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Day 161: God's Power to SaveScripture (Deuteronomy 4:31 NKJV):“For the Lord your God is a merciful God; He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them.”Reflection: God's power brings salvation. He is faithful to His promises and His covenant love endures.Prayer: Lord, help me trust Your power to save and deliver in every circumstance.Until next timeStay in the BlessingsI really want to encourage you to be diligent with your Bible study time, because God has so much more for us than we can get from just going to church once or twice a week and hearing someone else talk about the Word.When you spend time with God, your life will change in amazing ways, because God is a Redeemer.Theres nothing thats too hard for Him, and He can make you whole, spirit, soul and body!You're important to God, and you're important to us at The Refinery.When it comes to prayer, we believe that God wants to meet your needs and reveal His promises to you.So whatever you're concerned about and need prayer for we want to be here for you! Or even if you just want to say Hi, you can contact us at www.refinerylife.org2026 WILL BE A TIME OF WARFARE.This episode is brought to you by Refinery Life Australia:If you enjoy The Refinery Life Radio Podcast you can help support The Refinery by doing the following:Join our Telegram Channel https://t.me/IntercessorsforAustralia Sow an offering:Bitcoin: bc1qqh6720t2zagj72dyfj348az698tdut3hlecaj4Online: https://www.refinerylife.org/donate/If you do send an offering then please email us so that we can say thank youSubscribe oniTunes | Spotify | YouTube | TuneIn | Rumble | Zap.Stream | Fountain |Share The Refinery with your friends and familySubscribe to the newsletter on www.refinerylife.orgFollow The Refinery on Twitter | Nostr | Instagram | Fountain
Word for Today:Matthew 12:37 NKJVFor by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.ReflectionAre your words building the future and destiny God has for you, both here on earth and in eternity, or are they working against you and destroying His purpose?
Word for Today:Proverbs 23:7 NKJV“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. ”ReflectionWhat kind of identity or character are your thoughts producing within you? If the thoughts of your heart were displayed on a big screen for everyone to see today, what would they reveal about who you truly are?
BREAKING THE FALSE REALITY — FOCUSING YOUR MIND ON GOD'S TRUTH • Sunday Service ebsite: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give There is a fierce war over the mind in this hour. The enemy builds false realities, mental prisons shaped by fear, shame, distraction, and deception. These false constructs are designed to keep you from seeing what is actually true in the Kingdom of God. But the Lord calls His people to walk in clarity, truth, and spiritual perception—not illusion. Today, we expose the lies and lift up the truth. We tear down the constructs of the enemy and align our minds with God's reality. 1. Romans 12:2 (NKJV) “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” 2. 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (NKJV) “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 3. Isaiah 8:12 (NKJV) “Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,' Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 4. Romans 1:21 (NKJV) “Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” 5. John 8:32 (NKJV) “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 6. Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” 7. Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” 8. Colossians 3:2 (NKJV) “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” 9. 1 Peter 1:13 (NKJV) “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 10. Joshua 1:8 (NKJV) “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” The enemy wants to trap you in a false reality — one built on fear, rumor, assumptions, imaginations, and cultural deception. But God calls you into His reality — one grounded in truth, clarity, authority, and identity. Today, God invites you to: • Break the false constructs • Reject conspiracy-driven fear • Cast down vain imaginations • Renew your mind in truth • Focus your thoughts on what is real, eternal, and God-centered When your mind aligns with the Word of God, every lie loses its power, every illusion falls, and you step boldly into the freedom Jesus already purchased for you.
Holiness: Changes Everything • Friday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To Give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give 1 Peter 1:15–16 (NKJV) “but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'” 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV) “Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.'” Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV) “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” Matthew 5:8 (NKJV) “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV) “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” Titus 2:11–12 (NKJV) “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,” 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NKJV) “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;” 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NKJV) “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.” Romans 6:22 (NKJV) “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.” 1 John 3:3 (NKJV) “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV) “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Heaven Is Opening… And God Will Fund What He Called You To Do • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To Give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give This is a now word… not something distant, not something reserved for another season. The Lord is speaking about alignment, obedience, and divine supply meeting divine assignment. What He has ordained, He is about to fund. What He has started, He is about to complete. So let's walk through this with clarity and conviction… ten anchors you can stand on in this hour. 1. God Opens the Windows of Heaven in the Now Season Malachi 3:10 (NKJV) “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” 2. Kingdom First Unlocks Everything Else Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” 3. God Funds What He Ordains Philippians 1:6 (NKJV) “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” 4. Faithfulness in the Unseen Triggers Promotion Luke 16:10 (NKJV) “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.” 5. Do Not Grow Weary… Your Due Season Is Real Galatians 6:9 (NKJV) “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” 6. Opposition Confirms You're on the Right Path 1 Corinthians 16:9 (NKJV) “For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” 7. Strength Is Being Renewed Right Now Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” 8. The Harvest Is Ready… Lift Your Eyes John 4:35 (NKJV) “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” 9. As You Handle God's Business, He Handles Yours Psalm 37:5 (NKJV) “Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.” 10. God Will Do Exactly What He Said Numbers 23:19 (NKJV) “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” This settles everything. God does not change His mind like people do. If He spoke it over your life, your calling, your assignment… it is established. The delay is not denial. The process is not cancellation. What He said, He will perform. So here is the charge… stand firm. Keep sowing. Keep building. Keep believing. This is not the season to pull back… this is the season where heaven responds. The windows are opening… the resources are coming… the strength is being renewed… and the harvest is ready. Watch and see… He will do exactly what He said.
Day 120: Amalek DefeatedScripture (Exodus 17:16 NKJV):“For he said, ‘Because the Lord has sworn: the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.'”Reflection: God calls us to stand firm against evil. His power ensures ultimate victory.Prayer: Father, strengthen me to resist evil and rely on Your power to overcome challenges.Until next timeStay in the BlessingsI really want to encourage you to be diligent with your Bible study time, because God has so much more for us than we can get from just going to church once or twice a week and hearing someone else talk about the Word.When you spend time with God, your life will change in amazing ways, because God is a Redeemer.Theres nothing thats too hard for Him, and He can make you whole, spirit, soul and body!You're important to God, and you're important to us at The Refinery.When it comes to prayer, we believe that God wants to meet your needs and reveal His promises to you.So whatever you're concerned about and need prayer for we want to be here for you! Or even if you just want to say Hi, you can contact us at www.refinerylife.org2026 WILL BE A TIME OF WARFARE.This episode is brought to you by Refinery Life Australia:If you enjoy The Refinery Life Radio Podcast you can help support The Refinery by doing the following:Join our Telegram Channel https://t.me/IntercessorsforAustralia Sow an offering:Bitcoin: bc1qqh6720t2zagj72dyfj348az698tdut3hlecaj4Online: https://www.refinerylife.org/donate/If you do send an offering then please email us so that we can say thank youSubscribe oniTunes | Spotify | YouTube | TuneIn | Rumble | Zap.Stream | Fountain |Share The Refinery with your friends and familySubscribe to the newsletter on www.refinerylife.orgFollow The Refinery on Twitter | Nostr | Instagram | Fountain
Tonight I share prayer scriptures and teachings from my journal, from that place where He and I reside. As you listen- Pray. As you Pray- Write. As you Write - Listen. As you Listen-Hear. As you Hear - Do! The Prophetic Reign Scripture Reference List 1. Matthew 18:18 (KJV) "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." 2. 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV) "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds." 3. Job 22:28 (KJV) "Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it will be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways." 4. 1 John 5:14 (NIV) "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." 5. Isaiah 55:11 (ESV) "So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." 6. Hebrews 4:16 (KJV) "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." 7. Mark 11:23 (NKJV) "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." 8. James 5:16 (AMPC) "...The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]." 9. Psalm 103:20 (KJV) "Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word." 10. Romans 8:26 (NLT) "And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words."
The Cross Confronted It All… and the Blood Defeated It All • Friday Service To Give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Website: www.PastorTodd.org Romans 3:23 (NKJV) “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Revelation 1:5 (NKJV) “And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,” Colossians 2:15 (NKJV) “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (NKJV) “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 3:5 (NKJV) “Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” Hebrews 10:19-20 (NKJV) “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,” Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Revelation 12:11 (NKJV) “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” Romans 8:37 (NKJV) “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Faith Takes Back What the Devil Stole • Friday Service To Give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Website: www.PastorTodd.org 1. John 10:10 (NKJV) “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” 2. Proverbs 6:30–31 (NKJV) “People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving. Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; he may have to give up all the substance of his house.” 3. 1 John 5:4 (NKJV) “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 4. Joel 2:25 (NKJV) “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you.” 5. Mark 11:23 (NKJV) “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” 6. Obadiah 1:17 (NKJV) “But on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance, And there shall be holiness; The house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.” 7. Ecclesiastes 8:4 (NKJV) “Where the word of a king is, there is power; And who may say to him, ‘What are you doing?'” 8. Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV) “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,”
The Victory Society • Friday Service To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Website: www.PastorTodd.org 2 Corinthians 6:17–18 (NKJV) “Therefore ‘Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.' ‘I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.' ” Matthew 5:14–16 (NKJV) “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Romans 8:37–39 (NKJV) “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Luke 10:19 (NKJV) “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” John 1:5 (NKJV) “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 4:35 (NKJV) “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” Amos 9:13 (NKJV) “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “When the plowman shall overtake the reaper, And the treader of grapes him who sows seed; The mountains shall drip with sweet wine, And all the hills shall flow with it.” Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Philippians 3:20–21 (NKJV) “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our humble earthly body so that it becomes like His glorious resurrected body, accomplished by the same divine power through which He brings everything under His authority.” Hebrews 12:28 (NKJV) “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV) “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV) “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
What Noah Knew • Friday Service To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Website: www.PastorTodd.org Genesis 6:5 (NKJV) “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:8-9 (NKJV) “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.” Genesis 6:13-14 (NKJV) “And God said to Noah, ‘The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch.'” Genesis 6:22 (NKJV) “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.” Hebrews 11:7 (NKJV) “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” 2 Peter 2:5 (NKJV) “And did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly.” Matthew 24:37-38 (NKJV) “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark.” 1 Corinthians 3:9-11 (NKJV) “For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.“
You're Not Called to Survive This Hour, You're Called to Overcome It • Sunday Service To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Website: www.PastorTodd.org There's a lie circulating in the body of Christ right now. It sounds humble. It sounds cautious. But it's unbelief dressed up in church language. The lie says: “Just hang on.” The lie says: “It's going to get darker and darker.” The lie says: “The devil is running wild and we're barely making it.” That is not the Gospel. Jesus did not shed His blood so you could limp into heaven barely alive. He did not rise from the dead so you could be tormented, confused, defeated, and spiritually fragile. You are not called to survive this hour. You are called to dominate it in the Spirit. Let's go to the Word. 1. You Were Created to Overcome, Not Coexist With Defeat 1 John 4:4 (NKJV) “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 2. You Were Given Authority, Not a Victim Card Luke 10:19 (NKJV) “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” 3. You Are Not Called to Fear the Last Days There's so much fear preaching right now. Charts. Timelines. Panic. But Jesus never told us to fear the last days. Luke 21:28 (NKJV) “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” 4. The Righteous Are Bold Proverbs 28:1 (NKJV) “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” 5. You Were Not Redeemed to Live in Bondage Galatians 5:1 (NKJV) “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” 6. Faith Is the Victory 1 John 5:4 (NKJV) “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 7. You Have Resurrection Power Inside You Romans 8:11 (NKJV) “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” 8. You Are More Than a Conqueror Romans 8:37 (NKJV) “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” 9. The Kingdom Is Advancing Matthew 16:18 (NKJV) “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” 10. The Gospel Is the Power of God Romans 1:16 (NKJV) “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” The answer to cultural chaos is not clever arguments. It's the Gospel. The Gospel carries power. Power to save. Power to heal. Power to deliver. Power to transform. When you preach Christ crucified and risen, heaven backs it. This is not the hour to shrink. This is not the hour to blend in. This is not the hour to whisper. It's the hour to believe the Bible again. Stop rehearsing what the enemy is doing. Start declaring what Jesus has done. You are not weak. You are not barely making it. You are not called to survive. You are filled with the Spirit of God. You carry authority in the name of Jesus. You are more than a conqueror.
Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Genesis 15:6 (NKJV) “And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” Romans 4:3 (NKJV) “For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.'”
The Days of Deception and the Call to Stand • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To support this ministry: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Church, we are living in an hour that Jesus Himself warned us about more than any other. Not wars. Not famines. Not earthquakes. But deception. The greatest danger of the last days is not persecution alone, but confusion. Not opposition alone, but compromise. Not suffering alone, but falling away. 1. Jesus Warned Us Deception Would Be the Primary Sign Matthew 24:4–5 (NKJV) “And Jesus answered and said to them: ‘Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, “I am the Christ,” and will deceive many.'” 2. Deception Increases Because Truth Is Rejected 2 Thessalonians 2:9–10 (NKJV) “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” 3. Itching Ears Replace Endurance 2 Timothy 4:3–4 (NKJV) “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” 4. Weak Foundations Produce Weak Christians Matthew 7:26–27 (NKJV) “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” 5. A Form of Godliness Without Power 2 Timothy 3:1–5 (NKJV) “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away.” 6. Deception Thrives Where Discernment Is Absent Hebrews 5:14 (NKJV) “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” 7. Many Will Fall Away Under Pressure Matthew 24:10–12 (NKJV) “And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” 8. The Lack of Fortitude Is a Lack of Root Luke 8:13 (NKJV) “But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.” 9. God Is Shaking What Can Be Shaken Hebrews 12:26–27 (NKJV) “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven. Now this, ‘Yet once more,' indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.” 10. Truth Must Be Loved More Than Comfort John 8:31–32 (NKJV) “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'” 11. Fortitude Is Built Through Perseverance James 1:2–4 (NKJV) “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” 12. The Call Is to Watchfulness and Sobriety 1 Peter 5:8–9 (NKJV) “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” 13. Many Refuse the Narrow Way Matthew 7:13–14 (NKJV) “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” 14. God Is Raising a Remnant Who Will Stand Revelation 3:10–11 (NKJV) “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” Church, deception is increasing because compromise has been tolerated. Itching ears have replaced endurance. Entertainment has replaced discipleship. But God is calling His people back to truth, holiness, and fortitude. This is not the hour to blend in. This is the hour to stand out. Not in arrogance, but in conviction. Not in fear, but in faith. Not in deception, but in truth. Ephesians 6:13 (NKJV) “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on December 28, 2025. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel. Sermon Text: 2 Corinthians 5:1-9 (NKJV) For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. 6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. Theme: Christmas Confidence 1. The Hope of Heaven 2. The Guarantee of the Spirit 3. The Eyes of Faith
Who Is the Holy Spirit? • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give The Holy Spirit is not a vague influence or an optional topic in Christianity. He is God Himself—personal, powerful, and present. Many believers struggle to understand who the Spirit is, yet He is the One who makes Christ real in us. Without Him, our faith becomes mechanical and powerless; with Him, it becomes alive and victorious. Let's look at 10 truths about who the Holy Spirit is, with Scripture and clear explanation. 1. The Holy Spirit Is God Acts 5:3–4 (NKJV): But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 2. The Holy Spirit Is a Person Ephesians 4:30 (NKJV): And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 3. The Holy Spirit Is Our Helper John 14:26 (NKJV): But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 4. The Holy Spirit Is the Spirit of Truth John 16:13 (NKJV): However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 5. The Holy Spirit Is the Empowerer Acts 1:8 (NKJV): But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 6. The Holy Spirit Is the Sanctifier (NKJV): …that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 7. The Holy Spirit Is the Teacher 1 Corinthians 2:13 (NKJV): These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 8. The Holy Spirit Is the Giver of Gifts 1 Corinthians 12:7–11 (NKJV): But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 9. The Holy Spirit Is the Spirit of Adoption Romans 8:15–16 (NKJV): For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. 10. The Holy Spirit Is the Spirit of Revival Joel 2:28 (NKJV): “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.” The Holy Spirit is God Himself—personal, present, and powerful. He comforts, teaches, empowers, sanctifies, and equips us. He makes the Christian life not just possible but victorious. As Galatians 5:25 (NKJV) says: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” To know the Spirit is to know God. To walk with the Spirit is to walk in step with heaven. CCLI: 21943673
The true Christmas story is far more powerful—and far more personal—than the version we often see wrapped in sentiment and tradition. Through Luke 2, Pastor Greg looks at how Christmas has been romanticized and even sidelined, yet the real story remains explosive: God stepped out of Heaven and into human history. Notes: Taking Christmas Back Luke 2 The real Christmas story is explosive. That’s because the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Christmas has been hijacked. Christmas has been emptied of its meaning. Portland, Oregon just had its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Christmas has perhaps been far too romanticized even by well-meaning Christians. The beauty of the true Christmas story has explosive power. The night when God Himself came to this earth. The first Christmas is when God stepped out of Heaven and entered history. Mary was living in Nazareth, a town known for its wickedness. Mary was a nobody in a nothing town in the middle of nowhere. The angel Gabriel had announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah. Luke 1:28–30 (NLT) Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!" Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. "Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "for you have found favor with God! Read Luke 2:1–7 Joseph is the unsung hero of the Christmas story. God’s selection of Joseph was just as significant as His selection of Mary. God, the Father in Heaven, chose Joseph to be a stepfather or father figure on earth for Jesus. Jesus grew up in many ways like any other child. We are in danger of becoming a fatherless society in America. That’s why Joseph matters. Hearing that Mary was pregnant, Joseph was willing to simply “put her away quietly,” to break the engagement. But the angel of the Lord came to Joseph, too. Matthew 1:20–21 (NKJV) But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." Luke is very meticulous in his reporting. Luke was not an eyewitness to the life of Jesus. He carefully researched and had first-person interviews with the principal characters of the story. It was his desire to bring a historical and accurate record of the life of Jesus. These are not fairy tales or legends Luke invented. Luke 1:3 Caesar Augustus was the first real Roman emperor. His real name was Caius Octavius. The Roman Republic was now the Roman Empire. One inscription that was found called Augustus Caesar “the savior of the whole world.” Luke 2:11–12 (NKJV) "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." The angel was saying, “Augustus is not the savior of Rome, Jesus is.” In a time when man wanted to be God, God became a man. God incarnate born on the dirt floor of a filthy cave. God became a fetus. Deity in diapers. Babies are so amazing and so helpless. You have to cradle their heads. “It was clearly a leap down— as if the Son of God rose from his splendor, stood poised on the rim of the universe irradiating light, and dove headlong, speeding through the stars over the Milky Way to earth’s galaxy . . . where he plunged into a huddle of animals. Nothing could be lower.” — R. Kent Hughes This symbolized Jesus’s whole life on this earth, from the cradle to the cross. 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. Luke 2:7 (NKJV) And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. That phrase became emblematic of Jesus’s life and ministry on earth. Christ said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” We didn’t have any room for Him, but He has many rooms for us. We effectively lose Jesus at Christmas. We say things like, “I would like to go to church, but I’m just too busy.” When Mary and Joseph got back home, they realized Jesus was gone. This can happen to us, too. Not that we lose our salvation, but we can lose sight of Jesus. It’s not about Christmas presents but His Christmas presence. The message of Christmas is, “let us worship.” We need a savior because we are sinners. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The true Christmas story is far more powerful—and far more personal—than the version we often see wrapped in sentiment and tradition. Through Luke 2, Pastor Greg looks at how Christmas has been romanticized and even sidelined, yet the real story remains explosive: God stepped out of Heaven and into human history. Notes: Taking Christmas Back Luke 2 The real Christmas story is explosive. That’s because the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Christmas has been hijacked. Christmas has been emptied of its meaning. Portland, Oregon just had its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Christmas has perhaps been far too romanticized even by well-meaning Christians. The beauty of the true Christmas story has explosive power. The night when God Himself came to this earth. The first Christmas is when God stepped out of Heaven and entered history. Mary was living in Nazareth, a town known for its wickedness. Mary was a nobody in a nothing town in the middle of nowhere. The angel Gabriel had announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah. Luke 1:28–30 (NLT) Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!" Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. "Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "for you have found favor with God! Read Luke 2:1–7 Joseph is the unsung hero of the Christmas story. God’s selection of Joseph was just as significant as His selection of Mary. God, the Father in Heaven, chose Joseph to be a stepfather or father figure on earth for Jesus. Jesus grew up in many ways like any other child. We are in danger of becoming a fatherless society in America. That’s why Joseph matters. Hearing that Mary was pregnant, Joseph was willing to simply “put her away quietly,” to break the engagement. But the angel of the Lord came to Joseph, too. Matthew 1:20–21 (NKJV) But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." Luke is very meticulous in his reporting. Luke was not an eyewitness to the life of Jesus. He carefully researched and had first-person interviews with the principal characters of the story. It was his desire to bring a historical and accurate record of the life of Jesus. These are not fairy tales or legends Luke invented. Luke 1:3 Caesar Augustus was the first real Roman emperor. His real name was Caius Octavius. The Roman Republic was now the Roman Empire. One inscription that was found called Augustus Caesar “the savior of the whole world.” Luke 2:11–12 (NKJV) "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." The angel was saying, “Augustus is not the savior of Rome, Jesus is.” In a time when man wanted to be God, God became a man. God incarnate born on the dirt floor of a filthy cave. God became a fetus. Deity in diapers. Babies are so amazing and so helpless. You have to cradle their heads. “It was clearly a leap down— as if the Son of God rose from his splendor, stood poised on the rim of the universe irradiating light, and dove headlong, speeding through the stars over the Milky Way to earth’s galaxy . . . where he plunged into a huddle of animals. Nothing could be lower.” — R. Kent Hughes This symbolized Jesus’s whole life on this earth, from the cradle to the cross. 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. Luke 2:7 (NKJV) And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. That phrase became emblematic of Jesus’s life and ministry on earth. Christ said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” We didn’t have any room for Him, but He has many rooms for us. We effectively lose Jesus at Christmas. We say things like, “I would like to go to church, but I’m just too busy.” When Mary and Joseph got back home, they realized Jesus was gone. This can happen to us, too. Not that we lose our salvation, but we can lose sight of Jesus. It’s not about Christmas presents but His Christmas presence. The message of Christmas is, “let us worship.” We need a savior because we are sinners. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If God can perfectly order the events of the Christmas story, we can entrust Him with stories of our own. We should mirror Mary's surrender and submission to God's plan. Notes: Galatians 4:4 (NKJV)But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law. READ Luke 1:26–33 #1 God Is Always On Time Luke 1:28 (NKJV)“Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” Luke 1:29 (NKJV)But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. God is always on time. READ Luke 1:34–38 #2 God’s Timing Requires Our Surrender Luke 1:38 (NKJV)“Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” Matthew 6:10 (NKJV)Your kingdom come.Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. READ Mark 8:34–36 God’s plan is always better. Surrender doesn’t mean God makes everything comfortable.It means God makes everything count. Surrender always leads to Christ. Psalm 84:10 (NKJV)For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my Godthan dwell in the tents of wickedness. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”—Jim Elliott READ Luke 1:39–45 #3 Our Obedience Has A Radius Luke 1:15 (NKJV)For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. What is God asking you to do? What areas in your life is God calling you to submit and surrender? Too many Christians are satisfied with comfort when God is offering conquest. Obey God.Submit to scripture.Live a life of integrity committed to God. Let it be to me according to your word. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If God can perfectly order the events of the Christmas story, we can entrust Him with stories of our own. We should mirror Mary's surrender and submission to God's plan. Notes: Galatians 4:4 (NKJV)But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law. READ Luke 1:26–33 #1 God Is Always On Time Luke 1:28 (NKJV)“Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” Luke 1:29 (NKJV)But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. God is always on time. READ Luke 1:34–38 #2 God’s Timing Requires Our Surrender Luke 1:38 (NKJV)“Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” Matthew 6:10 (NKJV)Your kingdom come.Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. READ Mark 8:34–36 God’s plan is always better. Surrender doesn’t mean God makes everything comfortable.It means God makes everything count. Surrender always leads to Christ. Psalm 84:10 (NKJV)For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my Godthan dwell in the tents of wickedness. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”—Jim Elliott READ Luke 1:39–45 #3 Our Obedience Has A Radius Luke 1:15 (NKJV)For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. What is God asking you to do? What areas in your life is God calling you to submit and surrender? Too many Christians are satisfied with comfort when God is offering conquest. Obey God.Submit to scripture.Live a life of integrity committed to God. Let it be to me according to your word. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BREAKING THE FALSE REALITY — FOCUSING YOUR MIND ON GOD'S TRUTH • Sunday Service ebsite: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give There is a fierce war over the mind in this hour. The enemy builds false realities, mental prisons shaped by fear, shame, distraction, and deception. These false constructs are designed to keep you from seeing what is actually true in the Kingdom of God. But the Lord calls His people to walk in clarity, truth, and spiritual perception—not illusion. Today, we expose the lies and lift up the truth. We tear down the constructs of the enemy and align our minds with God's reality. 1. Romans 12:2 (NKJV) “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” 2. 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (NKJV) “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 3. Isaiah 8:12 (NKJV) “Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,' Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 4. Romans 1:21 (NKJV) “Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” 5. John 8:32 (NKJV) “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 6. Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” 7. Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” 8. Colossians 3:2 (NKJV) “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” 9. 1 Peter 1:13 (NKJV) “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 10. Joshua 1:8 (NKJV) “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” The enemy wants to trap you in a false reality — one built on fear, rumor, assumptions, imaginations, and cultural deception. But God calls you into His reality — one grounded in truth, clarity, authority, and identity. Today, God invites you to: • Break the false constructs • Reject conspiracy-driven fear • Cast down vain imaginations • Renew your mind in truth • Focus your thoughts on what is real, eternal, and God-centered When your mind aligns with the Word of God, every lie loses its power, every illusion falls, and you step boldly into the freedom Jesus already purchased for you.
