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Preached on Sunday the 9th of August, 2026.
Hebrews 7:26-8:2
26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. 28 For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
8 Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 2nd of August, 2026 followed by the Lord's Supper.
Hebrews 7:1-25
7 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. 3 He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.
4 See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! 5 And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. 6 But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. 8 In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives. 9 One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, 10 for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.
11 Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? 12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. 13 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.
15 This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is witnessed of him,
“You are a priest forever,
after the order of Melchizedek.”
18 For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
20 And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, 21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him:
“The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind,
‘You are a priest forever.’”
22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.
23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 26th of July, 2026.
Hebrews 6:13-20
13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” 15 And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. 16 For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. 17 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 19th of July, 2026.
Hebrews 6:7-12
7 For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. 8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.
9 Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. 10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. 11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 12th of July, 2026.
Hebrews 6:4-8
4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. 7 For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. 8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 5th of July, 2026 followed by the Lord's Supper.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 28th of June, 2026.
Hebrews 6:1-3
"Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits."
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 21st of August, 2026.
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.””
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 14th of June, 2026.
Hebrews 5:11-14
“About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 7th of June, 2026 followed by the Lord’s Supper.
Hebrews 5:1-10
“For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 31st of May, 2026.
Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 24th of May, 2026.
Jeremiah 6:14-16
14 They have healed the wound of my people lightly,
saying, ‘Peace, peace,’
when there is no peace.
15 Were they ashamed when they committed abomination?
No, they were not at all ashamed;
they did not know how to blush.
Therefore they shall fall among those who fall;
at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown,”
says the Lord.
16 Thus says the Lord:
“Stand by the roads, and look,
and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way is; and walk in it,
and find rest for your souls.
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 17th of May, 2026.
John 17:1-5
17 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 10th of May, 2026.
Psalm 15:1-5
“O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 3rd of May, 2026 followed by the Lord’s Supper.
Hebrews 4:11-13
“Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 26th of April, 2026.
“Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest,’” although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” And again in this passage he said, “They shall not enter my rest.” Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 19th of April, 2026.
Hebrews 3:7-19
“Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for forty years. Therefore I was provoked with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart; they have not known my ways.’ As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’” Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses? And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 12th of April, 2026.
Hebrews 3:1-6
“Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house. For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Resurrection Sunday, the 5th of April, 2026 followed by the Lord’s Supper.
Acts 13:28-30
“And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead,”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Good Friday, the 3rd of April, 2026 followed by the Lord’s Supper.
John 19:30
“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 29th of March, 2026.
Hebrews 2:14-18
“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 22nd of March, 2026.
Hebrews 2:11-13
“For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.””
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 15th of March, 2026.
Hebrews 2:10-18
“For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.” Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 8th of March, 2026.
Hebrews 2:5-9
“For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 1st of March, 2026 followed by the Lord’s Supper.
Hebrews 2:1-4
“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 22nd of February, 2026.
Hebrews 1:4-14
“having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.” But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.” And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 15th of February, 2026.
Luke 8:26-39
“Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned. When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed man had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 8th of February, 2026.
Hebrews 1:1-3
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 1st of February, 2026 followed by the Lord’s Supper.
Hebrews 1:1-2
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 25th of January, 2026.
Matthew 12:22-25,38-42
22 Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” 25 Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.
38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” 39 But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 18th of January, 2026.
John 15:1-17
““I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 11th of January, 2026.
2 Chronicles 36:11-23
“Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord his God. He did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke from the mouth of the Lord. He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God. He stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the Lord, the God of Israel. All the officers of the priests and the people likewise were exceedingly unfaithful, following all the abominations of the nations. And they polluted the house of the Lord that he had made holy in Jerusalem. The Lord, the God of their fathers, sent persistently to them by his messengers, because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling place. But they kept mocking the messengers of God, despising his words and scoffing at his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord rose against his people, until there was no remedy. Therefore he brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who killed their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary and had no compassion on young man or virgin, old man or aged. He gave them all into his hand. And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king and of his princes, all these he brought to Babylon. And they burned the house of God and broke down the wall of Jerusalem and burned all its palaces with fire and destroyed all its precious vessels. He took into exile in Babylon those who had escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and to his sons until the establishment of the kingdom of Persia, to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed its Sabbaths. All the days that it lay desolate it kept Sabbath, to fulfill seventy years. Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing: “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, ‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may the Lord his God be with him. Let him go up.’””
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 4th of January, 2026, followed by the Lord’s Supper.
2 Chronicles 7:11-22
“Thus Solomon finished the house of the Lord and the king’s house. All that Solomon had planned to do in the house of the Lord and in his own house he successfully accomplished. Then the Lord appeared to Solomon in the night and said to him: “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. And as for you, if you will walk before me as David your father walked, doing according to all that I have commanded you and keeping my statutes and my rules, then I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to rule Israel.’ “But if you turn aside and forsake my statutes and my commandments that I have set before you, and go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will pluck you up from my land that I have given you, and this house that I have consecrated for my name, I will cast out of my sight, and I will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples. And at this house, which was exalted, everyone passing by will be astonished and say, ‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land and to this house?’ Then they will say, ‘Because they abandoned the Lord, the God of their fathers who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods and worshiped them and served them. Therefore he has brought all this disaster on them.’””
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 28th of Sunday, 2025.
2 Kings 17:1-23
“In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah, Hoshea the son of Elah began to reign in Samaria over Israel, and he reigned nine years. And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, yet not as the kings of Israel who were before him. Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria. And Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute. But the king of Assyria found treachery in Hoshea, for he had sent messengers to So, king of Egypt, and offered no tribute to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year. Therefore the king of Assyria shut him up and bound him in prison. Then the king of Assyria invaded all the land and came to Samaria, and for three years he besieged it. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria, and he carried the Israelites away to Assyria and placed them in Halah, and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes. And this occurred because the people of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods and walked in the customs of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel, and in the customs that the kings of Israel had practiced. And the people of Israel did secretly against the Lord their God things that were not right. They built for themselves high places in all their towns, from watchtower to fortified city. They set up for themselves pillars and Asherim on every high hill and under every green tree, and there they made offerings on all the high places, as the nations did whom the Lord carried away before them. And they did wicked things, provoking the Lord to anger, and they served idols, of which the Lord had said to them, “You shall not do this.” Yet the Lord warned Israel and Judah by every prophet and every seer, saying, “Turn from your evil ways and keep my commandments and my statutes, in accordance with all the Law that I commanded your fathers, and that I sent to you by my servants the prophets.” But they would not listen, but were stubborn, as their fathers had been, who did not believe in the Lord their God. They despised his statutes and his covenant that he made with their fathers and the warnings that he gave them. They went after false idols and became false, and they followed the nations that were around them, concerning whom the Lord had commanded them that they should not do like them. And they abandoned all the commandments of the Lord their God, and made for themselves metal images of two calves; and they made an Asherah and worshiped all the host of heaven and served Baal. And they burned their sons and their daughters as offerings and used divination and omens and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger. Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them out of his sight. None was left but the tribe of Judah only. Judah also did not keep the commandments of the Lord their God, but walked in the customs that Israel had introduced. And the Lord rejected all the descendants of Israel and afflicted them and gave them into the hand of plunderers, until he had cast them out of his sight. When he had torn Israel from the house of David, they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king. And Jeroboam drove Israel from following the Lord and made them commit great sin. The people of Israel walked in all the sins that Jeroboam did. They did not depart from them, until the Lord removed Israel out of his sight, as he had spoken by all his servants the prophets. So Israel was exiled from their own land to Assyria until this day.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Thursday the 25th of December, Christmas morning, 2025.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 21st of December, 2025.
Exodus 4:1-17
“Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’” The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” And he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it. But the Lord said to Moses, “Put out your hand and catch it by the tail”—so he put out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand— “that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” Again, the Lord said to him, “Put your hand inside your cloak.” And he put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous like snow. Then God said, “Put your hand back inside your cloak.” So he put his hand back inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, it was restored like the rest of his flesh. “If they will not believe you,” God said, “or listen to the first sign, they may believe the latter sign. If they will not believe even these two signs or listen to your voice, you shall take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground, and the water that you shall take from the Nile will become blood on the dry ground.” But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and he said, “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you both what to do. He shall speak for you to the people, and he shall be your mouth, and you shall be as God to him. And take in your hand this staff, with which you shall do the signs.””
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 14th of December, 2025.
Numbers 14:1-11
“Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” And they said to one another, “Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the people of Israel. And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes and said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, “The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.” Then all the congregation said to stone them with stones. But the glory of the Lord appeared at the tent of meeting to all the people of Israel. And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will this people despise me? And how long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them?”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 7th of December, 2025 followed by the Lord’s Supper.
2 Kings 1
“After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel. Now Ahaziah fell through the lattice in his upper chamber in Samaria, and lay sick; so he sent messengers, telling them, “Go, inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover from this sickness.” But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say to them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Now therefore thus says the Lord, You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’” So Elijah went. The messengers returned to the king, and he said to them, “Why have you returned?” And they said to him, “There came a man to meet us, and said to us, ‘Go back to the king who sent you, and say to him, Thus says the Lord, Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’” He said to them, “What kind of man was he who came to meet you and told you these things?” They answered him, “He wore a garment of hair, with a belt of leather about his waist.” And he said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.” Then the king sent to him a captain of fifty men with his fifty. He went up to Elijah, who was sitting on the top of a hill, and said to him, “O man of God, the king says, ‘Come down.’” But Elijah answered the captain of fifty, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then fire came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty. Again the king sent to him another captain of fifty men with his fifty. And he answered and said to him, “O man of God, this is the king’s order, ‘Come down quickly!’” But Elijah answered them, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty. Again the king sent the captain of a third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up and came and fell on his knees before Elijah and entreated him, “O man of God, please let my life, and the life of these fifty servants of yours, be precious in your sight. Behold, fire came down from heaven and consumed the two former captains of fifty men with their fifties, but now let my life be precious in your sight.” Then the angel of the Lord said to Elijah, “Go down with him; do not be afraid of him.” So he arose and went down with him to the king and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron—is it because there is no God in Israel to inquire of his word?—therefore you shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’” So he died according to the word of the Lord that Elijah had spoken. Jehoram became king in his place in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, because Ahaziah had no son. Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 30th of November, 2025.
Exodus 40:34-38
“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 23rd of November, 2025.
