challenges, corrects, and calls people to repentance. The gospel, as stated in Romans 1:16, is the power of God unto salvation. It is through hearing and receiving the Word that a person is saved and brought into new life. The sermon also highlights the truth and reliability of God's Word. It is unchanging, unfailing, and eternal. Heaven and earth may pass away, but His Word will stand forever. Every promise God has made will come to pass. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate proof that His Word is true and powerful. Brother Bobby warns that we are living in times similar to Sodom and Gomorrah, where many reject truth and choose the world instead. Yet the message of salvation still stands. Just as Noah preached for years, the call to repentance continues today, even if many ignore it. He also reminds listeners that the Word of God is our defense against the enemy. When the devil attacks the mind, it is the truth of Scripture that pushes back darkness. Just as Jesus used the Word to resist temptation, believers must rely on it daily for strength and victory. Through personal testimony, Brother Bobby shares how the Word broke through his own pride, revealing his lost condition and leading him to salvation. What once seemed distant became real when God spoke directly to his heart. That same Word is still alive and working today. At its core, this message is a call to receive and trust the Word of God. It is not just words on a page. It is living, powerful, and life-changing. It brings light to darkness, power to the powerless, and truth to a world filled with confusion. If you are searching, struggling, or unsure, the answer is found in the Word. Accept Jesus Christ, the living Word, and find life, hope, and truth that will never fail.

In this moving and faith-filled message, Pastor Tommy Boring draws from Colossians 3:3 to reveal the powerful truth of what it means to be “hid with Christ in God.” Though the verse may seem contradictory, it speaks of a spiritual reality. The old man is dead, and through salvation, we are made alive in Christ. Our true life is now hidden, protected, and secured in Him. Pastor Tommy emphasizes that being hidden in Christ is not something earned. It is a gift. When a person is saved, they are brought into the family of God and placed in a position the enemy cannot touch apart from God's will. In that place, there is strength, peace, and protection that goes beyond anything this world can offer. Using the powerful example of Moses, the message illustrates what it means to be hidden by God. As a child, Moses was hidden by his parents to protect him from destruction. Later, God continued to hide him, first in Pharaoh's house, then in the wilderness, preparing him for a greater purpose. This becomes a picture of what believers are called to do for others, especially their children. A central theme of the sermon is the responsibility to “hide” others in Christ through prayer. While we cannot control the choices of those we love or shield them from every hardship, we can take them to God daily. Parents, grandparents, and the church are called to stand in the gap, praying for protection, salvation, and guidance. Just as Moses was placed in a basket and committed to God's care, we are to entrust those we love into His hands. Pastor Tommy reminds us that physical protection has limits, but spiritual covering through prayer is powerful and effective. Even when children grow older or drift away, the call remains the same. Do not stop praying. Do not stop believing. Keep placing them before God, trusting Him to work in ways we cannot see. The message also highlights the role of the church in this calling. There are many, both young and old, who cannot “hide themselves” spiritually. They are vulnerable, lost, or searching. The church has the privilege and responsibility to lift them up in prayer, love them, and point them to Christ until they come to know Him personally. Pastor Tommy shares heartfelt testimony of seeing lives begin to change because someone faithfully prayed. Children who had never been in church are now hearing the Word of God and experiencing His presence. This is the result of persistent, believing prayer. What we cannot do, God can. At its core, this sermon is about dependence on God and the assurance of His protection. Those who are in Christ are truly secure. When God looks at His children, He sees them through His Son. That is the safest place to be. This message is both a comfort and a challenge. Be thankful if someone has prayed for you and helped “hide” you in Christ. Then take up that same responsibility for others. Keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep hiding them in Him until the day they come to know the Father for themselves.

Genesis 49:10-12 The passage discusses Jacob/Israel gathering his twelve sons to give them blessings. The scepter shall not depart from Judah, meaning the kingship will never leave Judah. This is a picture of the birth of the kingdom to come. “Until Shiloh come” refers to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. “And unto him shall the gathering of the people be” Exodus 12 Over 430 years of coming out of Egypt, with 400 years under hard bondage. The people cried out to the Lord, and He heard their cry. After coming out of Egypt, they complained to Moses that they were led out to die. Moses went up on the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments, written on tablets of stone by God’s own hand. The commandments include “Thou shalt not kill” and “Thou shalt not steal.” Also, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy” and “Honor your father and your mother.” The people could not bear the weight of the commandments. Brother Cody emphasizes that “I can’t” and “you can’t,” but “He can.” Brother Cody expresses gratitude for God’s faithfulness and love. Paul’s Credentials Paul gave his credentials, including being circumcised on the eighth day and being of the stock of Benjamin. Paul counted all of his credentials as loss for the excellency of the Lord Jesus Christ, considering them as belonging in the “dump pile.” Suffering and Persecution All who live godly shall suffer persecution. If you live for God, a fight is coming, and the world will hate you. The House of God Men have turned the house of God into a den of thieves. They walk around as representatives of God in long robes, seeking the admonition of men and standing on street corners to show off their religiosity. Brother Cody notes that this tendency is in everyone. Deceiving Oneself If any man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he has already deceived himself. Brother Cody admits to deceiving himself in the past but notes that God was faithful and walked far out of the maze. The Valley vs. The Mountain An old preacher said he’d rather spend his time in the valley. Brother Cody initially preferred being on the mountain with the Lord. Growing occurs in the valley, through repeated experiences. Something must die before something can come up. 400 Years of Silence There was about 400 years of silence before John the Baptist began to preach in the wilderness. John preached repentance, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. When Jesus stepped into the river Jordan and was baptized, God opened the heavens, and the Holy Ghost came down. Brother Cody believes the law was fulfilled at this moment, not at Calvary. The law was the schoolmaster that brought us to Christ. The law teaches that you are a sinner and that the rights of God are on your hands, which you cannot carry. Temptation in the Wilderness Jesus went into the wilderness and was tempted for 40 days. Afterward, He began to preach, pointing to God and performing miracles to show that the power of God had not diminished. Law of the Willer vs. Law of the Giver In the fulfillment of God’s law, people are on the mountain with God. Brother Cody encourages listeners not to be concerned with what the world is doing, as the Bible says it will happen. Brother Cody battles with his flesh and relies on Psalm 73 until he understands. Blessed Are They Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. When sin was revived, Paul died, revealing that he was dead in his trespasses and sins. He was alienated and an enemy of God, with the wrath of God abiding on his head. Only Jesus Christ could get him out of that state. Damascus Road Paul was persecuting the church, thinking he was doing God’s will. God met him on the road to Damascus and said, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” It is hard to kick against the pricks, a reference to the person of the law. Thorns When transgression took place and they were cast out of the garden, thorns came up out of the ground, and they were under a curse. If a man strives for mastery, he does not prevail unless he does it lawfully. Enoch and Noah Enoch walked with God and was not, for God took him. Noah found grace in the eyes of God and also walked with God. To walk with God, it must be done the correct way. Grace Grace came to where Brother Cody was, revealing by the law of God that he had trespassed against the Lord and broken His commands. Brother Cody emphasizes that he doesn’t want to go to heaven if just anything and everything is let in. It is by grace through faith, but not Brother Cody’s faith, but what He has given in measure. It increases every time Brother Cody denies himself, takes up his cross, and bothers after Him. Faith increases when one sees that He is faithful. Victory Ground Brother Cody stands on the victory ground, nose to nose with the devil, and sees pieces of art, every one of them is Jesus Christ. Armor of God Brother Cody references the armor of God, including the helmet of salvation and the breastplate of righteousness. David said, “Restore unto me the joy of my salvation.” Brother Cody’s righteousness is filthy rags; it is not his work of righteousness but the precious blood of the Lamb. Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, in hope of eternal life, which God cannot lie about. God brought peace between Brother Cody and his maker, reconciliation. Brother Cody urges true believers to be reconciled unto God. Invitation Brother Cody says that if he is lifted up, he will draw all men unto himself. He is still drawing and saving today, calling men to preach and serve Him. Delight in the Law David said, “I delight in thy law.” The law is precious, and Brother Cody is no longer under a curse because he spent a fee and that was written in his heart. He has been made free by the perfect law of liberty, by the law of faith. His performance in keeping the law is not what is getting him there, but God is ahead of him to keep it. Advocate If any man sins, he has an advocate with the Father. Brother Cody believes in preaching the truth, not tickling ears. It is not because of grandma and grandpa or what church you go to that you get into heaven. It is God’s doing, God’s drawing. Lord, Lord On that day, many will come saying, “Lord, Lord.” They will plead, “Did we not pray? Did we not go to church? Did we not hand out pamphlets?” But that will not be enough. You must be born again and get His Spirit. He puts His Spirit in you and helps you to walk godly. Shiloh The Savior of Judah shall not depart, nor the lawgiver from between His feet, until Shiloh comes. Riding into the City When Jesus came into the city, He was riding on an ass and a colt. Brother Cody notes that the colt is shorter than the ass, meaning the choice part of the true vine is under His feet. You can come under His feet and acknowledge that He is Lord today. Salvation A salvation act is getting to walk with Him, talk with Him, and know Him. Every day, Brother Cody gets to see Him come where he is and see how faithful He is to pick him up. Brother Cody will cast every crown at His feet, acknowledging that He has done it all. God’s Perspective God is not a man that He should lie; He does not see as man sees; He looks at the heart. Everything God has been ministering to Brother Cody has been said on the phone while driving and in prayer. God is not concerned about your performance but will perform it through you. When you get born again, you will know Him. The King of Sinners On this side, Brother Cody has to face a dirty, rocked, low-down, no-good sinner that loves sin, the king of sinners. Yet, He wore my crown. Brother Cody should have been the one crucified, beaten, mocked, and crucified. He was beaten so badly that His visage was marred more than any man’s, unrecognizable. The only one who never knew sin, without spot or blemish, prayed for Brother Cody and you on that cross. Thieves on the Cross Both thieves railed at Him, but one had a changed heart. God ponders the heart of man. Brother Cody can fool others, but he cannot hide from God. There is no profit in being fake. Knowing Him To know Him is for Him to reveal what you really are. You do not know yourself like you think you do. The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. That is why He puts His Spirit in your heart. You must be honest with yourself; it is just you and Him. He sent His Son to die for a bunch that did not deserve it. He who knew no sin was made to be sin. Death could not hold Him; now He has eternal life. Walking Miracle Brother Cody is a walking miracle. Do not neglect so great salvation. God has been good to Brother Cody. He needs God because he knows what he is capable of. He has drunk in the ditches his whole life. If you can just reach a finger out there and grab a hold, you will find that He never will leave you nor forsake you. Perception is not right; God is doing exactly what it takes for you to get where you need to be. Job When God said Job was perfect, He was talking to the dead. God was thinking about His own mother. We are going to be made like Him; we are going to be changed. David said, “I will behold his face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in his likeness.” Abundance of God His teeth are white with milk so we can get in on the abundance of God. There are valleys on the mountain that become a place where Brother Cody knows he is fixing to draw near to God. He is fixing to learn more about who He is and find out that He is faithful and loves him to the uttermost. When he fell, he has been justified. A just man falls seven times and gets back up. Elijah When Elijah sent his servant to see if there was rain, the servant came back and said there was nothing. Elijah said, “Go again.” When you think that there is nothing, just go again. There will be a little cloud pop up, and here comes the abundance of rain.

Psalms 51 Elder Roger feels unable to preach God’s word without God and the Holy Spirit. Asks for prayers. The message comes from a Monday night men’s meeting and has been contemplated for a couple of weeks. Brother Tommy was expected to preach on it Sunday but didn’t directly address it. Elder Roger is focusing on Psalms 51, emphasizing that the interpretation is personal and divinely inspired. Have Mercy Upon Me, O God Elder Roger believes asking for God’s mercy should be a daily practice. Acknowledges personal shortcomings and the need for divine mercy, regardless of perceived goodness. This sentiment should be shared by all born-again Christians. Asks God to reveal shortcomings and iniquities. Expresses gratitude to the Lord. Churches today don’t want people to think badly about them. Wash Me Thoroughly From My Iniquities Recalls own baptism shortly after being saved. Baptism is not essential for salvation but is a desired act of cleansing before God. Believes in full immersion baptism, symbolizing complete cleansing under the blood of Jesus Christ. Acknowledges personal sinfulness post-baptism. Only Jesus was without sin. Emphasizes the availability of forgiveness through God. Cleansing is internal, transforming the soul. God replaces the “old stony heart” with a pure one. Internal change is more important than outward appearances or religious displays. Example: One can dress well and attend church regularly, but the internal state matters most. Asks for daily cleansing to avoid carrying “filthy stuff” in the heart. One should strive to be as clean as on the day of salvation. Allowing God to cleanse enables one to walk with Christ and have Jesus in their heart. Restore Unto Me My Joy Christians should exhibit joy due to their salvation and eternal life with God. Contrasts this with the sad demeanor sometimes seen in those claiming to be born again. Being washed in the blood of Jesus Christ is something to be proud of. Encourages those who have lost their joy to ask God to restore it. God is just and righteous to do so. Elder Roger values the joy of salvation more than any amount of money. Finds joy and comfort in knowing that heaven awaits. Something changed internally upon salvation. The comforter didn’t leave us. If lost, one should be worried. Jesus loves everyone and they need to come to him to ask him to save them. Renew a Right Spirit Within Me Expresses concern that some churchgoers, even in sister churches, may not truly understand the Spirit of God. Fear that the true Spirit of God would scare them. God speaks to everyone, not just preachers. Encourages taking time for one-on-one connection with God. Examples: Go to the basement, swing outside, walk. Listen to what God and the Holy Spirit have to say. Laments the decline in people’s willingness to listen to God. Recalls stories of past revivals with large crowds inside and outside the church. Salvation of people is not old-fashioned. Attributes such revivals to the Holy Spirit working through the prayers of church members. Questions when the last time a lost person was seen in the church. If lost people come through the doors of the church, God will do the rest. Emphasizes the importance of attracting lost people to the church. God can save people anywhere, but the church is a good place to experience love. The church should show love to lost individuals who may walk through the doors. Otherwise, they might turn around and walk back out. Invitation Believes an invitation should be given every time the church doors are open. Offers to pray with anyone in need, while acknowledging personal limitations in helping others. Refers to Psalm 23.