1 Peter 2:25 (NKJV)For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.This is one of those verses I write in my journal every time I come to it. There's a peace that settles over me when I am reminded He is the Shepherd and Overseer of my soul.I talked about my ER visit in the episode "Bright Spots," but when I came to this verse, I noticed even more of the ways God had been caring for me. I also tell the story of the perfectly-timed letter. It was one of those unmistakable reminders of God's kindness and how He often shepherds us through the timely obedience of others.We'll look briefly at the simple needs of sheep (including their daily need for water) and how it points us back to Jesus' invitation to come to Him for living water. Maybe you're like me and need those reminders again and again.I'll end with the song, “Where He Restores.”If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time gift, thank you!https://www.sherriyoungward.com/supportTo find out about upcoming gatherings and new projects, please join my email list at www.sherriyoungward.com
Overcoming Disappointment: Trusting God's Will • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.toddcoconato.com/give Disappointment is something we all face in life. Whether it's failed plans, betrayals, setbacks, or things simply not going the way we expected, the weight of disappointment can feel overwhelming. However, as believers, we have a different perspective—one that is rooted in faith and trust in God's perfect will. Today, we will explore how to handle disappointment by laying it before the Lord and experiencing the true freedom that only Christ can give. 1. Psalm 55:22 (NKJV) “Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. 2. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 3. Romans 8:28 (NKJV) “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” 4. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NKJV) “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 5. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV) “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.'” 6. Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 7. 1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV) “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 8. Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” 9. Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV) “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” 10. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Disappointment is inevitable, but despair is optional. As believers, we don't have to carry the weight of unfulfilled expectations. Instead, we can cast our burdens on the Lord, trust in His higher ways, and rest in His perfect peace. The most freeing thing we can do is surrender everything to Christ, knowing that He is working all things together for our good. Today, I encourage you—whatever disappointment you are carrying, lay it down at the feet of Jesus. Let Him turn your pain into purpose, your sorrow into joy, and your confusion into peace. CCLI: 21943673
When God Brings You to a Crossroad Season • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To support this ministry: www.ToddCoconato.com/give 1. 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NKJV) “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” 2. Isaiah 55:8–9 (NKJV) “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” 3. Psalm 37:5 (NKJV) “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” 4. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NKJV) “Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 5. Proverbs 9:9 (NKJV) “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” 6. Ephesians 5:9 (NKJV) “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.” 7. Daniel 11:32 (NKJV) “But the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” 8. Philippians 3:13–14 (NKJV) “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” CCLI: 21943673
Did The Bible Warn Us About Mamdan? • The Todd Coconato Show Website: www.toddcoconato.com | www.pastortodd.org To give and support this ministry and these broadcasts: www.toddcoconato.com/give We are living in prophetic times. New York City, one of the most influential cities on earth, has just elected a leader aligned with a worldview in direct opposition to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many are shocked... but spiritually, we should not be surprised. Scripture gives us a blueprint for moments like this. When a people turn away from God, they begin selecting leaders who reflect their rebellion. This is not only a political moment. This is a spiritual moment. Understanding the Biblical Pattern: Israel Chooses Saul To understand what is happening spiritually, we need to revisit a foundational story from the Bible in the book of 1 Samuel. Israel was originally led by God Himself. He raised up prophets and judges to guide them. But the people grew restless. They saw the nations around them ruled by kings, and they wanted to look like the world. They wanted a king they could see, someone impressive, someone who gave the illusion of strength and control. They went to God's prophet, Samuel, and demanded a king. Samuel warned them by the Spirit of God that a worldly ruler would bring hardship, oppression, and spiritual decay. But they refused to listen. They insisted on choosing what looked strong rather than who was godly. 1 Samuel 8:7 (NKJV) “And the Lord said to Samuel… they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.” Saul was chosen because he appeared powerful and charismatic. Scripture says he was taller and more impressive than anyone else. To the natural eye, he looked like a champion. But Saul did not have a heart after God. He did not honor God's commands. He feared the people more than he feared the Lord. He made decisions based on popularity, power, and image instead of obedience and truth. In time, Saul's leadership brought confusion, fear, moral compromise, and spiritual decline to Israel. It took years and great suffering before the nation turned back to God's standard and God raised up David, a man after His own heart. Here is the parallel: Israel chose a leader like the world and suffered spiritually. America's largest cultural city has now made a choice based not on righteousness, but on ideology and image. God is showing us the pattern again. The point is not an individual leader. The point is spiritual drift. When a people reject God, their leadership choices reflect that rejection. The good news: In Scripture, after Saul came David. Judgment shook the nation awake, and God raised a remnant. He always does. Now… what do we do? 1. We must not fear. Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you… I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Explanation: Fear paralyzes the Church. God calls us to stand with courage. He will hold us up in turbulent times. 2. We must repent and humble ourselves. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…” “…then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” Explanation: Our hope is not in political outcomes… it is in repentance and returning to God. 3. We must discern the times. 1 Chronicles 12:32 (NKJV) “...the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…” Explanation: The Church must not be spiritually asleep. We must discern and respond, not merely observe. 4. We must cry out like watchmen. Isaiah 62:6–7 (NKJV) “You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent… give Him no rest till He establishes…” Explanation: Watchmen do not complain… they cry out in prayer without ceasing. 5. We must expose and stand against false ideologies. 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (NKJV) “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God…” “…casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.” Explanation: We confront ideas and spiritual strongholds, not flesh and blood. 6. We must put on spiritual armor. Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers…” Explanation: This is not political warfare… it is spiritual warfare. 7. We must refuse compromise and hold the line. Romans 12:2 (NKJV) “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Explanation: The Church cannot bow to cultural pressure. We must stand apart and walk in renewal. 8. We must preach Jesus boldly. Acts 4:12 (NKJV) “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven… by which we must be saved.” Explanation: Revival does not come through comfort or silence… it comes through bold proclamation of the Name of Jesus. This is not the moment to retreat. This is the time to: • watch • pray • repent • stand • disciple • preach Jesus • return to holiness • contend for revival Just like in the days of Saul and Samuel, God will raise Davids. He will strengthen His remnant. But we must awake. We must respond. We must stand.
You Sure About That? Pt. 1 In this message, Pastor Jason Daughdrill from Gateway Church (TN) dives deep into one of the most misunderstood topics in Christianity — tithing. Jesus said, “You cannot serve God and Mammon” (Matthew 6:24). This message isn't about money — it's about masters.Discover how tithing tears down the idol of Mammon, transforms your heart, and realigns your trust in Heaven's economy.
Abba Ministries is here to serve you!Estamos para servirte!There is a wide territory of blessings waiting for you on the other side of your situation… but there is also opposition along the journey to get there. Don't worry — JESUS is with you!
“Why, Christian, Are You Depressed? It's Time to Get Up!” • Sunday Service Website: www.toddcoconato.com | www.pastortodd.org To give and support this ministry and these broadcasts: www.toddcoconato.com/give So many in the body of Christ today are walking around heavy, weary, and weighed down. Depression has become a silent battle in the lives of believers everywhere. But the question the Lord is asking in this hour is: Why, Christian, are you depressed? You have resurrection power living inside of you. You are not a victim of your emotions—you are a victor through Christ Jesus. It's time to get up, shake off the heaviness, and walk into the new season of praise and thanksgiving that God has prepared for you. 1. Psalm 42:11 (NKJV) “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” 2. Isaiah 61:3 (NKJV) “To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…” 3. Philippians 4:6–7 (NKJV) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 4. Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV) “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 5. Psalm 34:17–18 (NKJV) “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” 6. Romans 12:2 (NKJV) “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” 7. 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (NKJV) “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God…” 8. Psalm 30:11–12 (NKJV) “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, to the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.” It's time to rise up, Christian. You've spent enough time under the weight of sadness and fear. The Lord is calling His people into maturity—into a season where we no longer live by emotions but by faith. Depression loses its grip when you begin to thank God for what He's already done, rather than waiting for everything to be perfect. You may not feel it right now, but joy is coming. God is saying, “Get up. Wash your face. Put on the garment of praise. I am doing a new thing.” This is your moment to step out of the valley and into His victory. Lift your hands, open your mouth, and declare: “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth!” (Psalm 34:1 NKJV) CCLI: 21943673
The Church That Hell Fears! • Pastor Todd Coconato LIVE at Living Proof - Conroe, TX Website: www.toddcoconato.com | www.pastortodd.org To give and support this ministry and these broadcasts: www.toddcoconato.com/give Romans 8:11 (NKJV) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. John 14:12 (NKJV) Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also. And greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 1 Corinthians 12:7 (NKJV) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NKJV) Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 4:20 (NKJV) For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. Luke 10:19 (NKJV) Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Mark 16:17–18 (NKJV) And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues, they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. Acts 1:8 (NKJV) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
You Can't Curse What God Has Blessed • Friday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To Give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Numbers 23:19–23 (NKJV) “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it. He has not observed iniquity in Jacob, Nor has He seen wickedness in Israel. The Lord his God is with him, And the shout of a King is among them. God brings them out of Egypt; He has strength like a wild ox. For there is no sorcery against Jacob, Nor any divination against Israel. It now must be said of Jacob And of Israel, ‘Oh, what God has done!'” Galatians 3:13–14 (NKJV) “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree'), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” John 8:44 (NKJV) “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” Psalm 47:1–2 (NKJV) “Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.” Deuteronomy 28:2–6 (NKJV) “And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God: Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Romans 5:17 (NKJV) “For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” 1 John 4:4 (NKJV) “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 2 Corinthians 4:17–18 (NKJV) “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Philippians 2:9–10 (NKJV) “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth.” Acts 2:17 (NKJV) “‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.'”