1 Kings 17:1-24
“Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” And the word of the Lord came to him: “Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to him, “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.” And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” And she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.” And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’” And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah. After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill. And his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. And she said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death of my son!” And he said to her, “Give me your son.” And he took him from her arms and carried him up into the upper chamber where he lodged, and laid him on his own bed. And he cried to the Lord, “O Lord my God, have you brought calamity even upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by killing her son?” Then he stretched himself upon the child three times and cried to the Lord, “O Lord my God, let this child’s life come into him again.” And the Lord listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived. And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper chamber into the house and delivered him to his mother. And Elijah said, “See, your son lives.” And the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.””
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 16th of November, 2025.
Deuteronomy 10:12-22
““And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good? Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. Yet the Lord set his heart in love on your fathers and chose their offspring after them, you above all peoples, as you are this day. Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn. For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of Lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. You shall fear the Lord your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen. Your fathers went down to Egypt seventy persons, and now the Lord your God has made you as numerous as the stars of heaven.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 9th of November, 2025.
1 Kings 8:22-30
“Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart; you have kept with your servant David my father what you declared to him. You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it this day. Now therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father what you have promised him, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.’ Now therefore, O God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you have spoken to your servant David my father. “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day, that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 2nd of November, 2025.
John 5:18-29
“This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 26th of October, 2025.
Haggai 2:10-19
“On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: Ask the priests about the law: ‘If someone carries holy meat in the fold of his garment and touches with his fold bread or stew or wine or oil or any kind of food, does it become holy?’” The priests answered and said, “No.” Then Haggai said, “If someone who is unclean by contact with a dead body touches any of these, does it become unclean?” The priests answered and said, “It does become unclean.” Then Haggai answered and said, “So is it with this people, and with this nation before me, declares the Lord, and so with every work of their hands. And what they offer there is unclean. Now then, consider from this day onward. Before stone was placed upon stone in the temple of the Lord, how did you fare? When one came to a heap of twenty measures, there were but ten. When one came to the wine vat to draw fifty measures, there were but twenty. I struck you and all the products of your toil with blight and with mildew and with hail, yet you did not turn to me, declares the Lord. Consider from this day onward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month. Since the day that the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid, consider: Is the seed yet in the barn? Indeed, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have yielded nothing. But from this day on I will bless you.””
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 19th of October, 2025.
2 Corinthians 8:9
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 5th of October, 2025.
1 Peter 5:12-14
“By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 21st of September, 2025.
1 Peter 5:8-11
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 14th of September, 2025.
1 Peter 5:5-7
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 7th of September, 2025.
1 Peter 5:5
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.””
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 31st of August, 2025.
Luke 23:32-43
“Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.””
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 24th August, 2025.
1 Peter 5:1-5
“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.””
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 17th of August, 2025.
1 Peter 5:1-4
“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 10th of August, 2025.
1 Peter 4:12-19
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 3rd of August, 2025.
1 Peter 4:7-11
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 27th of July, 2025.
1 Peter 4:7
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 20th of July, 2025.
1 Peter 4:1-6
“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 13th of July, 2025.
1 Peter 3:22
“who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached at West Church’s 7th Anniversary on Sunday the 6th of July, 2025.
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
“The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 29th of June, 2025.
1 Peter 3:18-22
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 22nd of June, 2025.
1 Peter 3:18
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 15th of June, 2025.
1 Peter 3:8-17
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 8th of June, 2025.
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 25th of May, 2025.
1 Peter 3:1-17
“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 11th of May, 2025.
1 Peter 2:18-25
“Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 4th of May, 2025.
1 Peter 2:12-17
“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 27th of April, 2025.
1 Peter 2:9-11
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Resurrection Sunday April the 20th, 2025.
Acts 17:29-34
“Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Good Friday April the 18th, 2025.
Leviticus 16:27-34
“And the bull for the sin offering and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the Holy Place, shall be carried outside the camp. Their skin and their flesh and their dung shall be burned up with fire. And he who burns them shall wash his clothes and bathe his body in water, and afterward he may come into the camp. “And it shall be a statute to you forever that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict yourselves and shall do no work, either the native or the stranger who sojourns among you. For on this day shall atonement be made for you to cleanse you. You shall be clean before the Lord from all your sins. It is a Sabbath of solemn rest to you, and you shall afflict yourselves; it is a statute forever. And the priest who is anointed and consecrated as priest in his father’s place shall make atonement, wearing the holy linen garments. He shall make atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make atonement for the tent of meeting and for the altar, and he shall make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly. And this shall be a statute forever for you, that atonement may be made for the people of Israel once in the year because of all their sins.” And Aaron did as the Lord commanded Moses.”
Hebrews 13:10-16
“We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday April the 13th, 2025.
1 Peter 2:4-10
“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 6th of April, 2025.
1 Peter 2:1-3
2 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 30th of March, 2025.
1 Peter 1:22-25
22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 24 for
“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers, and the flower falls,
25
but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 23rd of March, 2025.
1 Peter 1:13-21
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 16th of March, 2025.
1 Peter 1:10-12
“Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 9th of March, 2025.
1 Peter 1:8-9
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 2nd of March, 2025.
1 Peter 1:6-7
6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 23rd of February, 2025.
1 Peter 1:4-5
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 16th of February, 2024.
1 Peter 1:3
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 9th of February, 2025.
1 Peter 1:2
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:
May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 2nd of February, 2025.
1 Peter 1:1-2
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:
May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 26th of January, 2025.
Job 42:1-6
42 Then Job replied to the Lord:
2 “I know that you can do all things;
no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know.
4 “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.’
5 My ears had heard of you
but now my eyes have seen you.
6 Therefore I despise myself
and repent in dust and ashes.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 19th of January, 2025.
Luke 11:14-23
14 Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. 15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” 16 while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. 17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.18 And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. 19 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20 But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; 22 but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 12th of January, 2025.
Matthew 11:28
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 5th of January, 2025.
Matthew 16:13-20
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 22nd of December, 2024.
2 Samuel 7
7 Now when the king lived in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, 2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” 3 And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.”
4 But that same night the word of the Lordcame to Nathan, 5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Would you build me a house to dwell in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling. 7 In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’ 8 Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. 9 And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, 11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. 12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’” 17 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.
18 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? 19 And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord God. You have spoken also of your servant's house for a great while to come, and this is instruction for mankind, O Lord God!20 And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord God!
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on the 25th of December, Christmas Day, 2024.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 29th of December, 2024.
2 Peter 3:1-13
3 This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, 6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 15th of December, 2024.
James 4:13-17
13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”—14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 8th of December, 2024.
Hebrews 6:13-20
13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” 15 And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. 16 For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. 17 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 1st of December, 2024.
Jeremiah 23:16-22“Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. They say continually to those who despise the word of the Lord, ‘It shall be well with you’; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, ‘No disaster shall come upon you.’” For who among them has stood in the council of the Lord to see and to hear his word, or who has paid attention to his word and listened? Behold, the storm of the Lord! Wrath has gone forth, a whirling tempest; it will burst upon the head of the wicked. The anger of the Lord will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intents of his heart. In the latter days you will understand it clearly. “I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my council, then they would have proclaimed my words to my people, and they would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their deeds.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 24th of November, 2024.
Luke 12:32
““Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 17th of November, 2024.
Romans 11:33-36
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 10th of November, 2024.
Isaiah 26:20-27:6
“Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by. For behold, the Lord is coming out from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, and the earth will disclose the blood shed on it, and will no more cover its slain.
In that day the Lord with his hard and great and strong sword will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent, Leviathan the twisting serpent, and he will slay the dragon that is in the sea. In that day, “A pleasant vineyard, sing of it! I, the Lord, am its keeper; every moment I water it. Lest anyone punish it, I keep it night and day; I have no wrath. Would that I had thorns and briers to battle! I would march against them, I would burn them up together. Or let them lay hold of my protection, let them make peace with me, let them make peace with me.” In days to come Jacob shall take root, Israel shall blossom and put forth shoots and fill the whole world with fruit.”
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Preached on Sunday the 3rd of November, 2024.
Numbers 6:22-27
“The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. “So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.””
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 27th of October, 2024.
John 3:25-36
Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification. And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 20th of October, 2024.
“who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory. Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
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Preached on Sunday the 13th of October, 2024.
Zephaniah 1:1-18
“The word of the Lord that came to Zephaniah the son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah. “I will utterly sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” declares the Lord. “I will sweep away man and beast; I will sweep away the birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, and the rubble with the wicked. I will cut off mankind from the face of the earth,” declares the Lord. “I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests, those who bow down on the roofs to the host of the heavens, those who bow down and swear to the Lord and yet swear by Milcom, those who have turned back from following the Lord, who do not seek the Lord or inquire of him.” Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near; the Lord has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated his guests. And on the day of the Lord’s sacrifice— “I will punish the officials and the king’s sons and all who array themselves in foreign attire. On that day I will punish everyone who leaps over the threshold, and those who fill their master’s house with violence and fraud. “On that day,” declares the Lord, “a cry will be heard from the Fish Gate, a wail from the Second Quarter, a loud crash from the hills. Wail, O inhabitants of the Mortar! For all the traders are no more; all who weigh out silver are cut off. At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the men who are complacent, those who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not do good, nor will he do ill.’ Their goods shall be plundered, and their houses laid waste. Though they build houses, they shall not inhabit them; though they plant vineyards, they shall not drink wine from them.” The great day of the Lord is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the Lord is bitter; the mighty man cries aloud there. A day of wrath is that day, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet blast and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the lofty battlements. I will bring distress on mankind, so that they shall walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the Lord; their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them on the day of the wrath of the Lord. In the fire of his jealousy, all the earth shall be consumed; for a full and sudden end he will make of all the inhabitants of the earth.”
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Preached on Sunday the 6th of October, 2024.
Psalm 119:28
“My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 29th of September, 2024.
Revelation 15:1-8
“Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished. And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.” After this I looked, and the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven was opened, and out of the sanctuary came the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests. And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever, and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
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Preached on Sunday the 22nd of September, 2024.
Revelation 5
Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne.And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.And they sang a new song, saying,
“Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.”
Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice,
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”
And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”
And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 15th of September, 2024.
2 Chronicles 34:1-33
“Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father; and he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet a boy, he began to seek the God of David his father, and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherim, and the carved and the metal images. And they chopped down the altars of the Baals in his presence, and he cut down the incense altars that stood above them. And he broke in pieces the Asherim and the carved and the metal images, and he made dust of them and scattered it over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. He also burned the bones of the priests on their altars and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem. And in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, and as far as Naphtali, in their ruins all around, he broke down the altars and beat the Asherim and the images into powder and cut down all the incense altars throughout all the land of Israel. Then he returned to Jerusalem.
Full reading:
https://bible.com/bible/59/2ch.34.1-33.ESV
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 8th of September, 2024.
Galatians 6:11-18“See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 1st of September, 2024.
Galatians 6:6-10
6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 25th of August, 2024.
