EZ Sermons Online

Jesus Our Advocate

2026-05-17T07:05:43.905-05:00

One of the greatest truths in all of scripture is the fact that God is for us. He loves us, He cares about us, and He is on our side. He really is on your side! That is encouraging! Imagine the peace in our life that we would experience if we simply walked in this truth. That is the promise we have as believers.

This is so important! Knowing that Jesus is our advocate is vital to our belief. What you believe about God and what you believe about yourself is very important. Why? Because right belief leads to right living. Believing the right things leads to living the right way.

Not everyone sees you the way that God sees you. Not everyone talks about you the way that God talks about you. It is important that we are listening to the voice of our advocate and not the voice of the accuser.

But more on that later! For now, let’s jump into our text for today.

The apostle John, the same John who wrote the gospel of John, is writing to his readers about living rightly before God. The main idea is that true fellowship with God is found in the person of Jesus Christ and that the evidence of fellowship with Him is found in a transformed life.

In chapter one he establishes his authority as a true eyewitness of Jesus risen from the dead. He was adamant about God being perfect as light and that no one can be living in darkness and claim to be in God. He also is adamant that anyone claiming to be without sinning is lying and is not born again.

Then in chapter two John continues his thought. Let’s pick up in verse one:

1 John 2:1-2 — “1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

Here the Bible says that we as believers have an “advocate” with the Father.

Our Advocate = Jesus Christ (the Righteous One)

What is an Advocate?

Advocate (Parakletos) = One who stands on your behalf; Defends your case

A “Parakletos” was someone who voluntarily stepped forward in a court of law to defend an accused person, represent them, and urge the judge for a favorable verdict. John is saying that Jesus is that person for us!

There are a few things that we have to understand in order for all of this to make sense.

1. The Law Reveals Our Guilt
The truth is that God is holy, just, and righteous. God is perfect! When God created the world, it was perfect as well. But when Adam disobeyed God, sin entered the world. Through Moses, God gave the Law to Israel and to us (Torah). The whole point of the law was to reveal that we have all sinned and that we have all fallen short. It’s purpose was to reveal our guilt.

When you break the law here in America, there are consequences. When you break the law of God, there are consequences as well. When you break the law in America, your penalty is a fine, jail time, prison time, potentially even life in prison. However, when you break the law of God, the consequence is eternal separation from God.

Every single one of us has fallen short, every single one of us has sinned. Therefore we are all guilty of breaking the law. If you had to stand before God based on your own righteousness, you would have no defense. The evidence against you in overwhelming!

No amount of good works, church attendance, apologizing could erase our guilt. We needed someone to do for us what we could never do for ourselves. That someone is Jesus Christ!

2. Jesus Paid Our Debt
Jesus came to this earth born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, was falsely accused, nailed to a wooden cross, and then died a sinner’s death. When Jesus died, He took our punishment upon Himself for us. His blood was shed for us so that we could be forgiven, set free, and could be in right standing before God. (Oh precious is the flow…)

In the Old Testament, there was mediator between God and man; the high priest. The role of the high priest was to represent man before God (Note: A prophet represented God to the people).

Hebrews 5:1 — “For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.”

His job was to represent the people by offering a consecrated sacrifice to God on behalf of the people for their forgiveness.

Jesus Himself is the Ultimate High Priest! He was taken from us (born of a virgin), and appointed for us, in order to represent us to God. His death was the perfect sacrifice made unto God once and for all for the forgiveness of our sins. His death paid the debt we owed and took on our penalty for us.

3. Jesus is Defending Our Case
Jesus is no longer in the grave — He is in heaven right now making intercession for you. What does that mean? He is defending your case. He is being an advocate on your behalf. Why? Because while you do have an advocate that is on your side, you also have an accuser; that is the devil himself.

The Bible says that the devil is the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10). It says that he accuses us before God day and night. All day long, he goes before God to make accusations against you. He points out the wrong you have done, the sins you have committed, and the mistakes you have made. He is constantly pointing our your guilt.

But this is where Jesus as our advocate really comes into play. While the devil continues to hurl accusations against you, Jesus stands before God as our lawyer/defender and points to His righteousness that has been applied to us through His blood that was shed for us. He points to His sacrificial death on the cross that completely paid for our sin. Jesus stands before God on your behalf and says “he is mine, she is mine, I paid for him/her!”

Jesus is making intercession for you right now!!

So 1 John 2:1 portrays a heavenly courtroom:

• God is the judge

• You as the defendant

• The devil as the accuser (prosecutor) pointing out what you did wrong

• Jesus as the defense attorney on your behalf

Jesus is interceding on your behalf before God RIGHT NOW!!

Notice what it says at the end of 1 John 2:1

“But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”

Jesus is qualified to be an advocate on our behalf because He is the perfect and righteous one!

This is the truth! This is so important for us to know and understand. Why you may ask? Because the accuser is not only making accusations about you before God, he is also making accusations to you as well. He tells you all the bad things you’ve done. He points out all your failures. He tries to condemn you by whispering lies to you:

• You are a failure

• You’re not a good parent

• It’s your fault

• You are never going to change

• God is disappointed in you

• You ruined your calling

• You’re not worthy

• God can’t use you, look at your mistakes

If we are not careful, we will begin to agree with accusations that God never spoke over us. We can find ourselves imprisoned by and accusations and condemnation (lies) when the truth is actually quite the opposite.

The devil wants you to focus on yourself and your own shortcomings. Why? Because he knows that if you begin to lift your eyes to Jesus, then you will see the truth, that you are forgiven, that you have been covered, and that you have had an advocate on your side the entire time.

The devil knows the truth, he just wants to keep you from seeing it. Why? Because he wants to keep you on the sideline. He wants to keep you from being effective for the kingdom of God. His weapon of choice are accusations and condemnation. But we must remember that our advocate has paid the price for us and is defending us before God the Father day and night!

So let us take our eyes off ourselves and our own failures and shortcomings and let us put them on Jesus! Who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. It is because of Him that we are considered the righteousness of Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:21 — “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

You are no longer identified by your sin. You are now identified by His righteousness.

TAKEAWAYS

I. Stop agreeing with accusations that God never spoke over you
We have to be careful not to agree with the attacks on our heart from the enemy when he accuses us. We must recognize that as the voice of the enemy.

We have to recognize the difference between conviction and condemnation. Condemnation is from the enemy. He constantly accuses, condemns, and reminds you of your shortcomings.

However, conviction comes from the Holy Spirit inspired to lead us to repentance and restoration. Conviction leads you back to God, condemnation leads you away from God.

Do not build your identity around what the accuser says about you. Instead, build your identity around what your advocate says about you.

II. Keep your eyes on Jesus instead of your failures
The devil wants you to focus on yourself and all of your mistakes because as long as you stare at yourself, you will keep staying defeated. He wants to keep you from lifting your eyes to Jesus at all costs. Why? Because freedom comes when you lift your eyes and see the truth that Jesus has been defending the entire time.

Your salvation was never based on your perfection, it was based on His.
And you are not being defended by your righteousness, but by His.

III. Remember that Jesus is still interceding for you right now
Although Jesus paid for your salvation 2000 years ago, He is actively advocating for you in heaven right now! The devil is hurling accusations about you before God, but Jesus your advocate is standing in the gap interceding on your behalf. You don’t have to fight for God’s love or acceptance, you already have it in Christ!

And since Jesus is advocating on your behalf day and night, let us…

IV. Live confidently knowing that God is for you
Because Jesus is your advocate, you do not have to live defeated, ashamed, or condemned. If you sin, repent (not apologize) and ask for God’s help to redeem you from your struggles.

The enemy wants to keep you on the sideline through guilt and shame. However, Jesus paid for your sin so that you could walk in freedom and purpose.

Romans 8:31 — “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

GOD IS FOR YOU!!

God is on your side and He will never give up on you.

Rock Solid Convictions Prayer: Our Dependence on God

2026-05-16T08:46:00.000-05:00

Series Review:

Intro: What are Convictions?

• Conviction — Something you are so thoroughly convinced is absolutely true that you are willing to take a stand for it regardless of the consequences

• Convictions are settled before a crisis

• Convictions refuse to bow even others do

• If you don’t decide what you believe, something else will decide for you

• A shaky belief system leads to a shaky life

Part 1: Convictions about God

• God is supreme — (uncreated, infinite, unchanging)

• God is good — (holy, loving, just)

• God is sovereign — (all-powerful, all-knowing, all-present

• God is worth trusting

Part 2: Convictions about the Bible

• God’s Word is the ultimate authority — not culture, opinions, or feelings (2 Timothy 3:16–17)

• God’s Word is truth, not suggestion — it defines reality, not just advice for life (John 17:17)

• God’s Word must be applied, not just heard — transformation comes through obedience (James 1:22)

• God’s Word is the foundation for a stable life — it anchors you when everything else shifts (Matthew 7:24–25)

•

Part 3: Convictions about Money

• God owns everything — everything belongs to God, we are simply stewards of what He has given to us (Psalm 24:1)

• Money is a tool — God is not opposed to us having more money, He is opposed to money having more of us (1 Timothy 6:10)

• God is my Provider — my paycheck is not my provider, but God is
(Philippians 4:19)

• Money is temporary — Do not accumulate riches here on earth, but accumulate riches in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20)

• Being blessed is a responsibility — God blesses us with the intent of us being a blessing to others (Genesis 12:2)

Today we are talking about rock solid convictions that we as Christians should believe when it comes to prayer. There are a lot of things I could have chosen for us to discuss when it comes to this series, but I chose prayer. Why? Because if there is one area the enemy constantly attacks in believers, it is their prayer life.

Most believers believe prayer matters, but many believers struggle to pray consistently. Prayer often becomes:

• Occasional

• Reactive

• Rushed

• Emergency-only communication with God

We pray when:

• Life falls apart

• Bills stack up

• Relationships strain

• Diagnoses come

• Anxiety rises

• Difficulty hits

But prayer was never meant to be our last resort.

Prayer was always supposed to be our daily connection with God.

And what’s amazing is that the disciples walked with Jesus every single day. They heard Him teach, they watched Him heal people, they saw miracles, they watched Him lead crowds of people.

Yet, what was the one thing they asked Jesus to teach them? Prayer.

Luke 11:1 — “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray.

So out of all the things they could of asked Jesus to teach them, why did they ask Him to pray? There must have been a reason… I believe it is because they recognized something powerful about the life of Jesus: His power flowed from His connection with the Father.

And if we are going to build rock-solid convictions, we must settle this truth:

I cannot live the life God has called me to live apart from prayer.

So lets look at 5 rock solid convictions that we should believe about prayer:

1. Prayer is relationship, not a performance
Matthew 6:7–8 — “7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

Jesus teaches that prayer is not about performance or empty repetition. God is not impressed by fancy words, long speeches, or spiritual sounding language. Prayer is not about trying to impress God or to impress people. Prayer is about a communal relationship with God.

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He started with the words “Our Father…” — That matters because it shows that prayer is personal.

Some people struggle with prayer because they think:

• I don’t know how to pray…

• I’m not spiritual enough…

• I don’t sound good when I pray…

But prayer is not about how well we can perform it in front of others; it is simply communication with God.

The power of prayer is not found in perfect words. The power of prayer is found in the God we are praying to.

Conviction:

• God desires connection more than performance

• Prayer is about relationship, not religious routine

2. Prayer Reveals Dependence
John 15:5 — “Apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Prayer is an act of dependence. Every time we pray, we are acknowledging “God I need you.” In fact, one of the reasons prayer can be difficult is because our flesh likes independence. We like:

• Control

• Self-sufficiency

• Feeling capable

• Handling things ourselves

But prayer humbles us. Prayer reminds us that we cannot do life apart from God. A life without prayer is a self-dependent life.

Even Jesus consistently prayed:

• Before major decisions

• Before miracles

• In the Garden

• Before the cross

If Jesus prioritized prayer, how much more should we?

Illustration: Prayer is to the spirit what breathing is to the body. You can survive a little while holding your breath, but eventually weakness sets in. The same thing happens spiritually when believers disconnect from prayer.

Without prayer:

• Discernment weakens

• Peace weakens

• Spiritual strength weakens

• Sensitivity to God weakens

Prayer is a declaration of dependance on God: we were never designed to live independently from God.

3. Prayer invites God into every area of our life
Philippians 4:6-7 — “6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Notice that it says “pray about everything.” That means that prayer is not just for a crisis, tragedies, emergencies, or major life moments. Prayer belongs in the everyday moments of life:

• Parenting

• Marriage

• Finances

• Ministry

• School

• Relationships

• Work

• Emotions

• Stress

• Decisions

Sometimes we think, “God doesn’t care about something this small.” But if it matters to you, it matters to Him. God does not just want access to part of your life, He wants involvement in every area of your life.

Prayer should be a part of everyday life: nothing is too small to bring before God

4. Prayer changes us before it changes our circumstances
One of the hardest parts about prayer is waiting. Sometimes we pray and situations do not immediately change. If we are not careful, discouragement can settle in.

But prayer is not only about changing circumstances. Prayer is about changing us. Prayer changes:

• Our perspective

• Our trust

• Our peace

• Our surrender

• Our dependence on God

Look at Jesus in Gethsemane.

Luke 22:42 — “Not My will, but Yours, be done.”

Jesus entered prayer burdened, but He left prayer surrendered. The cross was not removed, but strength came through prayer. Many times prayer does not immediately remove the battle, but prayer strengthens us in the middle of it.

As believers many of you know exactly what that feels like:

• The situation remained difficult

• The pressure did not instantly disappear

• The answer did not come immediately

But somehow:

• Peace came

• Strength came

• Grace came

• Endurance came

Prayer often strengthens us before the circumstances ever change

5. A prayer-less life is a dangerous life
One of the most dangerous things spiritually is looking alive outwardly while slowly disconnecting inwardly. It is possible to attend church, serve faithfully, know Scripture, look spiritually mature, and still lose intimacy with God.

Because activity is not intimacy.

The enemy understands the importance of prayer. That is why one of his greatest strategies is distraction. If he cannot destroy your faith, he will try to distract your focus. He knows that if he can disconnect us from God, then we will grow to be weak spiritually

But when we build consistent prayer lives, we grow in:

• Peace

• Wisdom

• Discernment

• Intimacy with God

TAKEAWAYS

I. Spend intentional daily time in prayer

II. Bring everything to God, not just emergencies

III. Allow God to shape you through prayer

IV. Prioritize your connection with God over religious routine

Mother’s Day

2026-05-09T17:44:00.000-05:00

Gtcotr/ss051026

In recognition of our mothers today, let’s honor and celebrate them with a prayer of thanksgiving to God. Mothers are a gift from heaven’s own hand and without yours, you would never have known life. There is no way, not a chance, you could have a different mother and still be you. Without your mother, you would never exist. Let’s pray … (Prayer of Thanksgiving)

To moms, stepmoms, adoptive moms, assumptive moms, foster moms, spiritual moms, and moms of necessity – we want to say a very special Happy Mother’s Day! We love and appreciate you all.

Let’s open our Bibles to the New Testament Book of 2 Timothy, chapter 1.

I believe 2 Timothy contains the last words we have from the Apostle Paul. I believe Paul was about 62 years old and was in prison in Rome when he wrote this letter. He knew from the Holy Spirit that he was nearing the end of his earthly life and his departure to heaven was close at hand.

Several places in the Bible where we read the last words of our mothers and fathers of faith seem to hold concentrated truths meant to somehow carry greater weight in our lives. I can tell you for sure, the last words spoken to me by my father and my mother have sustained me in some of my greatest times of testing and trials in life.

2 Timothy 1 NKJV

1 ¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

· Paul calls Timothy his beloved son. Not a biological reality, and not because Paul had led Timothy to faith in Jesus.

· Paul claims Timothy as his son solely based on the demonstrated fact that Paul had adopted Timothy into his spiritual family and as such took on the responsibility of raising him as a son in the faith.

· This verse serves to prove we may embrace and experience more than one level of parenthood in our lives.

· One thing a godly parent does is to declare blessings over the lives of their children.

o “Grace, mercy, and peace from God …”

3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day,

· Another mark of a godly parent is that they serve God for their children’s sake.

· Samson’s mother (Judges 13:7&14) was told to alter her lifestyle to fit the rules her son was destined to follow.

· A godly parent is committed to pray for their children night and day. Just because you didn’t have one, doesn’t mean you can’t be one.

4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy,

· A godly parent longs for and enjoys the company of their children.

· They know their welfare.

· And they applaud their faithfulness.

· “That I may be filled with joy …”

5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

· 3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in truth.

· Paul credited Timothy’s faith and faithfulness to what he had learned from his mother Eunice, who first learned it from her mother Lois.