The Shift • Pastor Todd Coconato LIVE at Voice of God Conference Arizona Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Enjoy this powerful message from Pastor Todd, LIVE from the Voice of God Conference Arizona! Acts 2:17 (NKJV) “‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.'” Mark 16:17–18 (NKJV) “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” John 14:12 (NKJV) “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” Luke 19:13 (NKJV) “So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.'” 2 Thessalonians 2:7 (NKJV) “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.”
The Power of Atonement – Freedom Through the Blood” • Friday Service Visit our website at www.pastortodd.org To help us in our mission: www.toddcoconato.com/give 1. Leviticus 16:30 (NKJV) “For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the Lord.” 2. Hebrews 9:12 (NKJV) “Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” 3. John 1:29 (NKJV) “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” 4. Romans 5:9 (NKJV) “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 5. Isaiah 53:5–6 (NKJV) “He was wounded for our transgressions… and by His stripes we are healed.” 6. Colossians 2:14–15 (NKJV) “…having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us… He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” 7. Revelation 12:11 (NKJV) “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…” 8. Hebrews 10:19–22 (NKJV) “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus…”
The Church Has Crossed a Red Line • Sunday Service Website www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give The Church has crossed into a moment unlike anything we've seen before. Pastor Todd Coconato delivers a prophetic message on freedom, revival, and the rising warfare against believers. From breaking shame to exposing religious bondage, this word reveals the urgent hour we are living in. Galatians 5:1 (NKJV) “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” John 8:36 (NKJV) “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” Romans 8:21 (NKJV) “Because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NKJV) “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” Isaiah 60:1–2 (NKJV) “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.” Ephesians 6:13 (NKJV) “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NKJV) “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” Revelation 12:11 (NKJV) “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”
This Is the Hour of His Power • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give This is not the hour of defeat. This is not the hour of weakness. This is not the hour for the Church of Jesus Christ to hide. No—this is the hour of His power! God has reserved the greatest outpouring of His Spirit for the end-time Church. But to step into it, we must be sincere, authentic, and willing to let God deal with our hearts. This is the moment to shake off compromise, hypocrisy, and double-mindedness and step boldly into the fullness of His anointing. 1. We Must Take a Real Inventory of Our Hearts Psalm 139:23–24 (NKJV): “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” 2. We Must Be Clear About Our Motives and Objectives James 4:3 (NKJV): “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” 3. We Must Have the Right Heart Posture Isaiah 66:2 (NKJV): “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.” 4. We Must Be Real With Ourselves Revelation 3:15–16 (NKJV): “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” 5. We Must Recognize This Is the Greatest Hour for the Church Habakkuk 2:14 (NKJV): “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, As the waters cover the sea.” 6. We Must Walk in Sincerity and Authenticity Matthew 5:8 (NKJV): “Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.” God is not looking for performers—He is looking for pure hearts. Authentic Christianity will carry weight in this hour. People are tired of plastic religion. They are hungry for the real thing. If we are sincere and genuine, the power of God will confirm the truth through us. 7. We Must Step into Expectation Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV): “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” Church, this is the hour of His power. The world may be in chaos, but the kingdom of God is advancing. The devil may roar, but his time is short. God is raising up a purified, Spirit-filled, miracle-working Church for such a time as this. But we must be real. We must check our hearts, clarify our motives, and posture ourselves in humility. We must step into this hour with faith, sincerity, and expectation. Romans 8:19 (NKJV): “For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.” This is our moment. This is our hour. This is the hour of His power—let's rise up and walk in it! CCLI: 21943673
The Weight of His Glory • Friday Service Website www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NKJV): “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” Zechariah 4:6 (NKJV): “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” Psalm 24:3–4 (NKJV): “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” Romans 12:1 (NKJV): “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Habakkuk 2:14 (NKJV): “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NKJV): “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
The Feast of Trumpets: The Sound of Awakening • Friday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Leviticus 23:23–24 (NKJV) “Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the children of Israel, saying: In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation.'” Numbers 29:1 (NKJV) “And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work. For you it is a day of blowing the trumpets.” Joel 2:1 (NKJV) “Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord is coming, for it is at hand.” Numbers 10:2 (NKJV) “Make two silver trumpets for yourself; you shall make them of hammered work; you shall use them for calling the congregation and for directing the movement of the camps.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 (NKJV) “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:51–52 (NKJV) “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” Isaiah 58:1 (NKJV) “Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet; tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Joshua 6:20 (NKJV) “So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.” Revelation 11:15 (NKJV) “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!'” Romans 13:11 (NKJV) “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first
Who Is the Holy Spirit? • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give The Holy Spirit is not a vague influence or an optional topic in Christianity. He is God Himself—personal, powerful, and present. Many believers struggle to understand who the Spirit is, yet He is the One who makes Christ real in us. Without Him, our faith becomes mechanical and powerless; with Him, it becomes alive and victorious. Let's look at 10 truths about who the Holy Spirit is, with Scripture and clear explanation. 1. The Holy Spirit Is God Acts 5:3–4 (NKJV): But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 2. The Holy Spirit Is a Person Ephesians 4:30 (NKJV): And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 3. The Holy Spirit Is Our Helper John 14:26 (NKJV): But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 4. The Holy Spirit Is the Spirit of Truth John 16:13 (NKJV): However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 5. The Holy Spirit Is the Empowerer Acts 1:8 (NKJV): But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 6. The Holy Spirit Is the Sanctifier Romans 15:16 (NKJV): …that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 7. The Holy Spirit Is the Teacher 1 Corinthians 2:13 (NKJV): These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 8. The Holy Spirit Is the Giver of Gifts 1 Corinthians 12:7–11 (NKJV): But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 9. The Holy Spirit Is the Spirit of Adoption Romans 8:15–16 (NKJV): For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. 10. The Holy Spirit Is the Spirit of Revival Joel 2:28 (NKJV): “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.” The Holy Spirit is God Himself—personal, present, and powerful. He comforts, teaches, empowers, sanctifies, and equips us. He makes the Christian life not just possible but victorious. As Galatians 5:25 (NKJV) says: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” To know the Spirit is to know God. To walk with the Spirit is to walk in step with heaven. CCLI: 21943673
Why We Stand • Friday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” The evil day is here. But by God's Spirit, we will not bow, we will not compromise, and we will not lose heart. (Ephesians 6:13, NKJV) “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13, NKJV) “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11, NKJV) “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7, NKJV) “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14, NKJV) “One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4, NKJV) “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12, NKJV) “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV) “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34, NKJV) “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10, NKJV) “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2, NKJV)
Why I Have to Be in a Season of Waiting • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.toddcoconato.com/give Waiting is one of the hardest things God asks us to do. We want answers now, doors open now, breakthrough now. But Scripture teaches that waiting is not wasted—it's one of God's most powerful tools to shape us, strengthen us, and align us with His perfect timing. Let's walk through ten passages that show why God calls us into seasons of waiting. 1. Waiting Renews Strength Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV): “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” 2. Waiting Teaches Us God's Timing Habakkuk 2:3 (NKJV): “For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” 3. Waiting Builds Endurance in Trials Romans 5:3–4 (NKJV): “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” 4. Waiting Is Part of God's Goodness Lamentations 3:25–26 (NKJV): “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” 5. Waiting Keeps Us from Running Ahead of God Psalm 27:14 (NKJV): “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” 6. Waiting Prepares Us to Receive the Promise Hebrews 6:12 (NKJV): “That you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” 7. Waiting Shows God Is Working All Things for Good Romans 8:28 (NKJV): “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” 8. Waiting Protects Us from the Wrong Door Psalm 37:7 (NKJV): “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.” 9. Waiting Produces Blessing in Due Season Galatians 6:9 (NKJV): “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” 10. Waiting Prepares Us for Christ's Return Titus 2:13 (NKJV): “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Beloved, if you are in a season of waiting, remember this: waiting is not wasted. God is renewing your strength, building your character, protecting you from wrong doors, and aligning you with His perfect timing. The waiting is a setup for the promise. Be of good courage, and wait on the Lord! CCLI: 21943673
267. Apologetics with Ray Comfort Acts 4:20 NKJV "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” **Transcription Below** Ray Comfort is a best selling author - having written over 100 books, including his most recent one, entitled Fifty Years of Open-Air Preaching: Everything I've Learned. He is a cohost of an award-winning television show that airs in 190 countries. Living Waters Website Living Waters YouTube Channel Questions and Topics We Cover: What are some memorable encounters you've had over the years as an open-air preacher? What fears do you notice holding believers back from evangelizing? What's an easy win or next step we can take today so that the inspiration from this conversation turns into action? Related Episodes on The Savvy Sauce: School Series (Legal) Gospel Sharing During School Hours with Joel Penton Stories Series: Faith Building Miracles with Dave Pridemore Stories Series: Testify to Glorify with Richard Gamble Thank You to Our Sponsor: Sam Leman Eureka Connect with The Savvy Sauce Facebook, Instagram or Our Website Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast! Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.” Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“ Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“ Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” *Transcription* Music: (0:00 – 0:09) Laura Dugger: (0:10 - 1:18) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here. Leman Property Management Company has the apartment you will be able to call home, with over 1,700 apartment units available in Central Illinois. Visit them today at lemanproperties.com or connect with them on Facebook. I'm delighted with this opportunity to interview my special guest for today, Mr. Ray Comfort. Ray is a best-selling author of over 100 books, one of which we'll be discussing today, about 50 years of open-air preaching. He's also a co-host of an award-winning television show that airs in over 190 countries around the world. So, I'm pleased to welcome Ray Comfort and get to hear all of his stories and inspiration. Here's our chat. Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Ray. Ray Comfort: (1:19 - 1:27) Well, thank you for having me. Can you explain Savvy Sauce to me? Absolutely. That means knowledge, knowledge poured out. Laura Dugger: (1:27 - 1:46) Well, savvy is synonymous with practical or insight. And my husband having a background in Chick-fil-A, people always talk about the Chick-fil-A sauce or the secret sauce. And so, when we were creating this podcast, that just became the favorite question that I wanted to ask every guest. Ray Comfort: (1:47 - 1:50) Oh, that's great. Yeah, it's great to be with you. Thanks for having me on. Laura Dugger: (1:51 - 2:00) It's truly my pleasure. And I just love how everybody has a unique testimony. So, would you be willing to share your salvation story with us? Ray Comfort: (2:01 - 4:47) Yeah, sure. I came from a non-Christian background. My mother was Jewish. My dad was Gentile. And when my mom met my dad, it caused problems in the family. So, they brought me up with no Christian instruction or any instruction whatsoever. Until at the age of 10, an aunt taught me the Lord's Prayer, which I prayed every night for 10 years. I believed in God. And at the age of about 20, 21, I had an epiphany, just a revelation that I was part of the ultimate statistic. 