Galatians 5:24-25
24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 6:1-5
6 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.5 For each will have to bear his own load.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 18th of August, 2024.
Galatians 5:15-26
But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 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. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 11th of August, 2024.
Galatians 5:16-24
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 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. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 4th of August, 2024.
Galatians 5:16-18
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 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. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 28th of July, 2024.
Galatians 5:13-15
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 21st of July, 2024.
Galatians 5:7-12
“You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 14th of July, 2024.
Galatians 5:1-6
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 30th of June, 2024
Galatians 4:21-31
21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. 24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written,
“Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear;
break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor!
For the children of the desolate one will be more
than those of the one who has a husband.”
28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” 31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 7th of July, 2024.
Acts 2:42-47
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 23rd of June, 2024.
first half of the audio was not recorded
Galatians 4:12-20
12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
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Preached on Sunday the 16th of June, 2024.
Galatians 4:1-11
1 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Paul's Concern for the Galatians
8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
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Preached on Sunday the 9th of June, 2024.
Galatians 3:19-29
“Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one. Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
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Preached on Sunday the 2nd of June, 2024.
Galatians 3:15-18
15 To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. 17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 26th of May, 2024.
Galatians 3:10-1410 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 19th of May, 2024.
Isaiah 40:1-2“Comfort, yes, comfort My people!”
Says your God.
2 “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her,
That her warfare is ended,
That her iniquity is pardoned;
For she has received from the Lord’s hand
Double for all her sins.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 12th of May, 2024
Galatians 3:5-9
5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?
7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 5th of May, 2024.
Galatians 3:1-5
3 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith—
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 21st of April, 2024.
Galatians 2:15-21
15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 29th of April, 2024.
Galatians 2:17-21
17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
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Preached on Sunday the 14th of April, 2024.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 7th of April, 2024.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
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Preached on Easter Sunday the 31st of March, 2024.
Acts 2:22-38
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 25 For David says concerning him,
“‘I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
my flesh also will dwell in hope.
27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
or let your Holy One see corruption.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,
“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
35 until I make your enemies your footstool.”’
36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 6:9
9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Good Friday the 29th of March, 2024.
1 Corinthians 1:18
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:8-10
8 None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But, as it is written,
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him”—
10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 24th of March, 2024.
Galatians 1:13-24
13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 17th of March, 2024.
Galatians 1:9-12
9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 10th of March, 2023.
Galatians 1:6-9
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 3rd of March, 2024.
Galatians 1:1-5
1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers who are with me,
To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 25th of February, 2024.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 11th of February, 2024.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 18th of February, 2024.
Genesis 50:15-21
15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” 16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: 17 ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 4th of February, 2024.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 28th of January, 2024.
Psalm 87:1-7
87 On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
2 the Lord loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
3 Glorious things of you are spoken,
O city of God. Selah
4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush—
“This one was born there,” they say.
5 And of Zion it shall be said,
“This one and that one were born in her”;
for the Most High himself will establish her.
6 The Lord records as he registers the peoples,
“This one was born there.” Selah
7 Singers and dancers alike say,
“All my springs are in you.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 21st of January, 2024.
James 2:14-26
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 14th of January, 2024.
Numbers 1:47-54
47 But the Levites were not listed along with them by their ancestral tribe. 48 For the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 49 “Only the tribe of Levi you shall not list, and you shall not take a census of them among the people of Israel. 50 But appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony, and over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings, and they shall take care of it and shall camp around the tabernacle. 51 When the tabernacle is to set out, the Levites shall take it down, and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up. And if any outsider comes near, he shall be put to death. 52 The people of Israel shall pitch their tents by their companies, each man in his own camp and each man by his own standard. 53 But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the testimony, so that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the people of Israel. And the Levites shall keep guard over the tabernacle of the testimony.” 54 Thus did the people of Israel; they did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 7th of January, 2024.
John 15: 1-17
15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 31st of December, New Year's Eve, 2023.
Zephaniah 1
1 The word of the Lord that came to Zephaniah the son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah.
2 “I will utterly sweep away everything
from the face of the earth,” declares the Lord.
3 “I will sweep away man and beast;
I will sweep away the birds of the heavens
and the fish of the sea,
and the rubble with the wicked.
I will cut off mankind
from the face of the earth,” declares the Lord.
4 “I will stretch out my hand against Judah
and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem;
and I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal
and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests,
5 those who bow down on the roofs
to the host of the heavens,
those who bow down and swear to the Lord
and yet swear by Milcom,
6 those who have turned back from following the Lord,
who do not seek the Lord or inquire of him.”
7 Be silent before the Lord God!
For the day of the Lord is near;
the Lord has prepared a sacrifice
and consecrated his guests.
8 And on the day of the Lord's sacrifice—
“I will punish the officials and the king's sons
and all who array themselves in foreign attire.
9 On that day I will punish
everyone who leaps over the threshold,
and those who fill their master's house
with violence and fraud.
10 “On that day,” declares the Lord,
“a cry will be heard from the Fish Gate,
a wail from the Second Quarter,
a loud crash from the hills.
11 Wail, O inhabitants of the Mortar!
For all the traders are no more;
all who weigh out silver are cut off.
12 At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps,
and I will punish the men
who are complacent,
those who say in their hearts,
‘The Lord will not do good,
nor will he do ill.’
13 Their goods shall be plundered,
and their houses laid waste.
Though they build houses,
they shall not inhabit them;
though they plant vineyards,
they shall not drink wine from them.”
14 The great day of the Lord is near,
near and hastening fast;
the sound of the day of the Lord is bitter;
the mighty man cries aloud there.
15 A day of wrath is that day,
a day of distress and anguish,
a day of ruin and devastation,
a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and thick darkness,
16 a day of trumpet blast and battle cry
against the fortified cities
and against the lofty battlements.
17 I will bring distress on mankind,
so that they shall walk like the blind,
because they have sinned against the Lord;
their blood shall be poured out like dust,
and their flesh like dung.
18 Neither their silver nor their gold
shall be able to deliver them
on the day of the wrath of the Lord.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 25th of December, Christmas Day, 2023.
2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 24th of December, Christmas Eve, 2023.
Micah 5:2
2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
from ancient days.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 17th of December, 2023.
Zechariah 3
3 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?” 3 Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. 4 And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” 5 And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord was standing by.
6 And the angel of the Lord solemnly assured Joshua, 7 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here. 8 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your friends who sit before you, for they are men who are a sign: behold, I will bring my servant the Branch. 9 For behold, on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven eyes, I will engrave its inscription, declares the Lord of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day. 10 In that day, declares the Lord of hosts, every one of you will invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 10th of December, 2023.
Zechariah 3
3 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?” 3 Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. 4 And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” 5 And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord was standing by.
6 And the angel of the Lord solemnly assured Joshua, 7 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here. 8 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your friends who sit before you, for they are men who are a sign: behold, I will bring my servant the Branch. 9 For behold, on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven eyes, I will engrave its inscription, declares the Lord of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day. 10 In that day, declares the Lord of hosts, every one of you will invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 3rd of December, 2023.
Acts 8:4-24
4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.
9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.
14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 26th of November, 2023.
Habakkuk 1:1-22
1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw.
2 O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
and you will not hear?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
and you will not save?
3 Why do you make me see iniquity,
and why do you idly look at wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
strife and contention arise.
4 So the law is paralyzed,
and justice never goes forth.
For the wicked surround the righteous;
so justice goes forth perverted.
5 “Look among the nations, and see;
wonder and be astounded.
For I am doing a work in your days
that you would not believe if told.
6 For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans,
that bitter and hasty nation,
who march through the breadth of the earth,
to seize dwellings not their own.
7 They are dreaded and fearsome;
their justice and dignity go forth from themselves.
8 Their horses are swifter than leopards,
more fierce than the evening wolves;
their horsemen press proudly on.
Their horsemen come from afar;
they fly like an eagle swift to devour.
9 They all come for violence,
all their faces forward.
They gather captives like sand.
10 At kings they scoff,
and at rulers they laugh.
They laugh at every fortress,
for they pile up earth and take it.
11 Then they sweep by like the wind and go on,
guilty men, whose own might is their god!”
12 Are you not from everlasting,
O Lord my God, my Holy One?
We shall not die.
O Lord, you have ordained them as a judgment,
and you, O Rock, have established them for reproof.
13 You who are of purer eyes than to see evil
and cannot look at wrong,
why do you idly look at traitors
and remain silent when the wicked swallows up
the man more righteous than he?
14 You make mankind like the fish of the sea,
like crawling things that have no ruler.
15 He brings all of them up with a hook;
he drags them out with his net;
he gathers them in his dragnet;
so he rejoices and is glad.
16 Therefore he sacrifices to his net
and makes offerings to his dragnet;
for by them he lives in luxury,
and his food is rich.
17 Is he then to keep on emptying his net
and mercilessly killing nations forever?
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 19th of November, 2023.
Isaiah 30:8-18
8 And now, go, write it before them on a tablet
and inscribe it in a book,
that it may be for the time to come
as a witness forever.
9 For they are a rebellious people,
lying children,
children unwilling to hear
the instruction of the Lord;
10 who say to the seers, “Do not see,”
and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right;
speak to us smooth things,
prophesy illusions,
11 leave the way, turn aside from the path,
let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel.”
12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel,
“Because you despise this word
and trust in oppression and perverseness
and rely on them,
13 therefore this iniquity shall be to you
like a breach in a high wall, bulging out and about to collapse,
whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant;
14 and its breaking is like that of a potter's vessel
that is smashed so ruthlessly
that among its fragments not a shard is found
with which to take fire from the hearth,
or to dip up water out of the cistern.”
15 For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel,
“In returning and rest you shall be saved;
in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
But you were unwilling, 16 and you said,
“No! We will flee upon horses”;
therefore you shall flee away;
and, “We will ride upon swift steeds”;
therefore your pursuers shall be swift.
17 A thousand shall flee at the threat of one;
at the threat of five you shall flee,
till you are left
like a flagstaff on the top of a mountain,
like a signal on a hill.
18 Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you,
and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
blessed are all those who wait for him.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 12th of November, 2023.
Exodus 20:18-21
18 Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off 19 and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.” 20 Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” 21 The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 5th of November, 2023.
Isaiah 48:8-11
8 You have never heard, you have never known,
from of old your ear has not been opened.
For I knew that you would surely deal treacherously,
and that from before birth you were called a rebel.
9 “For my name's sake I defer my anger;
for the sake of my praise I restrain it for you,
that I may not cut you off.
10 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver;
I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.
11 For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it,
for how should my name be profaned?
