Episodios

  • 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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    54 m
  • LWWC - Joshua - Session 6

    LWWC - Joshua - Session 6
    Nov 14 2025
    Theme: Covenant Renewal and the Danger of Compromise Pastor Matthew continued the Joshua series, focusing on Joshua chapters 9 and 10—the story of the Gibeonite deception and Israel’s response. The message explored how deception, presumption, and failure to seek God’s direction lead to spiritual compromise, but also how God’s mercy and power still prevail through covenant faithfulness. The Gibeonite Deception (Joshua 9) After the miraculous victories at Jericho and Ai, news spread throughout Canaan about Israel’s power under God’s command.While other kings prepared for war, the Gibeonites chose deception: they disguised themselves as distant travelers, wearing old clothes and carrying moldy bread to make Israel believe they came from far away. “The devil doesn’t always come at you head-on. Sometimes he comes dressed as something harmless, familiar, or even friendly.” Israel’s leaders failed to consult the Lord before making a covenant with them. “They examined the evidence but didn’t pray. That’s where the failure happened.” Lesson: “Not everything that looks right is right. When you stop seeking God’s counsel, you open yourself up to deception.” The Power and Permanence of Covenant Once the truth was revealed—that the Gibeonites were local inhabitants—Israel wanted to destroy them, but Joshua refused, because they had sworn an oath before the Lord. “You don’t break covenant just because it’s inconvenient. When you give your word before God, He expects you to honor it.” Joshua made the Gibeonites servants in the house of God, cutting wood and drawing water for the altar. “Even in discipline, God gives a place of grace. The Gibeonites ended up serving in the temple—better to be a servant in God’s house than a warrior outside of it.” Application: Keep your word, integrity matters.God honors covenant even when we fail to discern perfectly.His mercy can redeem our mistakes and bring them into His purpose. Spiritual Warning — The Cost of Presumption Pastor reminded that Israel’s misstep came not from rebellion but assumption: “They assumed they knew what to do because it looked obvious. But assumption is the enemy of revelation.” He linked this to modern believers: People presume God’s approval because of success or blessing.Churches presume direction because of tradition. “We don’t pray about things anymore because we think we already know the answer. That’s dangerous ground.” Joshua 10 — When the Enemy Attacks Your Covenant Five Amorite kings formed an alliance to destroy Gibeon for aligning with Israel.The Gibeonites cried out to Joshua for help—and Joshua honored the covenant, marching all night from Gilgal to defend them. “When you make covenant before God, He’ll expect you to keep it even when it costs you sleep, comfort, or convenience.” God honored Joshua’s obedience with supernatural victory:The enemy was thrown into confusion.Large hailstones fell from heaven, killing more than the sword.The sun stood still over Gibeon as Joshua prayed for extended daylight. “When you honor covenant, God honors you. Heaven will move time itself to fulfill His word through a faithful servant.” The Sun Stands Still — God’s Power in Partnership Pastor emphasized that God didn’t act until Joshua spoke in faith: “The miracle didn’t happen until Joshua opened his mouth. Faith is voice-activated.” This battle revealed divine partnership—God works through people who trust His covenant and speak His promises. “God didn’t tell Joshua to pray for the sun to stand still—he just believed big enough to ask. That’s faith that moves creation.” Application: Don’t wait for the perfect conditions to believe in miracles.When you walk in covenant obedience, heaven backs your faith. God Finishes What He Starts Joshua captured the five kings and had them brought before Israel.He instructed his commanders to place their feet on the necks of the defeated kings. “That’s a picture of what Christ does through us. He lets us stand in His victory.” Pastor tied this to Romans 16:20: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Spiritual Principle: “God gives you victory not just to end a battle—but to establish dominion. When you stand in covenant authority, the enemy is beneath your feet.” Closing Reflections Never stop seeking God’s direction, even after victories.Keep covenant—your word matters to heaven.Faith speaks boldly—God moves through the believing voice.Victory comes through obedience, not shortcuts.Don’t mistake mercy for approval—learn from Gibeon’s deception but walk in Joshua’s faith. Bro. Matthew concluded with a call to vigilance and worship: “We’re living in days of deception. Don’t trust what looks right—trust what God says. Stay prayed up, stay in the Word, and you’ll see the sun stand still in your life too.”