10 out of 10 die. And I thought, this is ridiculous. We're all waiting around to die. And you can have fun while you're dying. You can play sports or save money. And I'd achieved everything I wanted to achieve by the age of 21. I had my own business and my own house, my own wife. I'd made one child by then. Everything material I could want. And I remember one night just going to sleep, or my wife had gone to sleep just before I went to sleep. I looked at my wife, we're newly married, and I just wept at the thought of her dying. And I just cried out, why? Why is this thing called death? It's like there's an elephant in the room stomping on all humanity and nobody talks about it. And so, I cried out, why? I didn't know I was praying. I didn't know God heard. And six months later, I was on a surfing trip, and there was a young Christian guy there, and he had a Bible, and I remember reading parts of it. And my eyes fell upon, you've heard it said, by them of old you shall not commit adultery. And I thought, well, if there is a heaven, I'll make it there because I've never committed adultery. But then I read the words of Jesus, but I say to you, whoever looks upon a woman to lust for her has committed adultery already with her in his heart. And it was like an arrow went into my chest. And I thought, whoa, boy, am I undone. Because like every red-blooded male, I was filled with unlawful sexual desire and eyes full of adultery, as scripture says. And that's when I understood the cross. I realized I had sinned. Jesus bore my sin. And we broke the law, the commandments. Jesus paid the fine. And that meant God could forgive my sins, grant me everlasting life. And I cannot express to you the joy, it was unspeakable, that's why I can't express it, that I had and the knowledge my sins were forgiven. It was like an explosion of gratitude filled my heart. And for the last 50 years, it's been the high-octane fuel that's driven me to live for God's will and honor. So everywhere I go and everything I do is centered around sharing the gospel with unsaved people. And every Christian should be like that. I call myself a normal, biblical Christian. Laura Dugger: (4:48 - 4:59) I love that. Well, and something that you speak about and that you live out is open-air preaching. And I just want to read a piece from the dedication page, if that's okay. Ray Comfort: (5:01 - 5:03) So, make sure you speak in a New Zealand accent. Laura Dugger: (5:03 - 5:28) Oh, goodness. I won't even attempt. But you define open-air preaching saying, going somewhere I don't want to go, to preach a message I don't want to preach, to people who don't want to hear it, but the love of Christ compels me. And so, Ray, what was your journey to becoming an open-air preacher? Ray Comfort: (5:30 - 9:18) Well, I'll go back to when I was 16. I was in high school, and the teacher had the bright idea to have class speeches. And I was horrified at the thought of class speeches. Have to get up and make a speech? Because I was kind of introverted, and the day came when I got caught. I used to stay away when they had class speeches, but my name was left on the roster, and it was last. And the teacher got me up, and I thought I'll speak on the subject of surfing because I just loved surfing. And I dried up in the middle of that speech. My heart just went thump, thump, thump, thump till I could hardly hear. It was like a drum beating, and I couldn't think straight. And I sat down humiliated in front of my peers at the age of 16, which is huge. And I vowed never, ever to speak in public again. But I got born again. I became a new person in Christ. And I had a message that I could not be quiet about. And I remember one day I was on a bus going to the city, and I remember looking at the people that were sitting on the bus, and I thought most of them probably not Christians. They die. They're going to Hell. I've found everlasting life. I should stand up and speak to them. And I thought the bus would stop, and a whole lot of them would throw me off. And I thought, what do I do? And I remember praying, oh, God, if there's just some way where I could speak in public to people knowing there wasn't. And two weeks later, they legalized public speaking in our city through just strange circumstances. And I thought, whoa, what an answer to prayer. Horrors. And I remember avoiding any thought of going into that speaker's corner for the next two weeks until I opened a newspaper. Remember what newspapers were? I opened a newspaper and had a picture of an elderly lady with a Bible in her hand, and underneath it had the Bible lady sharing her Christian testimony in speaker's corner. And I felt so ashamed that here was an elderly lady, and here I was hiding like Jonah. So, I went in, took a deep breath, and preached the gospel to a crowd that was standing or sitting there. And I went back about 3,000 times and commuted to it for about 12 years, almost daily for 12 years. So, I broke the sound barrier, and I've been doing it ever since. And I'll tell you why I do it, because the average church wouldn't reach as many people in a year as a good open-air preacher can reach in 30 minutes. And you just have to learn how to draw a crowd and what to say, and you've got to have the will to say it. And if you're a Christian and you've found everlasting life, you should be saying with the disciples, I cannot but speak that which I've seen and heard. And I'm so glad the disciples didn't stay in the upper room. They found everlasting life. God granted eternal life. They didn't carpet out the room, put in pipe music, with a little notice outside their door, tonight, 7 o'clock, all welcome. They didn't do that, because they knew fish don't jump into the boat. That's not normal. If you're a fisher of men, you've got to go where the fish are. So, they went open-air and preached. And as you read the book of Acts, that's all they did. They preached open air at peril of their lives. And so if we want to walk in the steps of Jesus, in the steps of the disciples, in the steps of Spurgeon, Wesley, Moody, Whitfield, others down through the ages, then we've got to open our mouths and lift up our voice like a trumpet and show these people their transgression. And so, I am thrilled that you want to do an interview on this book, because I've often said the church has as much excitement about evangelism as you and I have about having a root canal. It's not exciting. But we all have fears, and we can learn to overcome them. Laura Dugger: (9:18 - 9:38) Ray, you make already such a compelling argument for why we as Christians are called to evangelize and deliver the good news and specifically calling it as open-air preachers. So, will you still share a few more arguments or reasons to try and help people understand why this is of utmost importance? Ray Comfort: (9:39 - 10:47) Yes, we have a moral obligation. We're like doctors with a cure to cancer. We must speak, as the disciples said. And if you've got fear, let me ask you a question. Could you jump into a pond that had big chunks of ice in it? It was so cold that you would die if you stayed in it for three minutes. And most people say, no, no, you wouldn't get me jumping into that pond for anything. Let's say a four-year-old boy fell into that pond and his feet couldn't reach the bottom, and he began to drown. You wouldn't hesitate. You'd just jump in. You wouldn't worry about how cold it was. Grab that kid and pull him out. And the waters of personal evangelism are freezing. Ice cold. We're not excited about it. Last thing we ever want to do is get involved in something like this. But love cannot but do something. Love couldn't stand there and watch a child drown. And love cannot sit on a pew while sinners sink into Hell. So, if you've got problems with fear, don't pray for less fear. Pray for more love because that's the problem. Laura Dugger: (10:48 - 11:02) Ray, I'm curious. You seem so confident and comfortable with this, but clearly you've been doing it, like you said, for many years. So, was there fear at the beginning for you? And is there still fear when you do this today? Ray Comfort: (11:03 - 18:09) No, there wasn't fear at the beginning. Fear is here. Terror is here. Mortification is here. I was up there somewhere. So, the first time I did it was terrifying. Second time wasn't quite so terrifying. But after all these years, I still battle fear, always. Every person I got a witness to on a one-to-one basis looks like Goliath. It goes from a Zacchaeus to a Goliath in a split second. I think a witness to that guy, he's anti-Christian. I can see it by the look on his jawline. He hates Christians. Can't wait to get his fingers around the neck of any Christian because I've got overripe imagination. I remember once I was driving my car and I saw a dead dog on the road about 100 yards ahead of me and it was such a sad sight. I could see its head was all twisted back and I could see its ears. It was a German shepherd. And as I got up to it, it was someone's jacket that had fallen off his bike. That's all. And I just had an overripe imagination. And that's exactly what it's like when it comes to fear. I have an imagination that some guy's going to kill me if I share the gospel with him. So, I've learned to not listen when fear speaks. I've learned to think about the fate of the person rather than myself. I mean, think of a firefighter. He arrives at a fire, and he looks up and he has to climb a 60-foot ladder. At the top of the ladder is a woman and two children leaning out of a window and the place is on fire. It's the fifth story. And they're screaming because they're going to be burned alive in about three minutes. So, he's got to climb that ladder amidst the screaming, amidst the smoke and the sirens. He could drop one of those kids. He could drop that woman. And so, would he rather be at home with his wife and kids watching an old black-and-white movie? Of course. Is he terrified? Absolutely. But he doesn't listen to his fears because of this one fact. He's not thinking of himself. He's thinking of that woman and her terrible fate and those kids. And that's the key to overcoming fear. When I get my fears, I don't listen because I'm not thinking of myself and my silly little fears, my imagination. I'm thinking of this person and their terrible fate, that they die in their sins. Lake of fire. Damned. If you think death is fearful on this side, wait till the other side. It's a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. And the apostle Paul said, Wherefore, knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men. So, if you've got a wrong image of God, it's kind of like a Santa Claus sitting in a cloud. You won't have a terror in your heart. You won't fear God enough to obey him. You know, Jesus said, “Why do you call me Lord and do not the things that I tell you?” And so, if we are submitted to Christ, if we yield to him, if he's our Lord, when he says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” We go. He didn't say to stay. Think of what he said. Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. I've actually studied the original Greek words of the word all, every, and go. Go actually means in the original, I think it's passe. The original Greek, it actually means go. Into all the world and all the world. That word all means all in the original Greek. And to every creature means every creature. So, when Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature”, in the original Greek, he actually was saying, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” So, we're so fortunate to have Greek lexicons and things that we can go back and see what Jesus was actually saying. And so, it's very simple. We shouldn't stay. We shouldn't want to fill our churches with people when they come in, where to go out and get them. And one of the most effective ways is with open air preaching. And so, we teach people how to get a crowd. Now, when I first started speaking, I would begin open air preaching with an anecdote, something very gripping. And it was always difficult because if I didn't live up to that, I didn't get a crowd. And so, for about four or five or six years, it was very difficult. And then I started asking trivia and giving away money. And I've been doing that for 30, 40 years, where you say to a crowd, I've got some trivia questions, giving away money. And a preacher giving away money is like water running uphill. It's kind of unnatural, so it gets people's attention. So, I'm going to ask trivia questions. I've got money here to give away. When you get it right. What's the capital of France? Anyone know? And someone says, “Paris?” That's right. Here you are. What's the capital of China? Beijing or whatever it is. Give out a dollar. Say, “What's your name?” Fred. That's right. And you give Fred a dollar and people laugh, and they gather around and it's just a great way to get rapport with a crowd. And while you're doing that, you look around to see who's got confidence. This guy over here, or Fred, laughs when I say, “Here's a dollar, and he yells out answers.” I say, “Fred, you want to go for $5?” He says, “Sure.” So, jump up on the box. So, we've got a box for the hecklers. So, you think you're a good person? He says, “Yeah, I'm a really good person.” So, if you are, you get $5. If you're not, give me $5 anyway. Just being a good sport. So, we're going to go through the Ten Commandments to see how you're going to do on Judgment Day and if you are a good person. Let me take him through the commandments as Jesus did with the rich young ruler. How many lies have you told? Ever stole something? Ever used God's name in vain? Ever looked at women with lust? And Fred says, “Yeah, I've done all those.” So, Fred, you've just told me you're a lying thief, a blasphemer, and an adulterer at heart. And you have to face God on Judgment Day. You're going to be innocent or guilty? He says, “Guilty.” Heaven or Hell? Hell. Does that concern you? Yeah, sure it does. And the crowd's listening. It's not some sweaty preacher pointing a finger at them. They're just listening to the gospel. And so, it's a great way. And then you go into that Christ died for our sins, took our punishment. And Fred, “Thanks for listening. I really appreciate this. Here's your dollar.” I've got a book for you that I wrote. I hope you enjoy it. Nice to meet you. He shook his hand. He's off. Anyone else, like any atheists here, never be intimidated by an atheist. Atheism is the epitome of stupidity. It's just so dumb. Every time I meet an atheist, I ask him one question, and I've seen so many atheists backslide when they've heard this. I say, “Do you really believe the scientific impossibility that nothing created everything? Puppies and kittens and flowers and seeds and the marvels of the human eye and the miracle of childbirth. All this happened because nothing created it. Do you really believe that?” They say, “Oh, no, I don't believe that. Oh, there was something in the beginning.” I say, “Oh, it just wasn't God. Is that it?” Yeah, that's it. It was something, but it wasn't God. Well, let's see if we can find out why you don't want it to be God. When did you last look at pornography? I say, “Oh, it was last night. What do you think God thinks of that?” And you realize the issue isn't intellectual. It's moral. They're running from God like Adam, hiding behind bushes. And so, you've just got to flush them out and then use the Ten Commandments to bring the knowledge of sin and address the conscience rather than the intellect. Let's take a quick break to hear a message from our sponsor. With over 1,700 apartment units available throughout Pekin, Peoria, Peoria Heights, Morton, Washington, and Canton, and with every price range covered, you will have plenty of options when you rent through Leman Property Management Company. Leman Property Management Company They have townhomes, duplexes, studios, and garden-style options located in many areas throughout Pekin. In Peoria, a historic downtown location and apartments adjacent to the OSF Medical Center provide excellent choices. 