The name Lois in the Greek means agreeable. Do you know what a blessing it is to have an agreeable mother, more so than having a disagreeable mother? The support of a godly mother sets us up for success. And that’s exactly what the name Eunice means, prosperity and victory … in other words - success!

Allow me to give you the backstory to Lois, Eunice, and Timothy. Lois, the grandmother, was Jewish, evidently married to a Jewish man. They had a daughter named Eunice. At some point, Eunice decided to marry a Gentile man who lived in the city of Lystra, in what is now the country of Turkey. Timothy’s father did not believe in God as did Timothy’s mother and therefore the family did not practice the religious customs or keep the law. Nonetheless Timothy’s mother taught him to believe the Word of God.

2 Timothy 3:15 And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

No doubt this was taxing for Lois, the grandmother. Nonetheless, she evidently supported her daughter Eunice and taught her to trust God.

Acts 16

1 ¶ Then Paul came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek.

2 He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium.

3 Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek.

Timothy did not have a father who taught him to believe in Jesus or serve the Lord. Thankfully it was not so with his mother. Eunice was a believer in Jesus, and her son Timothy also believed, and he gained a good reputation amongst the other Believers in that area.

Timothy must have also inherited some spiritual DNA, or was otherwise greatly influenced by his grandmother’s agreeable spirit seeing Timothy submitted himself to Paul and even to circumcision before going with him to the mission field.

If you have a daughter, you are raising a potential Eunice. Your godly, motherly support and your faith in Jesus can help her become prosperous and successful, even in the face of difficulties and bad decisions. If you have a son, you’re potentially raising a Timothy. Teach him the Word.

It’s easy to imagine Timothy wasn’t raised in a perfect world. However, his mother taught him the Holy Scriptures that led him to Jesus. I challenge each mom today, be a Lois or a Eunice and be a blessing to your children.

Characteristics of a Godly Mother

2026-05-09T11:43:00.002-05:00

Who Were Lois and Eunice?

Before we talk about the characteristics of a godly mother, we need to take a moment and ask the question: who were Lois and Eunice? They are not some of the most famous women in scripture. They do not have long stories written about them, nor do they have whole chapters or or book of the bible dedicated to them. There is a lot that we don’t know about them. However, what we do know about them is that they helped shape one of the most important young leaders in the early church.

Lois was the grandmother of Timothy.

Eunice was the mother of Timothy.

Timothy went on to be a pastor, a ministry partner of the apostle Paul, and a trusted leader in the early church. However, before any of that, he was a young boy being shaped at home by his mother.

Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:5, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”

This is important because he does not begin by pointing out his gifts or abilities, he points out the faith that was passed down to him by his mother.

1. A Godly Mother Possesses Sincere Faith

2 Timothy 1:5

“I am reminded of your sincere faith…”

The word sincere means:

• genuine

• authentic

• without hypocrisy

Timothy’s mother did not simply talk about God, she truly knew Him. Her faith was real in her everyday life.

Children can tell the difference between performative faith and authentic faith.

Children know when faith is just something that’s done at church.

Children know when worship is only public and never private.

Children know when prayer is only for appearances.

But Timothy saw something genuine in his mother and grandmother.

He saw:

• Sincere devotion

• Sincere prayer

• Sincere dependence on God

That sincere faith shaped him.

Timothy grew up having sincere faith because he first saw it lived out in Lois and Eunice.

Paul does not say they were perfect women.

He says they possessed sincere faith, and that is exactly what a godly mother possesses as well.

Mothers, your children don’t need you to be perfect: they just need to see what it looks like to genuinely follow Jesus.

2. A Godly Mother Stands on the Word of God

2 Timothy 3:14–15

“14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Timothy knew the Scriptures because his mother and grandmother taught him from a young age.

The reason Timothy became convinced of the truth is because he was taught the truth early and consistently.

Lois and Eunice built their home on the Word of God.

Godly mothers stand on God’s Word.

The Word is not just something they occasionally read.

It becomes who they are.

It shapes:

• how they think

• how they speak

• how they parent

• how they respond to pressure

• how they view God

• how they navigate culture

Lois and Eunice did not allow the outside world to determine what they believed about God because they themselves were convinced.

A godly mother often says what we need to hear when we need to hear it because she knows the truth, as it is hidden in her heart.

Timothy was convinced of the Scriptures because his mother and grandmother were convinced first.

We are living in a world where:

- Culture changes constantly

- Truth changes constantly

- Opinions change constantly

But godly mothers stand firmly on the unchanging Word of God.

3. A Godly Mother Lives Out Her Faith at Home

2 Timothy 1:5

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice…”

Notice Paul says faith lived in them.

Faith was not something they only practiced publicly.

Faith lived in their home.

I am convinced Timothy became convinced of the truth not simply because he went to church (synagogue). I believe he was convinced because he saw her faith consistently at home.

That is a huge difference.

Anyone can appear spiritual publicly.

But home reveals authenticity.

Timothy saw faith:

• in conversations

• in difficult seasons

• in prayer

• in daily life

• in how they treated people

• in how they handled hardship

Faith in God is not merely rules and regulations.

Faith is a relationship with Jesus Christ.

And relationships are lived out daily.

A godly mother ensures that her children don’t only hear about Jesus at church. She ensures that they encounter Him at home as well.

4. A Godly Mother Influences Those Around Her

Even though the text focuses on Timothy, influence never stops with one person.

If Eunice influenced Timothy through her life and faith, it is very likely she also influenced:

• his friends

• people in her community

• those around her

Because godly influence spreads.

A godly mother does not only influence her children, she influences everyone around her as well.

She becomes:

• a source of wisdom

• a source of encouragement

• a source of stability

• a source of prayer

• a source of godly influence

There are women who may not have biological children, yet they have spiritually mothered countless people.

Some women shape generations through:

• discipleship

• mentoring

• fostering

• teaching

• encouraging

• serving

• spiritually nurturing others

5. A Godly Mother Leaves a Spiritual Legacy

Lois influenced Eunice.

Eunice influenced Timothy.

Timothy influenced the Church.

The ripple effect became generational.

What began quietly in a home eventually impacted churches, ministry leaders, and the advancement of the gospel.

Lois and Eunice never fully realized how far their influence would reach.

Yet their faithfulness shaped generations.

A godly mother may never fully see:

• the reach of her prayers

• the impact of her day-in and day-out consistency

• the fruit of her sacrifices

• the influence of her faithfulness

But heaven sees it.

The impact of a godly mother extends farther than she will ever know.

Some of the prayers you pray today may impact generations you will never meet. Some of the seeds you plant today may bloom long after you are gone.

However, never underestimate the power of the influence of a godly woman.

To all the mothers, I want to say thank you. Thank you for your investment, your nurturing love, and the sacrifices you make in order to be what God needs you to be for those He has called you to. We love you and appreciate you.

Happy Mother's Day and may God bless you.

Wait

2026-05-02T20:44:00.008-05:00

Gtcotr/ss050326

If you are good, it is good to have history with God.

Revelation 12 NKJV

10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

11 “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.

12 ¶ “Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”

This passage presents a glimpse into what is currently ongoing in heaven and earth and what we can expect in the future. First to note is the revelation that old dragon, the devil, who is that serpent called satan, has been roaming throughout the earth surveying the lives of men and women.

He has been seeking out and searching for those whom he may devour, (1 Peter 5:8), so that he may accuse them before God. Satan is relentless, especially in his accusations against God’s children. He is accusing us day and night. One of the most useful evil tools in his arsenal is accusations. The devil wants to destroy the lives.

Accusations are the reasons why people persecuted the prophets, imprisoned the Apostles, tortured the Believers, and crucified the Messiah.

These tactics and ploys of the devil will only increase as time continues until God puts a final end to this world and casts the devil into the lake of fire forever. Until then … what can a Believer to about the attacks of the devil? In John 10:10 Jesus said that the devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy. What can you do when the devil is trying to destroy your life?

Let’s turn our attention to the inspired writings of a man who was accused more than anyone else we know. The man to whom I refer is King David.

We do not know which situation in David’s life brought him to pen this song. After all, he had so many persecutions and accusations levied against him by the devil. Even his own son wanted to kill David …

Psalm 27 NKJV

1 ¶ « A Psalm of David. » The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell.

· It’s great to have a history (testimony) with God!

· Looking back you’ll see, He has never failed or forsaken you.

3 Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war should rise against me, In this I will be confident.

· History gives me confidence that the next time will be no different.

4 One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.

· Despite the enemy’s attacks, I’m going to keep going to Church.

· And I’m going to keep praying and seeking answers from God.

5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.

· I won’t let the devil steal my joy or keep me from praising His name.

7 ¶ Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8 When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”

· You said to seek Your face … that’s what I’m going to do from a heart of thanksgiving and faith.

9 Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation.

· If I’m wrong … when I’m wrong … do not forsake me – help me!

10 When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the LORD will take care of me.

· When others turn away from me … You will take care of me.

11 Teach me Your way, O LORD, And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.

· Teach me Lord; Lead me, Lord; because of my enemies.

· Don’t let them have their way.

12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence.

13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.

· I know my Redeemer lives and I know He will rescue me.

14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!

What do we do when the devil comes to destroy your life?

1. Remember the last time.

2. Have confidence next time.

3. Go to Church.

4. Seek God for answers.

5. Rejoice and sing praises.

6. Listen and learn.

7. Wait and be of good courage … wait, I say, on the Lord!

Original intent

2026-04-29T19:32:00.009-05:00

Gtcotr/ws042926

When it comes to constitutional law in the United States, there are two basic arguments. First are those who believe the Constitution is a bit outdated and should be amended and/or re-interpreted in light of modern-day morals, changing social allowances, and other current considerations. Then there are those who wish to preserve, protect, and defend the original intent of the framers of the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

When it comes to the Bible, there are also two basic schools of thought and practice. One group believes the Bible is outdated or at least misogynistic and behind the times. This group often argues for departure from the intent of the original texts in favor of a more modern and less strict interpretation of the scriptures. The other group consists of those who believe God authored the Bible by using inspired writers and that He is the same today as He was yesterday and will be forever. These people believe God has preserved and protected His intent and that the Bible is the source of truth for all generations.

We encounter these two opposing schools of thought and from time to time observe those who fall into the many cracks in between. I believe God’s original intent is plain and easily understood once seen in light of the whole counsel of His Word.

The correct way to interpret scripture is with scripture. The Bible tells only one story … it is the story of redemption. And unless and until each verse finds its proper place in support of the one-story God intends, it is not understood correctly. I believe the original intent is where we find both the power and the pleasure of God.

With this in mind, let’s look to the scriptures concerning God’s original intent for mankind.

Genesis 1 NKJV

26 ¶ Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

• Important to note God created male and female to be equal.

• He blessed them and charged them equally.

28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Dominion is defined as the right and the power to govern and control.

Psalm 8:6 You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet.

We don’t win in court because we are right but because we present the best case. A judge decides the case based on the charges levied, the evidence presented, and the argument which is made.

There are many injustices which are never brought before the court. Also, you can decide not to press charges against the devil if you don’t want to bother with it. But that won’t change the facts of God’s Word. You were created to have dominion over the works of God’s hands.

When Jesus defeated the devil, He restored our rights. We can speak with authority in His name. We have been justified and we are the redeemed.

Now we are back to the original 5 commandments of Genesis 1:28.

1. Be Fruitful

2. Multiply

3. Fill the Earth

4. Subdue the Earth

5. Exercise Dominion

God is Good!

2026-04-25T17:52:00.000-05:00

Gtcotr/042626

My experience has been that anywhere I have preached across the nation and around the world, when I say “God is good,” people respond with “all the time!” God is good seems to be the universal slogan inspired by the Holy Spirit in congregations and in personal situations faced by Believers despite what they may be facing. How many times have you told yourself or told God and whoever else is listening that God is good?

The fact that God is good is one of the fundamental truths we find in the Bible. There are hundreds and hundreds of references connecting God with His goodness and with what we know is good.

Genesis 1:31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Beginning in the Book of Genesis with the account of creation, everything God made was good.

Luke records the Apostle Peter speaking about the power, the purpose, and the person of Jesus …

Acts 10:38 “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

Not only are God and Jesus good but goodness is also the primary purpose of God’s children.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

1 Timothy 6:18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.

Titus 2

7 In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,

8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

Titus 2:14 Jesus gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

Titus 3:14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,

God is good!

Jesus is good!

We who have believed in God should be good!

Good? Yes, good to others … imitating our heavenly Father.

Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.

3 John 1:11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.

Let’s look at 5 things the Bible says about the goodness of God.

1. The Bible declares in Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.”

a. Notice the invitation—taste and see. God’s goodness isn’t just something to hear about; it’s something to experience.

b. Like food that nourishes the body, His goodness sustains the soul.

2. God is good not only when life feels easy, but also when life is uncertain.

a. Nahum 1:7 The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him.

b. His goodness shows up as protection, presence, and faithfulness—especially in hard times.

3. Sometimes people question God’s goodness because of suffering.

a. The cross reminds us and gives the ultimate proof of God’s goodness. (Romans 8:32)

b. If things are bad, God is not finished yet.

c. Romans 8:28 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.

d. Even when we don’t understand our circumstances, we can trust God’s heart. He is good!

4. Here is a sobering truth: The absence of God is the absence of good.

a. James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift comes from God.

b. If all that is truly good comes from God, then stepping away from Him means stepping away from the very source of goodness itself.

c. Know God, know good … no God, no good!

d. Apart from Him, we don’t just lose direction … we lose the light that defines and supplies all that is good.

5. Finally, we must also hold truth with wisdom: God is good, however, good is not always God.

a. Not everything that appears good, feels good, or even does some good is from God.

b. Many people mistake good for God.

c. Hebrews 11:25 Choosing to suffer affliction with the children of God, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.

d. True goodness is defined by God’s character, not by human perception.

e. If we’re not careful, we can mistake comfort, success, or popularity for God’s will, when in reality they may lead us away from Him.

God’s goodness is not based on our situation—it flows from His unchanging nature. He is good when we see it, and He is still good when we don’t.

I’d like to leave us with a thought and a goal this morning. The thought is a sobering one. It comes from our 4^th point.

The absence of God is the absence of Good.

God’s goodness is all that is holding this world together. Make a list of all that is good … I did this past week. Breath, light, water, health, hope, family, food, friends, sleep, peace, freedom, sight, love, children, safety, smiles … the list goes on and on. Every good thing comes from God.

Now imagine a world without God and without good. That is hell. We cannot allow people to go to hell because we did not show them the goodness of God.

Romans 2:4 Do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

This brings us to our goal for the week. Be good to others. Decide that you are going to show others the love and the goodness of God whether in your estimation, they deserve it or not.

Determine to be kind and to be considerate. And be gracious and be patient and suffer others who may be having a bad day or just not understand why they were created. Imitate God as dear children and let your light shine for Jesus. He said others will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Now let’s pray …

Rock Solid Convictions Money: Settling What We Believe

2026-04-25T08:15:00.002-05:00

Series Review:

Intro: What are Convictions?

• Convictions are beliefs you settle before life tests you

• Convictions are not formed in pressure—they are revealed in pressure

• If you don’t decide what you believe, something else will decide for you

• A shaky belief system leads to a shaky life

Part 1: Convictions about God

• God is supreme — (uncreated, infinite, unchanging)

• God is good — (holy, loving, just)

• God is sovereign — (all-powerful, all-knowing, all-present

• God is worth trusting

Introduction:

John D. Rockefeller is on of the wealthiest men to ever live. When most people think about him, they think of oil, financing, and immense wealth. However, what is often overlooked is how his relationship with money began. Long before the wealth, long before the success, long before the millions, he made a decision as a young boy. He made the decision that the first 10% of everything he earned would belong to God.” Not after he became rich, but before. His first job only earned him a $1. He made sure to give 10% of that to God. As his income grew, so did his giving. Eventually, Rockefeller went on to become the richest man in the world at that time. Yet, he still gave 10% of everything he earned even in his wealth. Later on in life, he shared something profound. He said, “I never would have been able to tithe the first million dollars I made if I had not tithed on my first $1 salary.”

Early on, John D. Rockefeller made a decision on what he believed about money before it ever tested him. He didn’t wait until he had money to figure out what he believed about money; he settled it early. Consequently, that decision shaped the rest of his life moving forward.

That is what this series Rock Solid Convictions is all about. Convictions are not formed in the pressured moments in life, pressure only reveals what you believe. Instead, convictions must be settled before a crisis arrives.

If you don’t settle what you believe about money now, money will decide for you later.

So today, we are going to discuss 4 rock solid convictions that we should have about money as believers.