My glory I will not give to another.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Welcome to Ministering the Word! This is a podcast where we (Hanli and Dwayne) get to chat with Stephen Turner about all manner of topics to do with Christian living - with a special focus on the high but difficult calling of Ministering the Word of God. We plan to make regular fortnightly uploads, Lord willing.
We hope you enjoy listening in to our conversations and that it will be a blessing to you.
If you have any questions you would like to hear us discuss on future episodes, please don't hesitate to send them in to us at hello@westchurch.co
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 29th of October, 2023.
Hebrews 4:11-13
11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 15th of October, 2023.
Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 22nd of October, 2023.
1 Corinthians 6:8-11
8 But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers!
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
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Preached on Sunday the 8th of October, 2023.Hebrews 12:1-2
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
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Welcome to Ministering the Word! This is a podcast where we (Hanli and Dwayne) get to chat with Stephen Turner about all manner of topics to do with Christian living - with a special focus on the high but difficult calling of Ministering the Word of God. We plan to make regular fortnightly uploads, Lord willing.
We hope you enjoy listening in to our conversations and that it will be a blessing to you.
If you have any questions you would like to hear us discuss on future episodes, please don't hesitate to send them in to us at hello@westchurch.co
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 1st of October, 2023.
Joel 2:28-32
28 “And it shall come to pass afterward,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
and your young men shall see visions.
29 Even on the male and female servants
in those days I will pour out my Spirit.
30 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. 32 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls.
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Preached on Sunday the 24th of September, 2023.
Matthew 25:31-46
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
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Preached on Sunday the 17th of September, 2023.
Malachi 1:6-14
6 “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’ 7 By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ By saying that the Lord's table may be despised. 8 When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts. 9 And now entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you? says the Lord of hosts. 10 Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand. 11 For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. 12 But you profane it when you say that the Lord's table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food may be despised. 13 But you say, ‘What a weariness this is,’ and you snort at it, says the Lord of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the Lord. 14 Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.
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Preached on Sunday the 10th of September, 2023.
This world is full of troubles which would shake us and unnerve us. The world also presents many so-called 'gospels' as the security and safety we need. People look to things such as riches, relationships, or perhaps politics, all in an attempt to find true peace. The Bible's message is clear - true peace and safety can be found only in God through Jesus Christ. He must become our very life. It is only through this God-given gift that believers can be freed from fears and anxieties to live the life of love they were called to. The question is, where is your life hidden right now?
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
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Welcome to Ministering the Word! This is a podcast where we (Hanli and Dwayne) get to chat with Stephen Turner about all manner of topics to do with Christian living - with a special focus on the high but difficult calling of Ministering the Word of God. We plan to make regular fortnightly uploads, Lord willing.
We hope you enjoy listening in to our conversations and that it will be a blessing to you.
If you have any questions you would like to hear us discuss on future episodes, please don't hesitate to send them in to us at hello@westchurch.co
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*Part of the Sermon Preached on Sunday the 27th of August, 2023.
1 Chronicles 29:9-18:"Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.
Therefore David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.
“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own. I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you. O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you."
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
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Preached on Sunday the 20th of August, 2023.
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Welcome to Ministering the Word! This is a podcast where we (Hanli and Dwayne) get to chat with Stephen Turner about all manner of topics to do with Christian living - with a special focus on the high but difficult calling of Ministering the Word of God. We plan to make regular fortnightly uploads, Lord willing.
We hope you enjoy listening in to our conversations and that it will be a blessing to you.
If you have any questions you would like to hear us discuss on future episodes, please don't hesitate to send them in to us at hello@westchurch.co
Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay
Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay
Preached on Sunday the 13th of August, 2023.
God in this passage reveals himself as a coming shepherd who will lovingly tend his flock. Through this vivid illustration he is revealing his infinitely compassionate and loving character. We all need a shepherd in the face of the wolves of sin and death. The key question for us all is whether or not we are one of his sheep. Only those who belong to him can be confident in the tender care and love of the Good Shepherd which will triumph even over death.
Preached on Sunday the 30th of July, 2023.
The Pharisees were exact and precise in their worship of God. The very picture of religious piety. Yet, whilst they were careful to keep each ceremonial detail, they were the very ones who hated and murdered the Lord Jesus. They had mere religion on the outside, but inwardly, lived in total opposition to the true living God. This is frighteningly true of many today who worship God hypocritically with mere religion but no inward love for him. Is this so with you?
Preached on Sunday the 11th of July, 2023.
Our noses adapt to the ambient aromas of a new environment if given some time. In the same way, professing believers may have unknowingly taken in and been deceived by the lies of the world around them. This passage stands in direct opposition with one of the main messages we all hear in the Western world: the gospel of self-indulgence. To believe this false message is to be dead even while we live. Is this terrifying condition an accurate description of you? Listen to God's Word and how it leads us to true life.
Preached on Sunday the 11th of June, 2023.
Unfaithfulness can be found in the political realm, in business and in relationships. But God would have to stop being God for him to stop being faithful! This is a great comfort to the believer he has committed himself to! "May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ."
Preached on Sunday the 18th of June, 2023.
'You must be born again' is the fundamental need for someone to receive true spiritual life. Yet Jesus found that Nicodemus, a teacher of the Jews, did not understand this teaching. How sad it is today that there are many such people who are likewise ignorant of their need for this second birth! The stakes are too high for us to ignore. As the Lord declares: "unless one is born again, he cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven". How about you dear listener, have you been born again of the Spirit of God so as to enter into eternal blessedness in God's kingdom?
Preached on Sunday the 4th of June, 2023.
Peter conveys his eyewitness testimony that God declared concerning Jesus of Nazareth that: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased". Since Jesus is the Son of God, surely there is no one else who would deserve our full attention as he does. Yet, for many people today, they would rather take out the rubbish than pay attention to what he had to say. What a terrifying day it shall be when they meet God on judgment day. Is this your attitude towards Jesus today? May the Lord grant us all a right understanding of the true identity and worth of the Son of God.
Preached on Sunday the 21st of May, 2023.
Death had remained undefeated until it met Jesus. How glorious it is then to hope in Jesus, the conqueror of death! If he has been raised from the dead, then so will his people. He truly is the Resurrection and the Life!
Preached on Sunday the 7th of May, 2023.
Does it alarm you that the bible would see you as deserving of crucifixion? It sees the sinner as cursed and worthy of being forsaken by God. A just God will treat you accordingly. But by God's great love and mercy, Christ in his crucifixion receives this judgement as a substitute for sinners. Run to the cross with the empty hand of faith!
Preached on Sunday the 14th of May, 2023.
How hard is it to gain access to God? With man it is impossible but with God all things are possible! The death of Christ on behalf of those who believe spread the gates of heaven open!
Preached on Sunday the 30th April, 2023.
A mob lead by the envious chief priests delivered King Jesus over to be crucified. Pilate, a Roman governor saw no fault in him yet crumbled under the pressure of the crowd and sentenced Jesus to death. What will you do with the king? If you know the answer, then you will know what the king will do with you on judgement day.
Preached on Sunday the 23rd April, 2023.
In this passage we see the hostility and opposition that sinful hearts hold towards the holy and righteous God. What is the reason for this opposition? Because where there is love for darkness and wickedness, light will always be hated for exposing it. Every human being is guilty of this rebellion against God and His righteous standards. Yet, the love of God is shown precisely in that while we were yet sinners, Christ willingly suffered the most shameful and painful death on our behalf. There is no other way for our guilt before God to be forgiven. Is your guilt forgiven in Christ? Trust him today if this is not so.
Preached on Sunday the 16th April, 2023.
The hour has come for Christ to drink dry the cup of God’s wrath and be forsaken by his beloved Father. Your hour will come unless Christ comes for your hour first. Trust in Jesus who can satisfy God’s wrath and reconcile you to him!
Preached on Sunday the 2nd April, 2023.
The Lord's Supper has so often been confused and cluttered with human traditions and rituals. Yet the Lord's teaching is so clear and simple. The bread and the wine are pointing symbolically to his broken body and shed blood on the cross. It is this precious cross which gives life to all who believe that must always be kept in view. As often as we partake of the Lord's Supper, so often do we proclaim the Lord's death until he returns!
Preached on Sunday the 26th March, 2023.
The words and promises of man are so often given emphatically and convincingly. Yet, as this passage and as reality shows us, mankind is not so reliable in reality. Our words do not match up to our ability. In contrast, God's words stand eternal, not one of His words shall pass away unfulfilled. This passage shows us this reality vividly. Have you wisely learned this lesson? Do not put your trust in yourself, nor even in princes. Let your confidence and trust be put entirely upon God and His unshakeable Word.
Preached on Sunday the 19th March, 2023.
The betrayal of Judas was an evil act motivated by greed and love of money. Frighteningly, the spirit of Judas is not so far from us, for at whatever point we prefer something else above Jesus, we are guilty of the same sin. Yet even this gross act of evil by Judas did not disrupt God's sovereign plan, rather the Son of Man goes as it has already been written. In Christ crucified God offers the world forgiveness of sins. Judas never repented, but what will be the end of your story?
Preached on Sunday the 12th of March, 2023.
Jesus commends the woman's costly service as being beautiful. The pouring out of the ointment on his head is surely an illustration of her pouring out her life to him. No service is too much for a Master like Jesus. He knows costly service better than anyone as the one who pours out his life for sinners. When our view of Jesus is clear we will understand that we can never over-serve him nor can we ever out-serve him. What a Master!
Preached on Sunday the 5th of March, 2023.
The Lord Jesus Christ reveals what the climactic end of all history will be - his glorious return to the earth in the fullness of his power and might. The command given in light of this truth is that all are to be awake and to live rightly in response to knowing these grand truths. It is a sad truth that many today are completely asleep, ignorant and unresponsive to the Lord's words. Is this so with you? Let us hear what the Lord has to say in this passage and let us keep awake so that we would be ready for the climax of all history.
Preached on Sunday the 26th of February, 2023.
In this passage of the Lord's prophetic warnings to the disciples about the destruction of Jerusalem, we see clearly that God's total sovereign control over all of history. Yet not only is he is in control, but all of his sovereign providence is directed to the ultimate protection and spiritual good of his people. Therefore, as the Lord concludes in this passage, the greatest danger is not to be caught up in earthly disasters but to be misled from the only true Saviour by false prophets. Are your eyes fixed upon the Lord Jesus Christ alone?
Preached on Sunday the 19th of February, 2023.
