Triumphal Feast

“Charity – The Purpose of God's Gifts” • 1st Corinthians Chapter 14 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. After a brief review of the first verse of the chapter, Elder Bryce teaches that reason that God blessed the 1st Century Christians with miraculous gifts was so that they could help others. God still blesses His children today for the same reason. If we have been blessed by God with understanding, love, or any other gift of the Spirit, it is not so that we may brag about being one of God's children. We have been given these gifts in order to be of benefit to others in our church and community. Today's episode will pick up with the discussion of having proper zeal toward God beginning in 1st Corinthians 14:12. This message was preached on Sunday, September 3, 2023.

“Charity – The Purpose of God's Gifts” • 1st Corinthians Chapter 14 – Elder Bryce Lowrance.  After a brief review of the first verse of the chapter, Elder Bryce teaches that reason that God blessed the 1st Century Christians with miraculous gifts was so that they could help others. God still blesses His children today for the same reason. If we have been blessed by God with understanding, love, or any other gift of the Spirit, it is not so that we may brag about being one of God's children. We have been given these gifts in order to be of benefit to others in our church and community. This message was preached on Sunday, September 3, 2023.

“Follow After Charity.” •1st Corinthians 14:1 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Elder Bryce teaches that all of our efforts in worship and in our day to day life should be in thankfulness to God for His grace displayed in our active love for others. This message was preached on Sunday, September 3, 2023.

“Love Is The Greatest Thing” • 1st Corinthians 13 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Charity is a fruit of the spirit. That means it is a gift from God. But, unlike the temporary miraculous gifts of the first century, charity was designed as an eternal gift. The miraculous gifts ended int the first century. During our lives now we have faith and hope to help us. We have charity to help others. And charity is the greatest because God is love and charity “will still live one in all eternity.” Part 2 of the message begins in verse 5. This sermon was preached on Sunday, August 27, 2023.

“Love Is The Greatest Thing” • 1st Corinthians 13 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Charity is a fruit of the spirit. That means it is a gift from God. But, unlike the temporary miraculous gifts of the first century, charity was designed as an eternal gift. The miraculous gifts ended int the first century. During our lives now we have faith and hope to help us. We have charity to help others. And charity is the greatest because God is love and charity “will still live one in all eternity.” This sermon was preached on Sunday, August 27, 2023.

“Spiritual Gifts” • 1st Corinthians 12 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Even though the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased, the principle of church unity that the Apostle Paul teaches in this chapter still applies today. We have each been called by the sovereign grace of God individually, but we have been call into unity of the Body of Christ, the church. Therefore, whatever blessing a child of God has, it has been given to be put to use in the church for the benefit of others. Part 2 of the message focuses on the latter half of the chapter where the Apostle teaches that our gifts are to help one another and strengthen the body of Christ in the local church. This sermon was preached on Sunday, August 13, 2023.

“Spiritual Gifts” • 1st Corinthians 12 – Elder Bryce Lowrance Even though the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased, the principle of church unity that the Apostle Paul teaches in this chapter still applies today. We have each been called by the sovereign grace of God individually, but we have been call into unity of the Body of Christ, the church. Therefore, whatever blessing a child of God has, it has been given to be put to use in the church for the benefit of others. This sermon was preached on Sunday, August 13, 2023.

“Church Unity” • 1st Corinthians 11:17-34 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Elder Lowrance continues in 1st Corinthians showing the Apostle Paul's instruction for the church to worship in unity.  In order to properly worship God, we must see ourselves united into one body, the mystical body of Jesus Christ. Part 2 of this message begins in verse 24 where Paul uses the example of the Lord's Supper on how we ought approach our worship together.   This message was preached on Sunday, July 16, 2023.

“Church Unity” • 1st Corinthians 11:17-34 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Elder Lowrance continues in 1st Corinthians showing the Apostle Paul's instruction for the church to worship in unity. The first part of chapter eleven taught that there is a proper order in worship. The second half of the chapter teaches that there is a proper attitude for worship. We are called individually by the Holy Spirit into new birth, but our calling is to be unified in worship. In order to properly worship God, we must see ourselves united into one body, the mystical body of Jesus Christ. This message was preached on Sunday, July 16, 2023.

