Real Truth Matters Sermon Podcast: Recent Episodes
Real Truth Matters
The great doctrine of justification by faith should be understood by all Christians. But clarity on this truth is needed, even today. Many within our churches have only a vague idea about it. Most evangelicals today have a perverted viewpoint on what it means to be just before God. When the Apostle Paul wanted to explain justification to justified saints in Rome, he went back to the Old Testament character, Abraham. Abraham is God’s illustration of what it means to be justified by faith alone.
If we are to maintain fellowship with God, we must learn the principle of courageous confession, keeping our confession of sin up-to-date. In this message, Michael Durham shares what biblical confession is and why it is important to our experience of our dear Savior.
In modern evangelicalism most think they know why Jesus died. His death has been reduced to merely a way to manage our sin problem. Such reductionism helps no one. In this message, Michael Durham explores a more complete motivation for the death our Lord.
Is fellowship with God possible? According the Apostle John it is possible. This is a matter that belongs to the test of faith. Do you believe that you can have the same kind of fellowship that John and the other apostles enjoyed? We pray that as you listen to this sermon, your faith will be encouraged to believe that such fellowship is very possible.
All Christians desire the touch of God on their lives. But there was a woman who would not wait for God’s touch, but pressed in to touch the Lord. Can we do the same? Is it possible to break through all spiritual obstacles and receive the power of God and gain the answer we need? Yes, and it is this dear woman’s example that serves as a model to us.
The 23rd Psalm is the most beloved and well-known psalm. Its timeless truths encourage saints from one generation to another. In this uplifting message, you will hear how good the Good Shepherd is to all His flock. We pray you are greatly edified as you listen.
David learned how to practice the presence of God. He developed a conscious awareness of God. This is a must for all Christians; we must renew the mind so that it is focused on the Lord. How do you do this? Please listen and put into practice this simple message.
Too often we are full and content with things or people, which leaves the soul empty of delight in God. Therefore, we need to learn the lost of art of developing a heart that is both satisfied and unsatisfied at the same time. Yes, we are to be content with what we are given, but we must never be content with our spiritual development. This kind of discontentment motivates us to hunger and thirst for more of Christ, and is very holy and necessary.
Christianity declares the sinner just before God, but justification is not the sum or totality of Christianity. There is so much more and the Apostle Paul tells us that God is the ultimate prize.
The church of Jesus Christ is supernatural. It is of supernatural origin and construction. So is every believer. The transformation of a sinner into a saint is a miracle and it is this miracle that serves as a rock upon which our Lord is building His church.
The work of the Gospel is to lead all men, saved or unsaved, to the place of humiliation. Our righteousness is sorely insufficient to please a perfectly righteous God. There is only one kind of righteousness that saves, it the righteousness of Jesus Christ. His righteousness is given freely to all who trust in Him and follow Him in loving devotion.
How does a Christian know if he or she has a real relationship with Christ? In this revival sermon, Michael Durham sheds light on how Christ manifests Himself to His genuine followers. Again, we apologize for the poor quality of audio, but it is still worth the listen.
This sermon was delivered to Living Hope Baptist Church in Hopkinsville, Ky during a week of special meetings. In this message, Michael Durham, shares with the congregation that true revival is a return to normal Christianity. Many churches have settled for a norm that is abnormal. This message will confront this mistake and hopefully call people to genuine repentance. (We apologize for the video and audio quality but opted to post because of the value of the content. After a few minutes the audio will improve.)
In the final message of Pastor Durham’s ministry at Oak Grove Baptist Church, he reminds us that the Gospel was designed to work in a person by the supernatural power of God. The Christian life is the life of God in the soul, energizing with desire and power to do His will. Natural ability cannot perform what only God in can do in a person. The task of the Christian is by faith to cooperate with God’s activity in him or her. With this sermon Michael Durham closes his pastoral ministry and begins an itinerate evangelistic ministry.
After the Apostle Paul told believers in chapter 6 of his epistle to the Romans that they were dead to the reign of sin, he proceeded in the seventh chapter to explain that they were also dead to the law. What does this mean? It means that the Christian no longer has to go through the law to get to God. Before Christ the only way to have relationship with God was by obedience to the Law. But no one could perfectly keep the Law until Christ came. He fulfilled the Law of God and died to it. Once raised from the dead, His relationship to God was no longer governed by the Law. The same it true for us. Unfortunately, most Christians are still trying in the power of their own abilities to keep the Law in order to retain God’s blessings.
Sanctification is mostly seen as a matter of the soul and not the body. However, the Apostle Paul says our bodies and how we use them play in important role in our sanctification. We cannot sanctify ourselves but we can cooperate with the grace of God in us. In this message we will learn what role our bodies have in God's process of sanctifying us.
Although an unusual text for a Christmas sermon, Michael Durham shows how the Christmas story is incomplete by itself. The ultimate purpose of the Christ child is to die and triumph over death and sin. This message gets deeper into the glorious implications of His death and resurrection.
God’s goal for all His children is that their faith grow, but faith does not grow without a struggle. It is often in the struggle that we fail to believe and we experience a faith failure. In this message we will learn how to fight the fight of faith and avoid faith failures and let cooperate with the Lord Jesus in the growth of our faith.
In this message on the subject of faith, Michael Durham explores the biblical source of faith and how it works in the lives of the believer. All Christians are to live a life of faith, but all to often many don’t because they don’t know how to listen to God or are too selective in what they hear. The key to a life of faith is a vital and vibrant relationship with Christ.
In today’s message, we explore how you increase your faith. Many try to increase their faith using unbiblical methods. RTM speaker, Michael Durham, outlines the only way you can grow in the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In this second message on faith, we explore the components of faith. These components are the building blocks of faith. Without these four components, faith in God does not exist. But what many do not know is that if one does not have faith in God, he or she has faith in something. These four building blocks are working synergistically in all people as all men exercise faith daily even if it is not in God.