Faithfulness to the Lord is of the utmost priority and the Lord gives us plenty of reasons to be encouraged and warnings to heed. Following the Lord and being with him forever is so great an honour that even our safety is secondary to being in a right relationship with him. War, persecution and suffering are nothing but a grain of sand compared to the ocean of being in his love and grace. Have you counted the cost of following Christ? Is knowing him and being with him forever so grand a thing that even the greatest of persecutions seem like nothing in comparison? Trust in Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith and endure in him to the end and be saved.
Preached on Sunday the 12th of February, 2023.
It is human nature to stake our pride and joy and confidence in something in this world. However, the Lord Jesus sharply rebukes the disciples for doing just this and taking pride in the temple in Jerusalem. He is saying there is only one rock which will last forever, all else shall certainly be destroyed and laid to ruin on the last day. Is your life built on the solid ground that is Christ himself? Or is it built on shifting sand which will be swept away by the flood of death which comes for all?
Preached on Sunday the 5th of February, 2023.
Life is fleeting. With the recent events of natural disasters in the world it is clear that even our comforts are temporary. Our homes and places of rest are short lived and do not last forever. The Bible teaches us that our days are numbered. Despite this, a believer has every assurance that the Lord himself will be the dwelling place of all generations who trust in Him. Are you trusting in the Lord and is He your dwelling place? Are you satisfied truly in the Lord? Turn to Him today and do not delay!
Preached on Sunday the 22nd of January, 2023.
We all know that biological vital signs such as blood pressure levels help us to know when something is wrong with a person. It tells the difference between health and illness, between life and death. The Scriptures give us vital signs for true spiritual life, such as in this passage. We must pay serious attention to these signs for they may indicate that we are in great spiritual danger. The worst thing for a person with unhealthy vital signs is to do nothing about it. So also for the person who knows they are not spiritually alive to God and yet continues on the way towards death. May God help us all to pay close attention to the state of our souls!
Preached on Sunday the 15th of January, 2023.
The Lord mercifully and graciously stretches out his hand to a rebelIious people who do not seek after him but instead turn to other things. His patience is on display in a great way as he withholds his judegement from all who deserve it. Seek him today while he may be found still and only through faith in his Son, Jesus Christ.
Preached on Sunday the 8th of January, 2023.
Why do some people believe in the Lord Jesus and not others? We must all have a clear understanding of the biblical answer to this question. The answer will transform how we view ourselves and how we approach others who do not yet know the Lord. Has your mind been renewed by God's Word?
Preached on Sunday the 1st of January, 2023.
King David expresses such overwhelming joy when he considers how blessed he is. Have you experienced the blessing of having the crushing burden of sin lifted from you and the perfect righteousness of Christ to cover you? Beware of the many barriers to the blessedness of forgiveness. God is more ready to forgive than we are to repent. So, repent while God may be found!
Preached on Sunday the 25th of December, 2022.
What exactly does God mean in blessing us? He turns everyone of us away from our wickedness. Is this true of you? Have you been turned away from your wickedness and towards Jesus?
The gift of having Christ is too great to put into words. Thanksgiving is the natural repsonse of someone who has received Christ. Have you received Christ, the inexpressible gift? And does your life reflect this through thanksgiving?
Preached on Sunday the 18th of December, 2022.
Do you know the true joy of Christmas when God visited his people? And of Easter when redemption was accomplished? If not, you must! If so, may your life be spent in the most important way: Serving and pointing to Jesus the great visitor and redeemer of his people.
Preached on Sunday the 11th of December, 2022.
Christmas is all about the Christ of God, God's long-promised Saviour for the world. But what does it mean to be saved? And what must we understand about this Christ? This passage in Isaiah gives us simple, clear and yet profound answers to these questions.
Preached on Sunday the 4th of December, 2022.
Jesus warns against religious pretense and says that those practicing it will receive the greater condemnation. A heart attitude of loving God and those around us is far more important than the activities. Are the outward workings of your life a reflection of what God is doing inside of you?
Preached on Sunday the 27th of November, 2022.
A teaching which was agreed upon by both Jesus and his earthly opponents is something which we must proclaim steadfastly today. This is the truth that the writers of the Bible were carried along by the Holy Spirit, such that their every word is reliable and divinely authoritative. Any other view deviates from the views of our Lord himself. Do you find your understanding and attitude to the sacred Scriptures at odds with Christ?
Preached on Sunday the 13th of November, 2022.
In their rejection of Jesus, Sadducees attempt to humiliate him with a question about the resurrection. Their question reveals that they know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” Do you believe this? Or will you be found to be “quite wrong” as were the Sadducees? Their response to Jesus has eternal consequences. So does yours.
Preached on Sunday the 6th of November, 2022.
Jesus turns his enemies' trap question around to instead confront them with their most important question - are they truly rendering to God the things that belong to God? This question does not change for any of us today, because we too will all one day meet God and give an account for how we have lived our lives. How does your conscience answer the question: "Am I rendering to God what He rightly deserves?"
Preached on Sunday the 30th of October, 2022.
What is God's grand purpose and plan for His people? This passage teaches us that He uses believers to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of himself. This is the greatest gift he could ever give! Do you know this blessing for yourself? Have you tasted for yourself that the Lord is good?
These were messages presented to the members of West Church on the 29th of October for encouragement and upbuilding.
These were messages presented to the members of West Church on the 29th of October for encouragement and upbuilding.
Preached on Sunday the 16th of October, 2022.
Jesus shows that he has authority over all things. Not only does he have authority but he is totally responsible for his people. Have you realised that Jesus has authority over all things, even you? Do you trust that he will provide for those who have faith in him? Submit to him in total humility and be led to obey him joyfully this day.
Preached on Sunday the 9th of October, 2022.
The Apostle Paul in this passage admits to a great personal discouragement and failure while he was at Troas. Where then does he turn to find triumph in light of his disturbed spirit? His answer is of great interest to us all, because when we look around at the evils of this world and at the many sins within ourselves; we too find a great many reasons to be discouraged. Do you personally know anything of God's triumphal procession as Paul does?
Preached on Sunday the 25th of September, 2022.
For much of Jesus's ministry, he intentionally withdrew from the crowds and rejected fame. Yet when it was time for him to enter Jerusalem for the final time, he intentionally made his entrance as public as possible. Why did he do this? He was declaring that he is one, the King long-promised by God. Such a claim is as valid today as it was then, for God has declared that every knee shall one day bow to this King. Will you bow to him now in gladness and joy, or will you bow to him at the final judgment in defeat and disgrace?
Preached on Sunday the 18th of September, 2022.
Blind Bartimaeus shares many striking similarities with all of us in modern times. He too had only heard the news of the Lord Jesus Christ but never had the blessing of physically meeting him. Still, his faith in the Lord was so strong and persistent that he allowed nothing to stand between him and Jesus. Is it so with us? Is our faith at all similar to this blind beggar who received the amazing words from the Lord: "your faith has made you well."?
Preached on Sunday the 11th of September, 2022.
"The Lord gently corrects his disciples' selfish expectations by giving them the ultimate reason for self sacrificial love and service - "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Preached on Sunday the 4th of September, 2022.
"What is the way of entrance into God's glorious kingdom? What a crucial question! For eternal life can only be found in God and His kingdom. The rich young man in this passage is a vivid case study, showing that with man's efforts and achievements it is completely impossible to enter the Kingdom; but with God and His grace, all things are possible."
Preached on Sunday the 28th of August, 2022.
An apostle, a slave and a slave-owner are all brought together in this wonderful letter of insight into the true nature of Christian love.
Preached on Sunday the 21st of August, 2022.
We are so used to bringing something to the table. Our jobs, sports teams and standing in society depend on it. Our standing before God is totally different. There is nothing we could offer him but our sin, shame, and guilt. If we think we could offer him anything good, we underestimate our sinfulness and underestimate his holiness. It is impossible to earn acceptance from God. That work is reserved for Christ alone.
In this passage Jesus calls us to abandon anything we think we could bring to the table. He leads us to come with childlike faith, trusting in nothing that we have done ourselves but in everything he has done. “For to such belongs the kingdom of God.”
Preached on Sunday the 14th of August, 2022.
The covenant of marriage is a beautiful portrait of the reality of Jesus and His Church. Jesus reminds us in this passage about the exclusive one man, one woman, life-long union as defined by God from creation. This cuts against the cultural drift at many levels.
Divorce can only be seen as an emergency exit that God has provided because of our hardness of heart. Jesus knows no such hardness of heart. He will never need an emergency exit from the relationship He has with any believer. The believer already experiences the reality that marriage points to. Being loved so faithfully by Jesus, let us love faithfully.
Preached on Sunday the 7th of August, 2022.
We all understand the importance of truth for our lives. When we visit a doctor, we want a truthful and accurate diagnosis, no matter how confronting it may be. God's love is too great for him to flatter us and not teach us the truth. In this passage, the Lord Jesus speaks plainly about mankind's greatest danger, an everlasting fire on account of our sins before God. He calls on us all to give our highest attention to the escaping of this danger, for that is better for us than anything else. May the Lord use his word to awaken us all to this great danger, so that we may flee to Christ for safety and salvation.
Preached on Monday the 1st of August, 2022.
In this passage, the Lord Jesus intentionally withdraws from public ministry to make room for something of even greater importance. He took time aside with his disciples, and especially the twelve as the foundations of the church, to ensure that they understood what was absolutely central to Christ and his mission. What is this great, central truth? The Lord Jesus Christ has come to be killed in the place of sinners, and that he will rise again from the dead. There is no Christianity without Christ. And a Christ without the cross and resurrection is not the biblical Christ. The disciples at this point still did not understand Christ thoroughly. Is this also true of you? Have you reckoned with who he really is and what he has come to do? May the Lord grant us all a true view of His glorious Son.
Preached on Sunday the 3rd of July, 2022 for the 4th anniversary celebration of West Church.
Preached on Sunday 27th of June, 2021.
Notes: the recording started shortly after the reading of the passage. We apologise for missing the beginning.
Dwayne speaks plainly on the just and righteous character of God from Deuteronomy 32. This is the God every human being must deal with. Have you found peace and forgiveness from this most-righteous God?
Preached on Sunday 25th of April, 2021.
God has never done wrong by any single person, ever. He is forever fair and faithful in His holy character. Yet it is precisely this character of God that highlights just how wicked and evil mankind is, that instead of repaying God with thanks, we repay Him with nothing but sin! All humanity stands in great need of salvation from the very God we treat so wickedly. May the Lord help you to realise your need for forgiveness.
Preached on Sunday 11th of April, 2021.
Hanli speaks on the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price to explain what happens when an individual truly discovers the worth and joy of God's Kingdom. Have you experienced this yourself?
Preached on Sunday 18th of April, 2021.
Hanli Liu preaches on the very first public sermon of the Christian church recorded in Acts 2:32-36 for Easter Sunday, 4th of April 2021.
