Episodios

  • Sunday Morning Service - The Power of Unity

    Sunday Morning Service - The Power of Unity
    Dec 9 2025
    Main Theme: True unity is powerful — whether for good or evil — but only unity built on obedience to God’s Word can stand. Using Genesis 11 (Tower of Babel) and John 17 (Jesus’ prayer for believers), Pastor Matthew taught that prideful unity seeks to glorify man, while holy unity glorifies God. The sermon called believers to become “one” with God, within themselves, and with one another, through humility and obedience. Man’s Pride and the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1–9) Humanity once shared one language and one goal — to build a city and tower “whose top is in the heavens.”This unity was not righteous; it was rooted in pride and self-exaltation. “Let us make a name for ourselves.” — the cry of human arrogance. Pastor explained that Nimrod led this effort, motivated by defiance against God’s authority and fear of another flood.Historian Josephus wrote that Nimrod’s goal was to build a tower taller than any future flood could reach. Humanity still acts the same way today — building monuments, chasing power, and seeking fame — revealing that “man’s heart hasn’t changed.” Lesson: “You can build something big without God — but it won’t last.” God’s Response — Confusion and Division God “came down” to see what man had built — emphasizing His sovereignty: “They tried to build up, but He had to come down to see it.” The Lord noted their unity: “Nothing they propose to do will be withheld from them.” Unity, even for evil, is powerful. So God confused their language to protect mankind from greater rebellion.This was not destruction, but mercy through disruption — scattering people before sin could multiply unchecked. “The only thing that reached heaven from Babel was their sin.” Two Kinds of Unity Pastor contrasted two types of unity: Worldly unity – Prideful, self-glorifying, built on rebellion (Babel).Godly unity – Humble, self-denying, built on obedience (Christ). “It’s powerful to be unified, even for the wrong reason — but it’s holy when you’re unified for the right one.” He warned that even evil movements gain momentum through unity, while the Church often loses ground because of division.The greatest form of unity begins with God Himself — aligning our will with His. “You’ll never be unified with people until you’re first unified with God.” Humility and the Example of Abraham Abraham’s humility contrasted Babel’s pride:He let Lot choose the better land, trusting God’s promise instead of striving for position. “Abraham pitched his tent and built his altar — Lot pitched his tent and lost everything.” God told Abraham, “I will make your name great.”The key difference: Abraham waited on God to exalt him; Babel tried to exalt itself. Pastor connected this to Jesus’ humility — who sought the Father’s glory, not His own. “Jesus didn’t look for fame; He looked for the Father’s confirmation.” Jesus’ Prayer for Unity (John 17:1–14) In John 17, Jesus prayed that His followers would be one as He and the Father are one.Unity is rooted in shared obedience and shared glory — not shared opinion. “If we don’t care who gets the credit, we’ll stay unified.” Jesus’ request:“Glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You.”“Keep them through Your name that they may be one as We are one.” Pastor emphasized that Jesus prayed not for the world, but for those who belong to God — the Church that would reach the world through unity and truth. Lesson: “Unity doesn’t mean sameness — it means shared purpose: glorifying God.” The Anatomy of Unity — Spirit, Soul, and Body Every believer must first be unified within themselves:Spirit (where the Holy Spirit dwells).Soul (mind, will, emotions).Body (the vessel of action). Without spiritual renewal, the soul leads — driven by emotion, intellect, and will.The Holy Spirit must rule the soul to align the believer with God’s will. “You’ll never be unified outwardly until you’re unified inwardly.” Pastor described how old thought patterns (like “grooved paths” in the brain) must be renewed by the Word. “You’ve got to cut new paths in your mind — let the Holy Spirit groove His will into your thinking.” Godly Unity in Practice Starts in the home: Division between husbands and wives hinders prayer.Spreads to the Church: True revival requires believers who care more about obedience than credit.Extends to the nation: Real healing begins when unity is built around God’s Word, not politics or culture. “Our rallying point is not religion, denomination, or last name — it’s the Word of God.” Call to Action and Prayer Pastor closed with a call for repentance and restoration of unity: Individuals: Be reconciled to God through Christ.Marriages: Break division; walk as one.Churches: Give glory to God alone.Nations: Return to truth and righteousness. “The devil divides Christians, but unites evil ...
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    55 m
  • Guest Speaker - Dewayne Payton