Peter believed he believed. He told the Lord Jesus that he would not deny Him but stand with Him. But in the hour of testing he did something differently and denied Christ. Faith sees and acts, but Peter was motivated by a faith that was not in Jesus but in himself. In this message, Michael Durham defines faith and shows how it works.
In this message, Michael Durham, pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church for the last 23 years, shares that his ministry is changing in focus and direction. Pastor Durham will after January 2017 be stepping down as senior pastor of OGBC and entering full-time evangelism/revival work. RTM has chosen to let you hear exactly what he shared with the church.
Christians rejoice that there is one Savior who is more than sufficient to make us right with God. The story of the Gospel is real and its power is real. There is no other message sent from heaven. This is the true good news that must be proclaimed if men and women are to be saved and have eternal life.
How do we arrive at a better self? The Apostle Paul outlines his desire to press on to perfection through the knowing of Christ. How do we know Christ better so that we can be better? We pray as you listen, you will discover the way to a more intimate relationship with Christ.
When Jesus saw the blind man of John chapter 9, He was drawn to him. A series of events began that changed the blind man. Jesus was attracted to the need the man had. He’s attracted to us for many reasons, but one is our need of His love and mercy. When a person truly learns that God gravitates to needy people whose only trust is in Him, he or she will see God’s activity.
One of the most important questions is how does one become a Christian. What is a Christian and what makes someone a Christian must be answered biblically. Too much is at stake with this question. Please listen, and discover what happens when one becomes a follower of Christ.
All Christians are familiar with the word grace, but how many of us understand grace? What it is? How does it work? The biggest question is does the grace of God eliminate our effort or does it enable effort? American Christianity has put such an emphasis on justification by grace through faith that many do not know that the grace that justifies is also the grace that sanctifies. The grace that sanctifies enables good works, "which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
The death of Ezekiel’s wife is a puzzlement to many. How could a good God not only take Ezekiel’s wife in death but commanded that Ezekiel could not publicly mourn the loss of his wife? This message explains how we need to approach the unexplainable moments of life.
When we are physically showing symptoms of illness we usually resort to the medicine cabinet. No one likes being sick. But when it comes to our spiritual condition, we often neglect our spiritual health. This message, if you let it, will work like a physician's examination. We need to take spiritual inventory on a regular basis to maintain spiritual health.
A second message with this theme discusses God’s hiddenness in His delays to answer prayer and fulfill promises. God may seem withdrawn because we have grieved the Holy Spirit.
It is a strange thing to hear that God hides Himself, but the Bible clearly presents this view of God. He is a God who initiates relationship with us but He is not intrusive. He desires to be desired and reveals Himself to those who want Him.
No more remarkable fact than that Jesus is in God’s presence for us. We know He is in heaven because He is God and heaven is that is where the throne of God dwells. But the text says that Jesus appears in the presence of God for us. Listen and value how our High Priest performs His priestly duties for us now in the presence of God.
Every Christian is enrolled in the school of faith, and it is our Instructor’s purpose to graduate us to a faith that rests. In the story of Jesus calming the storm, we learn how faith has to have an object. This elementary lesson must be learned if our faith is to strengthen to a faith that rests.
The story of the Gadarene demoniac is a remarkable picture of humanity without Christ. Mankind has been plunged into a captivity of darkness and all of man’s attempts to free himself fail. This is a story that finds relevancy today almost 2000 years later as nations, societies, and cultures self-destruct.
The story of the battle of Jericho and Rahab’s deliverance is a picture of the Gospel. In this message, Michael Durham unpacks the symbolism and takes a direct line to the great covenant of God with the Son and the His people.
We know God can do anything within the confines of His nature. However, when it comes to prayer and faith we struggle whether or not if God is willing to do what we ask of Him. The miracle of Jesus healing the leper tells us much about praying in faith. There is also a great illustration of God willingness to save in the leper’s cleansing.
God has commanded parents, and fathers in particularly, to instill into their children the revelation of God and His truth. Unfortunately, many Christian parents have failed to do this, and the children have abandoned the Christian faith altogether. In this message, we look at what the Psalmist said was parental responsibility in very practical way. We must hold the Gospel rope for the future generation.
Sooner or later every Christian experiences the feeling of abandonment by God. It is not true that God abandons His children; He never does nor ever will do so. But He does test us and part of that test is the sense of the absence of God. In this message, Michael Durham focuses on this very kind of trial in the life of Joseph who had undergone many trials, but none as bad as the test of feeling forgotten by God.
James and John wanted to call down fire on a Samaritan village because of their refusal to welcome Jesus into their town. But instead of Jesus being flattered by their defense of Him, He rebukes them and tells them their spirit is contrary to His. Anger is a problem we all deal with but often we feel justified for our anger. But anger, if even justifiable, must be dealt with quickly. Listen and discover how Jesus deals with those who offend Him. Rather than anger, He shows mercy.
In an amazing Gospel account of a Gentile woman seeking Jesus for her daughter’s healing, we discover some major principles on faith, prayer, and experiencing God’s fullness. Are we satisfied with crumbs when we could have a full meal?
Peter rashly stated to Jesus that he would not allow the Lord to wash his feet. Jesus’ answer is sobering. Listen and learn that we can miss God in the small things as wall as the large.
Many linger in indecision and do not give their lives to Christ, or having given their lives to Christ do not fully follow Him. Michael Durham explains the motivation behind indecision and the only remedy.
The story of Thomas’ doubt of the resurrection of Jesus teaches us much about the relationship of faith and empiricism. Empiricism is the belief that something can only be verifiable by means of experience and experimentation. Many today want to pit faith against empiricism, but it isn’t that faith is against empirical data. Faith goes beyond the empirical to see the unobservable.
The resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ surely sealed our redemption. However, the purpose of His death goes beyond the individual need to a global impact. The King and His Kingdom rests upon the event of the resurrection.