Proverbs 4:20-23 – Keeping Your Heart Focus on Proverbs 4:20-23. Verse 20: “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.” Verse 23: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” The Enemy’s Attack The enemy is after every heart, saved or lost. Yielding to the enemy leads to destruction of oneself and family. The enemy will tear down everything you love and leave you with nothing. Personal Responsibility There is a responsibility to keep our heart. Not keeping oneself, but guarding the heart from the enemy’s attacks. Need help from the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and the church. This does not relieve the personal responsibility to pray and keep your heart according to the Word of God. Letting your guard down allows the enemy to ruin your testimony and steal your joy and peace. Importance of Heeding God’s Word Pay attention to God’s word to avoid a high price from the enemy. Focus on and remind yourself of the adversary. The adversary seeks to devour and can tear up your home, family, and work. This happens when we open our heart and don’t keep it with all diligence. Personal Responsibility and Holiness Importance of personal responsibility in serving God, walking right, and living right. God has called everyone to righteousness and holiness. The only way to please God is to do what He says. The Heart as the Source of Issues Every issue comes from the heart. Mark 7:21-23: Out of the heart of men proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile the man. The heart is capable of both good and evil. Luke 6:45: A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil things. The heart needs attention and care. People are often more careful about their flesh and mind than their heart. When something not of God is in your heart, it will manifest one day. The Example of David David’s failure as an example of not guarding the heart. David saw Bathsheba and lusted after her because his heart had not been guarded. He should have been with his men in battle, but he was idle in the king’s castle. If you’re going to guard your heart, you better be where you’re supposed to be. If you’re in a place you ain’t supposed to be, you need to get out of there. David didn’t wake up wanting to commit adultery, but he didn’t keep his heart. If he had kept his heart, he would have been with his people and not in a position where the enemy could tilt his heart. The suffering David endured after his sin wasn’t worth it. If your heart is leaning toward something, make sure you’re keeping it with all diligence. Introspectively look and see where you’re at with God. Every evil thing starts in the heart. Giving attention to the flesh leads to being in a mess like David. It took a year for David’s heart to get right with God after Nathan’s message. David’s actions after getting Bathsheba pregnant. Calling on Joab to send Uriah home. Writing a letter for Uriah to carry, which was his death warrant. David thought he had fooled God, but Nathan revealed his sin. God spared David’s life but took the life of the child. The sword would never depart from David’s house. David recognized the problem started in his heart. Psalms 51:10: “Create within me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” He fell to the snare of the enemy because something was hidden and neglected in his heart. God restored David, but it cost him his son’s life and Uriah’s life. David showed up at the temple, but still fell. Diligence and Focus on the Heart Keep your heart with all diligence. Diligence means being focused and having all your attention pointing to it. Focusing on the flesh will lead to a road that will cost you dearly. Prayer is essential for keeping your heart. Commitment to prayer, getting serious with God, and opening yourself before Him. Let the Holy Spirit look in you. David asked God to search him and see if there was any wicked way in him. If you’re not praying, you’re leaving the door wide open for the devil. God helps every time you pray, either strengthening you, blessing you, or giving you what you need. Make time for prayer. You don’t have time not to pray. Our ancestors had a commitment to prayer. The Word of God is full of truth and stands against the lies of the world. Hide the Word in your heart that you might not sin against God. Give attention to the Word of God. The Word of God shines into our heart. Need to get focused on our heart and honest before God. Ask God to cleanse and purge your heart. The Word of God, prayer, and the Holy Spirit of God work together to fortify, restore, protect, and keep your heart. Three Key Actions for the Heart Love God with all your heart (Deuteronomy 6). Love Him more than the world, your husband, your wife, or your children. Seek God with all your heart (Psalm 119:2). Blessed is the man that keepeth his commandments, and seeketh the Lord with all of his heart. Trust in the Lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3). Loving, seeking, and trusting God with all your heart provides help. Consequences of Neglecting the Heart If they had kept their focus on their heart, they wouldn’t have failed. David would have gone back and done things differently if he could. He would have gotten out of the castle and back to where he was supposed to be. Need help to protect our heart from the world, its wickedness, deception, and lies. There is too much at stake to fall. Issues of life, good or bad, come from the heart. Romans 10:10: With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. God saved the invisible part, the soul. We ought to do our part. Need the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and prayer every day to build fortification around us. When the heart falls, the flesh quickly falls. God is a God of second chances. Confess your sin, and He is faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you of all unrighteousness. Each person has a responsibility to keep their heart and an opportunity every day to love God, seek God, and trust God. If you don’t keep your heart with all diligence, the enemy will exploit that weakness. Take this message into your heart and remind yourself every day to ask for God’s help to focus on your heart. Final Encouragement Every person is important and precious in the eyes of God. God has given us prayer, His Word, and the Holy Spirit to help us. The Holy Spirit will help you when you look over the fence or off the terrace like David did. The enemy wants to destroy you, your family, and every opportunity of salvation they might get by making you fall. Do what David did: go back to God. David begged God for seven days to spare the child. David knew he had lost his heart and prayed for forgiveness. When the child died, David got up, cleaned up, ate, and went to the house of God and worshiped. David began to focus on his heart again that day. There are issues of the heart that will get you. Do everything you can to guard your heart. If you need to pray, come pray. If you haven’t prayed about your heart in a while, get started. Give up whatever you have to in your life to get back to focusing on your heart.

Introduction: In Spite of the Devil, I’m Here Pastor Tommy acknowledges the presence of an adversary, the devil, who hates and seeks to destroy. The devil is described as a liar and the father of lies, who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Despite the devil’s efforts, Pastor Tommy is present, emphasizing that the devil’s attempts to stop Jesus failed. The devil is given too much power when allowed into one’s heart and mind, enabling him to destroy, kill, and steal. It is argued that individuals have the power to deny the devil access to their hearts, minds, and lives, citing the scripture that “greater is he that’s in you than he that’s in the world.” Pastor Tommy expresses hatred and contempt for the devil and sin, having witnessed their destructive impact on lives. Examples include ruining lives, causing people to sacrifice peace and joy for things of little eternal value. Despite personal tendencies and weaknesses, Pastor Tommy affirms that getting right with God provides power over the devil. The Devil’s Attempts from the Beginning From the creation of Adam and Eve, the devil has tried to thwart God’s plans. God created Adam and Eve in perfection and instructed them not to eat from a specific tree, warning of death as a consequence. The devil, in the form of a serpent, tempted Eve, leading to their disobedience. The devil continues to try to tear lives apart, leading people down a path of misery. Pastor Tommy gives God all the credit for keeping him safe and trusting God to lead him home. Keeping one’s eyes on Jesus provides power over the devil, who must filter his actions through God. Jesus Defeated the Devil at the Cross There is no need to live to feed the devil, as Jesus defeated him at the cross, holding the keys of death and hell. Adam and Eve’s fall resulted in a sinful nature inherited by all humans, leading to death. Jesus provided a remedy for sin through his death on the cross, offering a way to go free. God made a way for Adam and Eve, sacrificing a lamb to clothe them after their eyes were opened to their sin. God cast them out of the garden to prevent them from partaking of the tree of life, which represents salvation through Jesus. God is Greater Than the Devil If the devil could have destroyed Adam and Eve or God’s creation, he would have, but he couldn’t. God is greater than the devil, who is a created being, not a god, and will ultimately be destroyed by God. God told the serpent that “her seed shall bruise your head,” indicating a future defeat of the devil. Pastor Tommy expresses anger towards the devil and a desire for others to see they don’t have to live under his influence. God has never lost a battle and remains in charge, despite the presence of sin and wickedness in the world. God prophesied throughout the Old Testament about sending a savior with power over the devil, coming through Abraham’s seed. Isaiah 7:14 prophesied that a virgin would conceive and bring forth a son named Immanuel. God has never been defeated and has all power. God Told the Devil How He Would Bring the Savior God revealed that the Savior would be born of a virgin, conceived through the Holy Spirit, as the God-man Emmanuel. The devil tried to kill out the people of God, knowing the Messiah would come through them, from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, down to David. God told the devil how he would bring the Savior, and the devil couldn’t stop it. God also told the devil when and where the Savior would be born, in Bethlehem, during a time of great desolation. The devil didn’t even know when Jesus was born. The three wise men asked Herod, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” The devil relies on what he can see, hear, and what other devils tell him, but he doesn’t know everything. People should resist the devil and let God help them. The Birth of Jesus Despite the Devil The devil didn’t know where Jesus was, and Herod asked the wise men to find him and report back. The devil didn’t hear the angel’s announcement to the shepherds about the birth of a savior in Bethlehem. Jesus was born in the quiet of a Bethlehem night, with only him, his mother, and Joseph present. The devil is a liar and a cheat who steals what belongs to people through Christ, and they shouldn’t give him that power. Herod sent his men out too late, about two years after Jesus’ birth, to kill the children in an attempt to eliminate Jesus. God warned Joseph in a dream to take the young child and his mother to Egypt, and they left without trouble. The devil didn’t even know Jesus walked into his own house in Egypt. The Devil’s Power is Limited The devil doesn’t have all power and is a created being. The only time Pastor Tommy wrestles with the devil is when he resists him. The devil is an angelic being who would destroy if he could, but Jesus prays for believers. Herod’s strategy was to hope he killed Jesus among the infants, but the devil was present on Jordan’s bank when John the Baptist preached. The devil didn’t know John was the forerunner of Christ or that Jesus was the Lamb of God. John baptized Jesus, and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove, with God declaring, “I’m here, I’m here, I’m here,” to the devil. They started trying to kill Jesus from that day, but they couldn’t. Greater is He That’s in Me Pastor Tommy affirms that his God has never lost a battle and won’t start with him. Greater is he that’s in me than he that’s in the world. Every time Pastor Tommy prays for help, God is there, and the devil has no answer for him. Resisting the devil causes him to flee, and drawing near to God results in God drawing near. The best way to resist the devil is through one’s flesh, which is the root of sin, including lust of the eye, pride of life, and lust of the flesh. God created humans with the ability to decide, and creating the devil, knowing he would turn, allows for the knowledge of good. God created the devil without all power or the ability to create himself again. The devil rebelled in his heart against God and was cast out with a third of the angels, wreaking havoc on earth. The devil is limited in what he can do and must be let in. Calvary and the Resurrection For 28 years, the devil may have thought he had killed Jesus through Herod’s actions. For three and a third years, the devil tried to get rid of Jesus, leading to Calvary. The devil thought he had Jesus when he was being scourged and crucified, but he didn’t realize that this was the very thing that would save humanity. The devil was nervous when Jesus willingly laid down his life, not knowing that his crucifixion was part of God’s plan. On the third day, when the angel rolled away the stone, the devil realized Jesus was gone and he didn’t have that power. Jesus appeared to Mary in the garden, and the devil didn’t even know it. Jesus met with his disciples and appeared to 500 people after his resurrection. The devil realized he couldn’t prevent what had already happened or stop Jesus from returning. The Devil’s Current Strategy The devil’s primary goal today is to stop believers, targeting them from the moment they are saved. Despite the devil’s efforts, believers are still here because he has nothing on God. If believers quit messing around with the devil and his ways and give themselves to Christ, walking in the spirit, he has no choice. Pastor Tommy has found refuge in prayer, scripture, and fellowship with other believers, where the devil cannot go. God fills his house with his spirit, providing relief and driving the devil away. The devil only has the power that is given to him. Through Christ, believers can do all things, and none of those given to Jesus will be lost. The devil’s attacks make believers stronger, and he should give up. The devil is trying to stop the church and will use every angle to make believers give up. People need to bow before the king of glory and let him transform their lives.