The bible makes absolutely clear that we need a new heart that loves God rather than an old heart which sinfully resists and rejects God. How can we know which heart we have? Where are we to turn to receive a new heart? Dwayne preaches on Deuteronomy 29 to show us God's answers to these crucial questions.
In these chapters we find greatly emphasised that there are only two relations to God - we are either under his blessing or under his curse. Surely, there is nothing more important for human beings that to know that they under God's blessing rather than his curses.
This passage shows us what it means to be under God's blessing or curse; and critically, how we can arrive at the assurance that God will always bless us and smile upon us.
Hanli speaks from Deuteronomy 27:1-8 about the importance God places upon His revealed Word. We must always remember it, understand it, and live according to it. The bible teaches us that this is true for all true believers - is this true in your heart and life right now?
Dwayne reflects briefly on the significance and importance of the Lord's Supper from 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
Our history plays a crucial role in our identity. Dwayne shows us here in Deuteronomy 26 that the Israelites were always to remember their history and their identity: that they were a people redeemed and saved by God out of slavery to be a holy people.
The bible makes clear that this history and identity is spiritually true of every genuine Christian believer. We too were in slavery to sin and death, and only by the grace and power of God through the Lord Jesus Christ, were we set free to eternal life. The most important question for all of us then must be: "Is this my spiritual history? Has God rescued me from sin and death through Jesus Christ?"
How could we possibly expect God, the Lord whom the highest heavens cannot contain, to actually be listening to our prayers? Isn't it the height of arrogance for Christians to not only hope that God hears them - but have the confidence that God will always have his loving attention upon them? God teaches us in this passage in 2 Chronicles 6 how we can come to have the assurance of his love and caring attention to all of our prayers.
As we reflect on the Lord's Supper, Colossians 2:14 reminds all believers that God has decisively and finally cancelled the record of their sinful debt through the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. What an amazing and loving God! What encouragement to draw near and share in communion. Join us next time, we usually share in the Lord's table on the first Sunday of each month.
The Law of God reflects aspects of his majestic character. When he commanded mankind to love one another, it is because he is love. Thus, we can see a glimpse of how God loves by reflecting on his commandments.
Hanli observes from Deut 22:1-4 3 aspects of the love of God: 1, God does not ignore our need for salvation. 2, God is willing to pay all the costs needed for our salvation. 3, God does it all for our greatest benefit. All of these things come to us ultimately through Christ, the Son of God. Do you know the love of God personally? Have you received Christ for yourself?
Hanli reflects on a single fact from this parable the Lord Jesus taught. The fact is that every person in the story is characterised by their relationship to the Master who received a Kingdom. We find in this parable: disloyal citizens who rebel against his rule, the unfaithful and lazy servant, as well as the two faithful servants.
Likewise, our relationship to Jesus the King who will one day return in glory is the most important question of our lives. Which of these 3 groups of people most accurately characterises you?
Dwayne reflects on why the blood of Christ is absolutely central to God's message to us in the bible. Have you been covered by the precious blood of Christ?
For this special Christmas service, Dwayne briefly leads us all to meditate on the incredible truth that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us". Who or what is this 'Word'? And what is the significance for us in the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us? Every Christmas calls us to remember the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ into this world. There is no message more important than this - may the Lord bring everyone to know this Word that has become flesh.
For our special Christmas service, Pastor Hanli reflects on Philemon 15-16 to see how the message of Christmas confronts both Masters and Slaves. Have you been confronted by the Lord Jesus Christ? He is the true significance of Christmas, and our prayer is that every human being would come to meet him!
Moses, though he was a great servant of God, knew he was not the final, greatest prophet. So, he spoke of another prophet who was to come, the one who would be the ultimate carrier of God's Word to mankind. Even he could not have imagined that God's fulfilment of this would be that His Son, the Word himself, would come to earth in human form in order to fully reveal God to us. Have you received the Word of God? Have you trusted in Jesus Christ, whom He sent?
We all know there is a vast difference between an authentic item versus an imitation. The apostle Paul in this passage reveals his own heart as an example of a person who has truly been changed by God through meeting Jesus Christ. Verse 21 is a great summary of this change - for Paul, "to live is Christ, and to die is gain". Jesus has now become more precious to him than anything else, even death is gain because he will then be closer to him. This is the very essence of authentic Christianity. Has this change occurred in you? Can you relate at all to this attitude of Paul?
In this passage, God gives instructions on what kind of King the Israelites must have over them. It may seem removed from us, but actually every person will naturally submit to a 'King' - this is whatever we rely upon for our care, protection, and guidance. Who is your king? Is it yourself? Or money? Family or friends? Perhaps your health or career? The King that God himself has chosen is His own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone perfectly loves, guides, and protects all who trust in Him as their King - even through death itself, our greatest enemy. Is He your King? Have you submitted yourself wholeheartedly to him? May God reveal Christ to you through this message.
In this short passage, God commands his people to appoint judges and officials who will follow justice instead of taking bribes. Why? It is because God himself is just and delights in justice. God will never take a bribe, but will give to each person what they deserve. When we honestly consider ourselves in light of God's perfection, we must admit we fall so short of being perfect. Here then is our greatest problem: God is just. I am sinful and deserve punishment. How then can I, as a sinner, stand before the just God and not be destroyed?' The answer lies only in the good news of Jesus Christ. May the Lord help every one to receive the salvation that is in Christ.
Israel was strictly commanded to observe 3 festivals every year. Why was this so important for God's people? The reason is so that they would never forget their God-given identity. They used to be slaves in Egypt and were rescued by God's loving mercy. This reminder is so crucial for all of us today. What is your identity in God's eyes? What a most important question! Do you stand now adopted by God as one of his children, or are you remaining estranged from him as his enemy? May God help all of you to know him through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pastor Rob Harrod from Grace Baptist Church in Christchurch takes us to the book of Romans to consider the 'gospel of God'. This divine message of good news is not only something we must understand and believe intellectually - it is something which we must receive so that we are permanently impacted and changed. Have you truly received the gospel of God? Is your life now changed by wonderful power of God's love and grace to sinners? May the Lord of mercy help everyone to be at in that blessed position.
Deuteronomy 15 commands a total release of all debts and slaves every seventh year for the nation of Israel. What does this have to teach us about the heart of God? What connection does this have with the good news of Jesus?
Stephen Turner explains that God has always been in the business of giving liberty to those in slavery. The Lord Jesus Christ came to deal with the greatest slavery humanity is under: that of sin and death. Have you be set free from sin and death by Christ?
Our apologies for the poor audio quality! We didn't notice that the recording device wasn't connected properly to the mic system.
God declares through Moses in this passage that the Israelite nation are his children, a holy people, his own treasured possession. What amazing terms to describe them! This is how the bible describes every believer in Christ. How then should they live in this world as children of God? How are we to think about these blessings even though believers still sin so often? May God speak to you through this passage.
Mankind was made by God to worship Him and be in relationship to Him. Yet we must listen closely to God himself declaring through Moses in this passage that humanity is not to "do according to whatever is right in his own eyes" (v8), but to only worship Him in obedience to what He commands (v11). So how can our worship to God be acceptable before Him? This question is of eternal significance, for no one will enter heaven and yet not be a true worshipper of God. Are you absolutely certain that God accepts your worship right now?
So many things call for our attention throughout our daily lives, but what does God say is of the highest importance? Of more importance than even our families? Listen to this message where Deuteronomy 13 shows us clearly that we must put faith and obedience in God's revealed Word as the highest priority of our lives. Are you doing so right now? Is your life lived under the authority of God's Word? Make this your highest priority, because "what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? (Mark 8:36).
What does God require? On what basis can he require them of human beings? And how can you as a human being come to meet that requirement and so deserve God's blessing? Hanli speaks on these questions in this passage and shows how Deuteronomy is pointing us to the same thing that the Lord Jesus taught: "You must be born again" (John 3:7). Is this true of you? Make certain of it!
Who is God? What is he like? This topic is the most relevant question for human beings because every one of us will one day be face to face with him in judgment. This passage shows clearly without any doubt that God is infinitely holy and righteous. Therefore, every sin provokes him to anger. Do you realise this about God and about yourself?
But if this is true, how then can God be said to bless and accept those who trust in Jesus? What is it about Christ that gives unshakable hope and confidence for every sinner who believes in him? May the Lord help you to receive Christ this very day!
How are human beings to obtain the indescribably high blessing of eternal life with God Almighty? There can only be one answer: If God is pleased to save us to himself. Yet the question continues, why should God do this for anyone? Listen to this passage where God makes absolutely clear that the reason is not or can not be, our own righteousness, but purely because of his own faithfulness to his precious promises of grace. Are you certain you stand in the grace of God right now?
Deuteronomy 8 teaches us that God not only graciously gives bread to continue our physical life, but he revealed his Word so that we might have eternal life. Have you eaten of this bread of life, the Word of God?
Why did God choose to save Israel of the Old Testament? Why does God now in our day choose to save anybody? God's word reveals the answer to these questions here in this passage. In this message, Dwayne explains God's truth and shows how relevant and applicable it is for every one of us today.
What kind of gift is the good news of Jesus? What does this reveal about God the gift-giver? We see that the "promised land of old" had everything already there for the Israelites, cities, homes, cisterns, vineyards, olive orchards... all there for them to possess and enjoy. This is God showing us that the ultimate "promise land" - Jesus Christ and the eternal rest he gives - is a perfect and complete gift. The moment someone believes in Christ, they possess the fullness of God's blessing! Do you now stand in Christ through faith? Are you now living and enjoying this blessed rest in Jesus?
Standing in 'covenant relationship' with God is the highest blessing a human being can possess. Yet this passage reveals that relationship can only be possible if the One, True God is loved and adored with the person's whole being. Surely it is clear that this is impossible for sinful mankind! So what hope is there? How can anyone come to know God? The answer is found only through faith in Jesus Christ, the righteous one. May God bring you to know him!
That God has spoken to humanity ought to strike us with awe! A response of fear, reverence and obedience is the right attitude to the message of God Himself. Yet we know so many do not treat God or His Word in this way. Why is this? What is the ultimate difference between them and those who do believe?
Dwayne speaks on the Ten Commandments give in Deuteronomy 5. He deals with important questions such as: How are we to understand God's law? Are they related to God and His holy character at all? What does it mean for us if we are breakers of that law? Has there ever been a person who was a perfect lawkeeper? May the Lord bless you through this message.
In this message, Pastor Steve shows how this passage in Deuteronomy 4 show us the unique majesty of the LORD God. He alone is the one who we must worship and love with all of our being. It is such a great insult to reject Him and fashion 'gods' of our own making - what the bible calls idols. Are you now worshipping the true and living God?