1. God Owns Everything
Psalm 24:1 — “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

• Everything we have belongs to God (property, possessions, money, relationships), it all belongs to the Lord.

• This means that we actually don’t own anything.

• Instead, we are managing that which has been given to us by God

• You are a steward of what God has given us…that should impact:
How you spend money
How you save money
How you give money

• The question we should be asking God is: “What do You want me to do with what you have given me?”

2. Money is a Tool
1 Timothy 6:10 — “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

• Money itself is not evil, but it is powerful. This scripture says that the “love” of money is the root of all evil. God does not hate money! God is not opposed to you having more money! He wants you to have more money! He needs more people who are willing to help build the kingdom of God and more people He can give through.

• God is not opposed to you having more money… He is opposed to money having more of you

• Money has the ability to:

‣ Shape your decisions (What you say yes or no to)

‣ Influence your moment (Peace, anxiety, fear, confidence)

‣ Compete for your priorities (What you actually rely on)

• Money makes a terrible master, but it makes a wonderful tool.
Let us be careful not to get sucked into the lure of chasing money instead of God.

3. God is My Provider (Not Money)
Philippians 4:19 — “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

• It is important for me to believe that my job is a blessing. My paycheck is a blessing. However, they are not your provider. While they do provide you your salary, God is the one who gives you the ability to create wealth.

• Jesus speaks about the everyday needs that you and I have like what we will eat, what will we drink, what we will wear. There are things that we are concerned about that money many timed can fix. However, look at what Jesus says:

Matthew 6:32-33 — “32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

[Story of Norah losing her money]

• Norah was not overly worried and was not overly afraid when she lost her money. Why? Because her trust was never in the money she had, her trust was in her father (me).

• Let us not be overly tethered to resources we have when we are connected to the one who is the source.

• God knows what you need, and He will provide your every one of them. We just need to trust Him. How? By seeking first the kingdom of God and righteousness.

4. Money is Temporary
Matthew 6:19-20 — “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

• This is one of the most grounding truths about money, that it is temporary. No matter how much we earn or accumulate, we cannot take it with us. Jesus made that clear here in this verse. Money can gained and lost.

However, He also says to invest in heavenly riches because it can be gained but it cannot be lost. There is no better investment than a heavenly investment.

• Jesus is not speaking against money nor is He speaking against possessions. Instead, He is correcting our perspective. Earthly treasures are fragile and fading, but heavenly riches are secure and eternal.

• We must be careful not to pass up the eternal in order to chase what’s temporary. Instead, we must use what is temporary in order to invest in what is eternal.

• That is what we do here at Church on the Rock. This is why we invest in world missions, because we are investing in heavenly riches.

5. Being Blessed is a Responsibility
Genesis 12:2 — “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”

• From the very beginning, God’s design for blessing was never meant to sop with us, but to move through us. Abraham was blessed, but he was blessed with a purpose. It was not just for Abraham’s comfort and security. Instead, it was for a greater impact beyond himself.

• That same principle is seen carried our throughout scripture and into our lives today. When God blesses us, it is more than just for myself. It is not just so that I can enjoy myself. Instead, blessings come with responsibility.

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 — “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

• God is the provider of our needs. However, He also can “increase” our resources so that we can be generous. In other words, God is not just looking to give to you, He is also looking to give through you.

• There is a difference between provision and overflow.
Provision meets your needs; Overflow creates opportunities to impact others. God not only provides for us, but He overflows us so that we can be a blessing to others.

It is important that we stop seeing increase as something to accumulate for ourselves and start seeing it as an opportunity to participate with God.

TAKEAWAYS

5 Rock Solid Convictions I should have about money as a Christian:

I. It all belongs to God

II. Money doesn’t control me

III. God is my source

IV. Don’t live for what’s temporary— Invest in what is eternal

V. I am blessed to be a blessing

The Testimony of Tychicus

2026-04-19T07:21:00.004-05:00

One thing that everyone wants is to feel like they matter. We want to know that our life matters. We want to know that our lives are making an impact and that we are making a difference. That is one thing that our church prides ourself on: making a difference. As the saying goes here in our church: Make a living, make a life, and make a difference.

There is something inside of us that wants to be seen. However, the world measures impact by visibility: how many people see it, how many people applaud it, how many people acknowledge it. However, when you open your Bible, you will find out that God does not measure impact the same way the world does.

Some of the most impactful people in the Bible are characters that you have barely heard about…

• Jochebed

• Bezalel

• Shiphrah and Puah

• The Boy with the Loaves

Well today we are going to talk about someone else who is not well known in the Bible, but had a major impact in that day and for generations to come. He also happens to be one of my favorite characters in the Bible. Today we are going to be talking about the Faithfulness of Tychicus.

Tychicus was such a cool guy!! Not only that, but he was also a great example for what it means to be a faithful follower of Jesus. We will talk more about that later.

But Tychicus was not David. He wasn’t Moses. He’s not Paul the Apostle. However, there are parts of the New Testament that we would not have today if it weren’t for Tychicus. And although there is not much in the Bible about him, what we do learn from his life is simple, but powerful.

So let’s dive in together to see what we can learn from the life of Tychicus.

Background of the Text

We are going to be in chapter 4 of the book of Colossians.

Colossians was a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Colossae, which was located in modern day Turkey. He was writing to the church for a few reasons:

• The church was under pressure

- They were living in a very pagan environment: multiple gods, idol worship, and demonic spiritual practices.

- This meant that they would have stuck out and would have been rejected

• False teaching was spreading into the church

- People were telling them that Jesus was good, but they needed to add Judaism and other mystical teachings/ practices.

• The Colossian Christians were uncertain

- Upon hearing that Paul was in prison, they were uncertain of what to believe

- They were hearing all kinds of things and Paul wanted to clear the air

In chapters 1-3, Paul is addressing many different issues. By the time you get to chapter 4, Paul is doing a little house keeping. It seems like what is written in chapter 4 is not as important. Most people might even just pass over this part of the book, but its here that we here about Tychicus.

Colossians 4:7-8 — “7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts”

This is not the only place we hear about Tychicus. Some other places we hear about Tychicus are:

• Acts 20 — He is traveling with Paul to help deliver the offering collected from the churches abroad to Jerusalem.

• 2 Timothy 4 — He was considered a leader and a trusted ministry substitute for Timothy in Ephesus.

Back to Colossians 4, Paul said that he was sending Tychicus.

So who was this man, Tychicus? The Bible does not record much about the man. However, according to the Apostle Paul, he was a:

• Beloved Brother — He was someone that Paul trusted (like family)

• Faithful Minister — He was someone that Paul could rely on

• Fellow Bond-Servant — He was someone that Paul respected
*Only other person he says this about outside of Timothy, Epaphras, and himself

Tychicus was someone that the Apostle Paul loved and respected. So what was it about him that made Paul trust him so much? What did he do that made him so valuable?

I believe that it was one thing: His faithfulness.

Sometimes we imagine that we are not able or capable of being used by God to make an impact for His kingdom. Sometimes we imagine, there is someone else that is more gifted, more knowledgeable, more experienced, etc. However, God is not just looking for the gifted and talented, He is looking for those who are faithful! That is exactly what Tychicus was and what we should all aim to be.

It is true that there is not much written about Tychicus. But based on what we do know about him, I would like to share 3 truths we learn from him about faithfulness that I believe we too should apply to our life as fellow followers of Christ.

1. Faithfulness goes the extra mile

Tychicus did more than just serve— he went the distance. He was given the responsibility of one of the most important roles that someone held in the early church days: Carrier.

Tychicus had the responsibility of delivering letter(s) written by Paul. This may not sound that impressive, but this was just some easy task. He would have had to:

• Cross Italy on foot

• Sail the Adriatic Sea

• Cross Greece on foot

• Sail the Aegean Sea

• Travel from the coast of Ephesus up to the steep Lycus Valley

• Travel through Laodicea on foot

• Travel through Hierapolis

• Finally arrive at Colossae

• Between Rome and Colossae, it would have been approximately 1200 miles he would have had to travel on his own. It would have taken roughly 3-5 weeks. Not only that but he would have faced difficult and dangerous feats when delivering this letter. Nevertheless, he got the job done. Needless to say, Tychicus went the extra mile.

Faithfulness is willing to go the extra mile.

2. Faithfulness brings a positive report
v7 — “Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.”

When Paul went to prison, there were a lot of questions. Letters took weeks-months to arrive and rumors began to spread fast. So Tychicus was instrumental in bringing a long awaited update on the status of Paul and what was going on. When Tychicus arrived, he was bringing a positive report on the status of Paul. There had been false reports about his time in a Roman jail cell. Yet, Tychicus was there to set the record straight.

There are many people who are already adding to the negativity around us. When you walk into a room or when you show up around people, bring a positive report. Have a smile on your face and joy in your heart. We don’t need to look sour when we show up. Let us show up ready to be a light wherever we go.

3. Faithfulness shows up when it matters most
v8 — “I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts”

Tychicus was also there to encourage the church. He was a fellow minister, capable of encouraging them in their moment. He was there for them in a very difficult time to strengthen them. Not only that but their pastor Epaphras was gone. So with all of the false teaching, uncertainty of Paul, and their pastor being gone, there was a lot of turbulence. Tychicus was there for them when they needed him the most.

Faithfulness is being there when it matters most. It means showing and being present. Your presence is powerful. We represent the hands and feet of Jesus here on earth. Your presence means more than you imagine. Reach out to someone, check on them, and be there for them. Realize that your presence in church is even more important than you realize.

We are given no indication that Tychicus was the most gifted. We are not given any indication of him being the most educated, the most skilled, the most respected, nor the most famous. However, what we do know about Tychicus is that he was faithful.

TAKEAWAYS

I. Faithfulness is a defining mark of a true follower of Christ
Matthew 25:21 — “Well done, good and faithful servant”

II. Faithfulness impacts more people than you realize
Galatians 6:9 — “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”\

III. Faithfulness is doing your part in God’s bigger plan

IV. Faithfulness is what God expects out of you

“Please Accept My Advice”

2026-04-11T22:11:00.003-05:00

Gtcotr/ss041226

It was a Thursday, June 28^th, 1787, when Benjamin Franklin, considered to be one of the least religious of America’s Founding Fathers, rose to speak at the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

George Washington, who would later become the first president of the United States presided over the convention and it was to him Benjamin Franklin addressed his speech. Others in attendance included men like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, 55 delegates in all. Notably Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were absent due to their diplomatic appointments in Europe.

The 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin, long the statesman, eloquent in speech and sentiment, told the Assembly they were all “groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us …” At this age, having helped to formulate and guide the conscience of the revolution to its recent success, Franklin deserved the respect he had gained among his peers. They listened, and so should we.

Franklin continued his famous speech: “I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings that "except the Lord build the House they labor in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel:”

Truly, God governs in the affairs of man. And Benjamin Franklin was not the first man to note and espouse this truth. 1700 years earlier the Apostle Paul wrote:

Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.

Looking even farther back into the sacred writings of our historical accounts we find a king named Nebuchadnezzar. King Nebuchadnezzar ruled the Babylonian Empire (about 600BC) in the days of the prophet Daniel. It was King Nebuchadnezzar who defeated the Egyptian empire and besieged Jerusalem. He brought Daniel and his three friends back to Babylon, which is in modern-day Iran. Nebuchadnezzar was the one who threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the fiery furnace (Daniel 3).

Nonetheless Daniel confirmed that God had ordained Nebuchadnezzar to be the King and ruler of the empire.

Daniel 2 NLT

37 Your Majesty, you are the greatest of kings. The God of heaven has given you sovereignty, power, strength, and honor.

38 He has made you the ruler over all the inhabited world and has put even the wild animals and birds under your control. You are the head of gold.

It seems like King Nebuchadnezzar was pretty smart and really good at his job. Of course, that’s what we expect from someone God has chosen. I mean, If God chooses a person to do something it seems only reasonable that He would also equip them to do it. The problem is that people sometimes think it is by their own power or might or intelligence or strength that they accomplish something others could not accomplish.

King Nebuchadnezzar definitely succeeded in doing some things others could not do, but he failed to recognize it was God doing those things through him. He became filled with pride. Every success seemed to puff him up a little more. This king failed to recognize God’s hand on his life and rather imagined that he was just smarter and better than everyone else.

On top of this, several of the king’s counselors fed into his pride and even talked him into making a statue of himself for others to worship. God gave him time to repent but finally God had enough. Nebuchadnezzar tells the story better than I could. Let’s read it from the New Living Translation in Daniel 4. (There are a lot of verses … it’s a long read … so I’ll provide a little commentary along the way to keep us connected.)

Daniel 4 NLT

4 ¶ “I, Nebuchadnezzar, was living in my palace in comfort and prosperity.

5 But one night I had a dream that frightened me; I saw visions that terrified me as I lay in my bed.

6 So I issued an order calling in all the wise men of Babylon, so they could tell me what my dream meant.

7 When all the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and fortune-tellers came in, I told them the dream, but they could not tell me what it meant.

8 At last Daniel came in before me, and I told him the dream. (He was named Belteshazzar after my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.)

9 “I said to him, ‘Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery is too great for you to solve. Now tell me what my dream means.

10 “ ‘While I was lying in my bed, this is what I dreamed. I saw a large tree in the middle of the earth.

11 The tree grew very tall and strong, reaching high into the heavens for all the world to see.

12 It had fresh green leaves, and it was loaded with fruit for all to eat. Wild animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches. All the world was fed from this tree.

13 “ ‘Then as I lay there dreaming, I saw a messenger, a holy one, coming down from heaven.

14 The messenger shouted, “Cut down the tree and lop off its branches! Shake off its leaves and scatter its fruit! Chase the wild animals from its shade and the birds from its branches.

15 But leave the stump and the roots in the ground, bound with a band of iron and bronze and surrounded by tender grass. Now let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the wild animals among the plants of the field.

16 For seven periods of time, let him have the mind of a wild animal instead of the mind of a human.

17 For this has been decreed by the messengers; it is commanded by the holy ones, so that everyone may know that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world. He gives them to anyone he chooses — even to the lowliest of people.”

18 “ ‘Belteshazzar, that was the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now tell me what it means, for none of the wise men of my kingdom can do so. But you can tell me because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.’

19 ¶ “Upon hearing this, Daniel (also known as Belteshazzar) was overcome for a time, frightened by the meaning of the dream. Then the king said to him, ‘Belteshazzar, don’t be alarmed by the dream and what it means.’ “Belteshazzar replied, ‘I wish the events foreshadowed in this dream would happen to your enemies, my lord, and not to you!

20 The tree you saw was growing very tall and strong, reaching high into the heavens for all the world to see.

21 It had fresh green leaves and was loaded with fruit for all to eat. Wild animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches.

22 That tree, Your Majesty, is you. For you have grown strong and great; your greatness reaches up to heaven, and your rule to the ends of the earth.

23 “ ‘Then you saw a messenger, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, “Cut down the tree and destroy it. But leave the stump and the roots in the ground, bound with a band of iron and bronze and surrounded by tender grass. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven. Let him live with the animals of the field for seven periods of time.”

24 “ ‘This is what the dream means, Your Majesty, and what the Most High has declared will happen to my lord the king.

25 You will be driven from human society, and you will live in the fields with the wild animals. You will eat grass like a cow, and you will be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses.

26 But the stump and roots of the tree were left in the ground. This means that you will receive your kingdom back again when you have learned that heaven rules.

27 “ ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Break from your wicked past and be merciful to the poor. Perhaps then you will continue to prosper.’

28 ¶ “But all these things did happen to King Nebuchadnezzar.

29 Twelve months later he was taking a walk on the flat roof of the royal palace in Babylon.

30 As he looked out across the city, he said, ‘Look at this great city of Babylon! By my own mighty power, I have built this beautiful city as my royal residence to display my majestic splendor.’

31 “While these words were still in his mouth, a voice called down from heaven, ‘O King Nebuchadnezzar, this message is for you! You are no longer ruler of this kingdom.

32 You will be driven from human society. You will live in the fields with the wild animals, and you will eat grass like a cow. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses.’

33 “That same hour the judgment was fulfilled, and Nebuchadnezzar was driven from human society. He ate grass like a cow, and he was drenched with the dew of heaven. He lived this way until his hair was as long as eagles’ feathers and his nails were like birds’ claws.

34 ¶ “After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal.

35 All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He does as he pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. No one can stop him or say to him, ‘What do you mean by doing these things?’

36 “When my sanity returned to me, so did my honor and glory and kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored as head of my kingdom, with even greater honor than before.

37 “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.”

If you’re smart, it’s because God made you smart … smart enough to manage the tasks for which He created you.