    Guest Speaker - Dewayne Payton
    Dec 9 2025
    Main Theme: Faith is proven through obedience. Dewayne Payton’s message focused on Noah’s faithfulness and obedience in building the ark — even when he had never seen rain. The sermon emphasized trusting God’s Word above logic, walking in His will regardless of circumstance, and leading others (especially family) to salvation through consistent faith. Introduction and Context Dewayne opened with prayer, thanking God for His Word and for the congregation’s hunger to grow. He returned to Genesis 6–8, reviewing Noah’s story as an example of unwavering faith and obedience in a corrupt world. “Noah was faithful in all that God commanded him — can we say the same?” The Call of Noah and the Power of Obedience (Genesis 6:11–22) The world was corrupt and filled with violence, yet God chose Noah because of his righteousness and obedience.God gave specific instructions for building the ark — exact measurements, placement of the door and window, and even how to seal it with pitch.Dewayne noted that every command had a reason — even when Noah didn’t understand it. “Faith doesn’t question — it builds. Noah didn’t argue with God; he just obeyed.” Key Point: Believing in God is not the same as believing God. “It’s one thing to believe in Him; it’s another to take Him at His word.” The Test of Waiting and Believing Noah believed God’s warning about a flood, even though rain had never fallen before.God gave 120 years before judgment — time for obedience, preparation, and patience.Dewayne reminded that God often asks believers to wait:Noah waited seven days in the ark before the rain started — a test of faith.Waiting reveals whether we still believe after obedience. “When God gives you a word, the devil will try to show you the opposite — to test if you really believe God.” God’s Control Over Creation and Salvation Dewayne illustrated how animals came to Noah by divine instinct, comparing it to migration patterns of geese, whales, and turtles.The lesson: if God can guide animals, He can direct your path. “It’s never the animals that are the problem — it’s us.” God told Noah, “Come into the ark,” implying His presence was already inside. Salvation is being with God in the place of safety. The Door of Salvation Genesis 7:16 — “And the Lord shut him in.”Dewayne highlighted this as symbolic of God’s control over salvation:Noah didn’t close the door; God did.“It’s not our place to decide who’s too far gone — only God shuts the door.” Once God shuts the door, judgment begins — a parallel to the coming judgment of the world. “Today is the day of salvation. Once the door closes, it’s closed.” The Flood as Judgment and Picture of the Rapture The flood waters lifted the ark above judgment — a prophetic symbol of the church’s rapture.Noah waited seven days (one shabua, or period of seven), just as believers will be with Christ for seven years before returning with Him. “Judgment came, but the righteous were lifted up. That’s what God will do for His church.” Lessons in God’s Sovereignty and Human Limits Dewayne taught that even during chaos, God was in full control:He started and stopped the rain.He set boundaries for the flood.He sustained Noah and the animals — possibly even through hibernation. “When you’re in God’s will, you’re never in danger. When you step out, that’s when trouble comes.” He used a simple illustration: a stick figure walking on God’s path is safe even in storms, but danger comes when we wander into our own way. The Raven and the Dove (Genesis 8:6–12) The raven represents the flesh — feeding on death and corruption.The dove represents the Spirit — finding no rest in the world, returning to Noah. “There’s no rest for the believer in this world. Rest only comes when you’re in Christ.” The dove’s return with an olive leaf signified peace and restoration — God’s renewal of the earth and reconciliation with mankind. Worship and Sacrifice After Deliverance Noah’s first act upon leaving the ark was worship — he built an altar and sacrificed clean animals.Dewayne noted how costly this was — there were only seven pairs of clean animals. “True worship costs something. If it doesn’t cost you, it’s not an offering — it’s convenience.” God responded with mercy, promising never again to destroy the earth with a flood and sealing His promise with a rainbow — a symbol of grace that the church must reclaim. “It’s time for the church to take back the rainbow. It belongs to God.” The Call to Faithful Witness Just as Noah’s obedience saved his family, believers today are called to lead others to Christ. “Noah built an ark for 120 years to save his family. What are we willing to do to save ours?” We no longer build wooden arks — we build spiritual ones through evangelism, prayer, and witness.The closing call was urgent:Judgment is coming...
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    50 m
  • Sunday Morning Service - Never Surrender Hope