“Proper Authority in Worship” • 1st Corinthians 11:1-16 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Elder Bryce points out that the debate over headcoverings is not the Apostle Paul's main point. The cultural traditions of coverings point to a problem at Corinth regarding the order of authority in the church worship service.  This message was preached on Sunday, June 25, 2023

“Flee from Temptation” • 1st Corinthians 10:1-14 – Elder Bryce Lowrance Starting in 1 Corinthians chapter 10, Elder Bryce Lowrance considers the Apostle Paul's reminders to the church at Corinth that God takes care of His people and recalls specific occasions in which God was with Israel and delivered the Israelites time and again, sometimes with chastisement. Brother Bryce shows us how the instruction to the church in Corinth has application for us today, that we can learn from the examples Paul gives and that we can turn back to God when we stray away from Him, knowing He's a God that chastens but also forgives. Finally, he explains just what exactly our Christian “liberty” is and how it should be used today.  This message was preached on Sunday, May 28, 2023

“Flee from Temptation” • 1st Corinthians 10:1-14 – Elder Bryce Lowrance Starting in 1 Corinthians chapter 10, Elder Bryce Lowrance considers the Apostle Paul's reminders to the church at Corinth that God takes care of His people and recalls specific occasions in which God was with Israel and delivered the Israelites time and again, sometimes with chastisement. Brother Bryce shows us how the instruction to the church in Corinth has application for us today, that we can learn from the examples Paul gives and that we can turn back to God when we stray away from Him, knowing He's a God that chastens but also forgives. Finally, he explains just what exactly our Christian “liberty” is and how it should be used today.   This message was preached on Sunday, May 28, 2023

Elder Bryce begins a series on the Epistle to the Colossians. This little letter teaches that Jesus Christ has the preeminence in all things including the creation of the world and His church. We, as disciples of Christ, ought to live our lives focusing on the glory of the kingdom of Christ first. God did not intend for us to "go it alone" in this effort. Therefore, we should be active in a local assembly promoting the glory of Christ's kingdom.

In this message, Elder Bryce sets the framework for the entire epistle showing that this church, and all other true churches belong to God because He chose the people before the world began in the covenant of election; He sent His Son to dies for them; He called them in regeneration by His Spirit, and the gospel calls on them to walk like Jesus Christ. The saints of God are set-apart for a holy purpose, and they should gather together in a church body to fulfill that calling here in time.

One of the main reasons that the Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Church at Corinth is because they were divided on many issues including, race, doctrine, practice, and church discipline. Sosthenes was the chief ruler of the synagogue when they unbelieving Jews tried to have Paul kicked out of Corinth. Obviously, sometime later Sosthenes was changed by the Lord and became a believer and supporter of the Apostle Paul.   

“Christian Olympics” • 1st Corinthians 9:1-27 – Elder Bryce Lowrance Keeping in mind how the Apostle Paul is building up to the subject of charity in 1st Corinthians chapter 13, Elder Bryce considers the main points Paul makes in chapter 9. Brother Bryce shows how Paul references his authority as an Apostle and how Paul drives home that the work of the ministry should be supported. Then he notes the dramatic pivot Paul makes, how Paul says he isn't commanding support of the ministry despite his authority to do so. He shows how Paul chooses charity over liberty and that Paul establishes the pattern that true gospel ministers today should strive to get themselves out of the way for the “gospel's sake.”  This message was preached on Sunday, May 21, 2023.

“Christian Olympics” • 1st Corinthians 9:1-27 – Elder Bryce Lowrance Keeping in mind how the Apostle Paul is building up to the subject of charity in 1st Corinthians chapter 13, Elder Bryce considers the main points Paul makes in chapter 9. Brother Bryce shows how Paul references his authority as an Apostle and how Paul drives home that the work of the ministry should be supported. Then he notes the dramatic pivot Paul makes, how Paul says he isn't commanding support of the ministry despite his authority to do so. He shows how Paul chooses charity over liberty and that Paul establishes the pattern that true gospel ministers today should strive to get themselves out of the way for the “gospel's sake.”  This message was preached on Sunday, May 21, 2023.