The Word of God The importance of the Bible. Without it, knowledge would be limited. It sets people free and offers a new life. Matthew 28:1-6 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visit the sepulcher. A great earthquake occurs. An angel descends, rolls back the stone, and sits on it. The angel’s appearance: countenance like lightning, raiment white as snow. The keepers shake with fear and become as dead men. The angel tells the women not to fear. He knows they seek Jesus, who was crucified. Jesus is not there; He has risen as He said. The angel instructs them to tell the disciples that Jesus is risen and will go before them into Galilee. The Empty Tomb The ladies were seeking Jesus. Their responsibility was to take care of the body after it was delivered to the tomb. Jesus gave up his life; it was not taken from him. Isaiah’s prophecy: Jesus bore the iniquity of us all. God put the iniquity of all mankind on Jesus. Jesus bore the embarrassment, humiliation, rebellion, and unlovingness of sin. Jesus died for future sins. Every sin He died for was future for those born after that day. God accepted the blood of Christ as atonement for sin. Galatians 4: God sent His Son to redeem those under the law so we might receive the adoption of sons. Having Jesus in one’s heart because He died for our sins. Joseph of Arimathea Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man and counselor, was secretly a disciple of Christ. Being a disciple of Christ secretly for fear of the world. Being afraid of ridicule or standing out for one’s faith. Joseph went to Pilate to ask for Jesus’ body. It was approaching evening, and they needed to take the body off the cross before sundown. Pilate marveled that Jesus was already dead. The legs of the others were broken to hasten their death, but Jesus was already dead. To be sure, they pierced Jesus in the side, and blood and water came out. Every drop of Jesus’ blood was for sin so that people could go free. Joseph went back to the cross to take the body off. Joseph was not alone; Nicodemus showed up. Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, now revealed his belief. Nicodemus brought about a hundred-pound weight of ointments and spices. Joseph and Nicodemus prepared Jesus’ body and wrapped it. They carried the body to a new tomb that Joseph had hewn out. No corpse had ever been in this tomb. The Burial and the Guard Jesus was dead. The penalty for sin is death. Adam was told he would surely die if he ate the forbidden fruit. Jesus Christ became the propitiation for all our sins. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary followed them as they carried Jesus’ body to the tomb. They stooped down to enter the tomb. Humbling oneself before God leads to seeing the light and finding life. They laid Jesus in the tomb and rolled a great stone at the door. Mary and Mary Magdalene witnessed exactly where Jesus was laid and the stone being rolled over the door. The Pharisees and Sadducees were nervous and went to Pilate. They reminded Pilate that Jesus had said He would rise again in three days. The Pharisees, unlike the disciples, seemed to believe Jesus’ prophecy. They feared the disciples would steal the body and claim Jesus had risen. Pilate instructed them to make the tomb as secure as possible. They sealed the stone with Herod’s seal. The Visit to the Sepulchre Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the sepulcher at the end of the Sabbath. They wondered who would move the stone. Doubt and unbelief can keep people from seeing the empty tomb. The world needs to know the truth: Jesus is not dead anymore. At the very moment one begins to seek Jesus, He has already sought them. The tomb was sealed and had a rock in front of the door. Divine help intervenes when it is needed most. Unbelief leads to torment. Hell is full of the wicked, agnostic, and atheist. They could not get past the stone. No one finds God on their own; divine help is needed. If there were another way to heaven, God would not have sent His Son to be crucified. Divine intervention moves the rock of earthly intellect and human understanding, giving faith. Never having been to Jerusalem or seen the tomb. It doesn’t matter if one has seen the tomb; what matters is that Jesus is alive in one’s heart. He is Risen The people of God are too quiet about the truth. The life-giving force for believers is the three words: “He is risen.” The ladies wondered who would move the stone. The Holy Ghost convinces people that they are lost and need a Savior. It is expedient that Jesus went away so the Comforter could come. The Comforter, the Spirit, will guide and lead in all truth and righteousness. If one is not saved through the power of the Holy Spirit, they are not saved. There is only one way to heaven: through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Being born in the Spirit is essential; religion, church membership, and baptism alone do not save. When the Holy Spirit speaks to the heart and invites one to come to Him, that is the moment to bow one’s heart. Jesus gives eternal life, and believers shall never perish. The angels helped the ladies. The guards were hired to keep watch over the tomb. The stone was not holding Jesus in; He came out on His own. The stone was rolled back so that others could see the empty tomb. What is behind the stone of unbelief? It covers the heart and separates one from the truth of Jesus Christ. The ground began to shake. When one gets born again, earthly experiences fade away. Divine intervention takes place, and one’s attention is solely on God. God moves the stone, and unbelief drifts away. The angel of the Lord descended and rolled back the stone. The keepers fell as dead men. Everything that would keep the ladies from knowing the truth about Jesus Christ had been dealt with. When Jesus comes to someone, everything else melts away. The stone had to move. Even the disciples didn’t believe at first because they still had a stone in the way. The Holy Ghost will show up and move the stone so one can see the truth. The truth is that Jesus died for our sins, shed His blood, and is alive. The stone was moved by the angel, and the keepers were no longer a problem. The Truth The only thing needed was the truth. Salvation requires divine intervention; one cannot be saved apart from the Holy Spirit. No one seeks after God on their own. The Holy Spirit moves in one’s life. Each person is given a measure of faith, just enough. The greatest gift is when God moves the stone and gets rid of the keepers. The ladies heard that Jesus was not there. The three words “He is risen” changed their lives. The greatest news is that He is risen. Someone has to help with the stone of unbelief. When the Holy Ghost shows up, one starts paying better attention. When the heart listens instead of the ears, it’s getting close. When one hears Him speak and say, “I’ve come for you. I want to save you,” one will know in their heart that He is alive. He is alive forevermore. The angel said, “I know who you’re looking for. You’re looking for Jesus. He’s not here.” He is risen. The primary difference between all other religions and Christianity is that our Savior is alive. In Revelation, Jesus says, “I am he that was alive and was dead, and am alive forevermore.” The reason to believe is that He now lives within. One needs their own experience to know that He is alive. All that is needed is for some things to be moved out of the way. What better day to be born again than Easter morning? Surrender to Christ and believe.

Gratitude and Testimony Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to preach and fellowship. Feeling blessed and thankful for health and strength. Mentioning struggles and expenses, but trusting in the Lord’s timing. Reading from 1 Samuel 12, emphasizing fearing and serving the Lord. Verses 18-24 are highlighted, focusing on avoiding wickedness and serving in truth. Specific verses mentioned: 1 Samuel 12:18-24 Psalms 145:17-20 Sharing a message about great things God has done. Referencing Mark 5:15, 19, about a man possessed who was healed and told to share God’s compassion. Connecting personal experiences to the scripture, emphasizing God’s love for sinners. Easter and God’s Love Focusing on the true meaning of Easter: the crucifixion and resurrection, not just “rabbits and eggs.” Highlighting Romans 5:8, emphasizing God’s love while we were sinners. Referencing Jeremiah 31:3, speaking of God’s everlasting love. Defining spiritual love versus “puppy love,” emphasizing Christ’s love in the heart. Mentioning 1 John 4:8 and 4:19, stating “God is love” and we love Him because He first loved us. Reflecting on personal experiences and acknowledging being saved and thankful. Repentance and Salvation Expressing gratitude for being called to repentance. Recalling an experience at an old-fashioned altar. Sharing a story about a man running from the Lord who eventually surrendered at the altar. Referencing John 6:37, emphasizing that those given by the Father will come to Jesus and not be cast out. Acknowledging past “mean” behavior and expressing gratitude for God changing his life. Highlighting John 6:44, stating that no one can come to Jesus unless drawn by the Father. Sharing a story about praying with a man for several nights who felt turned over to a reprobate mind. Warning against being hard-hearted and rejecting the word of God. Referencing 1 John 1:9, emphasizing confession of sins and forgiveness. Mentioning Ephesians 1:7, highlighting redemption through Christ’s blood and forgiveness of sins. Acknowledging personal imperfections and looking forward to a glorified body. Expressing confidence in his calling to preach, despite occasional self-doubt. Emphasizing the need to live for God and trust in His grace for every need. Trusting God and Overcoming Sharing a testimony about a son’s recovery, attributing it to God’s blessing. Referencing Luke 13:5, warning that without repentance, one will perish. Sharing a story about a girl who shared a problem and later received bad news, emphasizing the need for prayer. Highlighting Matthew 11:28, inviting all to come to Jesus for rest. Emphasizing the importance of daily prayer and seeking forgiveness. Reflecting on past sins and the devil’s attempts to drag one down. Emphasizing the need to stay close to God for victory. Salvation by Grace Emphasizing salvation through grace by faith, not by works. Referencing Ephesians 2:8-9 to support this point. Stating there is nothing to boast about. Sharing an experience at the hospital where someone acknowledged his work for God. Sharing a personal health experience and attributing healing to God. Highlighting Romans 10:9, emphasizing confession and belief for salvation. Stating there is no place to hide from God, referencing Jeremiah and Revelation 6:16. Emphasizing the need to wake up and realize God’s love and protection. Referencing Romans 4:21, emphasizing being fully persuaded that God can perform what He has promised. Mentioning praying for various individuals, including Branson and a neighbor named Custer. Acknowledging God’s mercy in daily life. Sharing a story about a brother on a breathing machine in the hospital. Referencing Acts 17:28, stating that in Him we live, move, and have our being. Highlighting Psalm 150:6, stating that everything that has breath should praise the Lord. Sharing an anecdote about a preacher making a humorous point about breathing. Eternal Life and Readiness Expressing anticipation for eternal life with the Lord. Referencing Philippians 1:21, stating that to live is Christ and to die is gain. Sharing the story of Lazarus and emphasizing God’s perfect timing. Referencing 1 Samuel 1:24, sharing the story of Hannah and emphasizing that God supplies our needs. Expressing being sheltered in the arms of God. Emphasizing the need for God’s mercy and love. Highlighting the soon return of Christ for the saints. Sharing an experience at a wedding and anticipating the marriage supper of the Lamb. Emphasizing the endless ages with God in heaven. Warning about the dangers on the highway and the need to be ready for Christ’s return. Referencing Revelation 19:7, emphasizing the marriage of the Lamb and the bride arrayed in fine linen. Judgment and Salvation Emphasizing the coming judgment and the need to be saved. Sharing a story about being called “too wild” and emphasizing the need to wake up to the end times. Expressing joy in being saved and praising God. Highlighting 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, describing the Lord’s descent from heaven and the catching up of believers. Emphasizing God’s purpose in gathering together. Acknowledging personal limitations and expressing gratitude for salvation. Emphasizing the suddenness of Christ’s return. Extending an invitation to come to the altar for prayer and thanksgiving. Expressing love for the pastor and the church. Encouraging love and prayer for one another. Sharing a story about a boy who lost his leg but is now doing well, and another who had a health scare that woke him up. Emphasizing the need to be on our knees and seek God’s help. Acknowledging the bad shape of the world and the need for a friend in Jesus. Encouraging everyone to get closer to God and listen to Him. Expressing a desire to help others and sharing an example of offering help to a lady. Expressing confidence in the fellow preachers and their willingness to help. Encouraging those present to thank God for their families and blessings. Acknowledging that life is not perfect but emphasizing God’s help. Praying for God to speak to hearts and inviting people to come forward.

The Story of the Woman with the Issue of Blood The story from Mark 5 is about a woman who had been dealing with an issue of blood for twelve years. She had spent all her money on physicians, but instead of getting better, she grew worse. She was considered unclean due to the blood issue and was not allowed to be among the public. The Woman’s Faith The woman heard that Jesus was coming and decided to do something about her situation. She believed that if she could just touch Jesus’ clothes, she would be made whole. Her faith was so great that she believed she would be healed, and her only question was whether she could get to Jesus. Pastor Tommy contrasts the woman’s great faith with the struggles they sometimes have with faith. Pastor Tommy expresses a desire to have the kind of faith that the woman had. Pastor Tommy wants to trust God for who He is and what He has said He will do. Overcoming Obstacles The woman faced obstacles in getting to Jesus, including her weakness and the large crowd. She pressed through the crowd and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. Pastor Tommy believes she likely ended up on her knees to reach the hem of the garment. Pastor Tommy emphasizes that a good way to get to Jesus is on one’s knees, humbling oneself before God. Pastor Tommy believes that when faith calls on the faithfulness of God, Jesus will be close. The Healing and its Significance The instant the woman touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, she was immediately healed. She felt it in her body and was filled with excitement and hope. Jesus felt virtue go out of him and asked who touched his clothes. Pastor Tommy emphasizes that when faith intersects with the faithfulness of Christ, a miracle occurs. Pastor Tommy believes that this miracle is something that one could not do themselves and only God could do. Pastor Tommy wants their faith to touch God and receive virtue in return. Pastor Tommy asks if one has really prayed and believed if their faith is not intersecting with God’s faithfulness. The Result of Faith The woman, knowing she was found out, fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. Jesus said to her, “Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” She not only got healed but also received peace. Pastor Tommy believes that when she gets to heaven, the woman will say that the issue of blood never bothered her again. Pastor Tommy emphasizes that Jesus makes people whole, not just better. Pastor Tommy believes that there are people who need the healer that makes them whole. Invitation to Seek Healing and Peace Pastor Tommy invites those who need prayer to trust in God and believe that He is present and moving. Pastor Tommy encourages people to step out on faith and believe God for what they need. Pastor Tommy believes that some have waited too long and allowed a small wound to become infected. Pastor Tommy wants to touch Jesus and be made whole every time, so that they can have a peace that passes all understanding and share it with others. Pastor Tommy believes that one may have to press through pride and oneself to get to Jesus. Pastor Tommy assures that if one gets to Jesus, He will make them whole and fix what is wrong with them.

