Sermons from the Glacier Valley Church of God
In the final sermon on Forgiveness, we look at the parable in Matthew 18, and then compare how Stephen handled forgiveness in Acts 7. Its a tough thing to do because sometimes there is no closure. But God never promised closure, He only commanded to forgive.
In Matthew, Jesus told Peter to forgive 7 times 70. Why that number? And, why should we forgive? Pastor Keith takes us through the difficulty of forgiving our brother. Our brother that Peter mentions is someone from our religious community. Or basically put, our church. Did you know that 68% of people leave church due to hurt? What would happen if we forgave instead?
What happens when God asks you to do something that goes against what you know and understand about Him? Sometimes we let our theology keep us from what God is doing. God is reaching out to a wretched generation, more wicked than any other time in history. That means we will encounter those whose lifestyles we mind find offensive, just like Peter was offended at the meal offering. Lord - help us to see people as you do!
The core of this message is that Sarah made a lot of mistakes, but that never kept the promise of God from being realized. God's promises to us are not based on our action, but His commitment and His Word. Some people feel that because of mistakes they have made that God would never accept them. Not true. He accepts everyone. Everyone!
In this inspiring sermon, explore the challenges and beauty of building a relationship with God, with a focus on learning how to hear His divine voice. Through real-life examples and Biblical references, particularly the riveting story of Gideon, the sermon provides valuable insights into discerning God's voice during moments of despair and adversity. It urges believers not to attempt to control how God communicates with them, but instead, to immerse in a meaningful camaraderie with Him. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of treating others righteously in the church and beyond, reminding that true faith isn't just about spiritual growth but about creating space for miracles in life. It concludes powerfully, declaring that God is calling our generation to hear His voice and form relationships with Him that are beyond worldly limits. Through various narratives, this sermon inspires believers to seek divine guidance during difficulties and assures them that the Lord is always ready to provide words of strength. Featuring the poignant Biblical tale of Gideon from Judges chapters 6 and 7, it draws parallels with the contemporary situation in churches where avoidance of conflict and controversy is common. In such times, believers are encouraged to be fearless in proclaiming the name of Jesus and to express love without hesitation. Laced with words of comfort, the sermon reaffirms God's unconditional love, reminding everyone of their sacred status as mighty warriors of God. It nudges believers to conquer their fears, step out of isolation, and respond to the divine call. The sermon greatly stresses the need for authentic faith, obedience to God's will, and the pivotal role of prayer in our lives. This heartfelt sermon culminates by calling believers to act upon God's word, embrace faith in the face of fear, and continually spread Jesus' name despite any adversity they may face. Imbued with the energy and conviction, it ignites the passion of listeners, reigniting their faith and motivating them to rise and make God's word a living reality.
As much as we dismiss Peter for sinking in the water, he was the only one willing to step out of the boat. He stepped out in faith and into the supernatural, where God really intends us to be.
This insightful and incredibly touching sermon enables the listener to grasp a deeper understanding of God's voice and the rejuvenating power of His spiritual rest. Bridging on specific verses from Hebrews chapter 3, the sermon drives home the importance of tuning out distractions and focusing on the call of the Holy Spirit. At its core, the message conveys the importance of establishing a profound relationship with God, not just through prayer, but also by hearing and understanding His commands as dictated by the scriptures. With a comprehensive exploration of contemporary Christian practices, the sermon prompts essential contemplation - is our faith rooted in God's Word, or is it placed in transient and superficial ideas? The essential essence of harmonizing worship with God's Word is frequently touched on, reminding listeners that worship devoid of understanding God's Word is not in balance. In a gentle, yet profound manner, this episode scrutinizes the trending fast-paced consumption of religious information and advocates for more profound and meaningful engagement with God's teachings. The conclusion underscores that hearing God's voice not only involves speaking to Him but also includes listening and understanding His commandments and wishes. This understanding subsequently leads us to the spiritual rest that He has promised. Moreover, the speaker drew a comparison of believers' spiritual journey to the transition from consuming milk to eating solid food. Identifying the existence of 'babies' or beginners in our churches, he emphasizes the need to delve into the 'meat' of God's Word, strengthening our ability to discern right from wrong. Equating these circumstances with biblical characters who heard God's voice during their most challenging moments, we are reminded that often it's within life's storms that we begin to hear God's voice clearly. In this sermon, the speaker evocatively drives home the importance of patience in our spiritual journey. Using the charming anecdote about teaching his son to ride a bike, the speaker highlights how, similar to earthly parents, our Heavenly Father coaches us to keep on our journey of faith, despite the occasional falls along the way. This message imparts a deeper understanding of God's open-armed presence in our lives, reinforcing the importance of patiently maturing in our spiritual journey. The sermon culminates in celebrating new believers and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the church. This episode serves as a helpful, reflective, and encouraging exploration of the spiritual nourishment needed for our relationship with God, our understanding of our own faith and our ultimate commitment to earnestly seek His will.
Listen as Pastor Keith demonstrates what makes Easter so much more than anything else.
How does a church with 5 generations worship? Together!
In the second message, we delve into what fasting can accomplish. By drawing closer to Him, we have more authority and power to deal with the enemy!
What is fasting and why should I do it? These questions are addressed by Pastor Keith as he extols the congregation to pursue God.