Christian Liberty and Charity • 1st Corinthians 8 – Continuing in his expository series on the 1st Letter to the Church at Corinth, Elder Bryce discusses one of the questions the Corinthian brethren had about their liberty to eat meat offered to idols. The Apostle uses this question as a launching point on the subject of charity that he will discuss for the next several chapters crescendoing to a high point in Chapter 13. In the 8th Chapter, Paul tells them that he agrees they have the liberty to eat meat offered to idols because there is only one God. However, not all their brethren understood this, and so it was a sin to them. So, while Paul agrees that they have the liberty to to eat they should not if it offends their brother with them. Paul's main point is that the knowledge that we have been given is by the mercy of God and is not just for us. We really do not have any knowledge without a charitable life with others. This message was preached on Sunday, May 7, 2023

Christian Liberty and Charity • 1st Corinthians 8 – Continuing in his expository series on the 1st Letter to the Church at Corinth, Elder Bryce discusses one of the questions the Corinthian brethren had about their liberty to eat meat offered to idols. The Apostle uses this question as a launching point on the subject of charity that he will discuss for the next several chapters crescendoing to a high point in Chapter 13. In the 8th Chapter, Paul tells them that he agrees they have the liberty to eat meat offered to idols because there is only one God. However, not all their brethren understood this, and so it was a sin to them. So, while Paul agrees that they have the liberty to to eat they should not if it offends their brother with them. Paul's main point is that the knowledge that we have been given is by the mercy of God and is not just for us. We really do not have any knowledge without a charitable life with others. This message was preached on Sunday, May 7, 2023

Paul Answers Questions Concerning Marriage • 1st Corinthians 7 – Elder Bryce Lowrance Elder Bryce continues a series of messages looking at the Apostle Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth. Brother Bryce considers Paul's instruction in chapter 7 regarding marriage, divorce and remarriage, noting that Paul mentions a “present distress” (v.26) for which the advice was primarily given. Brother Bryce provides historical context of the church at Corinth and what precipitated Paul's opening statement at the beginning of chapter 7. He then goes on to consider other instruction provided in God's word regarding marriage, including God's view of marriage and the many purposes for which God gave us marriage. This message was preached on Sunday, March 26, 2023

Paul Answers Questions Concerning Marriage • 1st Corinthians 7 – Elder Bryce Lowrance Elder Bryce continues a series of messages looking at the Apostle Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth. Brother Bryce considers Paul's instruction in chapter 7 regarding marriage, divorce and remarriage, noting that Paul mentions a “present distress” (v.26) for which the advice was primarily given. Brother Bryce provides historical context of the church at Corinth and what precipitated Paul's opening statement at the beginning of chapter 7. He then goes on to consider other instruction provided in God's word regarding marriage, including God's view of marriage and the many purposes for which God gave us marriage. This message was preached on Sunday, March 26, 2023

“A Misunderstanding of Christian Liberty” • 1st Corinthians 6:12-20 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. The church at Corinth was guilty of misunderstanding and misapplying Paul's teaching regarding Christian Liberty. They believed that, since they were saved by grace, they could partake in and enjoy any sin they wished without any consequences. Paul corrects them by telling them their liberty in Christ does teach that they are saved eternally and cannot be lost, but they are not at liberty to continue in sin. God's moral law is still in place and has not changed.  This message was preached on Sunday, March 5, 2023.

“A Misunderstanding of Christian Liberty” • 1st Corinthians 6:12-20 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. The church at Corinth was guilty of misunderstanding and misapplying Paul's teaching regarding Christian Liberty. They believed that, since they were saved by grace, they could partake in and enjoy any sin they wished without any consequences. Paul corrects them by telling them their liberty in Christ does teach that they are saved eternally and cannot be lost, but they are not at liberty to continue in sin. God's moral law is still in place and has not changed.  This message was preached on Sunday, March 5, 2023.