Initial Feelings and Unworthiness Nervous about speaking. Feels unworthy of the opportunity to speak. Asks for prayers to calm nerves and for the Lord to have His way. Requests prayers for his wife to return to the will and house of God. Recalls a past experience at Mountain View Baptist Church where he made mistakes while preaching. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 Paul did not come with excellency of speech or wisdom. Paul determined to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Prayer Asks God to take over his body and use him as a servant. Prays for God to speak to hearts and save those who don’t know Him. Thanks God for the opportunity to proclaim His Word. Expresses gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Observations and Reflections A door slamming shut at work prompted thoughts about God’s work. A strong wind pushed a large rock out of the way to slam the door. Burning brush at night led to reflections on life’s fleeting nature. Life is like a vapor, here today and gone tomorrow. Embers blowing in every direction. The Importance of Knowing Christ Paul focused on knowing only Christ crucified. Wants to be wise enough to win souls for Christ. Doesn’t want to see lives wasted, ending in hell. Noah’s Ark Noah built the ark as God instructed. Noah proclaimed God’s coming judgment and love while building the ark for 120 years. Noah told people about Jesus and the love of God. Noah warned of God’s wrath and the need for safety in the ark. “Pitching” the ark within and without symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ. Pitch is the same as the blood that Jesus Christ shed. Believes Noah was telling people about Jesus. Whosoever will may enter the ark and be saved. Abraham and Isaac God told Abraham to sacrifice his only son on a mountain. Abraham prepared wood and traveled with Isaac and a servant to the designated place. Abraham got up early and prepared everything. Abraham told his servants that he and Isaac would worship and return. Abraham had faith that God could raise Isaac from the dead. Isaac questioned the absence of a lamb for sacrifice. Abraham said the Lord would provide a sacrifice. The mountain was on the same ridge as Mount Calvary. The blood shed on Calvary is still effective today. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission for sin. Abraham looked around and saw a ram caught by its horns. It had to be caught by the horns to be without blemish. The ram was Abraham’s perfect sacrifice due to his obedience. Jesus as the Perfect Sacrifice Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, willingly sacrificed Himself. Jesus looked through time and chose to go because of God’s love and man’s wickedness. Jesus offered Himself as a perfect, spotless sacrifice. Jesus willingly laid down His life. Jesus came to take away the sins of the world for those who believe. Offering Oneself to God Wants to lay down his body and offer everything to God. Believes in having faith to trust in God. Sharing Jesus is an honorable act. The gospel provides life and salvation. Jesus regained what was lost in the Garden of Eden. Jesus walked the corridors of hell for us. Accepting Jesus into our hearts is all that is required. The work of salvation is finished; it’s up to individuals to accept it. Impact of Wise Women Miss Ruth Atkins and Miss Bernice Millsaps mentored him early in his ministry. Miss Ruth shared scriptures about being wise enough to win souls. Miss Bernice was 94 and Miss Ruth was 92. They invited him to quilt with them at Coralville Center. He initially sneered at the invitation but later accepted. He brought his mother along, surprising the women. The women were ready to sow the word of God. The Ark and God’s Provision The ark represents a seed with life inside. God shut the door of the ark. God gave mankind seven days to enter the ark. God provided a way through Jesus Christ. The mountain where Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac was on the same ridge as Mount Calvary. The Nail on the Tree Isaiah speaks of a nail hung upon a tree. The key to salvation was hung there for everyone, even the worst sinners. The key was hung in a sure place because of God’s love. Personal Testimony and Challenges Works with people daily and sees himself in them. Uses Greg Watson’s visit to his wife as an illustration. Sees the lost as a challenge. Was backslidden in his teenage years, turning to alcohol and other vices. Three preachers persistently shared the love of God with him. They would come up every night and tell him about the love of God. He initially hated their persistence but knew they were telling the truth. Their faithfulness and prayers eventually led him back to God. A preacher told him to repent or his wife would be lost. He repented and begged God back into his heart. God called him to preach the gospel while he was hunting. He resisted for six years until God saved his house. Doesn’t want anyone to end up screaming from hell because they didn’t know the truth. You can judge a tree by the fruit it bears. The Importance of Faithfulness and Love We need to be like Moses, standing in the gap. We need to be faithful to God. Love is the motivation behind discipline and correction. God’s faithfulness, justice, and grace are special. It’s not a waste to love the way Christ loved. Salvation and the Gift of God The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Hell was created for Satan and his angels. The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. Salvation is simple. Life is near, even at the last. God can cleanse the mind of sin and set captives free. Confessing with your tongue leads to salvation. The law cannot save you; only Jesus Christ can. Salvation is as simple as Peter stepping onto the water by faith. The scriptures are written simply enough for a child to understand. Trust in Him, believe in Him, and invite Him into your heart. God has no respect for a person or age. He knocks on the door and asks to be let in. Closing Remarks If he didn’t already have Jesus in his heart, he would run to the altar. Encourages listeners to renew their relationship with God. If you don’t know Him, this morning would be a good morning. If you have a burden for the lost, God will bless you.

Praise and Gratitude All praise, honor, and glory given to God. Acknowledging dependence on God for everything. Example: “Without God, I couldn’t do nothing.” Dealing with Worldly Cares Not worrying about the cares of the world. Example: “I ain’t worried about the cares of this world… I ain’t going to take it with me and you ain’t going to take it with you.” Message Focus: Commitment to God The message focuses on committing to God without excuses. The devil tries to create excuses to avoid church and reading the Bible. Story of Mike: A Committed Church Member Mike, a church member, passed away last Wednesday. He suffered from chronic pain in his feet, legs, and back. Initially came to church hunched over. Played the guitar and loved talking about the Lord. His condition worsened, making it impossible to stand. Needed help with cleaning and bathing. Despite the pain, Mike never complained. He would say, “Oh, God,” but never complained. Even in severe pain, he talked about the Lord and praised God. His complexion changed, and he would say, “Praise God.” He expressed a desire to attend church despite his condition. Asked for prayers to get well enough to go to church. Visited him the day before he died; he was unresponsive. Showed a slight flinch when prayed for, indicating awareness. Mike’s commitment was inspiring. He would come to church in a wheelchair, praising God. Personal Reflection on Commitment Tired of making excuses. Acknowledges working long hours and feeling tired. Preachers need to stay up, study, visit, and preach. Doing it out of love and without begrudging it. Value of Faith Faith is the most valuable thing, besides family. Wife, grandkids, and sons. The world means nothing compared to God. Not caring about worldly threats. Example: “I don’t care if they send a bomb over here tonight. I know where I’m going.” Personal Improvement Acknowledges having room for personal improvement. The message hit hard and prompted self-reflection. Luke 14:16-24: The Parable of the Great Supper A man gave a great supper and invited many. Those invited made excuses for not coming. Bought a piece of ground and needed to see it. Bought five yoke of oxen and needed to prove them. Married a wife and therefore could not come. The master, angry, instructed his servant to bring in the poor, maimed, halt, and blind. These were the outcasts. There was still room, so the servant was told to compel others to come in. Those who were initially invited will not taste the supper. The scripture is interpreted as an offer of salvation being rejected due to excuses. Excuses and Neglecting Salvation People make excuses for not coming to church. Example: “Good weather sets the lines in your face and they’ll come up with every excuse in the world.” Need to quit making excuses and just do. Falling asleep while reading the Bible is an excuse. The devil stirs up excuses. Telling you, “it’s alright,” but it is not. Wanting to be committed to God, not the world. Trusting in God’s Provision Not worrying about losing a job. God will provide. God will supply needs. Worrying about tomorrow is pointless. Tomorrow may not come. Examples of Excuses in the Bible Moses made excuses, saying he couldn’t talk plainly. God provided Aaron to help him. People worry about worldly things instead of Jesus’ return. Personal Salvation Experience Knowing what happened the night of salvation. Conviction by the Holy Spirit. Had excuses for four years before going to church. Didn’t understand the preaching initially because the heart wasn’t convicted. When convicted, got scared, and it became real. Excuses stopped. Believes that neglecting the final chance would have been a mistake. People neglect salvation by pushing it aside. Attitude of Christians Some Christians look miserable and sad. They have the greatest thing, salvation, but are unhappy. Need to be committed to God. Stop foolishness and separate from the world. God doesn’t care about worldly possessions. He cares if the blood has been applied and if one has a contrite spirit. God is ready to save those with a contrite spirit. Personal Transformation Transformed from disliking people and self to loving God. Raised by a hard mother, but she got it right before she died. Committed to getting right with God. Took 38 years to commit to God due to liking worldly things. These men in the scripture came up with excuses for not getting salvation. God was offering a spiritual meal to save their souls. Jesus died for the soul, which will live in heaven or hell. Sharing Faith A man at work asked about coming to church. The man was a “ghostbuster” and didn’t believe in a God who allows children to get hurt. Explained the curse on the world and free will. Evil targets the vulnerable, like baby animals. Some sick children will be healed, and those who aren’t will be in glory. All could be in glory if they opened their hearts. People don’t want to commit because they think they have to quit certain things. Didn’t quit anything, just changed the way of doing things. Gained a new church family. Family and Commitment Always longed for a family. Son got saved and committed to God in November. Granddaughter committed to God two weeks before him. Another granddaughter wants to get baptized but isn’t ready yet. She is afraid of dying and going to hell. God knows her heart and will call her when it’s time. Grown people are not committed to God. If not committed, one will die and go to hell. Personal Struggles and Commitment Tired of the devil coming at me. Struggles with road rage. Sees people distracted while driving and worries. Acknowledges having issues. The devil never bothered me until I got saved. The calling to preach made it worse. Need to get more committed and remove excuses. Ask God what to do instead of telling Him what He has done. God is looking for good men and women to harvest the fields. When committed, God will put you where He wants you. Ask the Lord how to start and He will show you. Made the decision to get committed to God when saved. Failed, come short, slacked, and slung. Overcoming Weakness Tiredness prevents reading the Bible. Keeps scripture in mind all day. Ponders on it and gets back into the Word. Excuses of being tired and weak. This is going to stop. Made up mind to live for the Lord and improve commitment. Pointing at self, not others. Everyone can do a little better. Not worried about the world or its pain. When told to go home from work, doesn’t argue. Has something else to do. Agrees with Valerie about the chaos in the world. Praying for the “ghostbuster” at work to open his heart to God. Was stubborn for four years, turning God away. Convicted one last time and believes turning away then would have been final. Told God she wouldn’t turn away again if allowed to come back. Tired of excuses and the devil’s interference. These men neglected salvation due to excuses. This is serious; there is healing and evil. Until committed, one will be miserable. Those who were bidden but didn’t come will not taste the supper. They neglected salvation. People neglect salvation every day in church. God knows when one does wrong. Repents when failing and coming short of God’s glory. If hard-hearted, one would forget about it due to lack of commitment. Wrongdoing bothers until repentance. Not trying to get others to come, but doing what God says. Going to get on the altar and make sure things are right with God. Room for improvement and wants to improve for God, not for show. Willing to stand for God, even if the world is burning down. Needs God’s help and will ask for it.

Jeremiah’s Prophecy and Zedekiah’s Dilemma The sermon focuses on Jeremiah chapter 37, highlighting Jeremiah’s role as a prophet and King Zedekiah’s struggle to heed God’s word. Jeremiah was appointed by God to deliver the truth, even when it was unpopular. He had to remain in Jerusalem and witness its destruction. He felt compelled to continue preaching despite facing opposition. Zedekiah reigned during a time of siege by the King of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem with 200,000 men. Zedekiah and his people did not listen to Jeremiah’s warnings. Zedekiah’s Wavering Faith Zedekiah sought Jeremiah’s prayers but struggled to accept God’s message. He asked Jeremiah to pray for them. Jeremiah told him God’s judgment was inevitable. Zedekiah hoped for deliverance from Egypt, but Jeremiah warned against relying on them. Other prophets were saying Babylon would be gone in two years. Jeremiah insisted that God’s word would prevail. Zedekiah secretly consulted Jeremiah, asking if there was any word from the Lord. Jeremiah confirmed that there was a word. The message was that Zedekiah would be delivered into the hands of the King of Babylon. The Unchanging Word of God The sermon emphasizes the consistency and trustworthiness of God’s word. Examples from the Bible illustrate that God does not change his mind. Adam was warned about eating from the forbidden tree. God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. Abraham was asked to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. The word of God is the power of God unto salvation. It is the truth that remains constant. Moses and the Exodus The story of Moses is used to further illustrate the unwavering nature of God’s word. Moses was instructed to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Despite Pharaoh’s resistance, God remained committed to delivering his people. The Passover lamb and the blood on the doorposts symbolized salvation. The word of God trumps human opinions and stands firm. It is forever settled in heaven. People are accustomed to being told what they want to hear. David, Gideon, and the Power of Obedience Examples from the lives of David and Gideon demonstrate the power of obedience to God’s word. David faced Goliath because God told him to. Gideon defeated the Midianites with a small army because God instructed him. Gideon initially had too big of an army, so God reduced it to 300 men. The army broke pitchers, held up lights, blew trumpets, and cried, “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon.” The enemy soldiers killed each other. Jeremiah stood alone in proclaiming God’s message. Other prophets offered a more comforting but false narrative. Zedekiah sought a different message from Jeremiah, hoping God had changed his mind. Zedekiah’s Final Choice and Its Consequences Jeremiah warned Zedekiah that surrendering to the King of Babylon was the only way to save himself and the city. God always offers an opportunity for repentance. Despising God’s word leads to inevitable consequences. Zedekiah feared the Jews more than God and refused to surrender. He was afraid of being seen as a coward. The Babylonian army broke through the gates and captured Zedekiah. Zedekiah was forced to watch his sons being murdered before his eyes. His wives were also killed. He was then blinded and taken to Babylon, where he died. The Relevance of God’s Word Today The sermon concludes by emphasizing the importance of adhering to God’s word in the present day. The world is becoming increasingly intolerant of biblical truth. The word of God remains the ultimate authority. It offers promises of salvation and blessings for those who obey. The unchanging nature of God’s word provides a foundation for future generations. It will remain true even after everyone in the congregation is gone. Zedekiah sought something new, but the word of God is the best and most enduring truth. Pastor Tommy commits to continuing to preach the word of God. It has the power to save and transform lives. An invitation is extended for those who need to confess their sins and seek forgiveness.