    Sunday Morning Service - Never Surrender Hope
    Dec 1 2025
    Main Theme: Hope in Christ is not wishful thinking — it is a confident certainty rooted in the person and promises of Jesus. Pastor Matthew taught that when our hope is centered in Christ, our joy remains steady, and when joy remains, strength endures. The message called believers to anchor hope solely in Jesus, not in people, possessions, or circumstances. The Foundation of Hope Opening with 1 Timothy 1:1 — “Jesus Christ, our hope.”The Greek word elpis means hope as a sure expectation, not uncertainty.The verb form elpo means to expect confidently — always used with “in” or “on.” Pastor explained that English hope has a question mark (“I hope it won’t rain”), but biblical hope has no question mark because it rests in Jesus’ finished work. “When your hope is in and on Jesus Christ, there’s no question mark — because He’s already overcome death, hell, and the grave.” Lesson: If our hope is placed in people, success, government, or even ourselves, disappointment is inevitable. Only hope in Christ sustains true joy and strength. The Connection Between Hope, Joy, and Strength Quoting Nehemiah 8:10 — “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”Joy is sustained when hope is rightly placed.When hope shifts to unstable things, joy fades and strength follows. “If you see someone without joy, you’re seeing someone who’s lost strength — because their hope has drifted.” Misplaced Hope and the Trap of Blame Pastor warned that misplaced hope gives others power to manipulate our emotions: “If my hope is in someone else, then how they act determines how I feel. That’s bondage.” Believers must stop blaming others for disappointment and instead reaffirm God’s sovereignty. “Either God is in control of your life, or that person is — but not both.” Insight: Hope in Christ frees us from emotional control by people or circumstances. The Certainty of God’s Promises Using Hebrews 11, Pastor explained that biblical hope is assurance in things unseen. The patriarchs “saw the promises afar off” and believed even when they hadn’t yet received them.Their hope without a question mark made them strangers and pilgrims on earth, focused on a heavenly city. “Abraham built his altars and pitched his tents — not the other way around. We’re in danger today of building our tents and pitching our altars.” Application: Believers must reorient life around eternity, not temporary comfort or possessions. Abraham: Hoping Against Hope (Romans 4:16–21) Abraham believed God’s promise for a son despite being 100 years old and Sarah’s womb barren.His hope wasn’t natural optimism but supernatural confidence in God’s word. “He hoped against hope — natural hope said it’s impossible, but divine hope said, ‘God cannot lie.’” Pastor reminded that God’s blessings are gifts of grace, not rewards for performance. “You can’t earn it. Everything from God is a gift — received by faith, not achieved by merit.” Staying Coupled to God The Hebrew term for “upright” (Psalm 84) means “to stay coupled.”Pastor illustrated with train cars:A shiny new car and a rusty old one both reach the destination if they stay coupled to the engine. “Some of you have dents and rust from life’s battles — but if you stay coupled to Jesus, you’ll reach the destination.” Encouragement: Even when believers fall, they must “fall forward.” God forgives failure and restores hope. Hope Through Hard Times (Jeremiah 29:10–13) In exile, God promised Israel restoration after 70 years.Jeremiah believed enough to buy land in a desolate place, trusting God’s word when it looked foolish. “You must decide whether to believe what God said — or what you see.” Pastor compared linear human logic to “block logic”:Human logic says, “If A, then B.”God’s truth says, “If God said it, it’s true — regardless of what A or B looks like.” Prisoners of Hope and the Example of Job (Zechariah 9:12) “Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope… I will restore double.”Job embodied this: even in suffering, he declared, “Though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh I shall see God.” Because Job kept his hope, God restored him double in every area. “We don’t like hard times — but God uses them to prove our hope is real.” Hold Fast Your Confidence (Hebrews 3:6; 10:19–23) True boldness before God is not emotional force but confidence in Christ’s finished work.“Hold fast the confession of your hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”Confidence (Greek tharseo) comes from cheer — meaning God deposits courage and strength when we abide with Him. “If you’re not spending time in His presence, you’re missing those divine deposits of courage that keep your hope alive.” Key Point: Our boldness comes from knowing God’s heart toward us — not our performance. “I don’t go to God because I’ve been good; I...
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    51 m
  • LWWC - Joshua - Session 8