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Check them out on Facebook today or email their friendly staff at leasing@lemanprops.com. You can also stop by their website at lemanproperties.com. That's L-E-M-A-N-P-R-O-P-E-R-T-Y. Check them out and find your place to call home today. As you've done this, what has been your experience along the way? And would you even share a few stories of times that this has gone miraculously well and times that have been such a struggle? Ray Comfort: (20:19 - 30:16) It's always a struggle. But let me share the two great keys that I use when it comes to evangelism. I don't even like using the word evangelism because it scares Christians. Apologetics. And that is this. I address the conscience, as Jesus did. When you're in apologetics, and I believe in apologetics, we've got what's called the Evidence Study Bible, which is pregnant with apologetics. So, I believe in apologetics, but they have their place. Apologetics are like bait when you're fishing for men. If you stay with bait, you're going to end up with fat, happy fish that get away. You've got to have a hook, and that hook is God's law. So, you bait the hook. And so, it's important if you bait the hook with apologetics and address the intellect to realize this one fact. Romans 8:7 says, “The carnal mind is enmity against God, for it's not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” What does that mean? It means the carnal, natural mind of man is in a state of hostility towards God, particularly His law. It's not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. And you can see this enmity by the fact that human beings lavished with life by God use His name as a cuss word, and the name of Jesus as a cuss word. Nobody in history has had their name used as a cuss word except Jesus, Jesus Christ, and God. And that shows the enmity they have towards their Creator because they're criminals. And as criminals hate the police, so sinners hate God without cause. So, you want to move away from the carnal mind because you're going to get enmity. If you say, “Look, I'm going to show you that Noah did build an ark. I'm going to prove it to you there was a big flood.” And so you go through the whole thing that the ark was really big and the animals were small and it could have happened. Then we've got oceans and that's evidence that the earth was flooded. You get this guy who was a skeptic who'd say, “Okay, I believe there was a big flood and Noah could have built an ark.” Well, great. Now you've got a mountain to climb of Jonah being swallowed by a big fish. Children of Israel shouting and walls coming down when they shout. Balaam's donkey speaking with a man's voice. Samson with strength in his hair. And you've got all these stories, and they're all an intellectual thing, and they're like a mountain you've got to climb to convince them to believe there's an easier way. And the early Christians didn't try and convince anyone the Bible is the word of God because they didn't have a New Testament. There was no printing press. No one could read or hardly anyone could read. Now they just preached the gospel, and you do it not by going for the intellect and trying to intellectually convince someone that God exists or the Bible's the word of God. You do what Jesus did with a rich young ruler. You address the conscience with the commandments. You shall not lie, shall not steal, shall not commit adultery. It's all written on the heart of man. Conscience means knowledge. So that knowledge is there. So, the commandments echo the truth, or the conscience echoes the truth of the commandments. When Paul used the commandments in Romans chapter 2, you who say you shall not steal, do you steal? You say, “You shall not commit adultery; do you commit adultery?” He was addressing the conscience. Romans 2:15, same chapter, would show the work of the law written on their hearts, the conscience bearing witness. So, I have an ally right in the heart of the enemy. I have a judge on the court and in the mind of every sinner that's going to affirm the truth of what I'm saying and point guilt to the sinner or show him that he's guilty. That's the conscience. The second great tool I have or weapon I have is the will to live. Human beings are not dogs, horses, cats, or cows. We're completely different. We're not primates. We're made in the image of God and God has written eternity upon our hearts. He doesn't seem to have done this with my dog. My dog's only concerned with chasing cats and eating. I don't think there's anything else that really interests her, although I love her, but she's not worrying about eternity, but human beings do. So, I know, according to scripture, that everybody has this will to live. So, when I go to the local college, and I go there twice a day, to interview people for our YouTube channel. I often say this, “Would you like to go on YouTube?” They say, “Yeah.” I'm going to ask you, “If you think there's life after death.” I say, “That's okay, and this is my first question. Are you afraid of dying?” And they go, “A little bit.” A little bit? It's huge. It's a tormenting fear of death. It haunts you, and that's what the Bible says, this fear of death that we have. And I can tell by the look in the eyes of this person, they're saying, “How did this guy know?” I haven't told mom or dad. I haven't told my boyfriend or my girlfriend, my brother, my sister, but there's something in me that's terrified of dying. Hebrews 2:14-15 tells us. Amplified Bible, so I'll quote it a little louder. It says, “That God has caused the fear of death or the will to live to be haunting,” it uses the word haunting, “within every human being all their lifetime.” Remember when I was a kid, maybe nine or ten, I used to play wars, cowboys and Indians, and someone would shoot me. I'd roll down a hill and lie there for two minutes and then get up. And then one day as I got older, I thought, I'm not going to get up one day. And that's that haunting fear of death. That revelation that comes to us, as light comes to us, as we get older. And so, I address that, and this is what I say, “Ever read the Bible?” “No, never opened it.” “Why not? It's the world's biggest selling book of all time. Did you know in the Old Testament, God promised he would destroy death? And in the New Testament, we're told how he did it. Did you know that?” They say, “No.” “Is he interested?” And even if it's an atheist, he's going to say, “Yeah, I'm interested.” Because he's got that haunting fear of death. And so, then I go through the gospel. This is the verse that I share with so many people, and it's the most illuminating verse, and I can see light coming to them as I say this. I say, “Have you ever heard the Bible verse, the wages of sin is death?” And they say, “Maybe.” It's saying that God is paying you in death for your sins. Like a judge who looks at a criminal who's committed murder, but he thinks he's a good person. The judge says, “I'm going to show you how serious your crime is. I'm giving you the death sentence.” This is your wages. This is what you've earned. And I say, “Fred, sin is so serious to a holy God, he's given you the death sentence.” You're on death row. You're in a holding cell. It's got a nice blue roof, good air conditioning, good lighting, but this life is a holding cell, and your death will be evidence to you that God is deadly serious about sin. That has a sobering effect on people because now they've got a reason why they die. Now they know what's going to happen after they die. It's appointed a man. It's appointment. It's appointed a man who wants to die, and after this, the judgment. And as you go through the commandments, it shows them how they need a Savior. And so many people say, I'm going to really think about this. Thank you for talking to me. I say, “When are you going to repent and put your trust in Jesus?” And so many people lately have been saying, “Today.” So, the pandemic, that plague that no one calls a plague, the pandemic did us a huge favor because it made a whole generation think about their mortality, made them realize they're going to die one day. And so, the harvest fields are white. One other thought regarding the fear of death and the will to live, the same thing. Think of a waitress who has to approach three men, businessmen wearing dark suits and little briefcases sitting at a table. They're obviously wheeling and dealing millions of dollars. Is she intimidated? No. She just walks up and says, “Can I take your order?” Why is she so bold? It's because she knows she has what they want. They're there for food. And so that makes her bold. And you and I have what this world wants. Right at this moment, there are people in torture chambers called gyms, lifting weights that are far too heavy for them, pulling things they shouldn't be pulling. And I believe in physical fitness is great. And at the same time, there are people drinking green slime. They would love a chocolate shake, but they drink because they want to increase their life just that little bit more. We have found everlasting life. So, if the world knew what we had, they would ask us. This is what Jesus said to the woman at the well. If you knew who it was that was speaking to you, you would ask me. And if the world knew what we had, everlasting life, they'd plead with us. So, because we know we have what the world wants, like that waitress, we must be bold. And when they realize that we have the answer to death that Jesus Christ has abolished death. When that revelation comes to them, what causes death. That Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, he destroyed death, bringing life and immortality to light through the gospel. That's when the light goes on and they say, “Thank you so much. Thank you for talking to me.” I've just about worn myself out. Laura Dugger: (30:16 - 30:30) Well, that's incredible to hear, especially the breakdown practically of how you do that. And I would say, “Do you even give people permission to use some of those examples if they want to give this a try?” Ray Comfort: (30:31 - 31:18) I would plead with them to do so. We've got the evidence Bible. It's filled with how to do these things. And that book, Fifty Years of Open-Air Preaching: Everything I've Learned is filled with stuff like this. How to get a crowd standing up nice and orderly. There's a picture, I don't know if you can see it, at Berkeley University. They're all standing around nice in a big circle. That's where you get stoned to death, Berkeley. But because we understand these principles, we just drew a circle out of chalk and said, stand behind the circle. If anyone got in front of the circle, approached us, we wouldn't talk to them unless they got to the edge of the circle. And people are like sheep. If you say, “Move back behind the chalk line. Do it now.” Okay. They'll do it, if you've got a little bit of authority. And so, you just learn to do things like that. And it means the gospel can go out. So yeah, please, please use these principles. Laura Dugger: (31:19 - 31:34) And then can you also just paint a picture. If somebody's never seen this before, they've never tried this before, are there any memorable encounters that you've had as you reflect back on these years of open air preaching? Ray Comfort: (31:35 - 33:54) Yes. Oh, I've got beaten up by a woman once. Oh dear. I'll have to tell you. I was in Santa Monica many years ago, and I had a crowd of maybe 40, 50 people. And there's a woman there that was very vocal and kept calling me, using the F word a couple of times. So, I said, “Ma'am, can you watch your language? There are ladies present.” And she said, “I'm a lady.” I said, “Ma'am, you may be a woman, but you are not a lady.” And with that, she ran at me like a bat out of heaven and began beating me up. Now, most women go scratch, and hair pulling, but she was like Mike Tyson's sister. She got in six punches, knocked me to the ground before my team pulled her off. They held her back. And she said, let me go and get my purse. They let her go. And she gave me a kidney punch and took two weeks for the bruising to go, but she doubled my crowd. She can come back anytime she wants. But that was my fault. And that was very memorable. So, I talk nicely to ladies now. One to one, one of the most memorable ones is a guy named Mario. Our YouTube channel's got 1.57 million subscribers, just past 314 million views. And one of the best, most gripping encounters was with a guy named Mario. I went out on my bike. My dog's on my bike. She's on a platform. She wears sunglasses. I wear sunglasses. It gets people's attention. She's the best bait I've ever had when fishing for men. Saw this guy standing by a tree on a pathway, and I said, “You want to come on camera?” He said, “Yeah.” I was surprised because I didn't have to talk him into it. And he was quite arrogant, very handsome young man. And as we went through the commandments, I saw a tear well in his eye and roll down his cheek. And I thought, oh, no, God's doing a work in the heart of this guy, and I don't want to mess it up. And so, I did my best to end up praying with him, and he was just beside himself in sorrow for his sin. And I think that's something like 4 million views on a YouTube channel. If you go to the most popular to see it, you'll see him there. But that was a very memorable encounter. One that I often think when I'm going out on my bike each day. Lord, give me a Mario today, please. Laura Dugger: (33:55 - 34:58) When was the first time you listened to an episode of The Savvy Sauce? How did you hear about our podcast? Did a friend share it with you? Will you be willing to be that friend now and text five other friends or post on your socials anything about The Savvy Sauce that you love? If you share your favorite episodes, that is how we continue to expand our reach and get the good news of Jesus Christ in more ears across the world. So, we need your help. Another way to help us grow is to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. Each of these suggestions will cost you less than a minute, but it will be a great benefit to us. Thank you so much for being willing to be generous with your time and share. We appreciate you. It's compelling to hear this and inspiring, but then also if we're going back to talking about the fears. What fears do you see holding people back from giving this a try or from evangelizing in general? Ray Comfort: (34:59 - 37:37) That is a great question, and you provoke something very important. I've traveled on about 2,000 flights, itinerating over the years, and so many times I've prayed, and when there's an empty seat on a plane beside me, I always pray for the person who's going to sit there. This is the prayer I subliminally pray. Lord, please don't let this guy show up. That's what I pray. And then he shows up, and I share the gospel with him. My hardest, my biggest mountain to climb was how do you bring the subject up? Okay, I'm on a plane. This guy's a businessman. He's wearing a three-piece suit. He's very intimidating, and I've got to talk to him about the things of God and sin and righteousness and judgment. How do I bring the subject up with this guy? Oh, see those clouds? Guess who made the clouds? God. No, it's just terrifying. But I learned something many years ago that just dissipated that fear of man and the fear of women, and that's this. I just say to any stranger, “Do you think there's an afterlife?” That's a simple question. Do you think there's life after death? I haven't mentioned God, Jesus, Heaven, Hell, sin, righteousness, judgment, any of those things that make him feel uncomfortable. I just said, do you think there's an afterlife? And this is how I do it, and I've done it many times. I'm at the ministry now in our studio. Many a time I've had workmen come. Let's say there's a plumber working on something. I go up to him and say, “Hey, how are you doing?” He says, “Good.” I'm Ray. What's your name? He says, “Eric.” Nice to meet you, Eric. Eric, what? I've got a question for you, “Do you think there's an afterlife?” Eric stands up and says, “I don't know.” I say, “Do you think about it much?” Yeah, all the time. His