Jesus refused the popularity of the masses to do only what He could do—die for the sins of His people. Out of His death has come a life power that has regenerated millions. Learn how to enjoy the life of Christ by dying to the the strong desire of the flesh.
John the Baptist sat in a prison with questions about Jesus and His ministry. Often things don’t go as planned and God doesn’t perform as you want. Listen, and let your heart be encouraged to be blessed with whatever and wherever God’s business turns.
Life has more than its share of problems. But those problems are part of God’s plan to work out a beautiful conclusion. Also, each difficulty is God’s way of reminding us the value of the spiritual. Learn how to develop a life plan that will help turn each negative into a Gospel positive.
The Christian faith is more than a rote religion where people go through the motions. Such superficiality will not make the difference because it misses God’s objective. Listen to hear about a real faith that experiences a real God.
All of us stumble and fall; all of us fail at some point. But God has committed to cause us to stand. We are His workmanship. All of this seen in the lives of the Apostle Paul and Mark.
Life is not fair but no one said it would be. However, we find ourselves complaining and getting bitter about the injustices we face. No one face any greater inequity than Jesus. Listen and find out how to face life when it is unfair.
Jacob wanted the blessing of his father, Isaac. He wanted it so bad that he deceived his father to gain the blessing. He pretended to be someone he wasn’t. In this message, Michael Durham shows how we often think that we have to be someone else to get God’s blessings.
The believer in Jesus is to live life in the overflow of God’s love. This is the resource for the Christian life. In this sermon, Michael Durham explains how to live in the overflow.
Covetousness is a serious sin that we don’t like talking about, but it’s something that must be discussed. In this message, Michael Durham explains what covetousness is and how you can discern it in your own heart. He finishes by demonstrating the antidote to the spirit of covetousness.
God truly loves sinful men and desires them to be saved. Those who do not believe upon and in the Gift of God, Jesus Christ, they condemn themselves. But God’s love still remains for them even though His wrath abides on them. The theological greats of history have marveled at this unique ability of God to love and yet remain just to His creation.
Evangelism is as simple as obeying the Great Commandment. In this last message of the series we learn who are neighbor is how to love them as we are on mission for Jesus.
Evangelism has become too programmed and less organic. It also has been misconstrued as an individual rather than a community project. In this message, Real Truth Matter’s Director and Oak Grove Baptist Church’s senior pastor, Michael Durham explains that each member of the church is gifted to do outreach and how being on mission is the natural result of who we are and our spiritual gifts.
Most churches have been traditionally non-missional in thinking and approach. This message outlines the way back to the a New Testament missional mind-set.
A wrong mindset concerning the church has replaced the life of the church with programs and systems. If the church is going to be on mission, fulfilling God’s design, a new psychology must be adopted. We must develop a missional mind.
The church is a community of believers on mission, the mission of Jesus Christ. But does this mission truly permeate our thinking and our doing. Listen as Michael Durham explains what is the mission of Christ and what it has to do with us.
Small groups are not the answer but small groups can serve the purpose of the local church. Listen and discover what the purpose of the church is and how we must adopt something more than a “worship service” mentality.
Michael Durham outlines five problems that have converged to derail the church from its mission to make disciples and the four requirements of true discipleship.
The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor body for the church strategically. From the metaphor we can gain much insight on how the church of Jesus is to function. This message continues the series on what a community-centered church is.
We must abandon the traditional “event and location” definition of church and return to the New Testament paradigm of community. In this message we see why the necessity for this.
God gives us His blessings so that we may be caused to worship Him but He has another intention in His blessings—to make us holy as He is.
Most Christians do not see worship as a top priority. For the most part, worship is a Sunday morning event. But in this message, Michael Durham shares the huge importance of worship. It is the ultimate purpose for which we were created and redeemed.
Sadly, too many Christians only think about the Resurrection of our Lord on Easter, but the event is more significant than a holiday we celebrate once a year. The covenant of grace that God initiated on the cross of Christ is completed in by the resurrection of Jesus.
The natural and spiritual realms are two spheres of living for the Christian. In the story of Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac we see how the two realms work in conjunction if the Christian will by faith bring the spiritual to bear upon the material. If you have to learn how to turn loose of your Ishmael.
The kingly humility of the Lamb is front and center in the heavenly scene of Revelation 5. God’s redemptive and judicatory plan is only worthy for Jesus to unfold and only after He had given His life as a sacrificial lamb.
There is a definite law of opposing principles. This law works in this manner, when you increase one principle the opposite principle decreases in the same degree. How this effects spiritual growth is the subject of this sermon.
God’s love not only forgives but it also transforms the person loved. His love does not just provide saving from guilt but saving from sin.
The love of God is stunningly portrayed in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son. God’s love is shockingly good, so good that sometimes it’s difficult to embrace as true.
Does the world see so little of authentic Christianity that it would recognize if it saw it? And what about many within professing Christendom, do they know what authentic Christianity is? The wisdom of God is not acceptable to the world within and without the church.
Every Christian suffers trials and tribulation, but not all Christians get God’s best out of them. Listen and discover what God is up to in your suffering and learn how to cooperate with Him.
When the Supreme Court made same-sex marriage the law of the land, many came out saying the slogan, “Love Wins.” But according to the Word of God love doesn’t win when love is defined beyond the God’s perimeters. This is a thoughtful message addressing the relevant issues of our time.
God extends an invitation to draw close to Him, however, two things stand in our way—our guilt and unbelief. How do we remove these hindrances to answering God's invitation? Listen and discover how you can approach God boldly.
The answer to this question is the subject of today’s message. The Apostle John gives a definition that defines a Christian supernaturally.
The return of Christ is a hope for Christians, especially those beleaguered by persecution. In an American culture that is more hostile to biblical Christianity, the doctrine of our Lord’s return may sound strange to the culture, but it is a key to perseverance for the child of God.