    LWWC - Joshua - Session 8
    Nov 28 2025
    As Israel’s conquest of the land concludes in Joshua 11–12, God calls His people to remember His victories, obey His commands, and never forget the source of their blessings. Pastor Matthew used the closing of Joshua’s battles to challenge believers to stay humble, thankful, and faithful — not just at Thanksgiving, but every day of life. Opening and Thanksgiving Reflection Pastor began with a prayer of gratitude, urging believers to reflect on the blessings of life and freedom. “May we not get complacent or presumptuous — all we have is today, and that day is a gift from God.” He reminded the congregation that none of us are promised tomorrow, and that gratitude should guard our hearts from pride and forgetfulness. Joshua’s Obedience and God’s Commands (Joshua 11:12–23) Joshua followed exactly what God commanded Moses, leaving “nothing undone of all the Lord had commanded.”Pastor emphasized that faithfulness means following God’s Word, not reinventing it. “You don’t get to become a Christian and play by your own rules — God doesn’t need your ideas.” Many want to hear God’s voice but won’t read His Word; yet Scripture itself is the contract between Christ the Groom and His Bride, the Church. Application: God reveals Himself through His Word. If you want direction, open the Book before asking for new revelation. God’s Sovereignty and Human Accountability Pastor addressed the difficult truth of divine judgment: God hardened the hearts of nations that continually rejected Him.He compared this to Pharaoh’s hardened heart — a consequence of repeated rebellion. “The most fearful verse in the Bible is not in Revelation — it’s where it says, ‘The Spirit of the Lord left Samson, and he knew it not.’” The warning: don’t resist God so long that conviction disappears. The most terrifying state is when the Holy Spirit withdraws and a person no longer feels remorse. Lesson: “Conviction is a gift — if you can sin without feeling it, something’s wrong.” The Nature of Sin and Boundaries of Love Pastor explained that God sets boundaries because He loves us, just as parents set boundaries for their children.From the Garden of Eden onward, sin began when man doubted God’s goodness and believed He was holding out on them. “The devil convinced Eve that God was keeping her from something better — that’s the same lie today.” Every sin still begins with mistrust of God’s intentions. Remembering God’s Victories (Joshua 12) God listed all 31 kings Israel defeated — not to glorify Joshua, but to remind the people of every battle God had already won. “When you’re in a new fight, remember how many victories God has already given you.” Pastor urged believers to stop panicking in new trials: “You’ve already watched God feed you, heal you, and deliver you. Don’t fall apart now — the same God is still fighting for you.” Forgetting past victories leads to unbelief, which Scripture calls evil, not immaturity. Deuteronomy 8 — The Call to Remember Pastor turned to Deuteronomy 8 to explain why God told Israel to remember: God humbled them in the wilderness to test their hearts, provide manna, and teach them dependence on His Word. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.” Their clothes never wore out; their feet never swelled — a sign of constant divine provision. He connected this to modern blessings: “No nation has been as blessed as Israel — except America. But we’re in danger of forgetting who made it that way.” The Danger of Forgetfulness and Prosperity When life gets comfortable — full houses, steady income, security — people forget God.He quoted Habakkuk, rebuking Israel for caring for their own houses while neglecting God’s. “You’ll live better on 90% honoring God than 100% stealing from Him.” Forgetting God leads to pride, and pride leads to destruction. Key Reminder: “When you’re full, don’t forget who filled your table.” God’s Discipline and the Training of Faith Pastor compared spiritual growth to training in a weight room — hardships strengthen believers for future battles. “God’s taking you into His gym to build your endurance. He’s preparing you for the fourth quarter.” Trials are not punishments but preparation, teaching us dependence and perseverance. The Next Generation and God’s Trustworthiness Parents cannot shield children from every hardship. “You can’t fight all their battles — God’s using those struggles to build them.” He warned against over-sheltering and fear-driven parenting: “Trust God’s plan for your children. He’s a better protector than you.” Like Jochebed with Moses, sometimes faith means letting go and trusting God’s purpose. The Source of Blessing and True Prosperity God alone gives the power to get wealth — to establish His covenant, not to glorify ourselves. “If God ...
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    46 m
  • Sunday Morning Service - The FAITH Family