Some people wait for God to move first before they believe, unable or unwilling to realize that He did that at Calvary. We need to pursue God with everything that is within us. And when we do, the results are amazing. This sermon series, we will look at what it means to do just that - pursue God!
Living the Spirit-filled Christian life gives you freedom, not slavery. Find out how living the blessed life is exactly that - blessed!
We have access to more than we can ever imagine. Find out how you can access the kingdom of heaven and receive from the Lord!
God has given us the keys to the kingdom. But what does that mean? This month we look in depth at what it means to have the keys to the kingdom, and how that affects our spiritual walk. Today, we start the key of authority. Find out what God has given you and how you can use it.
In our Christmas message, Pastor Keith shares how the birth of Jesus has brough the Kingdom of Heaven to us. His birth split time in two!
What does it mean to worship in spirit and truth? Jesus said it plainly when he was less concerned over where we come from versus what we do. Tradition can be good, but not when it keeps us from an actual moment with God.
The desire to be and feel blessed is one that everyone understands. Yet, God makes it clear in Deuteronomy 28 that His blessings comes from obedience. But oh that blessing! Its not a fancy car or monetary, because that's too small in God's eyes. It is a complete blessing of everything we are, do, and are a part of, as well as everything that is connected to us.
Brother Will Martin shares with the church on why your heart needs to be pure before God.
When you are wronged, it is hard to forgive. In his parable from Matthew 18, Jesus addresses just this. He demonstrates how great the forgiveness was from God, and why we need to model that.
When David realized the promise of God from Nathan, the Bible says he sat down and gave thanks. In other words, he paused his life to give honor and glory to God, even if the promise was not yet fulfilled. Like David, we too should pause and reflect about what God has not only done for us, but what He's going to do.
Is a giving heart only about money? Not really. God wants all of us, not just our money. Listen to the sermon from Pastor Greene about how you can give to God, because He gave so much.
In school, we would always be told by our teachers to study the material. Now more than ever, God wants us to study His Word, to show us approved. We can trust and rely on His Word for guidance, and even correction.
To say that we are a believer implies that not only do we believe in Jesus, but in what He can do. Sadly, the church has lost sight of that. No more! Let us rise up and be what God has called us to be!
In his message to the church on Pastor Appreciation Day, Will Martin outlines 7 things the church can do to help the Pastor.
We saw during COVID how important it is for us to be around each other. But, it is more than just coming to church. It is getting to know each other. When we get closer to each other, we get closer to God.
God used His voice to create life and the world around us. That must mean something. The Bible calls His Word a sword, the only offensive weapon in our arsenal. That must mean something. We must do more than read the Word of God. We must use the Word of God.
Jesus said go, but the church stays. The first century church struggled with this too. But, we need to go, baptize and teach. To all the world!
Can we expect to live in this life without trouble? The answer is no. But, we also know that God protects and cares for us in these situations. As we look Daniel, we know that His grace is there for us through the night!
In the story of the Good Samaritan, the hero was not the religious person, but the one who was despised by others. God places an emphasis on helping others. But, its hard. It requires being in the mud and getting blood on you, and it will cost you treasure. Perhaps that's why its easier to contribute to organizations who do that. What if the church did this? What if we stopped saying we didn't do it, so its not our problem?
No matter what you have done, God restores. Without penalty. All we have to do is ask. You are never too far from His Love or reach.
The story of Esther is powerful, as it demonstrates the grace given to us in a time of need. Do you need something from the Lord? Lay hold of the scepter!
The gift of the Holy Spirit is the pinnacle of what God gives us because He is giving us a part of Himself. God within us! And more than that, His power flowing through us. Let us hear the word that Jesus said - Receive the Holy Ghost!
In our continued series on God Gives, Pastor Keith discusses today the gift of healing. God's desire is to see us healed. But how and when is always up to Him. Receive His healing for you today. He is willing and able.
David said Why so downcast, Oh my soul? Put your trust in God! But we do get down sometimes, because life happens, or happened. God gives joy despite our circumstance or what we have been through. Listen so you can receive joy in your life!
We have delivered from our sin, but are we free? As believers, there still can be many things that hold us back, or bound. Only God can say, "Loose him, and let him go!"
We celebrate our men, our fathers, today. Listen as Pastor Keith talks about how valuable our men are, and why the church needs them. As a bonus, dad jokes are included.
It is clear that the church no longer holds the power it used to. Does that mean that God has diminished? Or, has the church become more focused on things that appear spiritual but are not?
In this third sermon in this series, we talk about a church that has compromised its mission and worship for the sake of the culture. We must stand strong in the faith, and love, against those who feel that sin is okay and God does not see it. But in standing strong, we extend the hand of help to those who are lost and seeking help.
In the second letter to the churches, Jesus looks at Smyrna church. The Smyrna church is one of only two letters that did not receive correction. But, they are also about to endure persecution. Here in America, persecution is something we have not really dealt with. But it is coming. Our nation is rejecting Christ and blaming us for its woes. How will you deal with it? Be faithful, and receive the crown of life!
In our series on who we are as a church, we examine the seven letters to the seven churches of Asia in Revelation. Each letter details a particular problem in a church. Today, we examine how you can easily lose that passion and love for Christ. More importantly, how we do we get it back.
In today's sermon, we honor our mothers and recognize them as a gift from God.