“Church Discipline” – 1st Corinthians 5 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. The idea of church discipline is a foreign concept to most churches in our day. Paul's teaching in this chapter shows us that this is a problem that needs to be rectified. In part 2 of the message, we gin in verses 3 through 5 where Paul teaches what he will do as an Apostle to help the church restart proper church discipline. He will then teach how each on of us and a member of the body of Christ has the responsibility to speak and live in such as way as to encourage righteousness in our fellow members. This message was preached on Sunday, February 12, 2023.

“Church Discipline” – 1st Corinthians 5 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. The idea of church discipline is a foreign concept to most churches in our day. Paul's teaching in this chapter shows us that this is a problem that needs to be rectified. In part 2 of the message, we gin in verses 3 through 5 where Paul teaches what he will do as an Apostle to help the church restart proper church discipline. He will then teach how each on of us and a member of the body of Christ has the responsibility to speak and live in such as way as to encourage righteousness in our fellow members. This message was preached on Sunday, February 12, 2023.

“Handling Offenses Within the Church” – 1st Corinthians 6:1-11 – Elder Bryce Lowrance.The Apostle Paul continues to point our how the arrogance and pride of the members of the Church at Corinth has moved them to neglect their duties within the church. In this case, when brethren have a disagreement, they have been going to the courts of the world rather than following the instructions of the Lord to regain fellowship with their brothers. Elder Bryce begins this message by showing that, while we are citizens of heaven, we have a dual responsibility being sojourners here on earth. The church should have a positive impact on the world around it but the world should not be brought into the church nor church issues to be handled according to world standards and practices. This message was preached on Sunday, February 19, 2023.

“The Word Dwelt Among Us” • John 1:1-18 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Elder Bryce begins with the prophecy that God would dwell among men found in Isaiah, Chapter 7. He then shows the eternal nature and sonship of Jesus Christ in John 1. This is an important fact in order to fully understand what it means when Christ “took on flesh and dwelt among us.” This message was preached on Sunday, December 24, 2023.

“The Word Dwelt Among Us” • John 1:1-18 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Elder Bryce begins with the prophecy that God would dwell among men found in Isaiah, Chapter 7. He then shows the eternal nature and sonship of Jesus Christ in John 1. This is an important fact in order to fully understand what it means when Christ “took on flesh and dwelt among us.” This message was preached on Sunday, December 24, 2023.

“Church Discipline” – 1st Corinthians 5 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. The idea of church discipline is a foreign concept to most churches in our day. Paul's teaching in this chapter shows us that this is a problem that needs to be rectified. In part 2 of the message, we gin in verses 3 through 5 where Paul teaches what he will do as an Apostle to help the church restart proper church discipline. He will then teach how each on of us and a member of the body of Christ has the responsibility to speak and live in such as way as to encourage righteousness in our fellow members. This message was preached on Sunday, February 12, 2023.

“Church Discipline” – 1st Corinthians 5 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. The idea of church discipline is a foreign concept to most churches in our day. Paul's teaching in this chapter shows us that this is a problem that needs to be rectified. In part 2 of the message, we gin in verses 3 through 5 where Paul teaches what he will do as an Apostle to help the church restart proper church discipline. He will then teach how each on of us and a member of the body of Christ has the responsibility to speak and live in such as way as to encourage righteousness in our fellow members. This message was preached on Sunday, February 12, 2023.

“Church Discipline” – 1st Corinthians 5 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. The idea of church discipline is a foreign concept to most churches in our day. Paul's teaching in this chapter shows us that this is a problem that needs to be rectified. The Church at Corinth was puffed up with their many gifts and good preaching. So much so, that they neglected to fulfill one of the church's biggest responsibilities – teach and encourage righteous living. In this lesson, we see that the moral law of God declared in the Old Testament is still valid. We see that each church and each member of the church has the responsibility to live for Christ and encourage others to walk like Him as well. Finally, we see that church discipline is never to be done for punitive reason but to encourage repentance and holiness. This message was preached on Sunday, February 12, 2023.