    Sunday Morning Service - The FAITH Family
    Nov 24 2025
    Main Theme: Faith is the inheritance every believer must pass on — the foundation of the “family of faith.” Drawing from the story of Moses’ parents, Amram and Jochebed, Pastor Matthew taught that true faith trusts God even when circumstances look hopeless, and that every generation must rise up and preserve faith for the next. The Faith Legacy of Moses’ Family Amram (“exalted people”) and Jochebed (“Yahweh is glory”) were from the priestly tribe of Levi.Their three children — Aaron (the first high priest), Miriam (the worship leader), and Moses (the deliverer) — all served different purposes but under the same God. “God uses families, but He uses each person differently. Our children belong to Him first.” Jochebed’s name was the first in Scripture to contain Yahweh — a sign that through her, God was revealing His covenant name and plan for deliverance. God Raises a Deliverer Through a Family of Faith Pharaoh, fearing the rise of a deliverer, commanded that all Hebrew male infants be killed.The Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, refused to obey Pharaoh’s order because they feared God more than man, and God blessed them for their obedience. “We obey the laws of the land — until they conflict with the laws of God. That’s where we draw the line.” Pastor stressed that when God plans a deliverance, He first raises up a man or woman of faith — just as He did with Moses. Jochebed’s Faith in Action (Exodus 2:1–10) Jochebed hid her baby Moses for three months, then placed him in a basket on the Nile River — the same river where other infants were being killed. “She put her child right in the enemy’s waters — and trusted God to keep him.” Pharaoh’s daughter found the baby, and through God’s orchestration:Moses’ sister Miriam offered to find a Hebrew nurse — Jochebed herself.Pharaoh’s daughter unknowingly paid Jochebed to care for her own son. “God’s big enough to pay you to raise your own child in faith.” Jochebed eventually released Moses completely, letting Pharaoh’s daughter claim him as her son — a stunning act of humility and surrender. “She carried him, birthed him, hid him, and raised him — but was willing to let him go for God’s glory.” The Power of Faith and Humility Jochebed’s faith mirrors Abraham’s — both trusted God enough to release what they loved most.Pastor urged parents and believers to trust God with their children and futures, even when they cannot control the outcome. “The greatest people in heaven may be the ones who labored unseen and gave God all the glory.” True greatness is not found in position or visibility, but in obedience and humility. “Faith doesn’t impress God because it’s loud — it impresses Him because it trusts.” Faith that Sees the Invisible (Hebrews 11) The faith of Moses’ parents is honored in Hebrews 11:23: “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents… for they saw he was a beautiful child.” The word translated beautiful (Greek: asteios) means belonging to another city — symbolizing that Jochebed recognized Moses belonged to God. “She knew she was a steward of a child who belonged to another kingdom.” Faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”It requires acting before seeing results.Faith is ongoing, not something we once had years ago.God rewards those who diligently seek Him — meaning those who do not neglect Him. Lesson: “Faith that pleases God is faith that obeys, acts, and doesn’t neglect His voice — even when it interrupts your plans.” Moses’ Example of Faith As Moses matured, he refused to be known as Pharaoh’s daughter’s son and chose to suffer with God’s people instead of enjoying the “passing pleasures of sin.”Pastor emphasized that sin is pleasurable for a season, but its end is destruction.Moses’ faith caused him to “see Him who is invisible” — living by faith in what God promised, not what he could see. “That’s the paradox of faith — to see the invisible and act as if it’s visible.” Application: Believers must teach their children to look beyond worldly success and see eternity as the true reward. “Peter won’t ask for your diploma or your bank account at the gate — he’ll ask if you knew Jesus.” The Faith Inheritance Pastor closed by urging the church to pass on faith as the greatest family legacy.Jochebed’s quiet obedience shaped one of the greatest leaders in Scripture.The faith of parents and grandparents sets the spiritual tone for generations. “What you hand off in faith will outlive anything you buy or build.” He shared how his grandmother gave every child a Bible — the most valuable gift of all.The call: rise up in faith, not fear. “It’s time for the church to stop being afraid. Put your basket in the river. Trust God to protect what belongs to Him.” Core Message God builds His deliverers through ...
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    56 m
  • Thursday Bible Study - Zechariah - Session 7