all the time just dissipated my fears. He's not antichrist. He hasn't stabbed me to death. He's a normal human being. He thinks about the issues of life and death all the time. And so, I've got confidence. And the thing that got me in there was that question, do you think there's an afterlife? You can ask anyone. Even Uncle Arthur at the Christmas lunch, sitting there and usually he's working. Uncle Arthur, do you think there's an afterlife? Haven't mentioned God, Jesus, Heaven, Hell. Just let him talk. He says, “Oh, I don't know about heaven.” So Rich, “You ever read the Bible?” Oh, let me get you my Bible. Let me lend it to you. It just opens the door and lets them do the talking. So never forget that. You can talk to any stranger about the things of God by just asking that question. Do you think there's an afterlife? And I do it every day. Laura Dugger: (37:38 - 37:57) Wow. And I love it, even before we began recording when we were just getting to know each other for a moment. And then you said, well, before we begin, shall we do this in the flesh, or should we pray? And I love that. I think that's such an approachable first step to this. Ray Comfort: (37:57 - 38:07) Well, you just have to do something in the flesh to know how terrible it is. You need a pulpit, and you think, oh God, I need your help. So, I always pray. Laura Dugger: (38:08 - 38:24) Absolutely. That's very relatable. And so, if we're considering this invitation to evangelize publicly, what do you think this looks like for men and for women? And do you see any difference between the two? Ray Comfort: (38:25 - 39:21) Yes, I do. When I look at my wife, I see different from the local workman that comes to work around our home. But physically, no, I don't. Yeah. When Jesus had gone to all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, he didn't say, “Oh, that's just for men.” No. Look at the woman at the well. She went off and shared the gospel with the whole village. And so, if a woman's got the courage to stand up and do what men won't do, God bless her. I think that's wonderful. And so, I'm all for women and women stay silent at the church. Well, that's for the church. That's church discipline. But when it comes to sharing the gospel, telling people how they can find everlasting life, women can do just as well with men and a woman can do good with five people or 10 people. Now she can gather a crowd of 200 at a university and share how to find everlasting life. God bless her. And thank you for her, Aud. Laura Dugger: (39:22 - 39:35) Thank you for sharing that. And can you think of just an easy or approachable next step, something that we could do today that takes inspiration from this conversation and turns it into action? Ray Comfort: (39:35 - 39:38) Yes. Get the book. Laura Dugger: (39:40 - 39:41) Absolutely. Ray Comfort: (39:41 - 39:48) And I'll watch our YouTube channel too. I love it. It'll really help you build confidence. Thank you for that. Laura Dugger: (39:49 - 40:01) My pleasure. So, if we do determine that we're going to apply what we've learned today, then there's another side to this as well. What kind of attack can we expect from our enemy? Ray Comfort: (40:02 - 42:34) Oh, full on. You're going to get negative thoughts. You can't do this. You shouldn't do this. What are you going to do if you dry up? The dry up thing is a real big fear. I'm going to get up there and I'll say, “My mind's gone blank.” Well, just have a Gospel of John in your pocket, a little New Testament, maybe a little Gideon in your pocket there. And if you dry up, just say, “Oh, excuse me, I want to read this to you.” You've got John 3:16, corner turned down. Just say, “For God so loved the world and gave his only begotten son who believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” Please think about that. Close it and get down. Or you can keep speaking. And so, if you've got an out, that will dissipate your fears if you know you can get out if that happens. I've used it many a time. I mean the fear of every preacher is drying up in a pulpit. I remember I was in a church of 3,000 once and I lost my place. So, you know what I did? I just said, look at that over there. And everyone looked at the wall. I said, I just lost my place. Or I'll say something like this. “Turn to Leviticus 15:3.” And everyone goes, shh, shh, shh. I look for my place. I've got my thoughts back. And they say that was a fake scripture. I don't know what it is. I wanted to do something while I was trying to find my place. And there I've never had problems drying up in the pulpit because I know that's my way out. And it's the same with open air preaching. If you dry up, you're just going to quote John 3:16 or begin reading Genesis chapter 1 to the crowd. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” And just knowing you've got that out will help dissipate your fears. And when you're finished, you'll have such a joy. I say to our team, whenever you go to preach the gospel, you're dragging your feet. When you come back, you'll be clicking your heels. And that's exactly what happens. You'll have such satisfaction that you did what you know you should. You overcame that Goliath. You ran at Goliath and overcame your fears. And so just do it. If you want to learn to swim, you don't study water. You jump in. That's the best way to learn to swim. And, you know, if you're going to drown, it's a pity more people don't know this, but if you just relax, you'll float. If you panic, you'll probably sink. And it's the same with this. Don't panic. Just trust in the Lord. Say, “Lord, you'll fill my mouth. You'll help me out with this.” And he'll float. He'll float you. He'll take you by the hand, and you'll be fine. I've done it thousands of times, and God's never let me down. Laura Dugger: (42:36 - 43:00) Amen. I hope we all are willing to give it a try. I think that you really articulated it well when you narrow it down to that fear of man, fear of woman. And I love also that just do it, and we can do it scared. But you're so full of these practical tips. There's one about hecklers that we haven't covered yet. Can you share your perspective on hecklers? Ray Comfort: (43:01 - 44:02) Hecklers are wonderful. If you fear hecklers, you're fearing the thing that could make what you're doing a great success. A good heckler, if he's handled well, can take a crowd of 15 people to 150 people in about 30, 40 seconds. And all you do is let him vent. There's one, I think we've got, it's called The Angry Atheist. I think it's one of our videos. And this guy was furious, a Christian. So, I just let him vent, and the crowd thickened up, and then we started one by one dealing with his problems. And just always remember a soft answer turns away wrath. If someone's angry, you just speak, what's your name? And they'll say, “Oh, John.” Nice to meet you, John. That's a nice sweater. I remember once a lady came up, this young lady. She was really angry, and I did say the sweater thing to her when she was yelling at me. I said, “That's a nice sweater.” She said, “Really?” I said, “Where'd you get it?” And so, a soft answer turns away wrath. So, you just learn these little things that can really help. Laura Dugger: (44:03 - 44:14) I love that. And just as a model for us, if we want to share the good news of Jesus, you've done this time and time again. Will you share it with all of us now? Ray Comfort: (44:16 - 46:05) What are you trying to do to me? You mean you'd like the gospel? Absolutely. One-minute gospel presentation. Okay, let's do a nutshell. Let me say, I'm meeting a stranger. I'll talk directly to them. You know, God's placed a will to live within you. Something in you says, I don't want to die. Did you know the Bible says, “Jesus Christ has abolished death and brought life and immortality to life through the gospel?” And the reason you're going to die is because you've sinned against God. And all you have to do for a few minutes with an honest heart is go through the commandments. The seventh commandment says, “You shall not commit adultery, but Jesus said if you look at a woman with lust, you commit adultery in your heart, lying lips and abomination to the Lord. No thief will inherit God's kingdom.” Ever stolen something? Ever used God's name in vain? And if you've been honest, you'll know you've sinned against God. And if all your sin comes out on Judgment Day as evidence of your guilt, you're going to end up justly in Hell, and that breaks my heart. And God is not willing that any perish. The Bible says, “He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, and he's provided a way for you to be forgiven by Christ dying on the cross.” We broke God's law. Jesus paid the fine. It's as simple as that. That means you can leave the courtroom. God can dismiss your case. He can take death off you because of what Jesus did through his death and resurrection. And all you have to do is so simple a child can understand it. You must repent, turn from your sins. You'll never do that while you think you're a good person. And trust in Jesus like you trust a parachute. The minute you do that, you've got God's promise, and he cannot lie. He'll grant you everlasting life as a free gift, not because you're good, but because He's good and kind and rich in mercy. And don't put it off until tomorrow because you may not have tomorrow. Fifty-four million people die every year. Today, if you hear his voice, don't harden your heart. Laura Dugger: (46:07 - 46:10) It just never gets old hearing that. Ray Comfort: (46:10 - 46:10) No. Laura Dugger: (46:10 - 46:28) Thank you. And you also bring up even so clearly from scripture but sharing repent and believe. And is there anything else that you would want to make sure that we wouldn't leave out of a conversation if we were evangelizing to someone? Ray Comfort: (46:29 - 48:02) Well, another good question. Yeah, a lot of people are saying all you have to do is believe. Just believe. They say if you repent, that's works. Well, by saying you have to believe, that's works. If you have to do anything, believe. No, the Bible says, “By grace you're saved through faith, through faith, and not of yourselves.” It's God's grace that saves us. But if you read scripture, it comes through repentance and faith. And the reason they want to drop repentance is because they don't see the true nature of sin. And what the commandments do, the Ten Commandments, they open up the law and show sin to be exceedingly sinful, and that necessitates repentance. Like with David, when he realized he'd committed adultery and lied and stolen his neighbor's wife, covered his neighbor's wife, murdered his neighbor, that's when he cried out, “Oh, have mercy upon me, oh God, according to your lovingkindness.” If Nathan hadn't said, “Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, and David hadn't said, I've sinned against heaven, he would have just said, oh, just believe. No, he had to get before God and agonize. Scripture says, “Cleanse your hands, you sinners.” Purify your hearts, you double-minded. Let your laugh to be turned to mourning and your joy to heaviness.” That's contrition. And the law that shows us the nature of sin produces contrition, sorrow for sin, which works repentance, godly sorrow, works repentance unto life. So, it's most necessary to preach, as Jesus did, repent and believe in that order. Laura Dugger: (48:04 - 48:13) That is so good. Ray, where can we go to continue learning from you and continue to be inspired by the faithful work that you're doing? Ray Comfort: (48:14 - 48:46) Very kind of you to say that. LivingWaters.com, sign up for our newsletter. We've always got interesting stuff. We give away a lot of stuff. Watch the YouTube channel. We have different videos each day. We put one up four days ago that's had 4.6 million views. And so, it's a wonderful way to reach the lost. So, follow us. Just become part of a YouTube channel, subscribe, and that really helps us and helps further our reach. So LivingWaters.com and LivingWaters YouTube. Laura Dugger: (48:47 - 49:05) Wonderful. We'll make sure to add those links in the show notes for today's episode. And as you already know, our podcast is entitled The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, Ray, what is your Savvy Sauce? Ray Comfort: (49:06 - 49:12) My wife. Is that okay to say that? Laura Dugger: (49:12 - 49:17) I love that. Do you want to say anything more specific about her? Ray Comfort: (49:17 - 49:44) Sue and I have been married for 108 years, 54. We love each other. She's my best friend. She works at the ministry and also I love my dog. And one thing I might say just as we close is don't call this anything to do with evangelism. That'll kill. Use the word apologetics or say Ray Comfort says this about his wife. Anything other than evangelism that scares Christians off. Laura Dugger: (49:45 - 49:50) Wow. Interesting. So that's been your experience. That makes sense. Ray Comfort: (49:51 - 50:25) Yeah. That's a principle we use at the ministry. If we have a conference, don't mention evangelism. No one will come. It's like someone saying to me, “Hey, want to go door knocking, tell people about Jesus?” I go; I just wouldn't want to do that. And there's a reason for it. As a new Christian, I knocked on someone's door, fully aware that Jehovah's Witnesses had stolen our thunder, and I said to this lady, “Hello, I'm not a Jehovah's Witness.” She said, “Well, I am.” And so, I've got this aversion to door knocking, and that's what most Christians are like when it comes to evangelism. So, call it something else. Laura Dugger: (50:25 - 50:50) Wow. So practical, again. And Ray, you've just stewarded your many gifts that God has given you. You've stewarded them so well and so wisely. I can just imagine God greeting you someday and having just, well done, good and faithful servant. So, thank you for generously taking the time to share with us today. I'm grateful for you, and I just want to say thank you for being my guest. Ray Comfort: (50:51 - 50:52) Well, thank you for having me. Laura Dugger: (50:53 - 54:35) One more thing before you go. Have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you. But it starts with the bad news. Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there is absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved. We need a savior. But God loved us so much, he made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him. That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died in our place for our sin. This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished if we choose to receive what He has done for us. Romans 10:9 says, “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” So, would you pray with me now? Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you. Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me, so me for him. You get the opportunity to live your life for him. And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you ready to get started? First, tell someone. Say it out loud. Get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes & Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible, and I love it. You can start by reading the book of John. Also, get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps, such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you. We want to celebrate with you too, so feel free to leave a comment for us here if you did make a decision to follow Christ. We also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process. And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “In the same way I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today. And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.