Context of the Passage Jesus fed the 5,000 with a small amount of fish and loaves, a miracle of great magnitude. The disciples were then instructed to get into a boat and go to the other side. Jesus constrained them, meaning he told them very clearly to go. Jesus dismissed the multitudes and went to the mountain to pray. Later in the night, Jesus walked on the water towards the disciples. It was the fourth watch, the darkest period before dawn. The Last Watch The last watch is the three-hour period in the last 12 hours of darkness, just before sunrise. It’s often the coldest and darkest time. The people of God are under attack, and the enemy is trying to hinder them. It is important to learn from the faithful men in the Bible who followed God’s instructions. Lesson 1: Trouble is Universal Everyone faces trouble, fights, and unexpected hardships. The disciples were doing what the Lord had told them to do, yet they faced a contrary wind. If you are in the will of God and your heart is right with Him, you can have peace even when the winds are blowing. There is a wind for the sinner, the unrepentant, and the rebellious, which should lead them to repentance. The wind isn’t always chastening; sometimes it’s meant to grow you. Being right with God allows you to discern the purpose of the wind. When the wind blows, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in sin. It’s important to search yourself and ask if there’s something in your life that shouldn’t be there. The wind can strengthen other people of God, like how it stretches a tree’s bark, allowing it to grow. There is value in living in the will of God, especially when the wind starts blowing. Being right with God allows you to remove sin from the equation and focus on staying the course. Just because God tells you to do something doesn’t mean there won’t be a wind or contrary forces. Lesson 2: Keep Rowing The ship was in the midst of the sea, tossed by waves, with a contrary wind. God uses different things to bring people to a place where they trust Him and grow. The disciples were toiling and rowing, doing their best to get to the other side. Even when you can’t see the light of day and the wind feels like it’s pushing you backwards, keep going. Don’t give up rowing; keep doing what you know to do. It’s darkest before the sun begins to shine, but if you’re faithful to God, He will send the light. Even when it feels like you’re spinning your wheels and not making progress, stay right with God. Give it all you’ve got and don’t give up. The devil wants you to quit, but you need God in your wheel. The disciples were in the will of God, doing what Jesus told them to do. When the wind blows and you don’t know what to do, just keep rowing. They had started out right with the Lord and were still in obedience to Him in a troublesome spot. When it gets tough, don’t stop rowing; keep going. Even if you don’t know if your steps are in vain, keep putting one foot in front of the other and trust Him. God has never failed or abandoned those who trust in Him. Lesson 3: Jesus is Close In the last watch, when it seems like you’re hindered by everything, Jesus is close. Even though they couldn’t see Him, they got a glimpse of Him walking on the water. When they saw Him, they didn’t recognize Him and thought He was a spirit, crying out in fear. Jesus called out to them, saying, “Be not afraid; it is I.” In the last darkest hour, when you feel like quitting, that’s when Jesus is closest. Even when it doesn’t feel like He’s near, He has never left nor forsaken you. Whether the wind is blowing or not, Jesus is near. When they needed Him the most, that’s when He was the nearest. They had done all they could do and were still trying when they saw the spirit coming across the water. Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid; it is I.” Additional Insights Jesus isn’t bothered by the wind like we are. He wasn’t hindered by the fact that He didn’t have a boat. Nothing can hinder the Lord from getting to your boat, not the storm, waves, wind, or absence of another boat. He will always be there when you need Him. Jesus can hear you in the wind; it doesn’t distract Him or keep Him from hearing your whisper. He said, “Be of good cheer; it is I.” When you’ve done all you can do and your strength is gone, His voice will speak to you. He’s fixing to say, “Be of good cheer; I’m fixing to calm this for you.” Whether you go to Him or He comes to you, the result is the same: He gets in your boat, and everything gets well. Be glad to be saved and thank God for a shepherd who will never leave or forsake you.

Introduction The sermon focuses on the story of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16:19-31. The message emphasizes what the rich man seemingly did not know, and how that applies to listeners today. The core idea is that many people live as if they don’t know certain truths about God, death, and eternity, even though they do. It Seems Like He Didn’t Know That Riches Won’t Do The rich man was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. He had worldly wealth beyond comprehension. He put his trust in something that ultimately failed him. Riches are of no value when it comes to death and the afterlife. Death is not concerned with bank accounts or tax brackets. If worldly possessions are prioritized over God, they will be of no use in the end. It’s better to live humbly and be right with God than to have worldly riches and miss out on heaven. The story is not a parable but a true account, as Lazarus’ name is mentioned. God knows the names of those who are His. It Seems Like He Didn’t Recognize That He Was His Brother’s Keeper The rich man failed to recognize his responsibility to help those in need. Cain asked, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” after killing Abel. 1 John 3 warns against shutting up compassion when seeing a need and being able to help. Regardless of one’s own spiritual state, helping those in need is a responsibility. Good neighbors help each other in times of need. The rich man passed Lazarus at his gate every day and could have offered him something. He could have given him bread or water. Everything one has is a blessing from God and can be used to minister to others. Trust God to provide so you can help others. It Seems Like He Didn’t Know That the Beggar Knew Who Jesus Was The rich man didn’t realize that Lazarus, despite his condition, knew God. Lazarus was full of sores and desired to be fed with crumbs from the rich man’s table. The dogs came and licked his sores. One’s worldly condition does not determine their relationship with God. It’s not about appearances but what’s in the heart. Lazarus was closer to God than the rich man. Jesus knew Lazarus’ name. Being born again and transformed by the power of God is what matters. Church membership and good deeds alone are not enough. The closest to God may be those who have nothing in this world. Many people trust in their riches, thinking it will sustain them. It Seems Like He Didn’t Realize That Death Was Close The rich man didn’t seem to understand the brevity of life. Life is like a vapor, here one minute and gone the next. Life is like a flower that blooms, wilts, and fades away. No one is promised another tomorrow. The world lives as if they don’t know death is on their trail. The rich man had no concept of the fragility of life. Every breath is borrowed. People live as if they will have another chance to repent and do something for God. The way one lives reveals the state of their heart. If people truly knew that today could be their last, they would live differently. They would love better, forgive, help, and give more. Most importantly, they would ensure they are ready to go to heaven. The time to make peace with God is now. Today is the day of salvation. It Seems Like He Didn’t Realize There Was a Hell The rich man died and was buried, and in hell, he lifted up his eyes in torment. He didn’t seem to know he was going to die or that he was going to hell. The Holy Ghost reveals the reality of hell. This knowledge should break one’s heart and lead them to call on Christ. The rich man did nothing in his life to prepare to escape hell. Going to church and being good to family is not enough. Anyone who truly knows hell is real would not go there on purpose. It’s irrational to live for worldly pleasures while ignoring the possibility of eternal torment. At nine years old, the reality of hell was revealed, leading to fear, weeping, and a turning to Christ. It Seems Like He Didn’t Remember or Realize That in Hell Was a Great Number of Torments In hell, the rich man could see Lazarus in Abraham’s bosom. There is a great gulf fixed between heaven and hell. Those in hell can see what’s happening in heaven, but not vice versa. The rich man asked Abraham to send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and cool his tongue. One drop of water would be like paradise in hell. Abraham refused. Abraham told the rich man to remember that in his lifetime, he received good things, and Lazarus received evil things. Those in hell will remember what they knew in life. The watchman cries out to warn people so they may know the truth. People will be reminded of what they really do know. Many people know the truth but turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to it. They will not have an excuse when they stand before God. The rich man knew that hell was forever. What matters is being ready to leave this world and having things fixed up for eternity. The rich man pleaded for his five brothers, asking that Lazarus be sent to warn them. He didn’t want them to come to that awful place. Abraham said that his brothers had Moses and the prophets. They had the same opportunity to escape hell that he did. The rich man asked for someone to be sent from the dead, thinking they would believe. If the Word of God can’t save them, neither will a resurrected person. It’s not that they seem to not know; they know. Conclusion It may seem like people don’t know that life is short and that hell awaits those who die without God. The truth is, they do know, and that knowledge makes them accountable. There will be people in hell who will remember the messages they heard, all saying, “You knew.” There is a need to do something about what you know. The Holy Ghost can reveal truths that one will never forget. Trust in Christ to escape hell and have one’s name written in His book.

Introduction: Jonah’s Disobedience The message is not just for the regular attendees but for anyone who will hear it. Example: Brother Mickey Roddy mentioned family members in two different states listening to the service online. The message serves as a reminder and a warning, urging listeners to get right with God. The sermon’s title is “Down to Joppa.” Understanding the geography is crucial to understanding Jonah’s situation. Jonah lived in Gethsemane, near Jerusalem and the temple. Jonah decided to leave the presence of the Lord, which is a terrifying prospect. Pastor Tommy emphasizes the importance of God’s presence and the fear of being without it. Pastor Tommy acknowledges personal struggles to stay right with God. Jonah’s Decision to Flee Deciding to walk away from the presence of the Lord is the worst decision one can make. The presence of the Lord is constant and provides guidance. Jonah lived close to Jerusalem, near the Mediterranean Sea. Nineveh was about 500-550 miles northeast of Jerusalem, a three-day journey (60 miles) within the city. Jonah chose to flee to Joppa (about 50 miles away) to get a boat instead of going to Nineveh. The devil can convince people to flee from God’s presence. The Consequences of Leaving God’s Presence Leaving the presence of the Lord opens one’s life to negative experiences. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God. There will be times when one must decide to stand for God, even if it’s difficult. One can never truly get away from God. When standing with God, His presence guides forward. Fleeing from God involves leaving behind the church, God’s people, and family. The devil can interrupt one’s whole life after turning away from God. Many people have gone down to Joppa and found it empty and sinful. Even on a boat, one cannot escape God’s presence. Jonah’s Motivation and the Inevitability of God’s Presence Jonah didn’t like Nineveh or the Assyrians and thought they would be spared if he preached to them. Turning against God’s will requires prayer and introspection. God wants people to stay in His presence. Joppa was a short journey away, but Jonah’s decision led him to go further down. Jonah paid for a boat to Tarshish, 2,500 miles away in Spain, thinking he could escape God’s commission. Turning one’s back on God leads to a downward path with no remedy or mercy. It’s important to stay in the presence of the Lord. The Downward Spiral and the Storm Pastor Tommy knows people who have left the presence of the Lord and sought other solutions. Flesh is inclined to run from God. Leaving God leads to paying the price to ride the devil’s boat. Jonah went down into the boat, trying to hide, but God knows everyone’s direction. The Lord sent a great wind and tempest, exposing those who leave His presence to life’s storms without comfort. The presence of the Lord is worth more than anything. Even in storms, Jesus can calm them. Spiritual Sleep and Divine Intervention Many people are spiritually asleep, trying to forget God and their past fellowship. Storms will wake them up. Jonah fell asleep, but the men on the boat cast lots to find the cause of the storm, and the lot fell on Jonah. King David’s story is referenced as an example of straying from God’s presence and facing consequences. David stayed home instead of going to battle. He committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed. The prophet Nathan confronted David with a story, revealing his sin. One cannot escape the presence of the Lord, who will open their eyes. Jonah’s Confession and the Whale Jonah confessed that he was the reason for the storm. Honesty about sins is crucial. Jonah suggested being thrown overboard to stop the storm, hoping to escape God. God can take away the hope of death. Turning back to where one left God is necessary for improvement. God prepared a great fish (whale) to swallow Jonah. There is always a lower point than one imagines. In the house of God, there is firm footing. The Depths of Despair and the Cry for Help Jonah went to the bottom of the mountains, feeling trapped in the belly of hell. Jesus believed the story of Jonah. Jonah cried out from the belly of hell due to his affliction. It all started when he walked away from the presence of the Lord. People walk away from God for far less. One doesn’t know how far down it is when they leave God’s presence. Jonah thought he would be in the fish’s belly forever. Tears of affliction and sorrow will come when one goes away from God. Turning Back to God Jonah realized God wasn’t giving up on him and would keep him alive in the whale’s belly as long as he was rebellious. He decided to look toward God’s holy temple. God began to move in Jonah’s life when Jonah began to seek God again. One can be in church and still run from the presence of the Lord. There is a father for the child of God. Lost people come to church and then go back to their old ways because they never got changed. How can someone who has experienced the presence of God decide to run from that? The flesh is more powerful than one thinks. Jonah was in a bad spot when he began to look up. Then he was brought up. His prayer went up. He got prayed up. One needs to do business with God to get back on the right track. Turn around, look up, pray up, get ready, and start calling on God. He’ll start lifting you out of where you’re at. Jonah got prayed up in the belly of the whale. Repentance and Restoration Jonah was willing to sacrifice, finally willing to do what God said. The worst thing one can do is turn their back on God. One’s life will crash and end in a nasty mess. God never let Jonah out until he got right. One won’t get out from under the hand of God until they get right if they are His. Jonah got spit up. Jonah was spit out near Jerusalem, back where he started. Jonah still had the same journey to Nineveh that he had when he left. He was just many days behind. Final Exhortations and Conclusion Do not turn your back on the presence of the Lord. It will cost you more, and you will regret it. One doesn’t have to go that way. Jonah hit the ground running and had to go 500 miles. Jonah preached, and the people repented. God had mercy on him and spared that great city. The message is for those who are going down to Joppa. They need to recognize that they have to get out of there and get back to God. They cannot continue on this downward path away from the presence. The book of Jonah is a sad story, but it doesn’t have to be your story. All may have a Jonah-like experience. One may end up in a spot that they can’t get out of. They will have to reckon with God in the end. Get right with God tonight. Let God teach what’s He. Get right with Him and quit going down that wrong and downward path. Flee to Him. Obey God. He’ll make all the difference in your life.