    Thursday Bible Study - Zechariah - Session 7
    Nov 22 2025
    Main Theme: God is both Savior and Restorer, calling His people to remain steadfast in hope, truth, and repentance while warning against false voices and spiritual apathy in the last days. The study of Zechariah 9–10 connected ancient Israel’s restoration to God’s prophetic promises being fulfilled in our time. Opening Focus — “Prisoners of Hope” (Zechariah 9:11–12) Pastor Matthew opened with prayer and the reminder that the Lord is longsuffering and merciful, calling believers to follow His will.Zechariah 9:11–12 declares God’s promise: “Because of the blood of your covenant, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope.” The phrase “prisoners of hope” was highlighted as a declaration of certainty, not uncertainty.In Greek (elpis), “hope” means expectation without a question mark — because our confidence is in Jesus, not circumstance.No matter how “caged up” we feel, believers are never without hope if they trust the Lord. Lesson: “God’s people are not prisoners of despair — we are prisoners of hope.” God the Savior and Restorer God’s character is revealed as both Deliverer and Restorer.Like Job, who endured affliction but received double restoration, Israel too would be redeemed and multiplied.God not only saves from destruction but restores what was lost. “You’re not allowed to use God and ‘can’t’ in the same sentence — unless you’re talking about sin.” Key Thought: The only thing God cannot do is sin. He can save, heal, and restore anything that’s broken. Warnings Against False Shepherds and Idols (Zechariah 10:2) Zechariah warned that idols and false prophets speak delusion and comfort in vain, leading people astray because “there is no shepherd.”Pastor compared this to modern deception — preachers who tell people only what they want to hear. “People don’t want a doctor who lies about a tumor, or a financial advisor who hides disaster. But many want a preacher who tells them what they want instead of what they need.” Application: The absence of godly leadership creates confusion and loss.True shepherds preach repentance and righteousness, not comfort and compromise. Parallels to the Last Days — 2 Peter 3 Pastor connected Zechariah’s message to 2 Peter 3, describing the same pattern in the last days:Scoffers will deny judgment and live by their own desires.Many will forget the past judgment (the Flood) and ignore the coming one (by fire). The world will not end by human means (like climate change), but by God’s sovereign decision. “The world will not end because of warming or cooling — it will end because God brings it to a close.” The Danger of Misreading God’s Longsuffering People misinterpret God’s mercy as apathy or approval.God delays judgment to give time for repentance — not because He’s asleep or indifferent.Israel’s repeated disobedience led to captivity because they mistook mercy for permission. “The mystery isn’t that God will judge — the mystery is that He hasn’t already.” Examples: Nations and individuals fall when they take grace for granted.The sins of abortion, abuse, greed, and deceit invite judgment; only repentance delays it. God’s Desire for Repentance and Salvation Pastor reflected on 2 Peter 3:9 — “The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”God’s longsuffering aims to save even the worst sinner, illustrated through:Manasseh — the most wicked king of Judah, who repented after 55 years and was forgiven.Barabbas — the murderer set free while Jesus took his place. “Jesus carried the very crossbeam Barabbas had prepared for himself. The cleanest man who ever lived took the place of the worst man in the culture.” Insight: God’s mercy reaches even those we think beyond saving. No one is too far gone. The True Shepherd Restores His People (Zechariah 10:3–12) God’s anger burns against false shepherds, but He promises to raise up the Good Shepherd — the Messiah, Jesus Christ.“From Him comes the cornerstone, the tent peg, the battle bow, every ruler together.”God promises to strengthen Judah, save Joseph, and bring back His scattered people. The prophecy of Israel’s return to the land — scattered “among the nations” — is being fulfilled before our eyes.Pastor noted that since 1948 (Israel’s rebirth) and 1967 (Jerusalem’s restoration), God has been gathering His people home from every nation. “We’re the generation seeing prophecy fulfilled — God is bringing His people home.” Closing Exhortation The study ended with thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness and mercy.Pastor urged believers to:Stay grounded in truth, not comfort.Honor Israel, for God blesses those who bless her.Live ready, because the Lord’s return will be sudden — “as a thief in the night.” “Everything in this world will be dissolved, but those...
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    35 m
  • LWWC - Joshua - Session 7