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    52 m
  • Sunday Morning Service - The War

    Sunday Morning Service - The War
    Nov 11 2025
    Theme: The War for Souls — Understanding the Battle Between God and Satan Pastor Matthew preached from Isaiah 53, Ephesians 6, and Romans 8, unfolding the reality of the spiritual war between God and Satan that began in heaven and now continues on earth for the souls of men. The sermon traced the war’s origin, its impact on humanity, and the believer’s call to stand and fight through Christ’s victory. The Origin of the War Pastor began by explaining from Hebrew tradition that Lucifer’s rebellion may have occurred after Adam was created, not before.When God gave Adam dominion over the earth, Lucifer resented being subject to a being made in God’s image and likeness. “Lucifer didn’t like that he had to come under Adam’s authority if he came to earth. That’s why he rebelled.” The war began in heaven and extended to humanity when Satan deceived Adam and Eve in the garden.Humanity retained God’s image but lost His likeness — becoming earthly instead of heavenly.The goal of the Christian life, Pastor said, is to regain the likeness of God through Christ. “Your goal isn’t to be the best preacher, singer, or worker — your goal is to be like Him.” Jesus: The Warrior Who Fought for Us (Isaiah 53) Reading from Isaiah 53, Pastor described the suffering of Christ as the battle for our redemption. “He went to war — and He was wounded, bruised, and pierced for us.” Every wound Jesus took was a war wound, proof of victory through sacrifice.“By His stripes we are healed” means that the war Jesus fought reconciled us to God — our peace (shalom) restored.Pastor explained shalom as “the cessation of againstness” — the end of hostility between God and man. “When I say ‘Shalom,’ I’m saying everything’s right between me and you, and between me and God.” The war Jesus fought was not symbolic — it was a real, violent confrontation for our souls. “He went to war for us, and He won. Now He’s enlisted us in that same war.” The Nature of Our Battle (Ephesians 6:10–18) Pastor reminded the congregation that we are still in the middle of the war — a spiritual one.We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness.Satan’s primary weapon is deception — “He caused me to forget” (the Hebrew meaning of beguiled). “Temptation works when we forget — just for a moment — the consequences, our love for God, and who we are.” The solution: Put on the full armor of God — truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word.Pastor emphasized the danger of modern distractions: “We’ve got a league for everything, a device for everything, but few remember the war we’re in. Don’t get lulled to sleep.” Key call: “You belong to God before you belong to anybody. Drop what you’re doing when He calls. You owe Him that.” The Mind — The Battlefield (2 Corinthians 10:3–5) The war begins in the mind. “That’s where Satan got Eve — he distorted her thinking before she took the fruit.” The enemy still works through arguments, imaginations, and lies that exalt themselves against God’s truth.Pastor warned that many people are angry at God because Satan deceived them into believing God failed or took something from them. “The devil’s best work is making people mad at God — blaming Him for what sin caused.” Believers must bring every thought into captivity to Christ and refuse carnal conflicts with others. “The war isn’t in here (the church) — it’s out there. Don’t fight one another. Prefer one another.” The Call to Spiritual Endurance (2 Timothy 2:3–4) “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Pastor explained that soldiers suffer wounds, hunger, frostbite, and exhaustion — yet stay committed to the mission.Likewise, Christians must endure hardship without getting entangled in worldly distractions. “If you’ve got too much going on to spend time with God, you’ve got too much going on.” Our goal is not comfort, but to please Him who enlisted us. Victory Assured (Romans 8:18–39) The war may be fierce, but the outcome is already settled.Jesus’ death and resurrection guarantee victory for those who remain faithful. “The game’s fixed. If we die, we go straight to be with the Lord.” Creation itself is groaning for redemption, waiting for the full restoration of God’s sons.The Holy Spirit helps us in battle — interceding when we don’t know how to pray. “When you pray ‘Thy will be done,’ you’re asking God to realign lives, rescue souls, and tear down sin. That’s warfare prayer.” Nothing can separate believers from God’s love:Not tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, or death.“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” The War’s End — The Crushing of the Serpent Pastor closed with the prophetic image of David placing Goliath’s head on Golgotha, “the...