Opening Remarks and Introduction The Holy Spirit is moving and filling those present. Many attendees shared testimonies. Expressing gratitude for the morning’s events. Reference to Matthew 8:23-27, the story of Jesus calming the storm. Invitation to be saved, emphasizing the Holy Spirit’s presence and potential impact. Going to the Other Side Jesus told the disciples, “let us go to the other side.” God is working in ways we may not understand. Personal testimony of faith since 1976, trusting in God’s promises. Jesus was going to the other side to free a man possessed by many devils. Everything the Lord does is on purpose. The Lord showed up with a purpose. Entering the Ship The story in Matthew is a real event with spiritual significance. The Word of God will help, even if it’s bitter at first. Personal testimony about when Christ entered Pastor Tommy’s life. Giving up ownership and control to Jesus as captain. Jesus found Pastor Tommy when he was destitute and lost. Encouragement that nothing can repel the King of Glory from loving you. The Lamb of God wants to come aboard, regardless of the state of the “ship.” The Lordship of Christ To have Christ in your ship, you must give Him the right to run it. He is Lord and Master, not just a friend or co-pilot. Trusting God even when His plans are unclear. Reminder that He is in control and will bring you to the other side. The Tempest Having Jesus in your boat doesn’t mean you won’t face rough waters. The boat may rock and fill with water, but it will float if Jesus is in it. Personal anecdote about forgetting to put the plug in a boat. Feeling in jeopardy and not knowing which way to turn. Assurance that if He’s in the ship, it will keep floating. Don’t let the storm surprise you. There will be winds and news that you can’t control. There is only one that can save you. If he’s in the boat, you’re saved. The Storms of Life There will be times of sweetness and ease, but also times of hardship. God allows winds to rock the boat to keep us awake and ready for His return. Hard times and experiences are a part of the journey. Assurance that He will stay in the boat with you, and it won’t go down. Jesus Asleep There are times when we wonder if He is asleep or has left the boat. Good news: He sleeps no more since the resurrection. He is always awake and able to calm the storm. Reference to Elijah teasing the prophets of Baal, whose god was asleep. In despair, we may think He doesn’t care. One of the disciples asked, “Master, do you not care that we perish?” At some point, we realize we need the Master’s help. Reference to the song “Somebody Woke Up the Master.” Access to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace. Call on the Master Personal testimony of calling on the Master in times of trouble. The boat was riddled, but it stayed afloat. The course is set, and it will make it to the other side. Even in dark places, He is there and sees everything. Reference to John’s message that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. Asking for Help Spiritually, waking up the Master is equivalent to asking for assistance. We have not because we ask not. It’s better to call on Him when your ankles are wet than when your knees are. Eventually, you may have to bow and admit you need help. The disciples woke Him up, explaining their situation in a few words. “Lord, save us, we perish.” Why Are You Fearful? Jesus’ first response was, “Why are you so fearful?” He then answered their question, pointing to their lack of faith. Our problem is not letting Him and the miracles of God be greater than our circumstances. We give more credit to what we see and taste than to the God of glory. He has never lied, and His promises never fail. “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” “Those that believe in him will never perish.” Peace, Be Still Jesus stepped up and said, “Peace, be still.” Both the wind and the waves obeyed Him, and there was a great calm. What is a greater miracle: calming the storm or keeping a full boat afloat? Reference to the story of the man with palsy being lowered through the ceiling. Jesus forgave his sins and then healed him, demonstrating His power. Often, we don’t recognize the miracles occurring during our storms. Even if the boat is full, you are going to the other side. He is in the Ship Jesus was asleep because He knew they were going to make it. Some expect a calm, but God helps even when it’s not calm. The best part is that even when you think you’re sinking, you’re still floating. You’re not going down because He is in the ship. If He’s not in your ship, you’re going down. As a pastor, Pastor Tommy can assure you that you’re not going down if Jesus is in the ship. All Things Work Together for Good Romans 8:28: “All things work together for good to them that love God.” If God is for us, who can be against us? It wasn’t the calm that got them to the other side, but the word of Jesus. The circumstances were irrelevant. The promise of God will sustain you in spite of your faith. It wasn’t their faith that would have drowned them, but their fear. Whether it’s calm or the boat is full, His word doesn’t change. You will go to the other side just like He promised. Closing Remarks There are days when faith won’t cut it, but we’re still here because He’s in the boat. Learning to like the storms because that’s when the greater miracles occur. The question is not if you’re going to make it, but if He’s in your boat. If He’s not in your boat, you have a real problem: you’re without remedy, savior, or hope. You must be born again for the promises to take place. Invitation to let Him in.

Reflection on Preaching and Unworthiness Feeling unworthy to preach, considering the great men who have preached before. Feeling like “the least of the least.” Finding strength in God’s presence and help. Acknowledging dependence on God, stating, “It has to be God in it or nothing good will come out of it.” Requesting prayers due to feeling unwell and facing spiritual opposition. Experiencing difficulties in studying due to various distractions. Finding peace through God’s assurance: “I’ve got you. We can do this.” Focusing on magnifying God through testimony. Sharing personal testimony as a way to magnify God. Experiencing blessings from God for this approach. Testimony of Past Struggles and Salvation Having a tough life and experiencing bad things. Being raised in church with a preacher father, but still making wrong choices. Acknowledging that upbringing doesn’t guarantee salvation. Recognizing personal responsibility for choices. Experiencing a difficult breakup 25 years ago and seeking to fill a void. Turning to drugs and alcohol, which provided temporary relief but worsened problems. Facing dangerous situations and engaging in harmful behaviors. Having guns pulled, being stabbed, and experiencing jail time. Acknowledging having done “about every bad thing you can do.” Experiencing a turning point about a year ago when God intervened. Overdosing on drugs and being revived multiple times. Feeling death approaching and hearing a voice offering a choice between God and goodbye. Promising to live for God if given another chance. Waking up in the hospital without withdrawal symptoms or cravings. Experiencing no withdrawal symptoms from heroin addiction. Having no desire to return to a former lifestyle. Being called to preach and share testimony. Seeking to share testimony in jail to prevent others from making similar mistakes. Expressing gratitude for God’s unwavering hold and protection. Believing that God maintains a “hedge of protection” even when one strays. Scripture Reading and Prayer Reading Proverbs 3:5-9 about trusting in the Lord, acknowledging Him, and honoring Him with substance. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thy own understanding.” “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of thine increase.” Offering a prayer for guidance and help in delivering God’s message. Feeling inadequate but acknowledging that “little is much when you’re in it, God.” Asking God to remove self and use Brother Dan to help others avoid a destructive path. Praying for God to anoint Brother Dan and use the message for His purpose. God’s Plan and Protection Reflecting on God’s goodness and protection even during times of sin. Recognizing God’s “shield of protection” during past sinful behavior. Believing God knew Brother Dan would return and live for Him. Emphasizing God’s plan for everyone and His ability to redirect those who stray. Referencing James 4:8: “Draw near to God and He’ll draw near to you. Submit yourselves to God and resist the devil and he’ll flee.” Highlighting the need for faith, trust, and reliance on God. Asserting that God is the answer to every problem, including drug addiction. Sharing personal experience as proof of God’s power to overcome addiction. Expressing gratitude for prayers offered during times of living in the world. Acknowledging the impact of prayers from family and others. Recognizing the importance of serving God fully and consistently. Feeling convicted about not always giving 100% to serving God. Emphasizing the need to serve God not only for oneself but also for loved ones and co-workers. Highlighting the importance of living a consistent Christian life. Recognizing that one may be the only “Bible” some people read. Promises of God and Personal Reliance Reading Psalm 91 about dwelling in God’s secret place and finding refuge. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.” Trusting in God more and experiencing positive changes. Noting that things work out when relying on God, unlike when living for the devil. Describing the deceptive nature of worldly temptations. Drugs initially seem good but ultimately lead to destruction. Emphasizing that God sees the whole picture and desires what is best. Recognizing that God’s plan may differ from personal desires but is ultimately better. Acknowledging God’s deliverance from the snare of the fowler. Expressing gratitude for being delivered from the devil’s grip. Realizing that personal stubbornness and the devil’s influence contributed to past struggles. Taking responsibility for past choices and acknowledging the importance of staying near God. Stating, “God didn’t put me there. I put myself there.” Highlighting the importance of being a doer of the word, not just a hearer. Referencing Hebrews on the importance of acting on what is heard. Overcoming Temptation and Sin Recognizing the tendency to be mentally absent during church services. Acknowledging the struggle with the “old flesh” that resists participation. Finding prayer as an escape route from temptation. Believing that God provides a way out of temptation. Understanding that sin separates us from God. Referencing Isaiah 59:1-2 about iniquities separating us from God. Emphasizing the importance of repentance and forgiveness. Recognizing that living in sin leads to missed blessings. Expressing gratitude for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and conviction. Appreciating the conscience that helps in making good decisions. Finding protection under God’s wings and truth as a shield. “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” Letting God Work and the Assurance of Salvation Recognizing that we often hinder God’s work due to worldly desires. Prioritizing work over church and making excuses to avoid serving God. Highlighting God’s care, guidance, and protection. Acknowledging God’s role in making crooked places straight. Sharing personal experiences of God’s faithfulness and protection. Recalling near-death experiences where God intervened. Emphasizing the importance of prayer and righteous living for the salvation of loved ones. Recognizing the power of prayer and its impact on daily life. Understanding that trials grow faith. Comparing trials to working out muscles at the gym. Expressing gratitude for God’s sacrifice and the promise of heaven. Knowing that God created heaven for everyone, even sinners. Reiterating that God will do anything for our betterment if we trust and believe. Encouraging everyone to have the assurance of salvation. Inviting those without assurance to seek guidance. Expressing hope that something said will be helpful. Acknowledging the message may be scattered but trusting God’s word will accomplish its purpose. Offering encouragement to those struggling with addiction or having loved ones who are. Believing that the same God who delivered Brother Dan can deliver others. Urging the church to focus on serving God and living righteously. Emphasizing the importance of speaking boldly about God.

Colossians 2:18-19 and the Danger of Being Beguiled The message focuses on Colossians 2:18-19, warning against being beguiled and losing one’s reward. Colossians 2:18-19: “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding the head from which all the body, by joints and bands having nourishment, ministered and knit together, increases with the increase of God.” Being beguiled is likened to Eve being deceived by the serpent in Genesis. The serpent beguiled Eve, leading to consequences. The reward at stake is salvation. Matthew 10:22: Enduring to the end is necessary for salvation. “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Endurance is crucial, like in an Enduro motorcycle race, requiring persistence to reach the destination. Enduring means continuing to do what one should, even when facing opposition. Example: Continuing to profess Jesus even when facing opposition. The Colossian church faced various theories about God and worship, including Gnosticism. Gnostics believed Jesus was not truly a man but a spirit. Many churches today are not focused on the blood of Jesus, salvation, sanctification, or separation from the world. Instead, they seek worldly things. If there is no discernible difference between the behavior of the world and that of church members, something is wrong. Those walking with God should hate what they once loved and love what they once hated, with Jesus being central. Revelation 2 and the Church of Ephesus Revelation 2:1-7 is referenced, focusing on God’s potential “awe” (displeasure) against the church. Revelation 2:1-7: Addresses the church in Ephesus, acknowledging their works, labor, and patience, but noting they have forsaken their first love. The church in Ephesus is commended for not tolerating evil and for exposing false apostles as liars. Many who start strong in faith eventually fade away, leaving behind only the faithful members who were already committed. Example: Some television ministries and churches initially appear to have revivals but later prove to be superficial. It’s important to make the Bible personal, as if God is speaking directly to the individual. This involves recognizing God’s word, mind, and character and assessing whether one is aligned with them. Works alone are not enough; faith with works is essential. Being “washed in the blood” makes one a “first draft pick” and puts them on the front line. Being on God’s team requires prioritizing His business and what He considers important. It’s not comfortable when the world hates you for your faith. One must endure and be found faithful, not compromising with worldly influences. Attending church should be a purposeful act of seeking heavenly manna to sustain the soul. Heavenly food (God’s word) clears the mind and encourages one to persevere in prayer, even when the world is discouraging. Jesus cleansed the temple, driving out the money changers and declaring it a house of prayer. He then healed and ministered in the temple, and children praised Him. Those who didn’t leave or get run out questioned Jesus about the children’s praise, but He did not answer, acknowledging their praise. Revelation warns to “let him that hath an ear hear what the spirit saith unto the churches.” Overcoming leads to eating from the tree of life in paradise. One must surrender to God as their master and not be beguiled by the world. The remedy for losing one’s first love is to repent and return to it. If one has not been born again, these concepts may be a mystery. Born-again believers need to return to their initial zeal and get right with God. Remembering one’s former state helps one appreciate the transformation God has made. The Example of Eli and His Sons The story of Eli and his sons in 1 Samuel 4 is used as a cautionary tale. Eli was beguiled and profited from his position, while his sons were ungodly. God will intervene if people do not address unrighteousness. Eli’s sons took the Ark of the Covenant into battle, thinking it would solve their problems, but they were defeated and died. Relying on religious rituals or leaders without personal righteousness is futile. One must personally repent and get right with God. The news of the defeat and the death of his sons led to Eli’s death. Eli’s daughter-in-law named her son Ichabod, meaning “the glory has departed.” It’s a dire situation when God’s glory departs from someone. One needs to rekindle the fire of their initial salvation experience. David prayed, “Restore to me the joy of my salvation.”