    LWWC - Joshua - Session 7
    Nov 20 2025
    Main Theme: The message continues the study of Joshua chapters 10–11, exploring how God led Israel to fully conquer their enemies. Pastor emphasized that these natural battles symbolize our spiritual warfare—the believer’s call to finish battles of faith, destroy sin’s influence, and walk in victory through obedience. Opening and Global Prayer The service began with intercession for Christians under persecution in Nigeria and Sudan, highlighting that while Western believers face spiritual battles, others face literal physical danger for their faith. Pastor led prayer for God’s mercy, protection, and bold witness among the persecuted church. Israel’s Battle and Spiritual Parallels (Joshua 10:16–43) Joshua commanded the army to seal the five kings in the cave at Makkedah, pursue the enemy, and finish the battle.After victory, Joshua had his captains place their feet on the necks of the kings—a prophetic act of dominion.This became a picture of spiritual warfare: “Sometimes we don’t finish the battle. We let things live that God told us to destroy.” Believers must pursue sin and temptation until they are “dust under our feet.”Partial obedience leads to future bondage. Lesson: Don’t leave sin alive. Whatever is not put to death will eventually come back to destroy.Just as Joshua completed every battle, we must close every spiritual door and cut off access to the enemy. God’s Ways and the Danger of Presumption Pastor reminded the congregation that God moves in diverse ways: “Sometimes He fights supernaturally; other times He works through natural means or people—but it’s always His hand.” He warned against putting God in a box or expecting Him to act the same way every time, which leads to a Pharisaical mindset. True faith trusts His sovereignty regardless of method. The Severity of Sin Joshua’s command to destroy the Canaanite nations often troubles modern readers, but Pastor explained: God owns everything; He is perfectly just in judgment.Israel’s destruction of wicked nations demonstrates the seriousness of sin, not cruelty. “We don’t see how wicked sin really is… we’ve redefined it as conditions or sickness instead of rebellion against God.” Sin caused death, chaos, and even required the crucifixion of God’s Son to be redeemed.God’s judgment isn’t biased—He later judged Israel the same way when they turned to idolatry. “He’s long-suffering, but He’s also holy.” God the Redeemer Pastor used the analogy of the pawn shop and Hosea’s marriage: Humanity belonged to God but sold itself to sin.Yet God, though rightful owner, paid again with the blood of Christ to buy us back. “He walked into the spiritual pawn shop and paid for the whole store.” This is the picture of grace: redemption at a cost God didn’t owe. Spiritual Warfare and Finishing the Fight (Joshua 11) The northern kings united against Israel, but God reassured Joshua: “Do not be afraid. I will deliver them into your hand.” God again fought for Israel, proving that obedience keeps God’s presence active.Joshua’s faithfulness to continue Moses’ commands showed continuity—obedience to divine instruction brings sustained victory. Application: Romans 6 and the War Within Pastor connected Joshua’s battles to Romans 6, explaining how believers must fight sin with the same intensity: “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid.”Through baptism, we are united with Christ’s death and resurrection.Therefore, sin has no dominion over believers: “Even when you fail, your position in Christ overrides your condition.” Victory comes by renewing the mind with the Word, speaking God’s truth over ourselves, and closing every door to sin.Believers must “cut off options” that lead back to bondage—relationships, habits, or influences that tempt the flesh. Becoming a Bondservant Paul called himself a bondslave of Christ—one who chooses to stay out of love, not compulsion.Pastor contrasted this with modern Christians who seek convenience: “Christianity isn’t weakness—it’s surrender. The greatest opportunity isn’t success, it’s becoming a man or woman of God.” Closing Exhortation God desires full victory for His people—no compromise, no partial obedience.The Christian walk is discipleship as a journey, not a destination.Every battle is an opportunity to grow stronger in faith and obedience. “Cut off what tempts you. Pursue your enemies until they’re dust under your feet. You are dead to sin and alive to God. Finish the fight.” Core Message Don’t leave sin alive—finish the battle.God’s justice reveals the true horror of sin.You are redeemed at great cost—live as one who’s been bought back.Renew your mind, close every door to the enemy, and walk in your position in Christ.The greatest victory is not survival—it’s surrender.
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    50 m
  • Sunday Morning Service - Jesus The Greatest Intercessor