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    58 m
  • Thursday Bible Study - Zechariah - Session 6

    Thursday Bible Study - Zechariah - Session 6
    Nov 8 2025
    Theme: Restoration, Repentance, and Prophecy — God’s Zeal for Zion and His Sovereign Plan Pastor Matthew continued the study in Zechariah chapters 8–9, emphasizing God’s zealous love for Jerusalem, His plan to restore His people, and the prophetic revelation of Jesus’ triumphal entry hundreds of years before it happened. The message blended historical restoration, end-time prophecy, and personal spiritual application about obedience, repentance, and loving truth. The Context of Zechariah’s Message Zechariah ministered to the returning exiles who were rebuilding the temple and city after Babylonian captivity.His message: Repent and rebuild, learning from the failures of their fathers who disobeyed God. “The reason Jerusalem was run over and the walls were down was because their fathers decided not to obey God.” Pastor warned that disobedience in one generation damages the next, but also offered hope: “The Lord will restore everything the cankerworm has eaten… You can start over today because His mercies are new every morning.” God’s Zealous Love and Protective Jealousy (Zechariah 8:1–3) God declares: “I am zealous for Zion with great zeal.”Pastor explained the difference between sinful jealousy (possessive, fearful) and God’s holy jealousy (protective, loving).He illustrated this with a story of a discerning wife’s protective instinct — likening God’s jealousy to the kind that protects, not controls. Application: God’s jealousy is a shield of love, not suspicion. He guards His people as a husband guards his bride. God’s Promise of Restoration and Peace Zechariah’s vision shows old men and women in the streets and children playing again — symbols of renewed peace.Pastor noted that this prophecy has a dual fulfillment: Immediate — Israel’s physical return and rebuilding under Nehemiah and Zechariah.Future — The millennial kingdom, when Christ reigns and Jerusalem is finally at peace. “There’s coming a day when Jerusalem will never be moved again. They’ll suffer, but they’re there to stay.” The Nations and Israel — God’s Sovereign Control Pastor described how world events align with biblical prophecy: nations turning against Israel, yet unable to uproot her.He cautioned that the stage is being set for the end-times conflict when “all nations come against Jerusalem.” “They’re not leaving. Russia’s not pushing them out. Muslims aren’t. America won’t compromise them out. They belong to God.” He reminded the congregation that God owns every nation: “Israel belongs to God. So does Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, America, and China. The earth is the Lord’s.” Key Point: The rise and fall of nations are under divine authority; human plans collapse, but God’s purposes stand forever (Psalm 2). God’s Call to Integrity and Truth (Zechariah 8:16–17) The Lord calls His people to:Speak truth to neighbors.Give just judgment.Avoid evil and deceit. Pastor explained that while we are no longer “under the law,” the Ten Commandments remain, summed up in Jesus’ two greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God… and love your neighbor as yourself.” He warned against loving lies and gossip, urging believers to love truth even when it hurts: “Love truth when it punches you in the face. It’s your protector.” The Value of Correction and Loving Truth Pastor reminded that truth both encourages and rebukes:“One day truth pats you on the back, saying, ‘Keep going.’ The next day it slaps you on the shoulder and says, ‘Stop being foolish.’ We need both.” Truth guards against deception — echoing Paul’s warning that in the last days, God will send strong delusion to those who reject truth (2 Thess. 2:11–12). Application: “Don’t just love truth when it makes you feel good — love it when it corrects you. That’s what keeps you safe.” Restoration of Joy and the Future Kingdom (Zechariah 8:19–23) God promised that Israel’s fasts of mourning would become feasts of joy.People from many nations would say, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”Pastor noted this points to both:Israel’s national revival, andThe global acknowledgment of God’s presence among His people. He reminded the church that God reveals Himself to all nations and that no one is beyond His reach, citing: “The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” (Titus 2:11) God’s Sovereignty in Judgment and Mercy (Zechariah 9) Pastor transitioned into Zechariah 9, noting it shifts from restoration to prophecy and divine judgment.The Lord declares He will judge the surrounding nations (Tyre, Sidon, Gaza, Ashkelon, Philistia), showing He alone controls history. “Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. If He tells you to store up, do it. If not, don’t worry — just obey Him.” Prophecy of the Messiah — The Triumphal Entry (Zechariah 9:9–10) One of Scripture’s clearest messianic ...