This message continue outlining the Apostle Peter’s basis for a Christian apologetic. Also, in this message you will find out about why the Bible is reliable for faith and salvation.
How is the Christian to respond to a culture that is antagonistic toward his or her faith? Michael Durham answers and also responds to the June 26, 2015 Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage.
In defense of his ministry the Apostle Paul explains that Christianity is a supernatural faith and has transforming power. Human methodology alone is insufficient to effect the heart.
We know God loves us but do we know He likes us? Are we convinced He is not angry with us or are we fearful of Him in an unholy way? Listen and discover how tender the Lord's kindness really is.
In this last message on this text, Michael Durham, shares the kind of faith that Isaiah refers to when he says, "because he trusts in You." There are different kinds of faith but only one that will submit and save.
We all want peace, especially inner peace, and we know God has promised it. However, the promise has some conditions. In this sermon, Michael Durham continues to outline our responsibilities focusing on the mind and our thoughts.
We all want peace, especially inner peace, and we know God has promised it. However, the promise has some conditions. In this sermon, Michael Durham outlines our responsibilities focusing on the mind and our thoughts.
To know that God is good is important but it is even more important to experience God's goodness. This is the command of Psalm 34:8 and in this message you can learn how to do just that.
The truth that the saint is seated on the throne of Christ is an overlooked part of our salvation. So many Christians do not live to the degree of the blessing already given to them. In this message Michael Durham shares some of those benefits and the hindrances to our enjoyment of them.
They mystery of the kingdom of God is that is now here but not yet. In this message Michael Durham explains this concept as well that the kingdom of God is available to all who will enter.
The disciples who witnessed the transfiguration of Christ were told by God to hear Jesus. They were to listen and obey Christ. But the response of the three, especially Peter shows they really didn’t hear what was being said. And often we don’t hear what God is saying to us.
The resurrection of Jesus guarantees the availability of God’s kingdom to all would otherwise be rejected. Jesus came to open the kingdom to all and especially to the outcast and religiously condemned.
In the life of Gideon you can see the progression of faith. He began with no faith and evolved to the kind of faith that was recorded in Hebrews 11.
For a community of believers to function as God designed they must understand the importance in love. Peter places a high premium on love among the brethren. In this message Michael Durham explains how love is to function in the body of Christ.
For a community of believers to function as God designed they must understand the importance in love. Peter places a high premium on love among the brethren. In this message Michael Durham explains how love is to function in the body of Christ.
Faith cannot rest on appearances. To make judgments based upon only what you see or hear is unwise. You can end up believing a lie.
One man or even a staff of pastors cannot truly shepherd a church as needed. But God designed the church to ensure that everyone is receiving the pastoral care required.
The church has as its basic nature the essence of community. This is because it springs from the greatest community of all, the trinity of God.
Although the word community is never used in the Bible the concept is definitely there. The church is not an event or place but a community of believers. How the church functions depends on its nature and essence. However, many local churches are not communities and therefore do not function as God intends.
This story is about God acting in man so that God can be seen and a man trying to act like God and failing. The story of Jesus walking on the sea and Peter’s attempt to do the same is an amazing picture and explanation of the Christian life.
This story is about God acting in man so that God can be seen and a man trying to act like God and failing. The story of Jesus walking on the sea and Peter’s attempt to do the same is an amazing picture and explanation of the Christian life.
Much confusion exists concerning the Kingdom of God. Many believe the Kingdom and the church are the same. But Jesus in the parable of the wheat and tares shows us that His Kingdom is much larger than the church. Listen and discover more about the amazing Kingdom of God.
If the Gospel is the agent of New Testament growth, then it is imperative that we know the Gospel and can adequately proclaim it to one another and the world. In this message we return to the third of three stages of our glorious salvation.
Why does God seem to hide Himself and make this more difficult to believe? For example, why did He come to Earth in the first advent hidden in obscurity? There is a humbling reason behind the subtleness of God.
If the Gospel is the agent of New Testament growth, then it is imperative that we know the Gospel and can adequately proclaim it to one another and the world. In this message we examine the third of three stages of our glorious salvation.
If the Gospel is the agent of New Testament growth, then it is imperative that we know the Gospel and can adequately proclaim it to one another and the world. In this message we examine the second of three stages of our glorious salvation.
If the Gospel is the agent of New Testament growth, then it is imperative that we know the Gospel and can adequately proclaim it to one another and the world. In this message we examine the second of three stages of our glorious salvation.
If the Gospel is the agent of New Testament growth, then it is imperative that we know the Gospel and can adequately proclaim it to one another and the world. In this message we examine the first of three stages of our glorious salvation.
The only thing that can grow a New Testament church is the Gospel. In this message the church is explained as a community of believers joined together by the Gospel for the purpose of proclaiming the Gospel to each other and the world.
What if our definition of church is wrong or even slightly skewed? Wouldn’t the result be either a wrong approach to church or a church that is ineffectual, or both? It would be both our interaction with the church and its effectiveness would be less. In this first message in a new series, Michael Durham, goes to the Bible and answers this all important question on how we should view the church.
A disciple is someone who is a student of Jesus in order to be like Jesus. One of the things Jesus did was He made disciples, therefore, disciples of Jesus make disciples. In today’s message, Michael Durham shows Jesus strategy how His disciples are to make disciples for Him.
Perhaps there is no greater spiritual discipline than the study and meditation of Scripture. In this message, Michael Durham, shares why we must discipline ourselves to study our Bibles and how to do so.
A longstanding principle of Scripture is that we are to be absolutely yielded to God and His will. David illustrates this principle in his flight from Jerusalem when his son, Absalom threatens his life and kingdom. He signed the check, left it blank, and handed it to God.
Since Jesus practiced prayer so should we. In this message, Michael Durham shows us how we can develop the discipline of prayer if we truly understand the foundation and reason for prayer.