Genesis 6:11-17 and Noah’s Ark The earth was corrupt and filled with violence. God saw the corruption of all flesh. God told Noah the end of all flesh had come. God would destroy them with the earth. Noah was instructed to build an ark of gopher wood, with rooms, and to pitch it within and without. God would bring a flood to destroy all flesh with the breath of life. God would establish a covenant with Noah, his sons, wife, and sons’ wives to enter the ark. Jesus Christ and Salvation Before the foundation of the earth, Jesus was with God. John 1:1 states the Word was God and with God. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, referring to Jesus Christ. Man was created perfect in God’s image but became corrupt through sin in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve were tempted by the serpent, leading to sin entering the world. Everyone needs to be saved. Many people build their “ark” on worldly things, which provide temporary happiness but will ultimately fail. Build hopes on eternal things. Nehemiah’s story is an example of opposition when building for God. Sandalot mocked Nehemiah and those building. Like Nehemiah, Christians face mockery for their faith. Noah’s Ark as a Metaphor for Salvation People likely mocked Noah for building an ark, as they had never seen rain. Similarly, people mock those who worship God. God established a covenant with Noah. Noah preached to get on the ark before the flood came. The door of the ark is open now for those who are not saved. Accept the extended hand of mercy to enter the “ark.” Revelation speaks of the river of life and abundant life in heaven. John saw the new Jerusalem coming down from heaven. Old Testament covenants required animal sacrifices, which were imperfect. God sought one worthy to come to earth and found Jesus. John wept because no one was found worthy to open the seals, but a lamb (Jesus) was found worthy. Jesus ministered to the world, but his own people did not receive him. The door to salvation is open now, but there will come a time when it is too late. Like Noah preaching before the flood, Christians must share the gospel. A fire drill experience served as an analogy. People are looking for a sign to be saved, but when the trumpet sounds, it will be too late. During the fire drill, people were running everywhere, similar to what will happen when the Lord returns. You can’t find grace from family. Put hope and trust in Jesus Christ. Jesus willingly gave his life on the cross for salvation. He could have come off the cross but chose to give his blood. He was placed in a borrowed tomb, signifying his temporary stay. He rose on the third day and appeared in the flesh. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the only hope. Without it, preaching would be in vain. Jesus is alive and interceding for us. Testimony of salvation as a 15-year-old boy. Growing up Methodist, the gospel wasn’t heard in the same way as in the Baptist church. Being dunked in the river doesn’t save you, only the blood of Jesus Christ does. The Lord knew the heart and saved the lost soul. The passing of Alvin Davis, a mentor, led to seeking salvation. Alvin Davis was a hero and taught Sunday school for 40 years. It doesn’t matter if you can read the Bible front to back, you must be saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. His sudden death was a shock. Crying out to God at Alvin’s grave. Prayed to God for an hour and a half. The Lord saved his soul at the graveyard. All that was needed was to ask the Lord into the heart. If your heart is far from Him, He won’t hear you. If your heart’s intent is to get right with the Lord, He will hear you. Prayed at the altar for any sin to be taken away. Didn’t want to be a hindrance to anyone. Being saved by Alvin’s grave is something that will be carried for the rest of life. It wasn’t the rock or the grave that saved, but God coming into the heart. Noah preached about the coming flood, warning people to get on the ark or perish. The next flood will be with fire, not water. The fiery furnace example. Those who threw others into the furnace were slain by the heat. Faith was strong enough to walk into the furnace, knowing God would take care of them. Judgment and Choice The fiery furnace is where God will throw his enemies. God doesn’t send you to hell; it’s your own choice. The devil tempts, but it’s your own will that decides. The ark (Jesus) has come, and the door is still open. The Lord stands at the door and knocks. There is no hope in anything in this world except Jesus Christ. If you are lost, get saved before it’s too late. Nothing in this life gives hope and joy like Jesus Christ. The covenant with Noah is the covenant through Jesus Christ, who came to be the sacrifice for our sins. Praying for those who are lost to be saved before it’s everlasting too late.

Privilege of Being in God’s House Gratitude for the freedom and presence of the Spirit of God. Many people would love to be in a place where the spirit of God is free. It is a privilege to be in God’s house. Romans Chapter 4 Reading of Romans 4:17-25 and verse 16. Focus on faith and grace. It is of faith that it might be by grace. The promise might be sure to all the seed. Not to that only which is of the law, but also which is of the faith of Abraham. Abraham: Father of Many Nations Abraham as the father of many nations, not just Israel. God told Abraham, “I’m going to make you a father of many nations.” All are children of Abraham through faith, not the law. Abraham pleased God through belief, not law-keeping. The law had yet to be given. Abraham came because he believed God. Abraham’s Faith God’s promise to Abraham to make him a father of many nations. Sarah was barren. Abraham didn’t have any children. Abraham believed God despite his age (100 years old) and Sarah’s age (90 years old). Abraham believed God. It was imputed to him for righteousness. Righteousness imputed to Abraham because of belief, not personal righteousness or worthiness. Not because Abraham was righteous. Not because Abraham deserved righteousness. Not because he was worthy of righteousness. But because he believed God. Importance of Faith Without faith, it is impossible to please God. God puts such a value on faith. When any soul will simply believe God in spite of all the circumstances, in spite of all the situations. God imputes righteousness to those who believe. Righteousness of Christ imputed at the moment of faith. We believed. Hope in a Hopeless World Hope is very important. The world has lost hope, even the lost. Wickedness abounds and it’s getting worse. Political changes have not brought righteousness. A lot of people thought when Trump got in office that somehow this country would turn around and get righteous. We’re no closer to God than we were two years ago. Evidence of lack of revival: no abandonment of sin, no church filling. If things were really getting right, brother, we’d see it in the church. It ain’t here. It’s growing more wicked every day. Encouragement to keep hope. Don’t let anything steal your hope. Advice to avoid negative influences: turn off TV and radio, open the Bible. Turn your TV off. Turn your radio off. And open up your Bible. Stop the influences of the devil. Hope as a Necessity Hope is absolutely necessary for the people of God. Despair and worry heard in voices of men at a gathering. There were some of them that were sharing before church, and some of them shared even after we had started. I could hear the despair in their voice. I could hear the worry and the concern. Concern is valid, but must be balanced with hope in God. Without a vision, you’ll perish. We cannot as the people of God in good faith talk about it without still having hope in God. Faith and hope are linked; faith precedes hope. If you’ve got faith hope’s right behind you. The more faith you have, the greater hope you’ll have as well. 1 Corinthians 13: faith, hope, and charity (love). Love is the greatest, but in good company with faith and hope. Now abideth these three. Faith, hope, and charity. But the greatest of these is charity. Need for hope in the church. We need to have hope in our heart tonight. We need to have a hope down in our soul. With God, anything can happen. When God’s involved, anything can happen. Believe God and let hope save each day. What we need to do is believe God and then let hope save us each and every day. Hope as Verb and Noun Hope is both an action (verb) and a thing (noun). Hope is both a verb and a noun. It is both an action and a thing. Like faith and love, hope is a real thing. Faith is an action, but faith is also a thing. Love is an action, but it is also a noun. It is a thing. Appreciation for people with hope who haven’t given up on God. I love to meet people that have got hope. I like to meet people that ain’t give up on God. They’ve not laid down on God. They’ve not quit believing in God. Hope leads to expecting God to move in unexpected ways. God’s going to do something that they ain’t expecting, that God’s going to move in a way they’ve never seen, that God’s going to come in and help them in a way that they can’t even understand or foresee. Hope should follow faith. If you’ve got faith, you ought to have some hope with you. Hope ought to follow your faith. Many Christians seem to lack hope. I see a lot of people that ain’t got much hope. I talk to Christian people, good Christian people. And when you talk to them, it seems like they don’t give up. They just throw it in the towel. Losing belief in God leads to hopelessness. When they quit believing in God, they quit believing God can do something. Focus on the present and the work to be done. I’m still breathing. I’ve still got a day ahead of me if God wakes me up and the sun shines again. We’ve got work to do. Need for hope to avoid emotional and spiritual backsliding. You’ll get so far down the ditch that you’ll end up backslidden emotionally and spiritually. You’ll get to the place where you sell out on faith and you sit down on God and suddenly, amen, everything that is wrong begins to come your way. Reaping hard things from sowing bad things. You’ll begin to reap hard things because you’ve sown bad things. Even without understanding God’s plan, hope is essential. Even though we cannot see what God is doing, we do not know what moment in time, what dispensation we’re in. What I can tell you is that we still need hope today. Abraham believed against hope. Abraham, who against hope, believed in hope. Hope is part of faith. Hope’s part of our faith. These three abideth, faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is hope. Believing Against Hope Abraham believed against hope (Romans 4:18). Every earthly argument or sense was not supporting what God was telling Abraham. Everything that God told Abraham, the worldly argument, the worldly sense, the worldly rationality, The worldly experience would tell Abraham that’s not going to happen. Worldly rationality says it’s impossible, but God can do anything. It cannot be. It is impossible. There’s no need to believe in that because that is not reality. It is not something that can occur. Believing God despite circumstances allows hope to flourish. When everything says it cannot be. It still can be. Believing in God Believing in hope means believing in God (verse 17). Before him whom he believed even God. Believing in God overrides worldly rationale and human experience. If you’re believing in God today, all bets are off as far as the world’s rationale. All bets are off is on human experience. God can change situations even when doctors say nothing can be done. You may have been to a thousand doctors and every one of them tell you, Nope, there is nothing that can be done. But brother, when you put it in God’s hands, it can change. Question of who to believe: doctors, lawyers, personal experience, or God. Do you believe the doctors? Do you believe the lawyer? Do you believe that person? Do you believe your experience, your own rationale, your own common sense? God can do anything, including wondrous miracles. All of those things are nothing to my God. Because God can do anything. God acts when humans cannot. God did it because you couldn’t do it. God did it because nobody else could do it. God did it to show you He could do it. Believing in God despite terrible circumstances. There are circumstances in my life that are terrible, and I have no idea how this is going to turn out. Anything is possible with prayer and belief. If you’ll keep praying and you’ll keep believing, friend, anything is possible. God’s timing differs from human timing; patience is needed. God’s timing ain’t your timing. So just be patient. Human solutions to God problems don’t work. His wife said, I’ve come up with a human solution to a God problem. What you need is not a human solution, but you need the God solution. Trusting God with all your heart leads to directed steps. If I trust in Him with all my heart and lean not to my own understanding but in all my ways acknowledge Him that He will direct my steps. God fixes what humans cannot. You’re liable to find out He fixes what can’t be fixed by humans. God’s Abilities Believing in God who is able to do all things. Abraham believed in any help because he was believing, number one, in God who is able to do all things. Believing in God who can quicken the dead. He was believing that God was able to quicken the dead. This God had power to raise someone up from the dead. Believing in God who calls things that are not as though they were. When God talks about something that has not happened, he’s speaking to it as if it will happen because he will make it happen. God will speak it as if it has already happened. Need for More Faith Need for more faith. I need more faith. I need to believe God for more than what I’m believing. Trusting God for things that are impossible for humans. When you trust God and believe Him for things that you can’t fix, you can’t do. Daily choice to believe God or the world. Every day when you get up, you’re going to have to make a choice. Am I going to believe God today or am I going to believe the world? Believing God leads to the birth of hope. If you believe God, friend, hope is born again right in your soul. Abraham’s Strength in Faith Abraham was not weak in faith. Abraham was strong in the faith. Abraham believed God when asked to sacrifice Isaac. Take your only son Isaac up there and offer him up as a sacrifice unto me. Abraham believed God would provide a sacrifice. God will provide himself a lamb for the sacrifice. Abraham believed God could raise Isaac from the dead. He believed in his heart that if God allowed him to take that boy, that he’d raise him from the dead. Overcoming Weakness in Faith Problem of weakness in faith. I think that’s part of our problem today. Faith can move mountains (Matthew 21:21). If we had faith we’d say to the mountain be you moved and cast into the sea and it would be. Abraham’s example of not considering his own body as dead. Being not weak in the faith, he considered not his own body, now need. Not letting the mind dictate faith. Abraham did not let his mind dictate what God was saying, whether it be possible or impossible. Not staggering at the promise of God through unbelief. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in the faith, giving glory to God. Being fully persuaded that God could perform what He promised. Being fully persuaded what he had promised, he was also able to perform. Value of Hope Faith, hope, and charity (love) are all important. These three things abide. Faith, hope, and charity. The greatest of these is charity. Need for hope. You need a lot of hope, by the way. Wake up with enough faith to produce hope for the day. You need to wake up in the morning with enough faith to produce more hope so that you have hope to do you all day long. Losing hope leads to stopping. The minute you run out of hope, the minute you sit down. The minute you quit working for God, the minute we quit living for God and serving God and reading and studying and seeking God, when you lose hope, you just stop. Hope is essential for survival, like for prisoners of war. The main thing that those prisoners of war in Vietnam needed, the main thing they needed was hope that they’d get out. Hope can lift one out of pits, depression, and hurt. It’ll lift you up out of that pit that you’re in, that depression that you’re in, that hurt that you’re feeling. Hope is powerful and can save. Hope will save you. It’s that powerful. Hope from the Scriptures Hope comes from the Scriptures (Romans 15:4). Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning. That we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Increased faith leads to bold hope. As your faith is increased, brother, hope becomes bold within yourself. Need for hope at all times, not just in church. You don’t need it on Wednesday and Sunday. You need hope on Thursday morning. You need some good hope on Friday morning. The world should see hope in Christians. Reckon why they’d ever ask you about Christ if when they see or hear you, all they see is somebody that has no hope. The lost are the most hopeless. If there’s anybody hopeless, It’s the lost. Without hope in Christ, life is miserable (1 Corinthians 15:19). If I had hope in this life only in Christ, I’d be of all men most miserable. God of Hope The Word of God gives hope and sustains belief. The Word of God was meant to give us hope because it gives us faith. Hope keeps serving and fighting and helping and it’ll sustain you. God is the God of hope (Romans 15:13). Now the God of hope, fill you with all joy and peace and believing. Prayer for God to fill with joy, peace, and belief. I pray that He fill you with all joy and peace and believing. Abounding in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost. That ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost. Supercharged Hope The Holy Ghost supercharges hope. The Holy Ghost then gets into hope. It gets supercharged at that point. Hope begins to do unexpected things. Suddenly hope begins to do things you didn’t know hope could do. The power of the Holy Ghost brings action. When you get the power of the Holy Ghost into something, you better get out of its way. Because it’s fixing to do something. Hopelessness leads to despair. So many people have got their head down, which infers to me they’ve lost hope, which means they’re not believing God. Christians should never be hopeless. You’re never hopeless. Simple faith in Christ produces supercharged hope. That simple faith in Christ produces a supercharged hope that has power to lift you up out of depression, lift you up out of the pit, lift you up out of that hard place. God can do what no one else can do. God can do what no one else can do. Hope as an Anchor Hebrews 6:18-19: hope as a strong consolation. By two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation. Lay hold upon the hope set before us. Who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. Hope is both an action and a thing. Hope is both a verb and a noun. Hope is an action and a thing. Hope is the answer and a supercharged power. Out there in front of you is hope. Out there in front of you is the answer, the hope that you need. You’ll experience hope as a thing. A supercharged. Holy Spirit-filled thing. A power unlike anything else on the earth. Hope changes perspective. Give somebody real hope. Their perspective changes on every circumstance. Loss of hope leads to despair and suicide. If you take their hope away, you know what they do these days? They try to kill themselves. Need to exercise faith to increase hope. You better keep working on hope. Hope will rescue and save. Hope’s going to rescue you. Hope’s going to save you. Hope as an anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19). Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul. Hope leads to Christ’s presence. Hope will lead you into His presence. Need to be at the feet of the One who can do all things. The one thing you need, more than anything else, is to be at the feet of the One who can do all things. Hope takes one to Christ. Your hope took you there. Hopelessness leads to quitting. You take a person that’s hopeless and you know what they want to do? They want to quit. Hope leads to seeking Jesus. Somebody that’s filled with hope is going to find themselves at the feet of Jesus one more time. Hope is supercharged by the Holy Ghost. Hope is supercharged of the Holy Ghost. Hope is brought by the Scriptures. It is brought to us by the Scriptures. Hope is a refuge and a sure anchor. God has said it before us that we might lay hold upon it as a refuge. It is a sure and steadfast anchor of our… Hope leads into the presence of Christ. It takes me into the presence of Christ. Creation’s Groaning and Hope’s Saving Power All creation groans (Romans 8:22). We know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. Everyone experiences problems. Every one of you have got problems. Choice to believe God and have hope or go farther down. They can either believe God. In that moment, they can either believe God and watch hope be born and supercharged powerfully enter into their life and lift them out of that circumstance or they will go farther down. Saved by hope (Romans 8:24). For we are saved by hope. Hope saves like a life preserver. Like a life preserver, when I’m going under it, Hope saves me. Hope lifts one up when feeling overwhelmed. When it feels like you’re just so far down that you ain’t going to come up again, and suddenly you feel like something grabbed a hold of you and just hit you right back down. That was hope. Hope replaces negative emotions with positive ones. A smile replaced the frame. And confidence the worry. And boldness the fear. Hope is always available in Christ. In Christ, there is always hope. Hope rescues and lifts up. Hope, it didn’t rescue you. It didn’t lift you up out of that where you said it didn’t pull you right back up to hope it saved you. Waiting with Patience Hope is born of faith. Hope is born of faith. When there is no faith, there is no hope. More faith leads to more hope. The more faith you have, the more hope is born. Hope lifts above the world’s troubles. Hope will save you. Hope will lift you above the waves of this world and the wretchedness we live in and the groaning and the pain. Hope is for things not seen (Romans 8:24-25). Hope that is seen is not hope. If we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Patience is needed while waiting for God’s promise. If we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Hope sustains while waiting. That hope will be what sustains you as you wait for it. Hope is an anchor of the soul. Hope will hold you. As an anchor of the soul. Hope leads closer to God. That hope is taking you right into him. Hope leads into the holiest of holies. It’s walking you closer and closer to him. Until it goes right inside, within the veil, behind the curtain, to the holies of holies. God does what no one else can do. God did something that nobody else could do. Patience allows hope to work until God fulfills His promise. With patience while hope did its work in sustaining and saving day after day moment after moment until finally God does what God said he’d do. Once the promise is seen, there is no more need for hope. Once you see it, you no longer have to hope for it no more. Faith, hope, and charity (love) are essential. Faith, hope, and charity. These three. Gratitude for hope. Thank God for Hope. Believing and carrying on despite uncertainty. You just keep carrying on. And you keep believing. Hope it keeps up. God’s plan is good. What a good plan He came up with, honey. Use faith, hope, and love. You’ve got them. Use them. Invitation to be filled with hope. I’d like to see you leave here filled with hope. Filled with hope. Let God save and help. Let him save you tonight. Let him help you.