“Church Discipline” – 1st Corinthians 5 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. The idea of church discipline is a foreign concept to most churches in our day. Paul's teaching in this chapter shows us that this is a problem that needs to be rectified. The Church at Corinth was puffed up with their many gifts and good preaching. So much so, that they neglected to fulfill one of the church's biggest responsibilities – teach and encourage righteous living. In this lesson, we see that the moral law of God declared in the Old Testament is still valid. We see that each church and each member of the church has the responsibility to live for Christ and encourage others to walk like Him as well. Finally, we see that church discipline is never to be done for punitive reason but to encourage repentance and holiness.  This message was preached on Sunday, February 12, 2023.

“Apostolic Authority” • 1st Corinthians 4:8-21 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – In Part 2 of this message, we will hear the final part of Paul's sufferings for the sake of the preaching of the gospel. We will also see that Paul sets up the standard or perpetuity of truth by sending Timothy to remind the church at Corinth of everything that Paul said and did. This message was preached on Sunday, February 5, 2023.

“Apostolic Authority” • 1st Corinthians 4:8-21 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – In Part 1 of this message, we will hear the final part of Paul's sufferings for the sake of the preaching of the gospel. We will also see that Paul sets up the standard or perpetuity of truth by sending Timothy to remind the church at Corinth of everything that Paul said and did. This message was preached on Sunday, February 5, 2023.

“Apostolic Authority” • 1st Corinthians 4:8-21 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – The Apostle Paul uses a series of Ironic statements and concessions to shock the divided parties at the Church of Corinth into repentance. He reminds them that they are believers in Christ because He first peached to them, and that they should continue following him as he follows Jesus. He ends this section with a question, “I am coming to visit with you. Would you like me to come with a chastening rod or in tender love?” This message was preached on Sunday, February 5, 2023.

“Apostolic Authority” • 1st Corinthians 4:8-21 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – The Apostle Paul uses a series of Ironic statements and concessions to shock the divided parties at the Church of Corinth into repentance. He reminds them that they are believers in Christ because He first peached to them, and that they should continue following him as he follows Jesus. He ends this section with a question, “I am coming to visit with you. Would you like me to come with a chastening rod or in tender love?” This message was preached on Sunday, February 5, 2023.

“A Proper View of the Ministry” • 1st Corinthians 4:1-7 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – Part 2 of this message begins with a detailed look at the required humility and stewardship of the preacher and concludes with the congregant's responsibility in recognizing the blessing of God upon the pastor and being humble and obedient to his teaching. This message was preached on Sunday, January 22, 2023.

“A Proper View of the Ministry” • 1st Corinthians 4:1-7 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – Part 2 of this message begins with a detailed look at the required humility and stewardship of the preacher and concludes with the congregant's responsibility in recognizing the blessing of God upon the pastor and being humble and obedient to his teaching. This message was preached on Sunday, January 22, 2023.

“A Proper View of the Ministry” • 1st Corinthians 4:1-7 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – The Church at Corinth was divided into several factions. This was caused by an improper view and loyalty to the various preachers who had spoken there. Today's message will explore the role of perspective of God's ministers of the gospel. They are the “under-rower” which is an unseen servant position that simply does the will of the Master. They are also stewards of God's word. This means whatever understanding they have been given about the Bible it is to be dispensed to God's people not to gain fame or reward. This message was preached on Sunday, January 22, 2023.

“A Proper View of the Ministry” • 1st Corinthians 4:1-7 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – The Church at Corinth was divided into several factions. This was caused by an improper view and loyalty to the various preachers who had spoken there. Today's message will explore the role of perspective of God's ministers of the gospel. They are the “under-rower” which is an unseen servant position that simply does the will of the Master. They are also stewards of God's word. This means whatever understanding they have been given about the Bible it is to be dispensed to God's people not to gain fame or reward. This message was preached on Sunday, January 22, 2023.

“FOR the Church” • 1st Corinthians 3:16-23 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – Part 2 of this message continues with the theme of humility in the church of God. Church is not about us, it is about worshipping Jesus Christ and being a blessing to others. Our focus should not be on a single preacher or on our personal needs. We are called out the world to worship as a single body – The Bride of Christ. This message was preached on Sunday, January 15, 2023.