Your power and position do not make you better than others. And your intelligence didn’t get you your power or position. God has graced you with abilities commensurate with the calling on your life. He hopes you will use it to accomplish what He wants you to do.

Conclusions:

· Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and He will exalt you in due time. (1 Peter 5:6)

· Stop sinning and do what is right. (Daniel 4:27)

· God governs in the affairs of men. (Romans 13:1)

Who is Your Thomas?

2026-04-11T09:30:00.000-05:00

We are one week removed from the celebration of our risen savior Jesus. It was a wonderful celebration, not just for our church but also for the global church as a whole. Easter Sunday is a great representation of what the disciples got to celebrate when they encountered Jesus 2000 years ago. The only difference is that the disciples actually knew Jesus, lived with Him, dined with Him, walked with Him, talked with Him, witnessed Him perform miracles and other things. And in an instant He was gone.

I believe that the encounter the disciples had with Jesus meant so much more than we can ever realize. Its not just about what took place on that Easter Sunday, it is also because of what happened eight days later.

Let’s dive into the text.

Jesus has risen from the grave that Sunday morning. Jesus revealed Himself to Mary Magdalene, Mary (mother of James), Salome, and other women, and to the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus. These were all special encounters that gave hope and life to each disciple that saw Him. Each encounter ends with worship and amazement.

That evening, the rest of the disciples (minus Thomas) were locked in a room in a home in Jerusalem. Many scholars believed it was the same upper room they were in with Jesus the last time they were together with Him. Not sure, but it makes sense:

• They already knew the location

• The room was large enough to hold everyone

• It had also become a familiar meeting place

So just imagine, they are all together (the core disciples and the other followers who were with them) upstairs in a private home. The doors are shut tight, locked, windows likely covered and carefully watched. They were all here because they were afraid, confused, and uncertain. They were all trying to make sense of everything.

• Women said the tomb was empty

• Mary said she saw Jesus

• Peter claimed to have had his own encounter with Him

• Two disciples just came back from Emmaus saying that they saw Him

However, while some believed others still doubted. Some of them are confused, some are trying to connect the dots. There in a room full of fear, questions, and wondering of what comes next. In that room were differing levels of faith. There were some who had seen Jesus (Mary, Peter, Emmaus disciples), some who only heard the reports, and those who were still unsure and possibly doubted.

It was in that moment that Jesus showed up…

John 20:19-22

“19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

In the midst of all that was happening, Jesus showed up! In the midst of everything they were going through, Jesus came in at the right time. Jesus wasn’t waiting for them to be full of faith and doing all of the right things. He showed up in the middle of their fear and doubt. That is encouraging!

Jesus doesn’t just wait for you to have it all together to meet you where you are at. He meets you in the middle of your discouragement, if you will allow Him.

When Jesus showed up, He gave them three things:

1. Peace
v19 — “Peace be with you…”
Jesus gave them peace in the middle of their fear and doubt. He silenced all the confusion and brought clarity to their mind and their hearts.

2. Proof
v20 — “When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.”
Jesus reassured them that He indeed was alive and that He had risen from the grave. He vindicated those who saw Him and encouraged those who were still doubting.

3. Purpose
v21-22 — “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus commissioned them to be His witnesses. Jesus:

‣ Sends them — As the Father sent Him

‣ Empowers them — with the Holy Spirit

‣ Gives them Authority — of His own

So, imagine the scene… All of the disciples have seen Jesus first hand. They have inspected the wounds and have seen that He is truly risen. They are filled with joy and excitement. Jesus gives them peace, proof, and purpose. All is going well! However, one thing is off— Thomas its not present.

Every believer there was just like Thomas: scared, confused, and uncertain. The difference is that they still gathered together. It was when they were altogether that Jesus showed up. They were elated and filled with joy and certainty. However, their friend was still struggling. So they did what any born-again friend should do, they reached out to him!

They linked up with Thomas and told him all that happened.

John 20:24-25 — “24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin,[d] was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

The other disciples saw the Lord! They knew He was risen and they all had a life changing encounter with Him. While this was true, they didn’t just keep it to themselves. No, they reached out to their friend and told him what happened. They were fulfilling their Christian duty to share with Thomas what had happened.

Like these disciples, we too have a Christian responsibility to share with our friends what Jesus has done in our life. We too have seen that Jesus is risen and have a personal testimony of how He has encountered our lives. It is our duty to share it with others!

Thomas did not and would not believe them. No matter what they said, he refused to believe their report. Thomas was adamant about staying in his position due to his hurt and disappointment. What I love about this is that the disciples didn’t just give up. Quite the opposite— they took him up on his offer when he said that he would only believe if he saw Jesus for himself. So they did what only made sense, they brought him where they knew Jesus would show up again, in the gathering of believers; they brought him to church! (Sunday)

One of the best things we can do is to invite someone who is struggling to believe to church with us. Why? Because Jesus shows up.

And that is exactly what happened when Thomas was invited that next Sunday:

John 20:26-28

“26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!””

Wow! Thomas when from a doubting skeptic to a professing believer, all in one moment: when Jesus showed up. Thomas truly believed! Not only did he believe, Thomas was with the disciples when Jesus commissioned them again,. Thomas was there when the Holy Spirit fell upon all of the disciples. Not only that, but Thomas went on to be an incredible witness for Jesus as a missionary to India, allegedly being the first person to evangelize the people of India with the gospel. That is amazing! But that all happened because of his friends.

1. They told him about Jesus when he didn’t believe

2. They didn’t give up on him when he doubted

3. They stayed connected to him the entire time

4. They got him to the place where Jesus would show up

Because they did all of that, they also got to witness his breakthrough. They were there when Thomas proclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” What a reward it was for them to be there in that moment. But it all happened because they refused to give up on a friend.

Let me encourage you, don’t give up on people too soon. Stay consistent with them and keep believing for them. Even when it seems like they aren’t going to change their position, they might be one moment away from encountering Jesus just like you did.

What would have happened if the disciples would have moved on? What would have happened if they had never reached out to Thomas? What would have happened if they had given up on him because he refused to believe in that moment? We don’t know the answer to that question, but we do know that he believed because his Christian friends refused to give up on him.

Let us too refuse to give up on our friends and family and continue to reach out to them, stay connected to them, and continue to believe for them.

TAKEAWAYS

I. Stay in the room—even when you don’t understand

‣ The disciples where scared, confused, and uncertain

‣ However, they still gathered together

‣ Don’t disappear when life gets hard

‣ Don’t isolate yourself when your faith feels weak

‣ Stay connected to your fellow believers

II. Tell people about Jesus—even when they don’t believe

‣ The disciples told Thomas “We have seen the Lord!”

‣ Thomas didn’t believe them, but it didn’t stop them from sharing

‣ The disciple’s testimony was still powerful even though Thomas doubted

‣ Keep sharing what God has done in your life

‣ Don’t let someone’s response silence your witness

‣ Your testimony is still powerful even when its not immediately received

III. Don’t give up on people who are struggling to believe

‣ Thomas pushed back and he pushed back hard

‣ However, they did not give up on Thomas— they stayed consistent

‣ Don’t write people off as “they will never believe”

‣ Don’t label people by where their current season

‣ Keep loving on them, keep reaching out to them, keep believing for them
A doubter today might become a disciple tomorrow

IV. Your role is not to change them—but to get them in front of Jesus

‣ They couldn’t convince Thomas no matter how hard they tried

‣ But they could bring them back to where Jesus would show up

‣ Invite them

‣ Bring them

‣ Sit with them

‣ Let Jesus do what He can only do

Here is my question to you this morning…

Who is your Thomas?

Who is it God that God has put on your heart to believe for? To pray for? To reach out to?

Resurrection Day

2026-04-04T18:52:00.000-05:00

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Mark 16 NLT

9 ¶ After Jesus rose from the dead early on Sunday morning, the first person who saw him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom he had cast out seven demons.

· Sunday – the new day of rest.

· Those who have been forgiven much, love much. (Luke 7:47)

· Why did Jesus appear first to Mary Magdalene? Because she was there.

o If we wish to be a part of Jesus doing miracles, we need to be present at the place where miracles are happening.

o If we want a paycheck, we need to show up at work.

· Jesus didn’t come to Mary … Mary went to Him!

o She didn’t give up on her dream of serving Him.

o She was committed to serve Him in life and in death, in the good days and in the difficult times.

10 She went to the disciples, who were grieving and weeping, and told them what had happened.

· Everyone handles grief differently.

· I am often sad about a circumstance or situation, but I have learned to not allow myself to be worried, become afraid, or get depressed.

· The disciples were worried, afraid, and dysfunctional.

· While Mary was working, the disciples were weeping.

· While Mary was going, the disciples were grieving.

11 But when she told them that Jesus was alive and she had seen him, they didn’t believe her.

· This event is a picture of what world evangelism is like.

· It is repeated over and again each day

· People sent like Mary was to go and tell … they go and tell the lost and hurting, the fearful and worried … and often people refuse to believe.

· So, what does Jesus do? He just keeps sending more witnesses …

12 Afterward he appeared in a different form to two of his followers who were walking from Jerusalem into the country.

· According to Luke (Chapter 24) these two followers were aware of Mary’s story and how she claimed to have seen Jesus alive … but they didn’t believe her.

· Jesus is not going to stop trying to get through to you at the first no.

· Jesus appeared to these two men personally … He walked with them and talked with them … and finally they believed.

· What was the first thing they wanted to do?

13 They rushed back to tell the others, but no one believed them.

· The 11 disciples were determined to wallow in their misery and no amount of encouragement from friends was going to make things better.

· “Pray for me.” “Quote scriptures to me.” “Tell me the testimony of how God helped you in your time of need.” And try hard to make me feel better … but I’m not going to let go of my pain, my worry and disappointment. “My dream died!” (Yep … and one day you are going to die too … get over it! Get up and get back into the game.)

· The disciples still didn’t believe … “no one believed them.”

· But guess what … Jesus is not going to stop at the second “no” either.

14 ¶ Still later he appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief because they refused to believe those who had seen him after he had been raised from the dead.

· Misery loves company … “they were eating together” … Be careful when you’re hurt, sad, or fearful that you don’t surround yourself with hurt, sad, and fearful people.

· Notice – they weren’t too sad to eat …

· Jesus appeared to them and He wasn’t all that happy.

· When I see Jesus, I hope the first thing He does is hug me with a smile on His face instead of rebuke me for being hard hearted and stubborn.

· They finally saw past their sorrows when they saw Jesus.

John 20:29 Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

The resurrection of Jesus sets Him apart from every other religious martyr people have claimed to be their God. Jesus is alive. We have the written records and sworn testimonies of several eyewitnesses. This well-documented historical fact has completely changed the world in the past 2000 years.

The life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is the most told story in every generation since. And the Bible is the most sold, the most read, the most quoted, and the most followed book ever in the history of the world.

I’ve been to the Garden Tomb, and I am here to tell you He is not there, Jesus is alive! I believe the witness of Mary and the story of the two men on the road to Emmaus, and the accounts of the disciples. Plus, I’ve experienced the life change that comes from knowing Jesus as my personal Savior and Lord.

You can know Him today by simply inviting Him into your heart. He will hear your prayer and forgive you of your sins and save your soul. Everything begins to change, just like it did for the disciples, when you believe. For the lost and hurting today; for the worried and fearful today; for the disappointed and depressed today:

“Believe upon the name of the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved!” (Acts 16:31)

For those who have already believed … Jesus has a personal word for you today. It’s the same word He spoke to those who believed in Him on that first Resurrection Day.

Mark 16:15 And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.”

Tell the Good News everywhere you go this week. Jesus is alive!

Let’s pray …

The Emptiness of Easter

2026-04-04T08:29:00.003-05:00

Today we are going to talk about the power of emptiness. That may sound funny because empty things are usually void of power. Not only that, we typically don’t celebrate things that are empty.

• Empty gas tank = stress

• Empty bank account = worry

• Empty house = loneliness

• Empty toilet paper roll = bad timing

All jokes aside, emptiness usually means that something is missing. However, Easter completely flips that notion. What was empty on that Easter Sunday is exactly what changed everything.

Today we are going to talk about 4 things that we left empty on Easter in order that you and I would experience fullness.

1. The Empty Cross

The reason there was an empty cross was because Jesus had died. World scholars unanimously agree and do not dispute the two facts that Jesus really lived and that Jesus really died.

Jesus was beaten, whipped to the bone (His flesh torn off of Him), mocked, scorned, crucified, and hung left to die. Jesus was dead within 6 hours. His death was confirmed when both blood and water exited His side after a guard pierced Him with his Roman spear. Separation of blood from serum is one of the strongest legal medical proofs of death.

Upon knowing that His death was near, Jesus was thirsty. A guard gave Him a sip of sour wine through a dirty sponge. After taking His last sips, He shared His final words…

John 19:30 — “It is finished…”

Now why would Jesus say that? Because His work on the cross had been complete. The cross was empty because Jesus finished the work.

Luke 23:52-53 — “52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid.”

They took Him down from the cross; that is the body that carried your sin and the body that bore your punishment, it was removed. Why? Because Jesus had paid the price for our sin.

That price was death.

The cross is no longer occupied!

• He didn’t partially save you

• He didn’t almost save you

• Your salvation was totally and completely PAID IN FULL

• The work of salvation is complete.

• The cross was left empty because your debt was paid in full.

But how many of you know that if the story ended there, we wouldn’t be here today.

2. The Empty Tomb

When Jesus was laid in His tomb, there were women who followed to find out where Jesus was laid. On Easter Sunday, they brought spices to where Jesus was at and found the tomb empty. Jesus was nowhere to be found. The text says that these ladies were “perplexed” as to why Jesus’ body was no longer there.

It was at about this two angels appeared before these women and said:

Luke 24:5-6 — “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.”

The tomb was empty, not because Jesus went missing, but because Jesus was alive! Jesus had been raised from the dead.

This is important!! Because it is upon this event that 12 men surrendered their lives to spreading the truth of the gospel all around the known world. Not only did they surrender their lives to the telling of the gospel, but even died a grueling death…based upon what they had seen. That is the dead Christ risen from the dead.

It also means that Jesus has proven that He has defeated sin and death. There were other people who were raised back to life from the dead. Lazarus was raised from the dead (John 11:1-44). Jairus’ daughter was raised from the dead (Mark 5:35-43). The widow’s son was raised from the dead (Luke 7:11-17). However, their resurrection was different from Jesus’ resurrection.

• When these people were raised from the dead, they died again.

• When Jesus raised from the dead, He was raised in newness of life.

• Therefore, if you believe in Jesus, the resurrection gives us the promise that:

1. We too will have eternal life

2. We can walk in new life with Christ today
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, you can experience true transformation from the inside out.

• What that means is that you cannot find true life in:

• Good behavior

• Career achievements

• 401K

• Material possessions

• Personal relationships

• These are all good things. However, none of these have the power to change us or give us true life.

So that question still echoes today:

• “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”

True life is found in Jesus, who is risen from the dead.

3. The Empty Grave Clothes

After their encounter with the angel, Mary Magdalene ran back and told Peter and John that the tomb was empty. Peter and John ran back to the scene to see for themselves.

John 20:6-7 — “6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself.”

When Jesus rose from the dead, he left the grave clothes behind.

Grave clothes represent the old life that we used to live.

• Old habits

• Old desires

• Old things we used to do

• All of those things were left behind

• Colossians 3:1-3
“1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

If you have placed your faith in Jesus, your new life is no longer found here on this earth. Your life is now found in Christ and in the things of God. The resurrected life that we are called to live here on earth is not just about Jesus getting up, its also about what you’re willing to lay down.

4. The Empty Space (in our heart)

The cross was left empty.
The grave was left empty.
The grave clothes were left empty.

And you know what else was left empty? The space in your heart.

We all know what that emptiness feels like:

• You can be surrounded by people and still feel alone

• You can be successful and still feel unsatisfied

• You can stay busy and still feel unfulfilled

• We go through life and we try to fill that space in our heart with stuff that we think we make us happy, and yet we are still left feeling empty.

• Why is that?

Ecclesiastes 3:11 — “He has put eternity into man's heart…”

• That emptiness that we fill is by design. Our hearts are like a glove that is meant for the hand of God. The problem is that we try to fill a God-sized space with temporary things that just don’t fit. The only thing meant to fit is the hand of God.

• That is the emptiness of Easter; it is an invitation by God Himself to meet you right where you are.

• Revelation 3:20 — “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

• Jesus is standing at the door of our heart, knocking. The emptiness you feel inside of you is the sound of Jesus knocking. He is asking for you to let Him in to your heart.

Will you let Him?