The Bible teaches us that self is important. Self is who you are and it is what God is redeeming. You cannot separate a person from the self. Yet, many teach an error that self and self-interest is always evil. But the Bible does not teach this. Listen to an overview of the doctrine of self.
In this second part of the Practice of Worship, Michael Durham teaches how to develop a life of worship. He also discusses what to do when you don’t feel like worship.
Worship is a spiritual discipline. It is to take place in our lives routinely, in fact, continually. Listen and discover the true nature of worship. You will learn how to distinguish worship truth from worship errors.
Although, not normally considered a spiritual disciple, spiritual sensitivity is a practice that must be developed. The Christian is, as Christ, live under the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Today’s message answer the question what that looks like and how to discipline oneself to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
Either fasting is despised or misunderstood, but the spiritual discipline of fasting has a major function in the life of a disciple to express and create hunger for God.
Spiritual disciplines assist us in developing godly habits. It is these habits that helps us to live as Jesus lived. Two spiritual disciplines that Jesus practiced is silence and solitude. Listen and discover how these two spiritual disciplines will help you live like Jesus.
One of the keys of the abundant Christian life is often overlooked because we see it as being too simple or it is assumed that we do it. The key is letting God be Himself. We must see God as He really is and not as we want to remake Him.
If we are supposed to live like Jesus, then we need to know how He lived, and more important, how was He able to live such a life. In this message RTM speaker and pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Michael Durham, addresses these questions showing how Christ lived.
If God intends for us to live as Jesus lived on this earth, then how do we do this. The question can only be answered by observing how Jesus lived and imitate His lifestyle as well as His character.
Many in the church are paralyzed by a false view of grace. This false view renders effort and labor as attempts of the flesh. In this message Michael Durham shows that grace produces effort and that without effort in the Christian life there can be no fruitfulness.
The answer to the question can you really be like Jesus will reveal what you believe about the gospel and true Christianity. In this message Michael Durham shows that Christianity is much more than sin management and going to heaven when you die. It includes a life lived like Jesus.
There are many things that try to hinder us from following Jesus and be His disciple. At one point in time we may have said yes to God, but those who are in the kingdom continue to say yes.
The message of the Bible is God’s history of redemption, the redemption of man. A type or illustration of that redemption is the plight of the leper in the Old Testament. As the leper was an outcast so Christ rescues sinners through His being cast outside of the camp.
How can salvation be free and yet costly? In this text Jesus tells would be followers the cost involved in being His disciple. How does this cost to be a disciple square with the free offer of the Gospel? Jesus answers the question in this text.
Today's church culture has stripped discipleship from Christianity. But such is not possible. Discipleship is integral to the Christian faith. Jesus gave four requirements to being His disciple. Without these requirements you cannot be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
The term undiscipled disciple is an odd designation, but, unfortunately, it happens. And it happens a great deal! Many churches are full of these kind of people. Michael Durham gives four ways to transition a church of undiscipled disciples to a community of disciples who make disciples.
The term undiscipled disciple is an odd designation, but, unfortunately, it happens. And it happens a great deal! How does a church become full of spiritual babies? Michael Durham gives four reasons for this epidemic in churches in the West.
This is an introductory sermon explaining what is a true disciple of Jesus. With so many rejecting discipleship with being a Christian, a great deception occurs. If you want to know what is required to be a disciple, then you will not want to miss this message.
When a believer suffers for Christ he or she does not suffer alone, Jesus suffers with him or her. But not all suffering is suffering with Christ. In this message, Michael Durham shares what suffering for Christ is and is not.
Union with Christ is more than just a dogma. It is the very means for the believer to live out what he or she believes. Union with Christ provides the Christian not only a new identity but a new power source.
Union with Christ is more than just a dogma. It is the very means for the believer to live out what he or she believes. Union with Christ provides the Christian not only a new identity but a new power source.
Union with Christ is more than just a dogma. It is the very means for the believer to live out what he or she believes. Union with Christ provides the Christian not only a new identity but a new power source.
Salvation is more than conversion from sin but is a present reality in the person of Jesus Christ. His present existence and essence is in us to save us now and in the future. This message answers the question how does Jesus' life presently work in us to save us.
The resurrection of Christ has as much to do with our justification as does His death. Listen to how the empty tomb is essential to our righteousness.
What is the proper motivation for prayer? In this message Michael Durham expounds the words of Jesus and shows that Jesus put the basis of prayer in a relationship.
The spirit of the world and the spirit of legalism are one and the same. However, the antidote is our union with Christ. Listen to how the gospel works against both worldliness and legalism.
How do we "actualize" our death to sin? What we may know to be true May not real to us. In this Michael Durham explains how to live as one who has been crucified with Christ.
Not only has Christ died for our sins but He has died to sin. Thus, because of the Christian’s union with Christ, His death is our death. This is one of the most important truths to our sanctification.
The doctrine of our union with Christ is one of the most prominent teachings of Scripture. Over 160 times the New Testament says we are “in Christ.” The series begins with this message asking the question—what is union with Christ and how does it save?
Three events in the life of Old Testament Israel serve as a powerful illustration of three stages of the Christian life. Learn about theses three phases that every Christian faces.
Before the power of Pentecost there was the humiliation of Calvary. This is a principle of the kingdom of God. Before we can experience the blessings of the Spirit’s help we must die to ourselves.
The doctrine of the ascension and exaltation has much more practical implications in our lives than most realize. This message will explore deeper the impact of Christ exalted.
God brings wounds to reveal our need for Him, but will always heal by revealing His power in our weakness.
Many Christians experience a lack of spiritual vitality and are in need of personal revival. Today, Michael Durham shares what happens as a result of genuine revival.
Any revival must by nature include repentance. What is biblical repentance? Michael Durham answers this question by showing us what is and is not.