“FOR the Church” • 1st Corinthians 3:16-23 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – Part 2 of this message continues with the theme of humility in the church of God. Church is not about us, it is about worshipping Jesus Christ and being a blessing to others. Our focus should not be on a single preacher or on our personal needs. We are called out the world to worship as a single body – The Bride of Christ. This message was preached on Sunday, January 15, 2023.

“FOR the Church” • 1st Corinthians 3:16-23 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – Not only is each individual child of God the Temple of the Holy Spirit, the church collectively is the place where God dwells! Knowing this, we ought to understand the purpose of ministers of the gospel as servants to the church. Preachers should not exalt themselves and members should not exalt preachers because the most important thing in the church is Jesus Christ and the church is His Bride. This message was preached on Sunday, January 15, 2023.

“FOR the Church” • 1st Corinthians 3:16-23 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – Not only is each individual child of God the Temple of the Holy Spirit, the church collectively is the place where God dwells! Knowing this, we ought to understand the purpose of ministers of the gospel as servants to the church. Preachers should not exalt themselves and members should not exalt preachers because the most important thing in the church is Jesus Christ and the church is His Bride. This message was preached on Sunday, January 15, 2023.

“Being Spiritually Minded” • 1st Corinthians 3:1-15 Part 2– Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – The church at Corinth was more interested in competing for their favorite preacher than serving God. This caused divisions and great spiritual decline. Part 2 of this message continues to focus on how to fix this problem. The remedy of the problem in divisions in church is to focus on humble service to one another. This message was preached on Sunday, January 8, 2023.

“Being Spiritually Minded” • 1st Corinthians 3:1-15 Part 2– Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – The church at Corinth was more interested in competing for their favorite preacher than serving God. This caused divisions and great spiritual decline. Part 2 of this message continues to focus on how to fix this problem. The remedy of the problem in divisions in church is to focus on humble service to one another. This message was preached on Sunday, January 8, 2023.

“Being Spiritually Minded” • 1st Corinthians 3:1-15 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – The Apostle Paul now begins to address the specific problem with the Church at Corinth. They were not growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. The fact that they were divided into various parties was evidence that they lacked spiritual maturity. The remedy to this problem begins with a proper understanding of the role of gospel ministers. They are not lords over the church, they are servants with the same job. The focus in worship should not be on the abilities of the preacher but the glory and power of God. This message was preached on Sunday, January 8, 2023.

“Being Spiritually Minded” • 1st Corinthians 3:1-15 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance – The Apostle Paul now begins to address the specific problem with the Church at Corinth. They were not growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. The fact that they were divided into various parties was evidence that they lacked spiritual maturity. The remedy to this problem begins with a proper understanding of the role of gospel ministers. They are not lords over the church, they are servants with the same job. The focus in worship should not be on the abilities of the preacher but the glory and power of God. This message was preached on Sunday, January 8, 2023.

“Received” • 1st Corinthians 2:9-16 Elder Bryce Lowrance. In part 2, Elder Lowrance finishes the rest of chapter 2 in the message focusing on the word “received.” We receive the new birth and the gift of faith by a direct operation of the Holy Spirit without any help from us. Having been given faith, we are now able to receive the message of the gospel with joy and assurance of hope. This message was preached on Sunday, December 18, 2022.

“Received” • 1st Corinthians 2:9-16 Elder Bryce Lowrance. In part 2, Elder Lowrance finishes the rest of chapter 2 in the message focusing on the word “received.” We receive the new birth and the gift of faith by a direct operation of the Holy Spirit without any help from us. Having been given faith, we are now able to receive the message of the gospel with joy and assurance of hope. This message was preached on Sunday, December 18, 2022.

“Received” • 1st Corinthians 2:9-16 Elder Bryce Lowrance. Continuing his message on the miracle of the preaching of the gospel, Elder Lowrance finishes the rest of chapter 2 in the message focusing on the word “received.” We receive the new birth and the gift of faith by a direct operation of the Holy Spirit without any help from us. Having been given faith, we are now able to receive the message of the gospel with joy and assurance of hope. This message was preached on Sunday, December 18, 2022.