Takeaways:

Because Jesus is risen from the dead…

1. Your debt has been paid

2. Death has been defeated

3. Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart

Palm Sunday

2026-03-28T20:05:00.000-05:00

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Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19, and John 12 all give a Holy Spirit inspired account of the last 5 days of Jesus’ life leading up to the cross. This “Countdown to the Cross” is considered to be the most Holy Week in history. Prophecies were fulfilled, promises were given, and principles were affirmed by Jesus in this brief but powerful moment in time.

It had been about 550 years since the prophet Zechariah stood in Jerusalem to encourage the rebuilding of the Temple. Everyone in Jerusalem was familiar with the hope of Zechariah’s prophecy as recorded in:

Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.

There was a stir in Jerusalem that spring like never before. It was only 5 days until the Passover that year. Gentiles and Jews from all over the known world had gathered for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Many followers of Jesus believed He was the Messiah and the religious leaders of that day were desperate to arrest and execute Him.

What had once been an annual gathering in remembrance of God delivering Israel from Egypt was now nothing more than a political rally aimed at keeping the ruling party in power. If those in charge did not do something to stop Jesus of Nazareth, they feared the whole world would run after Him and make Him their King. (John 12:19; Luke 19:47-48)

It was on a Sunday, just 5 days before the cross, when we join the account as recorded by the Apostle Matthew who was an eye witness and a participant to these events. Let’s read from his inspired testimony and I’ll supply commentary along the way.

Matthew 21 NKJV

1 ¶ Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,

· This is not the only time we see God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Church send people out in pairs. (Luke 10:1)

· Ecclesiastes says two are better than one and from creation is has not been the best practice that people be alone. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me.

· Of all the Gospel accounts, Matthew is the only one who mentions that the mother donkey was involved in the story.

· God has a special place in His heart for mothers. Seems like God paid respect to her and her position in this young colt’s life and calling.

3 “And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”

· No doubt the Holy Spirit and angels on assignment were not only guiding the two disciples but also moving on the hearts and minds of the guardians of these two donkeys.

· One word from Jesus removes suspicions, answers questions, quiets concerns, opens hearts, and makes resources available for His use. “The Lord has need of them …”

· I can’t tell you the number of times I have released resources into the hands of men and women in response to the leading of the Holy Spirit. All of my questions answered in a moment when I feel the Lord.

4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:

5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”

· The nation had been waiting for over 500 years to see this day. Generation after generation read and heard and hoped they would see their King riding into Jerusalem on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

· This was their sign! No wonder they were cheering and shouting …

6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them.

7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them.

· Some of the disciples could have felt slighted asking the question: “Why are we not carrying Jesus on our shoulders?”

· But they didn’t. They realized the choice Jesus makes is the best choice.

· They put their garments, their discipleship garments, on this colt indicating agreement and support both for Jesus and this young unproven, never-before-ridden donkey.

8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

· People do what they see the leaders do.

· If you’re happy and you know it and you’re not ashamed to show it; If you’re happy and you know it say amen!

· Don’t be afraid or ashamed to show your support for those young colts chosen by God.

9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Hosanna in the highest!”

· “Hosanna” means “Save Now!”

· Son of David = Messiah

· “Blessed is He …” comes from Psalm 118:25&26. Everyone who went to Temple knew this. They were identifying Jesus as the One!

10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?”

· The Bible says when people see you following Jesus, they will ask you to tell them why. It’s something you can count on.

· It moves people, even a whole city, when they see you worshipping Jesus.

11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”

This is what Palm Sunday is all about … Correctly identifying the Messiah of the Jews and Savior of the World. It is Jesus! He is Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace! He is Lord and Savior, Redeemer and Friend. He is the Son of David, the Son of Man, and the Son of God. “This is Jesus!” He’s my King!

Passover for the nation of Israel begins sundown this coming Wednesday, April 1^st. Next Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Invite someone you love and care about to come with you to hear the greatest story ever told. Consider picking up some invitation cards on your way out and give them to friends or place them where others can see and come.

Don’t say no to Jesus for someone else! Happy Palm Sunday …

THE KING IS HERE Palm Sunday

2026-03-28T08:31:00.001-05:00

Today is Palm Sunday! Today is the day that marked the beginning of Jesus’ last week here on earth. It is the beginning of Passion Week. Now there is a lot that takes place during Passion week that we are all quite aware of:

• Cleansing of the temple

• Parables of Wedding Banquet, Ten Virgins, Talents, etc.

• Silent Wednesday (Judas agrees to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver)

• The Last Supper

• Jesus arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane

• Jesus crucified

• The resurrection (Easter Sunday)

Among the many popular events of Jesus that are found in Passion Week, Palm Sunday is the event that kicks off all of it. However, not everyone knows what Palm Sunday is. Most people have heard of Palm Sunday and know that it's connected to Easter Sunday. However, they couldn’t really tell you much about what Palm Sunday is.

So what is Palm Sunday? Why is Palm Sunday important? Why is it important to you?

Let’s talk about it!

Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem to Passover just like everyone else. He had recently raised Lazarus from the dead in Bethany not too long before this. So a lot of people heard about Jesus and what He did. There was a stir taking place among the people of Jerusalem.

With that said, let’s read:

Matthew 21:1-2

“Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me.”

Two of His disciples go to fetch the donkey and they do exactly as Jesus asked.

Matthew 21:6-9

“6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!””

Now, this account may not have all the ooh’s and aah’s like some of the other accounts found in the gospels. However, there is tremendous significance in what we just read.

There is significance in what:

1. Jesus Claims

2. Jesus Does

3. Jesus Receives

I. Jesus Claimed to be the Messiah

Matthew 21:3 — “If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

What is important to keep in mind here is that Jesus spent much of His ministry telling people not to say anything to anyone after performing miracles for them.

• Healing of the Leper — “See that you say nothing to anyone…” (Mark 1:44)

• Healing of the Two Blind Men — See that no one knows about this…” (Matthew 9:30)

• Raising of Jairus’ Daughter — “He gave strict orders that no one should know about this…” (Mark 5:43)

• Jesus spent a lot of time telling people not to say anything. Why? Because His time had not come yet. However, this time in the text Jesus told them to tell the owner of the donkey that “the Lord needs him.” Jesus was saying that the time is now. His time has finally come.

Jesus was claiming that He was the Messiah. He was claiming that He was God.

• He was making the claim that He was the one that Israel had been waiting for all of these years. He was claiming to be the one that the Old Testament was speaking about. He was claiming to be the one and only King.

This is important because while Jesus was making the announcement “the King is here” on Palm Sunday, Jesus is also reminding us that He is the king of our life today as well. The King is here today. He is here in this room. He knows what you are going through. He sees what you have battled through. Jesus is saying that He is here for you today.

II. Jesus Sat on the Donkey

Matthew 21:6-7 — “6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them.”

Now this may not seem like a big deal here. But we have to be aware of something. Anytime you read about Jesus in the Gospels, He is never riding anything. He is always walking. Jesus walked everywhere! However, here He chose to ride a donkey into Jerusalem. Now, Jesus could have walked in just like every other time He did. However, Jesus was making a statement. He was making the statement that He was the King that His people had been waiting so long for.

Zechariah 9:9 — “Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.”

Jesus was fulfilling scripture from 500 years before this moment when He was riding in on that donkey. He was fulfilling a promise by God from long ago. Jesus was telling them that the King is here.

Jesus is also coming to fulfill His promises in your life as well.

III. Jesus Received the Praise

Matthew 21:8-9
“8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!””

Palm Branches = Symbol of Celebration and Victory

Luke records that there were pharisees that were there in the crowd and were telling Jesus to get them to rebuke his disciples and get them to stop saying these things. But Jesus responded by telling them that if they didn’t say it, the rocks would cry out and say it. Jesus was not only receiving the praise, He was encouraging the praise!

Now, the real question is, why were the pharisees so upset about what the phrase the people were saying about Jesus?

“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

1) Son of David

• Jesus was not the literal son of David; He was the son of Joseph. However, the OT discusses how the king and savior of the world would come through the lineage of David. Psalm 89 is a specific text that continuously refers to the future King as the Son of David.

The Pharisees knew exactly what they were saying. They were so upset because they knew they were calling Him the Messiah, and Jesus was encouraging it…

Matthew 1:1

• 2) Hosanna = Save Us

• Jesus received the praise of the people as they shouted to Him “Come save us, Messiah, the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” Jesus knew what He was doing! Jesus was saying that the King is here!

The King came, and He is coming back again!

The King is also here today, here in this room.

TAKEAWAYS

1. You can trust Jesus as your Messiah

2. You can trust Jesus as your Lord

3. You can trust Jesus for the victory

Angels

2026-03-25T13:23:00.004-05:00

Gtcotr/ws032526

Where do we begin? Why not begin near the end … perhaps close to the time in which we live.

Revelation 12 NKJV

7 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,

8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.

9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

11 “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.

Angels at war; cleansing the heavens; readying the day of judgement which is to come upon all creation. Who are, what are these angels?

The word angel(s) appears 283 times in the KJV, one fourth of those, (72 times), in the book of Revelation alone. This does not account for the references to God’s messengers, holy servants, and other mentions of angelic beings.

Angels were very active players mentioned in many of the greatest stories of the Bible. From appearing and talking with Abraham to King David, and from the prophet Daniel to Joseph the husband of Mary, angels play vital roles in the plan of God for every generation. Why would we imagine God has retired them from their duties in our day?

We see angels intervening in the New Testament account of the Apostle Peter when he was in prison facing execution in the book of Acts.

Acts 12 NKJV

7 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands.

8 Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.”

9 So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.

I wonder if it was the same angel who had previously delivered the Apostles from prison in Jerusalem.

Acts 5

19 But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,

20 “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

The Apostle Paul experienced angelic intervention several times. One when he was in the middle of a storm at sea.

Acts 27 NKJV

23 “For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve,

24 “saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’

25 “Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.

Personal testimony:

· Reubel and the motorcycle.

· The Jerusalem angel at Ramadan.

· Traveling Angel

Angels are created beings, they were not pre-existent as were God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. God created angels and relegated them to serve Him and His will within the limits He prescribed.

· Angels fulfill the roles they are assigned by God as messengers, warriors, worshippers, servants, workers, guardians, and guides just to name a few.

· Angels are of a higher order or creation for this time in which we live. They are not subject to the physical laws of nature as we know them and they excel in strength and wisdom.

· There are good angels of God and there are evil angels loyal to Satan.

· There are rebellious angels bound in chains in prison awaiting final judgment.

· Some angels have wings and some don’t.

· Angels can appear as humans without notice and walk among us.

· There is an army of angels ready to come back with Jesus when the trumpet sounds.

· Angels are on assignment, listening for the word of God just waiting to help His children.

Hebrews 13:2 Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!

Since our future on planet earth and beyond heavily involves angels and their interventions surrounding the plan of God for our lives, I believe taking a closer look at angels and their activities might be in order. Let’s begin with an overview of the book of Psalms.

The word angel(s) is mentioned 10 times in the Psalms and gives us a varied look at angels. (Added commentary for each verse.)

Psalms 8:5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.

Psalms 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.

Psalms 35:5 Let them be like chaff before the wind, And let the angel of the LORD chase them.

Psalms 35:6 Let their way be dark and slippery, And let the angel of the LORD pursue them.

Psalms 78:25 Men ate angels’ food; He sent them food to the full.

Psalms 78:49 He cast on them the fierceness of His anger, Wrath, indignation, and trouble, By sending angels of destruction among them.

Psalms 91:11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.

Psalms 103:20 Bless the LORD, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word.

Psalms 104:4 Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire.

Psalms 148:2 Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts!

Unsuitable Mixtures

2026-03-21T21:31:00.000-05:00

Gtcotr/ss032226

Sometimes the unexpected is just the unexpected to the unsuspecting.

The Bible, and indeed the entire world, along with life in general is filled with unsuitable mixtures. What do I mean by unsuitable mixtures? Common elements of life, each valuable in their own right, however when mixed together produce toxicity or some corrosive result.

Just because something is true, (always has been and always will be), does not mean you know it.

Romans 10, verses 14 and 15, says people will not know the truth if someone doesn’t tell them. So allow me to tell you the truth this morning, assuming someone listening may not know it … even though it has always been true.

You probably know vinegar and bleach are in most homes, and both are used in various household cleaning applications. What you may not know is that mixing these together produces chlorine gas which is both toxic and corrosive.

Vinegar + Bleach (produces) = Chlorine Gas

Chlorine gas is a dangerous substance which can cause trouble breathing and if continued, lung damage can result.

So – according to the AI overview of incompatible chemicals, vinegar and bleach are unsuitable mixtures. And by the way, there is a whole list of unsuitable mixtures in life, some you already know about and others you may not.

This leads us to our text for today. Turn in your Bibles with me to the 5^th Book of the Bible, the Book of Deuteronomy. I’ll be reading from the Authorized King James Version of the Bible this morning, specifically from Deuteronomy 22.

Deuteronomy 22: 10 Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together.

Let’s talk just a moment about the inherent differences between oxen and asses. I am somewhat of an authority on the subject having personally owned, raised, and worked with cattle and donkeys for several years of my life. As well I am currently a licensed auctioneer with the TDLR, and have more than 20 years experience selling farm and ranch animals on a weekly basis. Plus, as you will understand in a minute, for the past 45 years I have witnessed what can happen with an ox and an ass when they are yoked together.

The Bible paints the picture of oxen as dependable, hard-working, obedient servants. They might make a mess now and then but that’s nothing compared to the benefit they supply. Thank God for the oxen in our lives.

Proverbs 14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

On the other hand the Bible paints a picture of the donkey as a stubborn, undisciplined, and selfish beast. The donkey is an unacceptable sacrifice to God, even under the Old Testament law of the firstborn.

Exodus 13:13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck …

The Bible likens some people to donkeys:

· Genesis 49:14 Issachar is a strong ass crouching between two burdens …

· Genesis 16:12 (ASV) Likens Ishmael to a wild ass among men. (The NIV says “wild donkey” of a man.)

Let me tell you what happens when you yoke an ox and an ass together.

According to Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, Commentary on the Whole Bible

· When yoked together, Asses continually attempt to bite oxen … it’s their nature.

· Unlike Oxen, Asses will feed on poisonous weeds that produce toxic breath.

· Oxen yoked together with Asses tend to turn their heads away from the toxic breath and continual biting.

· When the Ox turns his head, his shoulders twist, putting only one shoulder against the load he is pulling.

· When the Ox twist in the harness, the harness is stretched and the Ass is loosed from the weight of the load.

· An Ass that is not pulling a load will begin to wander, drag his feet, pull back and eventually balk.

· An Ox yoked with an Ass has to pull the whole load with only half of his strength, combating the foul and biting mouth of the wandering, balking Ass while he drags the Ass along with the load.

· The Ox that is left yoked with an Ass, smelling the toxic breath, will become sick, weak and if left in the yoke, will eventually die.

I don’t believe God was teaching this principle purely for the sake of the oxen and asses of that time.

How does this principle play into our lives today? Some truths are timeless and even though we may not plow our own fields, nonetheless this truth applies to us today. We find it written in its New Testament form by the Apostle Paul in his 2^nd letter to the Church at Corinth.

The Corinthian Church of Paul’s day was undoubtedly the worldliest congregation in the Bible. Gentiles from all walks and ways of life had gotten saved in this cosmopolitan city and were just learning how to live the Christian life. These people had been world class sinners and Paul loved them dearly. The Church of today can take a lot of personal advice from the words Paul wrote to the Believers in Corinth. One of the truths he told them we find in:

2 Corinthians 6 NKJV

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?

16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.”

17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”

18 “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.”

As we heard earlier: Just because something is true, (always has been and always will be), does not mean you know it. And just because you didn’t see it coming doesn’t mean God didn’t.

There are some unsuitable mixtures in life. How will you know if someone doesn’t tell you?

Well … now you know. Save yourself some trouble and if you’re a child of God, don’t get hooked up with an ass – it’s an unsuitable mixture.

And … if you’re an ass – the Lamb of God has given His life for you … so … give your life to Him and become a new creation in Christ Jesus!

Good news!!! You don’t have to be an ass anymore.

Let’s pray!

One of you is going to raise the question. “What should a person do if they are already yoked to an ass?” The Bible has an answer tailor-made just for you. Until you get your prescription from God, just don’t make it worse.

Addendum:

What Never to Mix with Bleach: www.turi.org

· Ammonia: Creates toxic chloramine gas, causing severe respiratory damage and chest pain. Found in some window cleaners, glass cleaners, and urine.