Is there any point to being a Christian? What privilege do we receive by being part of God's people? Deuteronomy 4:7 tells us that God's people have something no other people have: that "the LORD our God is near to us, whenever we call upon him". What a breathtaking statement! Can it really be true despite the fact that God is perfectly Holy and we are sinful human beings? We pray God would bless this message to draw you near to him in your heart.
For West Church's second anniversary, Hanli spoke on Acts 1:11 which tells clearly of the Lord Jesus Christ's return to this world. On that great and final day when Jesus returns in power and glory, the living and the dead will be held accountable by Him. Will you be able to stand before Jesus Christ on that great day of judgment? The only way of being right with God is to repent and believe the good news of the Lord Jesus. We pray God will help you to receive Christ and thus have this peace with God!
Hanli speaks on the difference between 'Unbelief' and 'Faith' towards God and His promises. Knowing all the ways these two opposing heart attitudes manifest themselves is so important to help us diagnose where our hearts are at. Are you now trusting God's word in faith? Or are you living and persisting in unbelief? May God grant us all to have a true and saving faith in Him!
Dwayne shows how all of God's word points us towards the great and ultimate mediator between God and man, the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no question that Moses was the greatest prophet in the Old Testament. Yet even great Moses was sinful and himself in need of a superior mediator before the perfect and holy God!
This passage in Deuteronomy shows so clearly that Jesus Christ is that perfect mediator who alone can save sinful mankind to God. There is no other mediator between God and man. Have you received Christ as your mediator by faith? May God help you to commit yourself to Him!
Hanli speaks on God's holy character as seen in His divine judgment upon the Amorites, lead by King Sihon. This passage shows us that God is the righteous Judge of all the earth, who has the sovereign right to bring judgment upon humanity because of our sinful rebellion against Him.
Yet amazingly, the Scriptures also teaches us that God in Jesus Christ was judged in the place of sinful men on the cross. Only in the cross can the greatest question be properly answered: 'How can God accept sinful human beings into His blessed presence and yet still be perfectly just and righteous?
Steve speaks briefly on the significance and meaning of the Lord's supper from the classic passage in 1 Corinthians 11. May this teach and encourage you as you think about the Lord's table. West Church has Communion on the first Sunday of each month, so join us then!
Pastor Hanli begins the journey through Deuteronomy by looking at the foundation of Israel's claim upon the promised land they are entering. Verse 8 of this chapter reveals that it is only because "the LORD swore" to give it to them as descendants of Abraham. Why did God promise a land for the people of Israel? What does this promised land represent spiritually in light of the New Testament? How does all of this apply to us as people in the 21st century? May the Lord speak to you through this message as you consider these questions.
Hanli explains from this passage God's ever-true and unchangeable nature as displayed in His dealings with the Moabite king Balak. God will never change His purposes, what He commands, will be. God has declared that all of His chosen people will be blessed, leaving us the conclusion that His enemies will be cursed for their rebellion against Him.
Thus, the greatest questions one can ask are: "Am I part of God's blessed people? Or am I God's enemy?". God's word teaches that all humanity are born enemies of God. But it also provides the gracious promise of God that everyone who wholeheartedly surrenders and trusts in Jesus Christ will enter the Kingdom of God. Where do you stand with the Lord Almighty?
Pastor Hanli takes us through an often-unheard-of event during Israel's wanderings in the wilderness. The people ungratefully complained against the LORD and against Moses. For this sin, God sent fiery snakes amongst them which killed many Israelites. Despite Israel's guilt, God mercifully provides a way to be saved from the deadly poison. Moses was to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole in the middle of the camp. All who were bitten were commanded to look at the serpent and live. Thus, everyone who believed God's promise and looked at the serpent were saved. The Lord Jesus explicitly references this story to teach a vital truth about himself in John 3:14-15: "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up from the earth, that whoever believers in him may have eternal life." Have you looked to Christ in total faith for the salvation of your soul?
Dwayne speaks on the great blessing and wonder of sinners being given reconciliation with God. In order for us to fully understand and appreciate the beauty of reconciliation, we must first understand that we are alienated from God because of our sins. This passage in Colossians clearly tells us that it is only through the cross of Jesus Christ that the alienation between the Holy God and sinful men can be taken away.
Have you ever felt the terrible reality of being alienated from God? Have you trusted in the crucified Saviour to save you from this alienation? Do you now enjoy a reconciled relationship with God? May the Lord help all of us to truly know Him through Christ!
This passage in Leviticus tells of the drastic difference between Aaron the High Priest, and his two eldest sons, Nadab and Abihu. Aaron's sacrifices were accepted by God whereas his two sons who kindle an 'unauthorised fire' that was not commanded by God, were immediately consumed by fire sent from God. This event shows forth clearly an often forgotten truth of who God is: that He is totally holy, and infinitely glorious. Yet in the Scriptures, God's holiness is lifted up as one of his most important attribute.
It is so critical we properly see God's holiness, because only then will we ask the most important question the bible ever asks: "how could unworthy and sinful human beings find acceptance from the infinitely holy and worthy Lord of the universe"? Have you personally found the answer of God's word to this question? There is nothing more important in one's life!
It is written that after Moses had finished constructing the tent of meeting according to God's words, the tabernacle where God and his people were to meet was filled with the glory of the Lord. It is the greatest and most unspeakable privilege for any person to come into the presence of God Almighty, infinite in his glory and majesty. This is what the tabernacle was representing, that God provided a way for a sinful and unworthy humanity to come into his presence.
Yet the bible is clear that Moses' tabernacle was but a shadow of the true temple of God, made not by human hands, but provided for entirely by God. This true tabernacle is the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal "Word who has become flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). Only through receiving Jesus can any of us come into God's presence. To refuse Christ is to remain under condemnation, cut off from God. Have you received Jesus today by faith? As the Lord himself declares, he alone is "the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through him" (John 14:6).
Hanli reflects on the second half of the Passover night in the story of the Exodus from Egypt. God shows that his will for his rescued people is that they "go, and serve the LORD". This is the same call to all of God's people today, all who have been rescued through faith in the blood of Jesus.
All believers must go and leave Egypt, their former life of sin. They are to joyfully obey the Lord as the master of their lives, serving him wholeheartedly. And they must do all of this because they have come to know God intimately and personally through the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you still living in Egypt, estranged from God and from his people? May the Lord help you to believe in Jesus for deliverance!
Pastor Hanli speaks on God's deliverance of Israel out of slavery through the momentous occasion of the passover. Through the passover, we see that God promises salvation to every Israelite who obeys his commands; sacrificing the passover lamb and putting the blood upon their doorposts. Only those who believe and obey these commands are saved from the destroyer. 1 Corinthians 5:7 tells us directly that Jesus Christ alone is the ultimate passover lamb. Only his blood will cover his people and cause the destroyer to "pass over" them on the day of judgment. Are you covered by his blood? This is no trifling question, for the whole COVID-19 situation proves that our lives can change and even end so suddenly. Let us not delay - but let us trust in the blood of Jesus this very day for our salvation!
As we close our time together in the gospel of John, we read of the final conversation recorded of Jesus with Peter and John. In these words, we see the resurrected Lord's emphasis on his disciples following him faithfully for the rest of their lives. Perhaps this is a surprise as we consider the fact that He has been raised from death and is now seated at the throne of glory on high! How are we then to follow Him there?
Hanli reflects on the risen Lord's call to all of us to follow Him by asking two questions of this passage: 1) What does it mean to follow Jesus in our lives? 2) Why should we follow Him? May the Lord bless this message to all of you by convicting you to follow Him!
Pastor Hanli considers how Jesus reveals himself to the disciples in this passage. The Lord reveals himself to be the all-sufficient, caring, and servant-hearted Lord who takes care of his disciples. What glorious encouragement to the church!
Yet we also see that to have a mere intellectual understanding of this should not be sufficient for us, we must long for that intimate and personal revelation of him in our hearts. Verse 1 of this passage clearly shows that it is Jesus who chooses how, when, and to whom he reveals himself. We are entirely unworthy to claim or demand that he reveals himself to us. Our only hope is his revealed character and promises in the bible which show him to be the gracious One who delights to rescue sinners who cry out to him. May he give all of us that desire to seek him and not to rest until he answers our cry!
@ 34:00, Hanli reflects on the meaning and significance of the Lord's supper and how West Church has chosen to proceed in this topic whilst we are prevented from gathering physically.
Hanli speaks on Jesus' appearing to the disciple Thomas, who did not believe until he saw the risen Lord for himself. This seems to be such a special privilege that we could never share, yet the Lord says in v29 that "those who have not seen and yet believe" are blessed, the same as the original disciples. What is this perfect blessedness? Thomas exemplifies it perfectly in v28: Jesus becomes our personal "Lord and God". Everyone who believes on Jesus Christ are blessed because they receive Him in the fullness of glory! Is Christ your Lord and God? Do you know Him in this personal and intimate way through faith? These questions are more critical than anything else that is going on currently! May God be pleased to reveal Christ to all of you who hear His Word today.
Hanli Liu explains through this passage recording Jesus' resurrection appearance to the disciples. The disciples were afraid for their lives, locked up in a room - yet with the arrival of Jesus' resurrected presence, they received peace and were glad. This shows us that Jesus himself must be our peace and gladness, not our circumstances or any other thing. What a relevant call for each person in today's fear and anxiety! Do you know of that peace of God which surpasses all understanding? It is to be found only by having fellowship with the Triune God through faith in Jesus Christ, the resurrected Lord of glory. We pray that God would grant you more and more of his presence as you draw near to the Lord Jesus Christ through his Word!
Hanli speaks on the parables in Luke 15 of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost sons. The Lord Jesus himself teaches that the lostness of humanity can show through in radically different ways. Whether we are religious or not - our fundamental lostness is shown by the fact that we do not truly love God himself. The wonderful news is that God in his infinite compassion seeks and saves such lost sinners, receiving each repentant heart with joy and love. What a wonderful God of mercy and love! May you come to know him and love him more deeply through this message.
Hanli Liu speaks on the startling and wondrous resurrection of the Lord Jesus from this passage. What we see so clearly through John's eye-witness testimony is that Jesus was truly dead and buried after his resurrection. All of the disciples knew this - none of them expected Jesus to return from the dead. This was true of the very first witness - Mary Magdalene - who mistook the risen Jesus for a gardener when she first saw him! All because she was only looking for a dead Lord, and thus missed the living Lord! When Jesus revealed himself to her, she was overwhelmed by the undeniable reality that Jesus had been raised from the grave. She was tasked to share the news with the rest of the disciples - her words were so simple: "I have seen the Lord".