God has promised to guide us but our obedience is required. Learn to develop the kind of spirit that hears God.
What is about the grace of salvation that makes us debtors? How can grace and debt go together? In this missions sending service where Oak Grove Baptist Church sends its first long-term missionaries, Paul and Velda Rikel to Zambia, we learn our debt of grace.
God has promised His people to guide them through life. How does God guide us and what does that look like? Listen as Michael Durham explains.
It seems strange to our culture to say God afflicts His people. But He loves them too much to leave them in their sick state. His affliction brings healing.
The prayer that is prayed without faith is unanswerable. But how does faith work? God has committed Himself to develop faith In us. Listen and discover how God does this.
Prayer is both easy and difficult. In mercy God has given helps to prayer. Today Michael Durham discusses the help of desire.
A vibrant prayer life is the heart of a church, but so many Christians understand so little about prayer because they know God so little. We believe this message will help both your knowledge of God and prayer.
God is so merciful that He appears to make no sense giving mercy to people who could care less for Him. They continually reject God and His ways. But He is just that merciful and is more kind than we can comprehend.
Nothing is more difficult in the Christian life than to wait on God because we want everything now. What does it mean to wait on God how does one wait? This message tackles this important subject.
In this message Michael Durham presents an overview of a text used powerfully in his own life. Even in the spiritual leanness which comes to us, God's mercy is found.
God wants a Christian community to express His love to sinners, no matter the kind. Our courage to love all sinners, including the homosexual, must involve the truth with much compassion and patience.
In light of a recent diagnosis of Leukemia in one of Oak Grove Baptist Church member's adult son and recent storms and acts of terrorism, Pastor Michael Durham responds with a message that gives the biblical doctrine of suffering. If you have ever wondered why so much suffering, this sermon answers.
This question is very important, as well as relevant in light of what is happening presently in our nation. Our society has taken a course much different than God's word, thus we need a biblical strategy to keep course with God and help the sinner.
America is in decline both spiritually and physically. Why and to what do what attribute the decline? Because we have forgotten God. Listen to a necessary message for our times.
When the circumstances and situations are hard and you feel as if God isn't there, don't let your emotions rule. Fight to believe truth–even when you don't understand. Listen, read or watch for more.
Like justification, sanctification is a work of God. And like justification it is brought about by faith and not works.
Faith must fight to believe that God forgives sin, especially for those who have a hypersensitive conscience. Learn how to fight for a courageous confession.
The doctrine of justification by faith is always under assault. The church, as well as, each believer must fight to uphold this truth in heart and mind.
Why must we fight to believe? And what is it we are fighting? How are we to fight? These questions and more will be answered in this series. This is the first message in this series.
Eternal life is not just life that does not end, but it is the very life of Jesus Christ. This message gets to the heart of the Christian life.
How do maintain faith when it appears God is not active? What are you to do? This message will inform you what you are to do as you wait on God.
The testimony of the Godhead is that Jesus Christ is Messiah. He is the revelation of God. It is amazing how all three persons of the Trinity individually give witness to these facts. In an age when chaos reigns, truth keeps pointing to Jesus.
How does God intend his children to distribute their wealth? Is there a biblical plan on how to give? In this message Michael Durham shows how to follow biblical guidelines for giving.
Can one have faith in God and have material wealth? Yes, but such a person must know the danger material wealth is to true wealth.
The need for personal revival is continual. There are four major components needed in order to experience continual renewal. Listen to Michael Durham as he shares these necessary components for personal revival.
The vision and implementation of Romania Missionary Fellowship, a church planting ministry to take the Gospel to Eastern Europe.
Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of the greatest conditional promises of the Bible. An often quoted passage, but what does it really mean? The promise holds the potential of the supernatural power to all who will fulfill its condition.
The world is a slippery slope in the life of a Christian. Listen to find out the victory we have in Christ.
The law of love says if God loves you, you will love God and others. This law becomes a test of faith for the Apostle John.
Worship is more than music sung or performed in a "worship service." In this story from the life of Saul we discover what true worship is.
The new birth produces faith and love. Listen and discover how this miracle works in the life of a believer.
Our God does not want His children to be timid and fearful of Him. This message will explain how God loves His children and how you can experience a fear free life.
To experience faith in God one must experience God. What is that encounter like? Also, there are times when faith cannot know but must believe.
The love of God is manifested to us in several ways. In this text His love is manifested in two gifts He has given.
Can you be concerned about something and not be guilty of unbiblical worry? Can you exercise faith while at the same time be greatly concerned about something? This message shows the relationship between faith and worry and how you can be greatly troubled and your faith not waver.
God is the source of love, and since God has loved us, then all Christian should love one another. This is the thrust is of this text. Listen and so exult in the love of God.
Although Christianity has a subjective quality it must bow to the subjective. Every spirit must be tested otherwise you become prey to deception. Truth must rule and it must be definitional.
In an impromptu message to Oak Grove Baptist Church, Pastor Michael Durham responds to the testimony on the beauty of suffering. There's nothing beautiful about suffering until the gospel enters the equation.
The Apostle John takes the ultimate test of assurance out of the realm of the subjective and places it where it belongs—in the objective. Assurance is based upon the work of God in the life of the believer.
Your prayer life is either helped or hindered by how much you love Christian brother and sisters. In this message Michael Durham shows the relationship between love, Christian assurance, and prayer.
Several years ago the deacon ministry at Oak Grove Baptist Church was suspended because it was not based upon biblical mandates. This message reestablishes the Bible's definition and description of a true deacon ministry. It is a ministry of mercy.
What is righteousness? The Apostle John answers in a way most theologians do not. Human righteousness has only one motive and source. John shows us what it is.
Unless one has experienced the new birth he or she is not a Christian. John gives a test to discern if one has experienced it. Listen and take the test!