· Acids (Vinegar, Drain Cleaners, Rust Removers): Produces toxic chlorine gas, causing breathing problems, coughing, and eye irritation. This includes vinegar, toilet bowl cleaners, and some lemon-based cleaners.

· Hydrogen Peroxide:Can cause a violent chemical reaction, releasing oxygen gas and potentially resulting in an explosion.

· Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol): Creates chloroform, a toxic substance.

· Other Cleaning Products: Never mix bleach with other disinfectants or detergents, as it can reduce effectiveness and produce dangerous fumes.

ROCK SOLID CONVICTIONS Part 2 — The Bible

2026-03-21T08:43:00.001-05:00

Review

Part 1: Our Convictions about God

• What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.

• God is supreme (there is no one like God)

• God is good (in all that He is and does)

• God is sovereign (He reigns over all)

• Because these are true, then God is worth trusting

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever tried to put something together without reading the instructions? You open the box, dump everything out, look at all the pieces, and think, “I got this.” So you start building. At first, it feels like it’s working. You’re making progress, it looks right, it seems right. But then something doesn’t fit. Now you’re forcing pieces together. Something’s missing. It’s unstable. And now you’re frustrated. So what do you finally do? You go back to the instructions. Not because the instructions changed, but because you ignored them.

That’s how a lot of people treat the Bible. We don’t reject it, we just don’t follow it. We hear it, we know it, but when it comes to real life, we lean on what feels right instead. And then when things don’t work, we wonder why.

Last week we settled who God is. God is supreme, God is good, God is sovereign, and God is worthy of our trust. So if that’s true, then the next question is simple: what place does His Word have in my life? Because everyone is building their life on something. But as believers, we build our lives on the Word of God. So today we settle this conviction: God’s Word is true—and it is my final authority.

THE BIBLE = GOD’S WORD

Before we get into our convictions, lets talk about the Bible as God’s Word. Why do we talk about the Bible as God’s Word? Its because the Bible is more than just a book. It’s more than just history, poetry, letters, and stories that were written long ago. The Bible is called the Word of God because the Bible itself claims to be the Word of God— meaning that it is God speaking.

2 Timothy 3:16 — “All Scripture is God-breathed.”

That means that scripture is more than just man’s idea. While it was written and compiled be different people at different times, they were writing exactly what God intended for them to write. So when you are reading the Bible, you are reading the very words of God. That is why we call it the Word of God.

So when it comes to the Bible, we must realize that we are talking about more than a book, we are talking about the very words of God. It’s upon His Word that we build our lives.

So with that said, lets talk about the convictions that we as Christians should hold concerning the Bible.

ROCK SOLID CONVICTIONS ABOUT THE BIBLE

1. God’s Word Is the Truth

John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”

We all have opinions about a lot of things. However, God’s Word is not an opinion. It is not a suggestion, it is not advice, and it is not a perspective that I can take or leave. It is the truth. Not “a truth,” not “my truth,” not “your truth,” but “the truth.”

As Christians, we hold fast to the conviction that God’s Word is true. This is important! Because if we don’t believe that God’s Word is the truth, then we will never fully submit to it.

There is a difference between relative truth and absolute truth.

Relative Truth — Truth that changes based on the person, situation, or perspective

• That may be true for you, but not for me…

• I have my truth, you have yours…

• Etc

Absolute Truth — Truth that is always true for all people, in all places, at all times

• God’s Word is true regardless of feelings, opinions or circumstances…

• God determines what is right…

2. God’s Word Has Authority (Over My Life)

2 Timothy 3:16 — “All Scripture is God-breathed.”

Not only is God’s Word true, but it also has to have authority in my life. That means that the Bible does not submit to me, and my ideas, and my opinions. Instead, I submit to His Word. Submitting to God’s Word means that I am allowing scripture to shape my life.

At some point, there is going to be something that you and God do not agree on. There may be something that you don’t want to do that God commands you to do in the Bible. That is when you as a Christian must take a back seat to give God the final say on what you do.

When God has authority over your life, then He has the final say in your work life, financial life, private life, etc. It means that you care more about what God thinks and less about what culture or other people have to say.

So before the moment comes, we must ask ourself: am I are holding on to what I want, or surrendering to what God has said? Because you can know what the truth is and still not surrender to it. As Christians, we give the Bible elite authority in our life.

3. God’s Word Is Sufficient

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

God’s Word has everything needed to lead me and guide me in the direction I need to go. God

Many times people find themselves looking for greener grass on the other side, only to find out that its not. We imagine there’s something better, something easier, etc.

It’s important for us to realize that God’s Word is enough. Notice that it says “Your word is a lamp to my feet…” — A lamp doesn’t show you the whole path, it gives you enough light for the next step.

4. God’s Word Is Trustworthy

Psalm 119:160 — “The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.”

God’s Word is also trustworthy— you can trust His Word. Its trustworthy because it comes from a God who cannot lie. There are a lot of things that can go wrong in life, but God does not.

Trusting God’s Word is simply trusting God Himself. For example, that when you read a promise from God in the Bible, when you trust in that promise you are trusting in God.

Matthew 28:20 — “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Now that’s a promise to us from Jesus, and we read that promise (we hear that promise) in words, in human language. And when we hear those words and trust in those words, we are trusting in Jesus himself. He stands behind his words. They are the living activity of him. That is the case for the entire Bible…

5. God’s Word Must Be Lived

James 1:22 says, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”

It is possible to know Scripture and still not live it. It’s possible to read verses, hear the preaching of the Word, and know what it says and still be unchanged by it. Why? Because knowledge does not produce real transformation in our life.

But conviction is proven in how I live. If God’s Word is truly my authority, it will shape my actions, not just my thoughts. Conviction moves from hearing to doing. It takes what I know and turns it into how I live every single day.

TAKEAWAYS

I. I will build my life on God’s Word

II. I will give God’s Word the final say in my life

III. I will trust that God’s Word is enough

IV. I will trust God’s Word even when it challenges me

Walking by the Spirit

2026-03-15T08:43:00.010-05:00

As believers in Jesus Christ, we all have the desire to draw closer to God and to please Him with our lives. It doesn’t matter who you are — whether you’ve been following Jesus your whole life or you just started your journey with Christ — we are all called to walk in the Spirit. You never outgrow the need or the command to walk according to the Spirit. As born-again Christians, the Bible says that the Spirit of God is living on the inside of us. Praise God!

However, have you ever said something, and later wished you could take it back? Have you ever done something and later thought, “why did I do that?” Spoiler alert, we all have! But there is a reason. Its because of the tension happening within each and every one of us.

There is a tension taking place within us. There is a part of us that wants to honor God, and there is another part of us that still struggles with sin. We are going to talk about this very thing today. We have to walk by the Spirit!

But what does that mean? Why is it important? How do we walk according to the Spirit? Today we are going to dive into it.

Book of Galatians Background

We are going to be in the book of Galatians. This book was written to a group of churches in the Roman Province of Galatia in what is now modern day Turkey. A man by the name of Paul the Apostle (whose story is found in the book of Acts) planted these churches on the first of his three missionary journeys. You can read about it in Acts 13-14. The churches he was writing to were mainly Gentile believers (non-jewish) who had recently come to faith in Christ.

Paul was writing this letter to the Galatian church because false teachers had come into the church after he left and began teaching things that were not in agreement with the gospel. They were teaching that while faith in Jesus was good, it wasn’t good enough. They taught that they needed to do more in order to validate their faith in Christ. Paul the apostle combatted this notion and taught that faith in Jesus alone is what saves.

Let me state this for the record: Jesus and Jesus alone guarantees our salvation.

Paul was concerned that they were drifting away from the true gospel of grace. So he decided to write this letter.

The heart of this letter is found in Galatians chapter 3

Galatians 3:3 — “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”

Although they were born-again Christians through the Spirit of God, they were trying to mature as believers through the their own human effort (the flesh).

• Rule keeping

• Religious efforts

• Legalism

Paul was saying that this was backwards. In the same way that they have been saved by the spirit, they must walk by the spirit.

The Spirit vs The Flesh

To understand walking by the Spirit, we have to understand a few things:

Every person has been born into sin. Because of this, we have a sin nature on the inside of us. That sin nature is called the “flesh.” This is the part of us that wants to sin.

However, if you received Christ as your Lord and savior, then you are born again (through the spirit of God). Because of this, you were made new!

2 Corinthians 5:17— “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

As new people, the spirit of God was placed on the inside of us. Therefore, we now have a new nature on the inside of us. That is the Holy Spirit.

So as believers, we have two natures within us: the flesh and the spirit.

Galatians 5:17 — “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”

So as followers of Jesus, we have two natures that are at odds with one another. The spirit craves the things of God, and the flesh craves the things of this world. There is a hunger for the things of God on the inside of you. As a Christian, you want to please God! You want to do what honors Him. However, the devil wants you to forget that there is another nature at war with the Spirit. There is also a hunger for the things of this world, and that is from the flesh.

They are both hungry. But what you feed most is what will become bigger and stronger in your life. If we are constantly feeding our flesh with stuff that satisfies the flesh, its going to be hard to resist temptation when the time comes, its going to be hard to obey God at times because the flesh is what is dominant in your life. However, if we are feeding our spirit with the things of God, you will find it easier to obey God and resist temptation when the time comes. Why? Because the Spirit of God has been more dominant in your life.

Whatever you feed grows stronger:

• If you feed the flesh, sin becomes easier.

• If you feed the Spirit, obedience becomes easier.

Romans 8:5 — “Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”

Your mind determines what you feed.

The direction of your Christian walk will be determined by what you feed the most.

So how do we ensure that we are feeding the Spirit and not the flesh?

Walk by the Spirit

Galatians 5:16 — “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

The Bible says that if we walk by the Spirit, then we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh. The key to feeding the Spirit is by walking by the Spirit.

So what does that mean?

Walk = (Peripateō) = To conduct your daily life, follow a path step by step

The word “walk” here in scripture is a metaphor for “practical daily living.” The idea is that the Christian life is a journey that we are called to live out. We are to continuously move forward in this journey to the end goal that is Christ.

In other words, walking in the Spirit means to live out our everyday life under the influence of the Holy Spirit. It is a lifestyle of yielding to His control, and following His leading.

Walking with the Spirit = Being led by the Spirit

If we are following the leading of the Holy Spirit, then we are not able to gratify the desires of our flesh. Why?

Galatians 5:17 — “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh…

The Galatians, who were born-again through the Spirit of God, were trying to draw closer to God through the flesh. All they were doing were drawing themselves away from God. They were attempting to get closer to God by “trying harder” and “doing more.”

We often find ourselves struggling to overcome sin in our life because we are simply “trying harder” in our own power rather than leaning on the Holy Spirit. Without us realizing it, we are walking in the flesh by doing so. Why? Because we are relying on our own strength, rather than the power of the Holy Spirit! According to Romans 12, you and I only have the power to conform. The Spirit of God has the power to transform. Therefore, we must lean on the power of the Holy Spirit! We do this by walking with Him.

Truths Behind Walking in the Spirit

You may say, I can’t do that. But that is not the truth is that through Him you can! Here’s why:

Truth #1 — The Holy Spirit Lives in You

1 Corinthians 6:9 — “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you?”

This is such a powerful truth that can be overlooked so easily.

In the Old Testament, the presence of God was located in a specific place. First it was the tabernacle, later it was the temple in Jerusalem. People would have to travel long distances to in order to come near to the presence of God.

But when Jesus came, everything changed. When He died on the cross and rose from the grave, the Spirit of God was poured out at Pentecost. From that moment on, the presence of God was no longer confined to a building or a location. Now the presence of God lives within His people! Incredible!

That means, if you belong to Christ, then the Spirit of God lives within you! Not sometimes, not just when you are worshipping at church, not just when you feel spiritual, but permanently!

The same power that:

• Rose Jesus from the grave

• Empowered the apostles

• Moved throughout the early church

That power now lives within every believer!

What that means is that walking in the Spirit is not about inviting God into your life on occasion. Instead, it is about learning to live in step with the Holy Spirit who already lives inside of you.

Truth #2 — The Spirit Gives Power to Obey

Ezekiel 36:26-27

“26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you… 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my [decrees].”

Important to note here that God says that He will give us more than just rules, He will give us a new heart. Before salvation, our hearts are drawn naturally to sin (heart of stone). But when we are born again, God performs a spiritual surgery in which He transplants that heart of stone for a new heart that is alive toward God! Through this transformation, He changes the desires of our heart and gives us His Spirit who leads us toward obedience to God.

The Christian life is not about behavior modification, it is about the transformation of the heart. This only comes through the power of the Holy Spirit who transforms us from the inside out.

Philippians 2:12-13

“12 Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

Through the Holy Spirit, God is giving you both the desire and the ability to obey and please Him.

How to Walk in the Spirit

So how do we do this? How do we walk with the Spirit in our everyday life?

1. Feed Your Spirit
Matthew 4:4 — “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

• Just like your physical body needs nourishment to stay healthy, your spirit needs nourishment — The spirit in you is your inner person that has been made alive by the Holy Spirit

• We feed our spirit-man through the Word of God

• The word of God not only feeds our spirit but it also renews our mind

• If you only open your Bible once a week on Sunday morning, your spirit is going to be spiritually undernourished.

• But when we spend regular time in God’s Word, it nourishes us and changes us:

‣ Our thoughts

‣ Our perspective

‣ Our desires

• You strengthen your spirit as you spend time in His Word

• Anything you consistently feed becomes stronger…

2. Stay in Prayer
Jude 20 — “Build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit”

• Prayer is not just a religious routine, it is communion with God.

• Prayer is the place where we seek God and allow Him to conform our hearts to His.

• Prayer also helps us to become more sensitive to the leading of the Spirit.

• When we neglect prayer, our spiritual sensitivity to the Holy Spirit fades.

• When we regularly spend time in prayer, we become more aware of the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our life.

3. Follow the Spirit’s Leading
John 16:13 — “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth.”

• One of the primary ways we walk in the Spirit is by learning to follow the Spirit’s leadership in our lives.

• He is actively working in our life to:

‣ Guide us

‣ Convict us

‣ Shape us

‣ Make us more like Christ

• Therefore we must be aware of when the Holy Spirit is leading us.

• He often is leading us through gentle prompts of the heart:

‣ “You should apologize…”

‣ “You shouldn’t say that…”

‣ “You should reach out to this person…”

‣ “You need to forgive them…”

• Its important that we respond when the Holy Spirit speaks to us

• We have a choice every time the Spirit leads us:
Obey the Spirit, or
Obey the flesh

• The more we follow His leading, the clearer His guidance becomes

4. Crucify the Flesh
Galatians 5:24 — “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

• Crucifying the flesh simply means to remove things that strengthen sinful desires.

• If we want to walk in the Spirit, then we have to identify the things in our life that feeding our flesh and tell ourselves, “this is not helping my spiritual life.”

• That includes:

‣ What you watch

‣ What you listen to

‣ What environments you place yourself in

‣ What you allow yourself to think about

• That means we’ve got to get rid of things in our life that fuels our flesh!

• Begin taking inventory of your routines and habits and ask yourself, is this feeding my spirit or my flesh?

• Begin to change your routine and give the Holy Spirit more room to operate in your life.

What is winning in your life right now?

What has been getting the most attention?

What has been getting the most room?

What has been getting fed the most?

Because whatever you feed grows stronger.

If you feed the flesh, the flesh will lead your life.

If you feed the Spirit, the Spirit will lead your life.

Maybe today the Holy Spirit is putting His finger on something in your life.

What is it?

Today is the day to surrender that to God.

Words in the Wind

2026-03-07T15:19:00.001-06:00

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Job 32:9 Great men are not always wise, Nor do the aged always understand justice.

I was 24 years old when I walked the aisle of Calvary Baptist Church in Simms, Texas, and took the outstretched hand of Pastor Harold Churchill. I told him I felt the Lord was calling me to preach. He smiled an encouraging smile and then informed the congregation before leading them all in prayer for me.

This set things in motion and before long I became the pastor of a new Church about 4 miles down the highway. Fortunately the Lord had been preparing me, even without me knowing it. However, except for the children, I was the youngest member of the Church.

Being younger than the group you are trying to influence can have its particular challenges. For people to trust you, you must first trust yourself. If you don’t think you know what you’re talking about, no one else will either. All of your counsel will be just like words in the wind.

If what you are saying doesn’t move you, it won’t move others. If what you teach does not burn in you, it won’t burn in anyone who hears you. It can be difficult to convince others when you’re not confident yourself. And, being the youngest player on the team, even when you’re the captain of the team, can make it harder.

After that first day, I did not wrestle with my calling, but my calling did not make me smart. Over and over I found myself to be the youngest and least experienced person in the room and yet, I was the one everybody was looking to for leadership. This is most often when God steps in.