We too come into contact with the risen and living Lord Jesus through reading their eye-witness testimony. John explicitly says that these things were written so that we too might believe in Jesus and thus have life in him (John 21:31). When we believe in Jesus Christ, we too will share in his glorious resurrection, free from death forevermore. Have you believed in the crucified and resurrected Lord?
Hanli Liu meditates on the final momentous saying of Jesus Christ as he died on the cross: "It is finished". What does this refer to? What is the significance of such a statement? What does this mean for us now in the 21st century? The death of Christ on the cross changed the course of human history - it is absolutely critical for us all to have an accurate understanding of why Jesus went so willingly to the cross. May God help you to be encouraged as you listen to His word explained.
@ 28:25, Hanli picks up Hebrews 10:11-14 to continue our considerations on the finished work of Jesus as we headed into the Lord's supper. We pray this short address will also encourage you. All who profess faith in the crucified Lord are invited to His communion table - don't settle for anything less than truly participating in person amidst the fellowship of God's people!
In this passage, we read of Pontius Pilate interviewing the Lord Jesus Christ who has been bound by the Jewish leaders who opposed him. Pilate is the Roman governor with the power to execute or free Jesus and he thus interrogates him and what he has done to so anger his opponents. Jesus declares that his kingdom is not of this world - this is part of the truth that he has come into the world to reveal to all of mankind.
But what does it mean that his kingdom is not of this world? Pastor Hanli explores this truth by considering three key questions about Jesus's kingdom: 1) what are the goals of his kingdom? 2) how do citizens of his kingdom live? 3) how does a person enter the kingdom? This truth is of critical importance, for one will never enjoy life everlasting with the Lord Jesus Christ unless they enter into the kingdom of the blessed God.
Stephen Turner speaks on John 18:1-27, where the disciple Peter denies his Lord three times the night Jesus was betrayed. When we considers this shocking betrayal with the fact that Peter was the unspoken leader of the 12 disciples closest to Jesus, we are left wondering how he fell to such lows.
Pastor Steve highlights that Peter was ashamed of Christ that night because of one core reason: he did not know his Lord well enough, as he should have known him. This challenge is the same for every Christ follower - do we know Jesus Christ well? Are we growing in this intimate relationship with our Lord? The bible clearly teaches that believers will be challenged and opposed by the unbelieving world which rejects God. How will we be able to stand for Jesus unashamedly unless we have a rock solid knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ in all his goodness and glory?
Hanli Liu speaks on the parable of the sower in Luke 8:4-15, explaining the different responses to the word of God. Jesus gives these various descriptions to help us examine our hearts and see how we have received God's word. In the end, there are only two types of soil: unfruitful or fruitful. Only the soil which produces fruit has truly received God's word and so will enter into eternal blessing. Therefore, this question of whether or not our hearts have received God's word fully is of crucial importance. May God open all of our hearts to hold fast to his precious word.
At 38:40, Stephen Turner speaks briefly on 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, meditating on the glorious fact that the church consists entirely of sinful and wicked people who have been washed, justified, and sanctified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. All who have been saved by God through faith in Jesus Christ are invited to the Lord's table to be encouraged and reminded of the full salvation Jesus has given them!
This week Pastor Hanli speaks on the wonderful relationship between Jesus Christ and his people from a little-known book in the Old Testament, the Song of Solomon. This book outlines in beautiful poetic form the ideal marital relationship between a man and a woman. As Ephesians 5:32 makes clear, God's intention for marriage is to ultimately point everyone towards the relationship between Jesus and the Church. Because of this truth, we can rightly understand more of Christ's love through considering the Song of Solomon. Listen to this message to see how God views his people, and how his true people respond to him. May you come to a true knowledge of the love of God in Jesus Christ!
In this message, Hanli speaks on the parable of the Great Banquet recorded in Luke 14:15-24. The Lord Jesus uses this simple yet profound parable or story to teach us about the blessed truths regarding the Kingdom of God.
The initial guests described in this story refused their invitation and therefore did not have even one taste of the feast. In contrast, the unworthy were compelled to enter in by the generous host; each having their fill of the great feast. What was the key difference between these two groups of people? It is the place of God in their hearts - whether or not being with God was more important than everything else in their lives. Is this true of you today? Only those who treasure God above all else, yes, even their own lives, can be sure that they will enter the blessed Kingdom of God. May the Lord make this true of all our hearts!
This week we have a special recording of West Church's Christmas service! In this recording, Dwayne Tongamohenoa firstly speaks briefly on 1 Timothy 5:15, explaining that the true meaning of Christmas is to remember and celebrate Jesus Christ coming into this world to save sinners. Only Jesus, the Son of God can save sinners!
After this, Cathy Turner took 5 minutes to congratulate and give prizes to the children of the church. These children were able to memorise many bible verses and even large bits of the children's catechism throughout the year!
Hanli Liu then speaks on the significance of Jesus becoming a man from 1 John 4:9, showing that Jesus is the clear proof that God truly loves us and invites us all to an intimate fellowship with him through Jesus. John 17:3 teaches that true eternal life is to have this relationship with God our creator and saviour. Have you received Jesus Christ by faith and so entered into eternal life?
Lastly, Stephen Turner takes a moment to emphasise that Christ is the true centre of Christmas. May we all come and adore him with all our hearts this holiday season!
Stephen Turner speaks on John 17:20-26 and observes two great truths which cannot be seen by our human eyes.
The first is that God the Father has given the Lord Jesus Christ a people made from every tongue, tribe and nation out of the world. This great yet unseen truth is the root and ground and base of the entire gospel story. The second truth is that God has decided to use those whom he has saved to be the instrument through which his word is brought to the elect who are yet to believe. All of this is done by the power of the Holy Spirit, who is at work in and through the people of God.
All of God's chosen people will be brought to believe in Jesus Christ as the one who has been sent by God the Father. No one who rejects this truth can be said to be a Christian. Have you come to this conviction in your heart? If not, seek God in his word and through genuine prayer. Ask him to open the eyes of your heart to truly see and receive the Lord Jesus Christ!
Hanli continues to look at the High Priestly Prayer of the Lord Jesus in John 17:6-19 this Sunday. The Lord here prays not for the world in general, but specifically for the people of God. In his prayer, we see that God's people ultimately have their origin from the divine sovereignty of God in choosing them out of the world. It is ultimately to this chosen people that Jesus reveals God in his fullness, and they in turn, all respond by receiving Christ and believing in him. This is the key evidence that we are part of God's people - have you come to this total commitment and trust in Christ?
The Lord also prays specifically that this people would be protected and preserved by the Father. This protection refers to their spiritual preservation, that their faith would be guarded even as they remain in the hostile world. This is especially encouraging to believers in light of the mission of Christ. Just as he was sent into the world from the Father, so he also sends his people into the world on the same mission - to bring salvation to those who are lost. Is the mission of Christ the central focus of your life? May the Lord make this true of his people!
Hanli draws out two crucial truths in this initial part of the 'High Priestly Prayer' where Jesus is praying to his Father.
Firstly the Lord prays that God would glorify the Son, so that the Son might glorify the Father, because the hour has come. This hour refers singularly in John's gospel to Christ's crucifixion. How could this terrible hour, the most humiliating moment of Jesus's life show God's glory? Because only through the cross do we see that God is able and willing to save to the uttermost, every sinner who draws near through faith in Jesus.
Secondly, the Lord shows what the true essence of eternal life is. Eternal life is to personally and intimately know the one true God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent. Have you come to this personal relationship with God through faith in Christ crucified? There is no greater question than this!
This week we had the blessing of Isaac Jones from Trinity Reformed Baptist Church in Hamilton bringing to us God's word. Isaac spoke from 1 Kings 18: 20-40. Here, he spoke on how the Israelites were confronted of their idol worship of Baal. Today, idol worship can be applied to not merely physical idols, but also any other thing that takes precedence to worshipping God (money, pleasure, success, etc.). This passage highlights that idol worship is futile and cannot be done together with worshipping God. Even so, God is merciful, even though His people (including today) stray away from worshipping Him alone, out of love He was willing to send His Son down to earth to rectify the broken relationship we have with Him. What will you do in response to Him?
Hanli speaks from Romans 5:6-11 and observes three key truths. Firstly, that all are in need of God's salvation because we are universally "weak, ungodly, sinners, enemies of God". Second, that God provides perfect and full salvation in Jesus Christ crucified and risen for all who believe in him. Lastly, the end goal of this salvation is to be fully reconciled to God with a right relationship. Has this been your experience? Are you now reconciled to God through faith in the crucified and risen Saviour? If not - draw near to God in faith today! There is nothing more important.
Hanli speaks on John 14:1-7 and discusses what Jesus means when he states that he is "the way, the truth, and the life". Not only is it important to understand what he means, we must also know the context of this statement. All of this will help us to understand the full purpose of why Jesus makes this amazing statement in verse 6. May God bless his word to all of you.
How can we take heart in light of the bleak situation: because God loves us and takes care of us and that He is sovereign over everything. Have you experienced the sovereign love of God?
The Lord Jesus speaks to his disciples regarding the work of the Holy Spirit as the remedy to the sorrow that has filled their hearts. The Holy Spirit will work in the world and in the church to glorify Jesus Christ. Bringing people to a true knowledge of Jesus is the primary work of the Holy Spirit. Since it is He who must do the work, all are entirely reliant upon Him for a saving knowledge and faith in Christ. The one who knows and experiences this truth is necessarily committed to prayer, relying upon the Spirit in all things.
Has the Holy Spirit worked in your heart?
Union with Christ comes with many blessings (union with Christ through faith, peace with God, alive in Christ, and union with other Christians), however Christ warns us that the world will hate you as they hate Christ first (vs 19-20). Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to dwell in believers once He goes back to heaven, to help us live in the world. How can we be encouraged? Dwayne speaks on what this passage means for believers, to witness to the world; and a plead to the unbelievers, to come to Jesus and be in union with Him.
Jesus claims that He is the only true vine - but what does that mean? Here, Hanli talks about the blessings of God found entirely in Jesus Christ.
The passage also talks about two branches:
One that bears fruit - a fruit of love that is shown by Jesus Christ first, as he shows his love through his death on the cross.
Another that is simply scorned as it bears no fruit.
Which one are you?
Stephen Turner speak about the fear of change and the power of the Holy Spirit from John 14: 15-31
Hanli Liu talks about John 14: 15-24 in 3 points:
1.) Loving God
2.) Obedience to God
3.) God dwelling in us
For the 1st anniversary of West Church, Hanli speaks on Acts 1:1-11 for the special occasion.