Are you afflicted with a sense of despair, exhaustion, or confusion as you try to live the Christian life? Jesus extended an invitation to all who are weary to come to Him. Even Christians can become "worn out" in what they believe is service to God. Be refreshed as you listen.
Have you ever wondered why God allows storms to come into your life and why they come in the first place? During those times, have you thought 'God, where are you'? Bro. Kenneth Johnson answers these questions in his encouraging message regarding the stormy parts of our walk with the Lord. Listen and be encouraged.
Every man is a prisoner to sin with no hope of escape. But One was manifested to set the captive free. The Christian is no longer a rebel but a son. Listen to hear about Christ's conquest of sin.
Listen to this message and do what The Apostle John commands--Behold the love of God. The love of God is vast and beyond the comprehension of man. Yet, meditating on God's love is crucial to our Christian growth.
Often Christianity is attacked as being nothing more than an intellectual religion, while others attack it for being too mystical. But true Christianity is the correct blend of both the intellect and the heart, the objective and the subjective.
God sifts His church using many tests, including false teachers. Sifting is a test of faith and perseverance is to pass the test.
Worldliness is not always what we think. One can be very religious and at the same time worldly. Is it possible that American Christianity has devolved into an unbiblical hybrid that tries to mix Jesus and the world? Please listen to discover if you are infected with the spirit of the world.
The Christian life is not static. We are meant to grow, but grow into what? We are to conform to the image of Christ but was does that look like? In this message Michael Durham shares the three stages of the journey to spiritual maturity.
The Apostle John gives a second test of faith--the test of love. Charged with being legalistic, John responds that the love of Christ is in those who are His. It is this love that conforms them to the righteousness of the law and motivates them to love their brothers and sisters.
The doctrine of assurance of salvation was near and dear the heart of the Apostle John. Some have identified the epistle as a treatise on the doctrine. While that is debatable it is a repeated theme. Do you possess assurance and is it biblical assurance? This message will distinguish between a true and false assurance.
The gospel of Jesus Christ remains to be the only hope for mankind. This message brings the amazing work of Christ to the heart and mind.
How is it possible that a sin-flawed person can obey God to the degree that the Apostle John would say he or she would walk as Jesus walked? The hope is not in the believer but God.
Our reluctance to discuss sin has led to an unbalanced Christianity. As Pastor Michael Durham says in this sermon, "the church’s refusal to talk about it has not helped but worsened the situation. We have the answer to sin, but because of our unwillingness to talk about the problem, the solution we talk about doesn’t make sense. A Savior without sin is senseless." Sin is a big problem but thank God we do have a "Remedy."
If you know God, the result will be you will know sin. The reason sin has been nullified by this present evil generation is because it does not know God. Listen and discover a biblical doctrine of sin.
John gives his epistle in one verse. The whole of Christianity is summarized in verse 5. John gives us the origin, beginning, and the content of the message of Christ.
Too many American Christians have a wrong understanding or perhaps no understanding of the church as community. Fellowship with God must translate to fellowship withe God's people.
As Noah and his descendants were commanded to fill the earth and multiply, so has Christ Jesus commanded His church to "spread out over the earth" and multiply. This is a sobering message about evangelism and global missions.
How can God be sovereign (meaning in control of all things and in need of nothing or no one) be harmonious with our need to pray? Listen as Michael Durham explains how prayer satisfies the sovereignty of God.
The Apostle John begins his epistle with a strong statement on the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ. The incarnation of God means this very fact, and without this historical fact there is no hope for us.
The Apostle John is known as the Apostle of love, but he wasn't always loving. Listen to this introduction to 1 John and find out how John became identified with love.
Matthew concludes the Sermon on the Mount with an insight that let's us see the real purpose and power of our Lord's sermon. This is the final message in this series.
There is a storm coming that even now is upon us. The woes and problems of this present age began with the curse in Eden and will culminate at the Great White Throne. Unless a man has built his life upon Christ he will not survive the final perfect storm.
Guest speaker Kenneth Johnson encourages us that while it often seems the tide of the battle is turning against us, it is not whether we win or lose but whether we fight. In fighting, we bring glory to our Father, and that is the definition of true winning.
How are you building your life and on what are you building? The Lord Jesus shares the importance of building on Him. However, many think they are when the truth is they are not.
Jesus establishes the fact that Christianity is more than mental assent to truth, but is also a life brought into conformity to the truth. He shows that obedience is required of all His subjects not as the means to save but evidence of salvation.
Many believe this is the most frightening passage of the Bible. Certainly, it should be taken very seriously. Listen to how Jesus will determine who is in the kingdom and who is not.
How do you discern the genuine from the counterfeit, the real from the fake? Jesus tells us it is by the fruit you can discern the difference. This message tells us what is the fruit of a genuine Christian.
Jesus continues His conclusion to His famous sermon warning of false prophets. In this Michael Durham shows how false prophets work. A much needed message in our day.
Jesus contrasts two ways as He makes application in His famous sermon. Life is compromised of a choice between these two ways.
How do you "do unto others as you would have them do to you"? Is Jesus calling us to love ourselves so that we can love others? Does self-esteem matter at all? These questions and more are answered by Michael Durham.
There are many who read such verses and try to twist them to satisfy their lusts. In reaction many orthodox Christians have overreacted to see prayer as the act of overcoming God's reluctance, as if God did not want to oblige the believer. But this a wonderful promise that needs to be understood and believed.
The gospel is the pearl of great price. Naturally, we want to share it with everyone, but Jesus gives a specific word about some who we must exercise caution in sharing our faith.
Does "Judge not, that you be not judged" mean we never judge right and wrong, character and behavior, or ideas and beliefs? Listen as Michael Durham proclaims the judgment of Christ to our culture of toleration.
We know that faith is an integral part of Christianity. Yet too often we relegate it to just our salvation experience. Christ calls us to not only trust Him to save us from hell, but for all aspects of our life.