    Sunday Morning Service - Jesus The Greatest Intercessor
    Nov 17 2025
    Sermon Summary — “Jesus the Great Intercessor”

    Main Theme: Jesus Christ stands eternally as the Great Intercessor — the one who steps between humanity and judgment, taking our place, wrapping Himself in our condition, and offering access to God through His continual intercession.

    1. Defining Intercession

    Pastor Denis begins by distinguishing intercession from ordinary prayer.

    • All prayer is not intercessory, though intercession may happen during prayer.

    • The Greek roots of “intercession” convey two ideas:

      • To come between or to obstruct/prevent something harmful.

      • To be wrapped up in — implying full personal involvement.

    • An intercessor steps into the gap—on behalf of others—to obstruct harm or judgment and to bring about God’s will, not personal desires.

    Example: Esther interceded for her people, risking her life to stand between them and destruction. True intercessors, like her, are willing to “wrap themselves” into a situation regardless of cost.

    2. The Nature of True Intercession

    • True intercession is not “safe” or comfortable, but rooted in faith and obedience.

    • It is not motivated by emotion or pity, but by alignment with the will of God.

    • It involves risk without fear, because “to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

    • Pastor Denis uses a story of a mayor taking his mother’s punishment to illustrate substitution — a reflection of what Jesus does for us.

    3. Biblical Examples of Intercessors

    • Job 9:32–33 – Job longs for a “mediator” (daysman) to stand between him and God — a foreshadowing of Christ.

    • Elijah (James 5:17–18) – Elijah prayed for drought and then rain, aligning his intercession with God’s word, even though it brought hardship upon himself too.

      • True intercession seeks spiritual restoration above physical comfort.

    • Moses – Offered his own life for Israel’s forgiveness (“If you destroy them, destroy me too”).

      • Shows intercession as willingness to bear another’s burden or consequence.

    4. Modern Application — Interceding with God’s Will

    • Sometimes God calls believers to pray difficult prayers, not just “bless them” prayers — to ask for repentance, breaking, and surrender.

    • True intercessors pray for God’s will, not people’s preferences.

    • Intercession might require standing against popular opinion or suffering personally for the sake of truth.

    5. The Great Intercessor: Jesus Christ

    • Hebrews 2 reveals that Jesus is the ultimate mediator who:

      • Took on flesh and “tasted death for everyone.”

      • Fully identified with humanity, walking through temptation, pain, and rejection.

      • Now “lives to make intercession” for us continually before the Father.

    • Jesus is the only one who:

      • Stepped between judgment and humanity to absorb sin’s penalty.

      • Wrapped Himself in human weakness to redeem it.

      • Now stands as our refuge, mediator, and hope.

    Key Insight: Saying “I can’t overcome” or “I can’t change” is not humility — it denies the power of Christ’s intercession. Every believer must personally step into what Jesus has already provided.

    6. Call to Action

    • Seek Jesus first, before friends, family, or social support.

    • Develop a personal relationship with Him — He’s awake at every hour, listening and interceding.

    • Make Him the center, not a part, of your life. Everything else should revolve around Him.

    • Understand that Jesus’ intercession is ongoing, not a one-time act — He is continually standing in the gap for us.

    Closing Message

    Jesus, the Great Intercessor, has already obstructed judgment, absorbed our punishment, and secured eternal life for those who believe. Now, He calls us to reflect His nature — to stand in the gap for others, to align with His will, and to give ourselves wholly to the purposes of God.

    “He lives to make intercession — not because He must be convinced, but because that’s who He is.”
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