One of my favorite prophets in the Bible is Jeremiah. Jeremiah had similar feelings about himself as did I and several other men and women God has used dynamically in the past. Jeremiah was a contemporary prophet with Ezekiel and Daniel. Jeremiah was prophesying in Jerusalem when Ezekiel and Daniel were taken captive to Babylon. Daniel read and was inspired by the words of Jeremiah. (Daniel 9)

One of the best decisions I ever made was early on in my walk with God. I decided I was going to read the Bible and know the characters so that I could tell the stories to my children and my children’s children. The Bible is filled with such wonderful stories, and they teach so many powerful principles for life. Reading the Bible and telling the stories is still one of my favorite pastimes and as I said, Jeremiah is one of my favorite prophets.

The best I can figure from my studies is that Jeremiah was 21 years old he began to publicly prophesy and protest against the sins of the nation. At that time the current King, Josiah, had already been ruling for 13 years and presumably knew a whole lot more than the seemingly young religious idealists Jeremiah.

Let me tell you from experience, both mine and Noah’s, and even Jesus’: It’s not easy, nor is it popular, to try and tell a group of people they are wrong and they need to get right with God. Many who were just trying to help have been beaten, imprisoned, tortured, and killed for simply preaching the Good News which sets the captives free.

The prophet Jeremiah spent his whole life being persecuted and he was only trying to help. Where did he get the strength to stand up and keep going under such pressure? Let’s read the introduction to the book of:

Jeremiah 1 NKJV

1 ¶ The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin,

2 to whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.

4 ¶ Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying:

5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

6 Then said I: “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.”

7 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.

8 Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the LORD.

9 Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.”

This word from God came directly to Jeremiah and it inspired him and gave him the strength he needed in difficult times of stress, pressure, and indecision. God strengthened and encouraged Jeremiah but then God went a step further and told Jeremiah to write these words down so that others in the future could also benefit from hearing the Word of the Lord.

There is no doubt some of the young men God was thinking about included Daniel, along with the three Hebrew children named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. (Daniel 3)

These same words must have been on the Apostle Paul’s mind when he told a young boy named Timothy:

1 Timothy 4

12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

You are never too young or inexperienced to be used by God. You can know the next decision to make and the direction to take … it is already in you! As well, you can know what you should say to others to encourage them to get right with God.

Do not say I can’t. How will others trust you if you don’t trust the voice of God in you. God will put His words in your mouth. If the counsel you are giving doesn’t move you, it won’t move those who hear you. And, even if others don’t change, you will have given them their best chance and that is all God is asking you to do.

Like Jeremiah – Get up, go forward, and keep going … God’s got this! He won’t let you down.

Find Me A Man

2026-02-21T21:08:00.000-06:00

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About 600 years before Christ, God called a prophet named Jeremiah to warn the people of Jerusalem concerning the consequences of their sin. In fact, God called Jeremiah to be a prophet before Jeremiah was even born. (Jeremiah 1:5) Jeremiah’s message however was not very popular, and his insistence on publishing his prophecies finally led to his arrest and ultimately landed him in jail, beaten and in stocks.

Jeremiah was really trying to help but people weren’t all that interested in changing their ways. It seemed like the poor and uneducated people just didn’t know any better and the rich were making a lot of money sinning. Still God was fed up with all the injustice and the immorality of the day.

Several times God had tried to get through to the people but somehow, they managed to sidestep real change and so, Jeremiah was born and became the weeping prophet of God. Let’s read some excerpts from Jeremiah 5: (Again – this is about the year 605 to 600BC. Jeremiah is in his 40’s.) This is the prophet speaking for the Lord to anyone who will listen:

Jeremiah 5 NKJV

1 ¶ “Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem; See now and know; And seek in her open places If you can find a man, If there is anyone who executes judgment, Who seeks the truth, And I will pardon her.

· If you can find a man … Find Me a man!

· Someone righteous, someone true … and I will pardon My people.

2 Though they say, ‘As the LORD lives,’ Surely they swear falsely.”

· Although they claim to be godly and they say they are doing God’s will … they are liars.

3 O LORD, are not Your eyes on the truth? You have stricken them, But they have not grieved; You have consumed them, But they have refused to receive correction. They have made their faces harder than rock; They have refused to return.

· God tried to get their attention, but their faces are harder than rock.

· They refuse to repent.

4 Therefore I said, “Surely these are poor. They are foolish; For they do not know the way of the LORD, The judgment of their God.

· Jeremiah first thought people were just poor and stupid.

· He imagined they just didn’t know right from wrong.

· So Jeremiah decided to go to the wealthy and educated people …

· Jeremiah even went to the rulers of the Temple …

5 I will go to the great men and speak to them, For they have known the way of the LORD, The judgment of their God.” But these have altogether broken the yoke And burst the bonds.”

· It didn’t work any better …

· The rich and educated just sidestepped repentance and kept going.

I’d encourage you to read the whole chapter but for the sake of time here, allow me to skip down to verse 25 and then on to the end.

25 ¶ Your iniquities have turned these things away, And your sins have withheld good from you.

· God wants to bless his people with money and with things money can never buy … however

· Your own sins and iniquities have turned and withheld these blessings from you.

· What’s God saying? – Basically … it’s your own fault … please repent before something worse happens to you and to the nation.

God is not talking about every single person but about a collective people. These are representative of the whole nation, and indeed the majority sentiment did cast a shadow over the nation.

26 ‘For among My people are found wicked men; They lie in wait as one who sets snares; They set a trap; They catch men.

27 As a cage is full of birds, So their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become great and grown rich.

28 They have grown fat, they are sleek; Yes, they surpass the deeds of the wicked; They do not plead the cause, The cause of the fatherless; Yet they prosper, And the right of the needy they do not defend.

29 Shall I not punish them for these things?’ says the LORD. ‘Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?’

30 “An astonishing and horrible thing Has been committed in the land:

31 The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule by their own power; And My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end?

· You may be prospering now,

· You may have titles and positions of profound influence,

· But what will you do in the end?

Perhaps 3 or 4 years after Jeremiah wrote this, in the year 597BC, Jerusalem was overrun and many were taken captive. One of the captives taken from Jerusalem was a man named Ezekiel who was also a prophet of God. Ezekiel prophesied to the captives in Babylon. Guess what Ezekiel said:

Ezekiel 22:30 “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.”

· God said, “I sought for a man!”

· Find Me a man to stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land!

· And I will pardon My people.

Later Jeremiah wrote a letter to the captives in Babylon. You can read it beginning in Jeremiah 29. The prophet Daniel, who was taken captive from Jerusalem read the writings of Jeremiah and believed them. It was these same prophecies of Jeremiah that inspired Daniel to believe in the deliverance God planned for those whom He loved. (Daniel 9:2)

God was searching for a man … and finally 600 years later, He found one!

At the final trial of Jesus under Pontius Pilate, the last effort Pilate made to set Jesus free is found in John 19. Let’s read …

John 19:5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”

God found a Man!!! His name is Jesus.

What does this mean for us? Jesus preached His first sermon about this very thing.

Luke 4

16 So Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.

17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:

Let me read it … it reads so much better than it preaches … Jesus just read it for His first recorded sermon:

Isaiah 61 NKJV

1 ¶ “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn,

3 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; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”

Luke 4

20 Then Jesus closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him.

21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

What will you do in the end? Nothing … God found a Man; His name is Jesus. He did it, and a pardon is waiting for you today.

Now all who call upon His name shall be saved.

You will never be too poor or too foolish to miss it, too rich or too educated to discount it. We can’t claim we didn’t know … we all need Jesus, and we need Him every day.

The prophecies of the Old Testament continue to be fulfilled in our day. Do not imagine God is dead or that He has grown tired of being a Father to the rich and poor alike. The New Testament teaches the unfolding plan of God since the foundation of the world. Have you considered: What will you do in the end?

Call upon the name of the Lord and He will save you. Isaiah 61:10 He will clothe you with the garment of salvation and wrap you in the robe of righteousness. Because, He found a Man …

Call upon that Man now … His name is Jesus.

Rock Solid Convictions Part 1: God

2026-02-21T09:08:00.012-06:00

Have you ever walked through one of those funhouse mirror rooms at a carnival or fair? You step in front of one mirror and suddenly you’re tall and stretched out. You move to the next one and now you’re short and wide. Another one makes your head look enormous and your legs look tiny. It’s fun because we all know something important: the mirror isn’t telling the truth. It’s reflecting you, but it’s a distorted image of who you really are. The image looks real, but it’s not accurate. And the only reason you know that is because you already have a clear understanding of what you actually look like.

The same is true when it comes to how we view God. There are many distorted views of God. Some are shaped by culture. Some by experience. Some by pain. Some by how we were raised. And if we don’t have a proper understanding of who God truly is, we will accept the distortion as reality. We will believe something about God that feels good, but isn’t true. That’s why its so important that we view God through the proper lens; through the lens that He has revealed about Himself in Scripture.

When you think about God… what do you think about?

Who is God to you?

Is He distant?

Is He strict?

Is He soft?

Is He disappointed?

Is He proud?

Is He involved?

Is He passive?

Is He watching?

Everyone in this room has a view of God. Some of that view has been shaped by Scripture, but some of it has been shaped by upbringing, by personal experiences, by moments of hurt, and by the culture we live in. Whether we realize it or not, we all carry a picture of God in our minds, and that picture influences the way we live every single day.

The truth is, your view of God will shape your life more than you think. What you believe about God will determine how you respond to big and small moment in you life. It impacts hoe you handle success, how you approach obedience, how you deal with sin, how you treat others, how you pray, and even how you worship. A.W. Tozer once said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

Here’s the danger: it is possible to believe in God and still believe the wrong things about Him. It is possible to carry around a version of God in your mind that does not match the God of Scripture. And if our view of God does not match the truth of who He really is, our convictions will never be rock solid.

So before we talk about any other topic, we must settle who God is. Not who culture says He is. Not what He feels like. Not who we think He is. Not who we would prefer Him to be. But who He has revealed Himself to be.

1. God Is Supreme

Exodus 20:3 — “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

Supreme means no rival, no equal, no competitor, no substitute.

When we say God is supreme, we mean He stands alone. There is no one beside Him and no one above Him. He does not share authority. He does not co-rule. God alone sits at the top, not because we voted Him there, not because culture agreed on it, but because that is who He is by nature.

God is Uncreated
Psalm 90:2 reminds us, “From everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” Everything has a beginning. Everything has been formed. Everything was brought into existence. Everything, but God. He was not shaped, assembled, nor did he have a beginning. He does not evolve or develop over time. He simply is.

God is Infinite
God has no limits. No boundaries contain Him. No measurement defines Him. He is not confined by time, space, or human understanding. He does not grow in knowledge or increase in power. He is not improving. He is not declining. He is complete in Himself. His wisdom is limitless. His power is limitless. His presence is limitless. That is what makes Him supreme — there is nothing beyond Him and nothing outside of Him.

He is Unchanging
Malachi 3:6 says, “I the Lord do not change.” Culture shifts. Opinions evolve. Generations reinterpret. But God does not adapt to trends. He does not shift with public opinion. He does not adjust Himself to make Himself more acceptable. His character is steady. His holiness is steady. His love is steady. His truth is steady. What He was yesterday, He is today. What He is today, He will be tomorrow. That stability is part of His supremacy.

He is Righteous
God does not look outside Himself to determine what is right. He is the standard. He defines goodness. He defines justice. He defines truth. Morality does not shape Him — He shapes morality. We do not evaluate Him by our standards; our standards are evaluated by Him. When God speaks, right and wrong are not up for debate. His nature is the measure of what is righteous.

2. God Is Good

Psalm 34:8 — “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good.”

It’s one thing to say God is supreme — that He sits on the throne and answers to no one. But it is another thing to know that the One who sits on that throne is good. Authority without goodness would be terrifying. Power without goodness would make us afraid. But the God who reigns is not harsh, unstable, or cruel. His rule is not reckless. His leadership is not unpredictable. His heart is not cold. His goodness means that His authority is safe.

He is Holy

Isaiah 6:3 — “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts.”

God’s holiness means He is perfectly pure. There is no corruption in Him. No darkness. No moral flaw. He is completely set apart from sin. Because He is holy, He hates sin — not because He is mean, but because He is pure. Sin is destructive. Sin distorts what He created. Sin separates and wounds and corrupts. God opposes sin because He is perfectly righteous. His hatred of sin flows from His holiness, not from cruelty. It is the response of a perfectly pure God to what destroys His creation.

He is Loving

1 John 4:8 — “God is love.”

This love is not sentimental. It is not shallow. It is not conditional. It is sacrificial. God’s love moved Him toward us when we were far from Him. His love sent Christ. His love absorbs cost. His love pursues the wandering and restores the broken. God does not love because we are worthy; He loves because it is His nature. His goodness is not passive kindness — it is active, pursuing, redeeming love.

He is Just

Deuteronomy 32:4 — “All His ways are justice.”

God does not ignore evil. He does not look the other way when wrong is done. He does not compromise righteousness to make life easier. Justice is not something He occasionally exercises; it flows from who He is. He will make all things right. He will judge perfectly. He will never act unfairly. His justice assures us that evil does not have the final word.

God’s goodness is not weakness. It is moral perfection. It means that everything He does flows from a character that is holy, loving, and just at the same time.

So when life is confusing, when obedience costs something, when prayers feel unanswered, when circumstances don’t make sense — you settle this: God is still good.

Not because everything feels good. Not because everything is easy. But because His character has not changed. And if His character is good, then even when you don’t understand His ways, you can trust His heart.

3. God Is Sovereign

Isaiah 46:9–10 — “I am God, and there is no other… declaring the end from the beginning.”

God is sovereign. That means He rules. He governs. He is not reacting to history — He is directing it. He does not respond in panic. He does not adjust in surprise. He declares the end from the beginning. Before anything unfolds, He already sees it clearly. Sovereignty means that nothing ultimately escapes His authority.

And He can rule because of who He is.

He is All-Powerful
Jeremiah 32:17 reminds us, “Nothing is too hard for You.”

There is no force stronger than Him. No storm overwhelms Him. No enemy intimidates Him. No circumstance limits Him. He is not trying His best — He is limitless in power. Once God puts something into motion, nothing or no one can prevent it. God is not theoretically sovereign, He infinitely sovereign.

He is All-Knowing
Psalm 147:5 says, “His understanding is infinite.”

God does not guess. He does not learn. He does not gather information. He is never caught off guard. He sees every detail — every motive, every event, every outcome. He knows your past fully. He knows your present completely. He knows your future perfectly. His sovereignty is not blind control; it is wise and informed rule.

He is All-Present
Psalm 139:7–10 declares that there is nowhere we can go to escape His presence.

You cannot outrun Him.
You cannot hide from Him.
You cannot escape His presence.

He is present in the valley and on the mountain. He is present in the waiting and in the breakthrough. He is present in suffering and in celebration. His sovereignty is not distant oversight; it is near involvement. He is not ruling from afar — He is present within the story.

That means something incredibly important.

Nothing in your life is hidden from God.
Nothing catches Him off guard.

No time in your life where God is not with you.
He is always with you.
He will never leave you.

God is sovereign.

4. God Is Worth Trusting

When you combine everything we’ve just said — uncreated, infinite, unchanging, righteous, holy, loving, just, all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present — you are left with a God whose character cannot fail. Every attribute supports the others. His power is guided by His holiness. His justice is shaped by His love. His sovereignty is grounded in His wisdom. There is no flaw in Him, no instability in Him, no weakness in Him.

Proverbs 3:5 — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.”

God is worthy of your trust in Him. God commands us to trust in Him with all of our heart. There is not another person nor any other thing that is more worthy of our trust than Him. You can search the entire world for eternity long and find, that there is none like the Lord.

While He is worthy of your praise, the question is have you trusted Him with your whole life? God wants more than your Sundays and Wednesdays, He wants more than your bedight and before a meal prayers. God wants your heart.

Does my view of God match the God of scripture?

Let us stand rock solid in our convictions when it comes to the one true God.

Accessing the Peace of God

2026-02-15T07:16:00.007-06:00

We are living in a day and age that is more informed and connected than ever before, and yet it seems like we are amongst the most worrisome days as well.

• Global conflicts

• Rapid rise of AI

• Inflation

• Political divisions

• Retirement concerns

• Personal diagnoses

• Marriage strains

• The kind of world our kids are growing up in

• The fear of uncertainty

Here is the truth, people are looking for peace. The world is desperate for it. And you and I can use a little more of it in our life.