Assurance of Salvation Many people assume they are saved, but lack a deep, confident assurance. They cannot articulate a specific experience or transformation that confirms their salvation. They rely on assumptions rather than a solid foundation of faith. The Pharisees believed they had eternal life because of their knowledge of scripture, but they did not recognize Jesus as the Son of God. They failed to see Christ in the Old Testament, which is full of references and pictures of Him. They knew the scriptures but did not believe in Jesus. It’s not enough to just think you are saved; you must know you are saved. Relying on feelings is unreliable because feelings can fluctuate. Assurance comes from God’s Word and His Spirit working together. Avoid trying to figure out salvation through your own thinking. Salvation is not achieved by accident; it requires being born again. God offers grace to everyone, teaching us to deny ungodliness and live righteously. Some Christians struggle with assurance, but there comes a day when the Holy Spirit and the Word of God confirm their salvation. The goal is to move from thinking you are saved to knowing you are saved. Personal experience: There was a period of wrestling with salvation, but eventually came to a place of knowing through the Word and the Spirit. How to Know You Are Saved These points also reveal if you are not saved. The converse statements are present in the scriptures. Don’t let your mind dictate truth; rely on simple faith and belief from the heart. 1. Walking in the Light (1 John 1:7) If you are saved, you have come out of the darkness of the world and into the light of Christ. When a light is turned on in a dark room, you know it. There is an assurance that the darkness has been dispelled from your life. This is not about intellectual comprehension but about a transformational experience. It’s not about reasoning or understanding the English language. It’s about no longer living in darkness. Personal Testimony: Once lived in darkness, but no longer there. Something happened at salvation that changed everything. It’s not of this world; it’s of God. 2. Keeping His Commandments (1 John 2:3-4) You know that you know Him if you keep His commandments. If you claim to know Him but do not keep His commandments, you are a liar. We often lie to ourselves, convincing ourselves that our sin doesn’t matter. Jesus summarized the commandments as: Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Love your neighbor as yourself. If you are born again, you will have a desire to keep God’s commandments. If you are not saved, you have no desire to please God. Even though we fail, there is an internal desire to do what God says. When lost, there was no desire to please God, but after salvation, there is a desire to obey Him. Rules from parents were for good, teaching right and wrong. Being born again submits you to the desire to do right. Those who deceive themselves about salvation are still trying to figure it out within themselves. If you are not born again, you won’t stick with it. Flesh is contrary to serving God, but something greater within makes you want to obey God. 3. Keeping His Word (1 John 2:5) If you keep His word, the love of God is perfected in you. You will want to do what He said to do. You will want to keep all of His word, not just the “do’s and don’ts.” Psalm 119: Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto, to every word that cometh from him. Every word is beneficial. His Word is hidden in the heart so that you might not sin against God. Thinking about being saved is how you confuse yourself if you have not really been saved. People die every day thinking they are alright with God but have never been born again. 4. Loving Not the World (1 John 2:15-16) If you love the world, the love of the Father is not in you. James 4:4: If you are a friend of the world, you are an enemy to God. The things of the world include the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. When you are saved, you no longer love the world; you love God. Nothing in the world truly satisfies your soul. Allegiance shifts from following the devil to following God. Salvation is an event, not a process. It happens right here, right now. Your name is written down, and you become a child of God. You cannot love the world and love the Father. You cannot have two masters. If you still love the world, the love of the Father is not in you. The reason for preaching is because you are not yet condemned. God has made a way through the death, resurrection, and shed blood of His Son. A transformation occurs within your life that changes you. 2 Corinthians 5:17: If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. If you are born again, your love comes, and the love of the world dissipates. 5. Having the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20) You have an unction from the Holy One, and you know all things. When you get saved, the Holy Spirit of God is given to you. The Holy Ghost of God lives inside of you. The first four points are to the heart, but the mind can still get involved. You can think yourself into a righteous position, but God said you never could do that. Your righteousness is filthy rags in His eyes. Being indwelt by the Holy Ghost separates things. You cannot fight that. The Spirit of God bears witness within you. If you have the Holy Spirit, you know it. It’s like having a $100 bill in your pocket; you know you have it. If you get saved, you will know. The Holy Spirit of Christ dwells in you. You are born of the Spirit. The power to beget you was the Spirit. The Holy Spirit purges, cleanses, and seals you. That’s why you cannot be untamed or lost tomorrow. The Holy Spirit did the work; you could not do it yourself. 6. Not Practicing Sin (1 John 3:9) Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin, for His seed remaineth in him. This does not mean you never sin, but that you do not practice sin. You do not live in sin. Those born of God do not live in sin. They may sin and find forgiveness through repentance. But they do not practice it. If you are still practicing your old sins, you are probably not born again. He takes away the desire to do the things of this world and gives you a new desire. What you once loved, you now hate; what you once hated, you now love. Romans 8:9: If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. You do not wake up thinking about partying. If that has not left you, you have never been changed. There is something on the inside that is greater than the world. You can overcome the lust of the world, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. 7. Loving the Brethren (1 John 3:14, 4:7) You know that you have passed from death unto life because you love the brethren. If you hate your brother, you are in darkness even until now. The old song: “It makes me love everybody.” We know that we have passed from death unto life because we keep on loving. Even those who are unlovable. Love is of God, and everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God. If the Holy Spirit of God is not dealing with you, you cannot be saved. It is not a thinking thing; it is an order thing. The Holy Spirit of God rests in your soul. The Holy Spirit captures you and explains that you are against God, a sinner, and going to hell. You believe Him. You know you are wrong. If the Holy Spirit of God has said to you that you are lost, in doubt, and want to stay eternally, you are going to be saved. The process starts with knowing that you are lost and asking Him to save you. In that same instant, you can know that you are saved. Search the scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life, but they testify of me. If you search the scriptures and do not see Christ, you are not saved. Stay with us if you are not right with God.