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    44 m
  • LWWC - Joshua - Session 5

    LWWC - Joshua - Session 5
    Nov 8 2025
    Theme: From Defeat to Victory — Obedience, Judgment, and God’s Longsuffering Pastor Matthew continued his series on the book of Joshua, focusing on chapter 8, where Israel returned to face Ai—the place of their previous defeat. The sermon unfolded three key themes: restoration through obedience, understanding God’s justice, and the call to overcome through repentance and faithfulness. Returning to the Place of Defeat After Israel’s failure at Ai (caused by Achan’s sin), God instructed Joshua to go back: “Do not be afraid nor dismayed. Take all the people of war with you… I have given into your hand the king of Ai.” (Joshua 8:1) Pastor explained that God often sends us back to the place of defeat — not to relive shame, but to redeem it through obedience.“When you go back in the power of Christ and the Word of the Lord, you can’t lose.” God gave new instructions: this time, the spoils of Ai would belong to Israel. The principle: “The first fruits belong to God; the rest He blesses for you.” Lesson: God is fair and faithful — He doesn’t take to deprive but to teach trust and honor. The Strategy of Obedience Joshua followed God’s detailed battle plan: Set an ambush behind Ai while Joshua and the main army pretended to retreat.Once the enemy was drawn out, the ambush rose, took the city, and set it on fire.When the enemy looked back and saw the smoke, Israel turned and struck them down (v. 19–22). Pastor emphasized how God is a God of detail: “If we would listen long enough, God would tell us exactly what to do. But we’ve become a drive-thru culture—no patience, no waiting.” Application: Faith follows God’s word precisely. Victory is not random — it comes through listening, waiting, and acting on divine instruction. Renewal of Covenant After Ai was destroyed, Joshua built an altar at Mount Ebal, offered burnt and peace offerings, and read all the words of the Law before the people (Joshua 8:30–35). This marked a spiritual renewal — a recommitment after failure. Pastor’s takeaway: “They renewed their covenant because someone thought it was okay to steal from God. Never steal from God — He owns everything.” He reminded that God’s ownership and our stewardship are central to understanding His commands. God’s Justice and Longsuffering The message turned theological as Pastor explored why God ordered the destruction of Ai: God owns everything and has all knowledge.When judgment comes, it’s because a people or person has exhausted God’s grace.Using Genesis 15:16, he explained that the Amorites’ “iniquity was not yet full” — God’s patience always precedes judgment. He compared this to modern examples: “God knew when Saddam Hussein’s time was up. When a man’s cruelty or sin reaches its limit, God says, ‘That’s enough.’” Scriptural anchors: 2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”Romans 1 – How rejecting truth and embracing sin leads to delusion and depravity.Revelation 2:18–29 – The church of Thyatira and “Jezebel,” who was given time to repent of immorality. Core Message: “When judgment comes, it’s never sudden — it’s the result of mercy refused.” Sexual Immorality and Idolatry — The Downfall of Nations Pastor linked Israel’s ancient idolatry to modern culture: Sexual immorality causes more destruction than drugs and alcohol combined.Every society that normalizes it must invent idols to justify sin.The last straw before national judgment is not immorality itself but idolatry — worshiping false gods that excuse disobedience. “If I’m going to live against God’s Word and refuse to repent, I’ll find a god that makes me feel okay about it.” He warned that America faces similar danger: “The nations that forget God will be turned into hell.” Mercy, Repentance, and Overcoming Despite these warnings, Pastor underscored that God still offers mercy: Even Jezebel was given time to repent — showing the depth of God’s compassion.“No one is as long-suffering as God. When judgment finally comes, it’s because He’s exhausted Himself trying to reach us.”Quoting 1 John 1:9, he assured: “If you confess your sins, He is faithful and just to forgive you.” He then linked this to Jesus’ message to the seven churches in Revelation: “To him who overcomes…” (Greek: nikao / neo — to gain victory). The word is the root of “Nike,” meaning to prevail — symbolizing the believer’s call to overcome through repentance and obedience. Application: Set yourself up to succeed spiritually — not to fail. “The strongest Christians aren’t the ones who can endure anything; they’re the ones who know their weaknesses and guard against them.” He gave practical examples: The man freed from alcoholism who changed his route to avoid temptation.The believer who moved his computer into the living room to avoid secret ...
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