The 7 Most Important Things You Must Do to Follow God's Plan for Your Life • Friday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Genesis 37:5–11 (NKJV) Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more. So he said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.” And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words. Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.” So he told it to his father and his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?” And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind. 1 Timothy 1:18 (NKJV) This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare. Luke 16:10 (NKJV) He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Genesis 39:9 (NKJV) There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? Philippians 2:14–15 (NKJV) Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. Jeremiah 1:7 (NKJV) But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,' For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak.” Genesis 41:14 (NKJV) Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh. Genesis 50:20 (NKJV) But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Hebrews 10:36 (NKJV) For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
1 Corinthians 12:12 (NKJV) “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.”
PURPOSE, PROSPERITY & HEALING…THROUGH RIGHT THINKINGPsalmsPsalm 100:5 (NKJV) - For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to allgenerations.1 Peter 2:24 (TNIV) - “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sinsand live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”If you don't know what GOD promised in His Word…will not experience these promisesProverbs 4:23 GNT - Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughtsTwo basic influences that shape our thinking…WORD OR WORLDGenesis 3:1 (NLT) - “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in thegarden?”Proverbs 4:23 GNT - Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughtsFather - "You're my beloved son in whom I'm well pleased." …Matthew 4:2–4 (NLT) - For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. 3 Duringthat time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to becomeloaves of bread.”4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every wordthat comes from the mouth of God.'”Proverbs 4:23 GNT - Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughtsChoose to shape your thinking by the Word of GodRomans 12:2 (NLT) - Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform youinto a new person by changing the way you think (renewing of the mind). Then you will learn to knowGod's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.Mark 12:24 (NLT) - Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don't know the Scriptures, and you don'tknow the power of God.Mark 12:24 (MSG) - Jesus said, “You're way off base, and here's why: One, you don't know yourBibles; two, you don't know how God works.Isaiah 5:13 (NKJV) - My people have gone into captivity, Because they have no knowledge…John 8:30–32 (NKJV) - As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. 31 Then Jesus said to thoseJews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall knowthe truth, and the truth shall make you free.”Abide – to remain…to stay/wait and expect something in the futureKnow - To understand…be familiar with… intimate relationshipRenewing our Mind with the Word of God …will release God's healing powerMark 5:27–28, 34 (NLT) - She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowdand touched his robe. 28 For she thought (kept thinking) to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I willbe healed.”34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.”Before she heard about Jesus…sickness, pain, alienated from people, lonely, no moremoney…dominated her thoughtsAfter she heard about Jesus…decided to keep thinking… “I heard he heals everyone…if I touch hisgarment, I will be healedWe have to Change our Meditation….from thinking about the pain, symptoms, limitations,medical report…Instead…Meditate (keep thinking) on healing scripturesProverbs 4:20–22 (TPT) - Listen carefully, my dear child, to everything that I teach you, and payattention to all that I have to say. 21 Fill your thoughts with my words until they penetrate deep intoyour spirit. 22 Then, as you unwrap my words, they will impart true life and radiant health into the verycore of your being.If the truth of God's Word doesn't change how you think… it won't change how you liveProverbs 23:7 (TPT) - For as he thinks within himself, so is he…Meditate on healing ScripturesExodus 15:26 (NLT) - I am the Lord who heals you.1 Peter 2:24 (TNIV) - “by his wounds you have been healed.”PsalmsJeremiahRomansJeremiah 1:12 - I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.Luke 1:37 (TPT)- Not one promise from God is empty of power, for nothing is impossible with God!
PURPOSE, PROSPERITY & HEALING…THROUGH RIGHT THINKINGPsalmsPsalm 100:5 (NKJV) - For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to allgenerations.1 Peter 2:24 (TNIV) - “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sinsand live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”If you don't know what GOD promised in His Word…will not experience these promisesProverbs 4:23 GNT - Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughtsTwo basic influences that shape our thinking…WORD OR WORLDGenesis 3:1 (NLT) - “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in thegarden?”Proverbs 4:23 GNT - Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughtsFather - "You're my beloved son in whom I'm well pleased." …Matthew 4:2–4 (NLT) - For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. 3 Duringthat time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to becomeloaves of bread.”4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every wordthat comes from the mouth of God.'”Proverbs 4:23 GNT - Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughtsChoose to shape your thinking by the Word of GodRomans 12:2 (NLT) - Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform youinto a new person by changing the way you think (renewing of the mind). Then you will learn to knowGod's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.Mark 12:24 (NLT) - Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don't know the Scriptures, and you don'tknow the power of God.Mark 12:24 (MSG) - Jesus said, “You're way off base, and here's why: One, you don't know yourBibles; two, you don't know how God works.Isaiah 5:13 (NKJV) - My people have gone into captivity, Because they have no knowledge…John 8:30–32 (NKJV) - As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. 31 Then Jesus said to thoseJews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall knowthe truth, and the truth shall make you free.”Abide – to remain…to stay/wait and expect something in the futureKnow - To understand…be familiar with… intimate relationshipRenewing our Mind with the Word of God …will release God's healing powerMark 5:27–28, 34 (NLT) - She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowdand touched his robe. 28 For she thought (kept thinking) to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I willbe healed.”34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.”Before she heard about Jesus…sickness, pain, alienated from people, lonely, no moremoney…dominated her thoughtsAfter she heard about Jesus…decided to keep thinking… “I heard he heals everyone…if I touch hisgarment, I will be healedWe have to Change our Meditation….from thinking about the pain, symptoms, limitations,medical report…Instead…Meditate (keep thinking) on healing scripturesProverbs 4:20–22 (TPT) - Listen carefully, my dear child, to everything that I teach you, and payattention to all that I have to say. 21 Fill your thoughts with my words until they penetrate deep intoyour spirit. 22 Then, as you unwrap my words, they will impart true life and radiant health into the verycore of your being.If the truth of God's Word doesn't change how you think… it won't change how you liveProverbs 23:7 (TPT) - For as he thinks within himself, so is he…Meditate on healing ScripturesExodus 15:26 (NLT) - I am the Lord who heals you.1 Peter 2:24 (TNIV) - “by his wounds you have been healed.”PsalmsJeremiahRomansJeremiah 1:12 - I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.Luke 1:37 (TPT)- Not one promise from God is empty of power, for nothing is impossible with God!
Tearing Down Strongholds — Walking in True Freedom • Friday Service To support: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Website: www.PastorTodd.org 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (NKJV): “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV): “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. ‘Eat and drink!' he says to you, But his heart is not with you.” John 8:32 (NKJV): “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Acts 3:19 (NKJV): “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Joshua 1:8 (NKJV): “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Jude 1:20 (NKJV): “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,” James 4:7 (NKJV): “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NKJV): “Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.” Colossians 2:15 (NKJV): “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”
Live in the Power of the Blood • Sunday Service To Give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Website: www.PastorTodd.org Ephesians 1:7 (NKJV) “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Romans 5:9 (NKJV) “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” 1 John 1:7 (NKJV) “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” Hebrews 10:19 (NKJV) “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus.” Exodus 12:13 (NKJV) “Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.” Hebrews 12:24 (NKJV) “To Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” Revelation 12:11 (NKJV) “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” Matthew 26:28 (NKJV) “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
Stable in an Unstable Generation • Friday Service To Give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Website: www.PastorTodd.org 1. Hebrews 12:27–28 (NKJV) “Now this, ‘Yet once more,' indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” 2. Matthew 7:24–25 (NKJV) “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock… and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” 3. Romans 8:14 (NKJV) “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” 4. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV) “Pray without ceasing.” 5. Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” 6. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 7. Psalm 92:13 (NKJV) “Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.” 8. Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV) “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” 9. 1 Peter 1:16 (NKJV) “Be holy, for I am holy.” 10. Colossians 3:2 (NKJV) “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” 11. Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” 12. Psalm 125:1 (NKJV) “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.”
The Call to Be Set Apart • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Good morning, church. Today, we will delve into a crucial aspect of our Christian walk—the call to be set apart. This call is not just an invitation but a mandate for every believer. Being set apart means living a life that reflects God's holiness and love in a world that often opposes His ways. This can be challenging, but it is essential for our spiritual growth and witness. 1. Called to Be Holy 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NKJV) "but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'" 2. A Distinct People Deuteronomy 14:2 (NKJV) "For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth." 3. Transformed by Renewal Romans 12:2 (NKJV) "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." 4. Light in the Darkness Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV) "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." 5. Living as Pilgrims 1 Peter 2:11-12 (NKJV) "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation." 6. Walking in the Spirit Galatians 5:16-17 (NKJV) "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish." 7. Embracing Suffering for Christ 2 Timothy 3:12 (NKJV) "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 8. Bearing the Fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." Being set apart is not merely a command; it is our identity in Christ. It is challenging, often counter-cultural, and sometimes brings suffering. However, it also brings the joy of walking closely with God and witnessing His transformative power in our lives and the lives of others. Let us commit to living lives that honor God, shining as lights in this dark world, and drawing others to His marvelous light. Amen. CCLI: 21943673
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