Illustration:

I once heard a story of a man. There was a man named Thomas. Thomas grew up poor. Not only was he poor financially, but also mentally conditioned to survive. He worked two jobs his entire life. Budgeted every dollar. Never expected help from anyone. He had an uncle he wasn’t very close to. He was wealthy, successful, but was quiet about it. When his uncle passed away, Thomas attended the funeral out of respect. A few weeks later, he received a certified letter in the mail from a law office. It said he had been named in the will.

He assumed it was sentimental. Maybe a watch, maybe a small check. But when he went to the attorney’s office, he was told that his uncle had left him a substantial inheritance; millions.

More than enough to eliminate debt.
More than enough to change his family’s future.
More than enough to live differently.

The attorney handed him the paperwork and explained the account information. Everything had already been deposited. It was legally his. However, there was only one problem: Thomas didn’t believe it. He left the office stunned. He put the documents in a drawer at home and he told no one.

He kept working two jobs.
Kept stressing about bills.
Kept arguing with his wife about money.
Kept living as if nothing had changed.

After months went by, one day his wife found the paperwork while cleaning. She couldn’t believe it. She marched into the bank with the documents and met with a financial advisor. She found out that it was real. The money had been sitting there the entire time.

They had been struggling… while they were wealthy.
They had been anxious… while they were secure.
They had been living broke… while provision was already theirs.

You see, the inheritance wasn’t the problem, “access” was.

Similarly, you and I have been given an inheritance of peace. That peace is available to us, but we must access it. Jesus talks about this peace in our the scripture we are going to read today.

In John 14, Jesus is hours away from being arrested and taken to trial. He is speaking with His disciples trying to tell them what was about to happen. Jesus knew that His disciples were about to go through the hardest moment in their life. They were going to witness Jesus be arrested and some see him be beaten, mocked, and crucified. All of them would abandon Him. Jesus knew what was coming. And it was in that vein that Jesus shared these words…

John 14:27 — “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Jesus said that in the most difficult moment of their life, He was leaving them with peace. So before we go any further we must ask the question, what exactly is this peace that Jesus is referring to?

In the new testament, the word peace is used primarily in two different ways:

Peace with God — Position of Peace

Romans 5:1 — “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, then you have peace with God. If you have not yet received the free gift of salvation in your life, then the Bible says that you are at enmity with God.

• Before I received Christ, I was at enmity with God. Because of sin, there was a massive rift in between us and God.

• There was nothing you or I could do to close that gap on our own. There is not enough good we could do to earn our way back to God. Before Christ, you and I had no shot at getting right with God.

• But thanks be to God for Jesus Christ for coming for one reason and one reason only, to take your place by dying on the cross. By doing so He paid the debt that we owed and exchanged our sin for His righteousness.

• And now every person who calls on the name of Jesus will be saved! That is the truth!

• Peace with God is the most important peace that you and I could have.

• If you have not accepted Jesus, my prayer is that today would be your day.

The Peace of God — Condition of Peace

This is the peace that Jesus was referring to.

Peace of God = An inward calm and confidence in knowing who God is; regardless of the surrounding circumstances.

Jesus says that He was leaving peace with His disciples; not just any peace, but His peace. This is the same peace that allowed Him to sleep during a storm, stand silent before His accusers, and walk toward the cross with boldness. That same peace He was leaving with His disciples.

This was different from the peace the world gives. The world offers to give us peace that provides a moment of distraction or a chance to escape the worries and stresses of life. It is momentary and fragile at best.

However, Jesus said that He was leaving “His” peace. This is the same peace that has been left to you and I. He was leaving it to us like a legacy. There is a peace available to you and I that resided in Jesus. Let’s dive into it some more.

Peace = (Eirēnē) = Tranquility of the soul; to be free from disturbance

Now it would be nice to be free from problems, free from circumstances, and free from the consequences they bring. But that is not what this is referring to. It is an inner peace that is undisturbed from the circumstances surrounding it.

This is good, but to really understand what this is implying we have to go to the Hebrew.

Peace = (Shalom) = Completeness; Wholeness; Total inward peace

This is a heavenly kind of peace, one that the world knows nothing about. This is peace that only comes from God.

So the question is, how do I find this peace? How do I find peace when…

• Things are stressful at work

• The doctor gives you a bad diagnosis

• Trying to make ends meet financially

• Feeling overwhelmed and anxious everyday

How do we find this peace?

Isaiah 26:3 — “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”

Perfect peace here is actually written as “peace peace.” That is a double peace, a double portion of peace. It says that you will be kept in perfect and heavenly peace when your mind and your thoughts are stayed (fixed) on God.

In other words, peace in our life is determined by our thoughts. There is a battle for peace in our life, and that battle is fought and won in our mind. In fact, just about any battle we face in life is fought and won in our mind.

The Bible says that we are in a spiritual war. This war is a battle of truth. God wants all people to come to know the truth in Jesus Christ. Satan wants to do everything he can to deceive us from the truth, and pull us away from God. One of the pieces of spiritual armor that Ephesians 6 tells us to put on is the helmet of salvation. Why? Because while our soul is saved our mind is not. The one area the enemy wants to gain ground in is your mind. If he can gain control of your mind, then he can gain control of your life.

What we think about the most, consumes us the most. What consumes us the most will control our life. Therefore, it is important that pay attention to what we fix our minds on.

We find peace in our life when we fix our mind on God. That word “fix” means to “lean fully” or to “rest completely.” In other words, to fix our mind on God means for us to rest our minds on the truth of God’s word and lean fully one Him. It means to rest completely on the promises that He has made available to you and I.

So the question is, what are you fixing your mind on? Is your mind fixed on what’s happening in the world around us? Is your mind fixed on the problems you are currently facing? Is your mind fixed on the worst case scenario? If our mind us fixed on these things then we will never experience peace. We must fix our mind on God!

Philippians 4:8-9 NLT

“8 Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise… Then the God of peace will be with you.”

When you fix your mind and rest your thoughts on the things of God, then the God of peace will be with you!

How do we fix our thoughts on God?

So how do we access this peace in our life? It is found a couple of verses earlier in Philippians chapter 4.

Philippians 4:6-7

“6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

1. Don’t worry about anything

• Refuse to allow anxiety to rule your life

• Refuse to allow yourself to be consumed by the problems around you

• Don’t allow yourself to be drowned out by all the worries of life

• Choose to trust in God instead

• Don’t make worrying your master, trust in God!

2. Pray about everything

• Replace your worries with prayer

• Don’t ignore the problem, but redirect it to God in prayer

• Don’t rehearse the situation over and over, but release it to God

• Worrying is meditation on the problem, prayer is meditation with God about the problem

• If it’s big enough to worry about, its big enough to pray about

3. Tell God what you need

• Supplication literally means “earnest, specific, heartfelt requests”

• In other words, get specific with God

• Instead of worrying about the problem, tell God exactly what you need

• Match the level of detail in your prayer to the level of detail in your worry

• Whatever you are replaying in your mind specifically, pray about it specifically

4. Thank God for what He has done

• Give it to God

• Begin to thank God for who he is and all that He has done

• Gratitude is not based on the results but on the character of God

• Thanksgiving recalibrates our mind (what has God brought me through?)

• Thanksgiving builds faith while you wait on God (if He did it before…)

• Thanksgiving is an act of surrender (trusting God with the outcome).

5. Peace of God will guard your heart and mind

• When we do these things, we experience the peace of God

• God’s peace surpassing our ability to understand

• His peace guards and protects our heart and mind from worry and fear

• This is the peace that Jesus has given us!

Let me encourage you to receive what Jesus has already given you, His peace. We don’t need more control, we don’t need more information, and we don’t need more distraction. What we need is more of the peace of God in our life. Let’s win the battle of peace by fixing out thoughts on God. Let us stop worrying and start handing the problem over to God in prayer. In exchange, we will receive His peace that guards our heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Life Lessons The Curse of Balaam

2026-02-07T21:36:00.003-06:00

Gtcotr/ss020826

Superbowl Sunday – Superbowl LX – Seahawks verses Patriots

According to the National Chicken Council (NationalChickenCounsel.org) Americans are projected to eat 1.48 billion chicken wings today. I wonder if those are like the whole wing or like the wing cut into two pieces. Can you believe commercially oriented marketers have convinced Americans to accept that half a wing is a wing? At any rate, it takes a lot of chickens to make up 1.48 billion wings of any sort.

1.48 billion wings divided by the near 350 million people who live in the USA today equals like 4.22 chicken wings for every man, woman, child, and baby. This means I will need to let you out early today so you and the family can get started early. Some of us are going to have to eat more than our share.

On a retail note: The National Retail Federation (nrf.com) has forecasted, and even made a neat little chart, that 213.1 million adults plan to watch the Superbowl today. They will spend a total of 20.2 Billion Dollars on food, clothing, new TV’s, decorations, and other furniture. That equals $94.77 per viewer.

America is a great place to live, if you can afford it … everyone wants to live in America – unless you’re a chicken I suppose.

Are you ready for the Word?

Before we get to our text today, I’d like to invite Jeff Phillips, one of the Elders of our Church, to read Psalms 8, which is our Psalm for this week.

We have been reviewing the story of The Prophet Balaam which began in Numbers 22 when the King of Moab hired him to curse the Israelites. Evidently The King of Moab and all the Elders of Midian believed the Prophet Balaam had the power to bless and the power to curse. They were willing to pay a very large sum of money if Balaam would proclaim a curse on Moses and the Children of God. (The Prophet Balaam represents you; the king of Moab represents the devil; and the Children of Israel represents all the people on earth the Lord is trying to save.)

Numbers 22:6 “Therefore please come at once, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.”

Not only did the Moabites and the Midianites believe what Balaam said had power, but God and His Angel also believed it.

Numbers 23 NKJV

11 Then Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and look, you have blessed them bountifully!”

12 So he answered and said, “Must I not take heed to speak what the LORD has put in my mouth?”

The whole account was made a matter of Biblical record so we would realize how powerful our words are and how important it is to God that we bless people and not curse them. In fact, every Born-Again Believer has the Holy Spirit living in their heart and their words are much more powerful and impacting than any of the Old Testament prophets could imagine.

Jesus said there was never a greater prophet than John the Baptist but the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he. (Matthew 11:11; Luke 7:28)

For this reason, the New Testament continues to admonish us as Believers to watch what we say and to make sure we do not idly or willfully curse people. God is trying to save them! Furthermore the scriptures give us several keys to controlling what we think, what we say, and what we do.

Romans 12

1 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.

2 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.

Thoughts produce words – better said – Words come from thoughts. We may not be able to fully harness our words unless we can first control our thoughts. Jesus said it this way:

Luke 6:45 "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

James 3: 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

We should all strive to be perfect and to exercise a reasonable amount of self-control. Self-control is a greater asset than one might realize. Self-control, it turns out, might just be a byproduct of filling our mind with the right stuff!

At any rate, people end up saying what they think – maybe not to everyone but certainly to themselves and eventually to someone else.

Problem is, when we think in terms of curses, we tend to curse.

Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Curses are real! God would not have given us instructions to not curse people unless He believed our cursing actually had power to harm them.

God gave strict instructions to Balaam to not curse the Israelites. In fact, an angel of the Lord stood ready to kill the prophet because he did not want any curse words coming from the prophet spoken against those God wanted to save. Evidently curse words hurt … even when we speak them about ourselves!

Proverbs 4

20 A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth, From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Numbers 14:28 "Say to them, ’As I live,’ says the LORD, ’just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will do to you:”

It’s not only what we say about ourselves, but also what others may be saying about us. Verbally denounce and condemn the curses others have spoken over your life, family, finances, and future.

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me," Says the LORD.

Remember – It will please God if you will quit cursing others!

How can you do this?

· Fill your mind with the good Word of God! (Proverbs 4:23)
· Think on the best you can imagine God can do. (Philippians 4:8)
· Speak that which is good. (Ephesians 4:29)
· Renew your mind and it will renew your life! (Romans 12:1-2)

Rock Solid Convictions Intro: What are Convictions

2026-02-07T20:43:00.002-06:00

Convictions. They’re something we never really talk about. But it is something we all have in some way or another. And while we do have them, how often do we actually think about that our convictions are? The question is, what are the convictions that we are holding on to?

What convictions do you have that you will not change?

• You will not compromise…
• You will not deny…
• You will not surrender…

Convictions are given by God to protect you and to help you love a godly life. So if someone asked you what your convictions were, what would you tell them? Have you thought about what your convictions are? These are all important questions.

Why?

Because convictions define who you are.

• They influence how you think.
• They define choices you make.
• They set the direction you are going in life.
• They influence how you spend your money.
• They impact how you treat others.
• They shape your character over time.

You convictions are a major part of your life and they make up who you are.

What are your convictions? What will you not compromise under any circumstance? What convictions are influencing your thoughts, choices, direction, spending, how you treat others, character?

We have to make sure that we are on the same page when we discuss the term conviction.

Definitions of Conviction

1. To be formally determined as guilty
2. A firmly held belief
3. Convictions impressed by the Holy Spirit

Convictions are the beliefs that we hold firmly to. These the things we believe that no one or nothing can change our mind on.

As believers in Jesus Christ, our convictions must be shaped by God’s Word. If a conviction is not rooted in Scripture then it is just a strong opinion. We must be careful that we are not just holding firmly to strong opinions.

CONVICTIONS	PREFERENCES
Do not change	Do change
Rooted in God’s Word	Shaped by culture, upbringing, and personality
Faith based	Opinion based
Non-negotiable	Situational
You believe no matter the situation you face	You believe now but can be convinced there is something better.

So what are convictions? How would you define a conviction?

Conviction — Something you are so thoroughly convinced is absolutely true that you are willing to take a stand for it regardless of the consequences

Convictions are revealed in the face of adversity and consequences.

Characteristics of a person with Convictions

Story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego.

- Three Jews who were absorbed into the Babylonian kingdom
- They were commanded to bow down to the golden image, and if they didn’t then they would be thrown into a fiery furnace
- This went against their convictions as the people of God
- So when everyone bowed down to the golden image, these three men were resolute in their decision not to bow down to the idol
- This led to them being brought before King Nebuchadnezzar and were threatened

Daniel 3:12,16-18

12 There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.”

“16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.””

In the midst of adversity and serious consequences, these three men stood firm in their convictions. I believe that we can learn something from these men. I want to talk about the characteristics of someone who lives by convictions.

1. Convictions are settled before a Crisis
v12 — “They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image”

• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn’t get together when the music started playing to figure out what they were going to do.
• They had already decided what they were going to do before anyone was commanded to bow. They were resolute.
• As Christians, we don’t decide our convictions when we are under pressure. We must decide ahead of time.
• The golden image didn’t decide their convictions, it revealed them.
• Similarly, the pressure moments you face in life will not decide your convictions…they reveal them.

2. Convictions are rooted in a fear of God
v16 — “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.”

• These three men knew that they ultimately did not answer to the king. They knew that they had to answer God.
• They were unshakeable in their response because they feared God.
• They feared God more than they feared man or feared consequences.

• As believers, our convictions come from a fear of God, not from a fear of consequences
Matthew 10:28 — “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

3. Convictions refuse to bow, even when others do
v18 — “nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”

• Everyone had bowed down; an entire nation had complied.
• However, these three men refused to bow even when everyone else did
• As Christians, we live for obedience to God, not acceptance of others
• When people around you are cursing, drinking, gossiping, don’t worry about offending them; worry about offending God.
• Choose obedience over acceptance

4. Convictions are lived out publicly

• They simply stood when everyone else bowed— everyone saw it
• When you stand for Jesus, people will notice
• Conviction isn’t about being seen, but real convictions will be seen.
• Don’t be afraid to speak up when someone says something negative about Jesus. Don’t be afraid to stand up against what is wrong when everyone else says that its okay. Don’t be ashamed to talk about Jesus at your workplace or with your friends.

5. Convictions trust in God
v17 — “If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.
18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods”

• Their obedience was not tethered to how things might’ve turned out. They were going to trust God regardless of what happened.
• They chose to obey God, and then left the results to Him.
• As christians, we obey God without guarantees of what might happen.
• We must trust God for the outcome rather than ourselves.

6. Convictions produce courage when challenged
v18 — “But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”

• Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had the courage to stand up and obey God in the face of serious consequences.
• That courage came when they chose to make a stand in faith.
• We too receive courage and boldness when we choose to obey God.
• That courage comes after we have made the decision.

In this series we will be going over 5 Rock-Solid Convictions that you as a Christian should hold firmly to:

Rock-Solid Conviction Topics

1. God — God Alone Is Supreme
2. The Bible — God’s Word Is the Authority
3. Money — God’s Blueprint: Stewardship
4. Prayer — Our Dependence on God
5. Eternity — Living With the End in Mind