Michael Durham continues to unpack verse 33. He delves into what seeking God's righteousness means and also what "things" will be added to us.
In this message Michael Durham defines what the kingdom of God is and how you can seek it.
Your faith may seem small but Jesus said if your faith is real it will be enough. The problem with most people is not small faith but weak faith. It isn't the size, but the state of our faith that matters.
Why would a Christian who believe in God worry? In this message Michael Durham exposes the spirit of worry. He explains the ultimate motivation of anxiety and how to overcome it.
Anxiety is a problem every person experiences. But worry doesn't have to be a way of life. Jesus gives nine reasons why you need not worry.
Jesus gives investment instructions. The question is not are you investing but in what are you investing.
The spiritual discipline of fasting is an important part of worship and service to God. But what did Jesus say about fasting that changed its function and purpose in the church? This sermon deals with this and more concerning fasting.
What does Jesus mean when He says that our Heavenly Father will not forgive us if we do not forgive those who sin against us? Is He saying our mercy toward others works toward mercy for us, or He is saying something else? Listen to this message and hear how Jesus answers this question.
Many believe the Lord's Prayer is an outline of how to pray. But is it? Rather it is a restoration of true prayer. The prayer is not a guide on how to pray but what prayer is--a God saturated expression of the heart.
Most people are hung up on the form of prayer. "How to pray" books abound. But the function or purpose of prayer is of more concern than the form. Even in the Lord's Prayer the function of prayer is really the primary concern. But before Jesus can move to the how of prayer, He must first deal with the aim of prayer.
Jesus continues to show the difference between religion and Christianity. He focuses on the subject of prayer and shows what is the true foundation and motive of prayer.
The Apostle Paul made a convincing argument against so called Christian teachers who claimed there is no resurrection from the dead. His argument, "If Christ is not risen you are still in your sins." Please listen to a very powerful message on the necessity of the resurrection and remember why Christianity celebrates the bodily resurrection of Jesus.
Christ was forsaken by men and especially by God His Father. The amazing truth of redemption is breathtaking. Although our view is severely limited this message grants a perspective from David's famous psalm.
While "acts of righteousness" are commanded, they are also filled with risks. These dangers are outlined in this sermon. How should you pursue good works of faith? Jesus gives warnings and encouragements.
What really is legalism? In this message we unpack the problem and give the only remedy--the gospel.
Christians are commanded to love their enemies. The reason for this is God loves His enemies. But how can a holy God love evil? How do we reconcile the love of God and the judgment of God?
This is one of the most discussed parts of Jesus' sermon. Is He to be taken literally or not, and if not then what does He mean? The issue is the basic core of man. Listen and hear what a Christian is like when it comes to the most personal issues of his or her life.
Jesus continues to restore a correct interpretation of the law, and in this message He tackles the subject of honesty and swearing oaths. What is the root of deception? Why do men tell lies? This sermon explains the basis of all deception.
What is Jesus’ position on remarriage? This message is a clear and thorough examination of the question. It approaches the question from the historical and grammatical, as well as the redemptive plan unfolded at Calvary.
Much of what is believed about divorce is muddled with tradition and prejudice. The position offered in this message is not main stream but is offered in search of the truth on a topic rife with controversy.
How do you battle against lust? It's a fight every person faces. Not only does Michael Durham answer this important question but he also shares why men and women must fight. This is a message everyone needs to hear.
The sixth commandment stated, "You shall not kill." We know murder is wrong, but what relationship does the Christian have to the law? Jesus shows in the sixth commandment the law is more than the taking of life. It involves issues of the heart.
If our righteousness must exceed the scribe and Pharisee, what does that kind of righteousness look like? In this message it is described and why God requires this degree of righteousness.
In Matthew 5:20 Jesus states His sermon's thesis--Good isn't good enough. The kingdom of Christ's righteousness is based upon a higher standard than most good people realize. This is a most important message for our culturally accepted good. Listen and share this message with someone else.
The battle for the Bible continues. It is precedes our generation and was raging in our Lord's time. This text is Jesus' definitive statement that ensures the validity of the Scriptures until the end of time. But this battle is more than a doctrinal battle; it's a battle to be the incarnation of the word of God.
The Christian life is a life of conflict. The believer is in a perpetual battle against sin. But sin is a worthy opponent not to be underestimated. Listen and discover how you can get the upper hand on the flesh and live by the Spirit.
At Christmas we celebrate the coming of Christ. In this message the purpose of His coming is detailed and how he fulfilled His purpose.
Jesus calls Christians "salt and light." What does that mean, and how are we to do the work of salt and light? In this message these questions are explored and answered.
If salt loses it's saltiness can it be salted again? If not, it has no purpose but to be thrown away. When Jesus said this was He teaching the possibility of a Christian losing salvation as many say He was? The answer has huge implications.
No one want's to be despised or hated, but one of the characteristics of Christians is that they are hated. They are hated by the world, and therefore will suffer persecution. How can a Christian endure such suffering? This message explains how. Will Christians experience sever persecution in America? Listen and find out.
The Beatitudes are continued with peacemaking. Peacemakers are called the "sons of God." Why is this the one attribute that is identified with sonship? Listen, and find out why peacemaking is quality of both the King and His subjects.
The Lord Jesus gives another description of a child of God. Purity of heart lets us see the importance of the heart. It is from the heart that life flows. If we are to live in purity, then it must begin in the heart.
Have you been shown much mercy? In this sermon Pastor Durham explains why we should show much mercy. Listen to find out why.
Why does Jesus say those who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness are blessed? If they are craving, how could they be satisfied? Please listen and discover how this paradox is possible.
The greatest need of men is not peace, love or joy but righteousness. In this message, Michael Durham outlines why this is our greatest need and just what true righteousness is.
Jesus surprises the world with His declarations called the Beatitudes. And this beatitude is no different. As Michael Durham shares, this beatitude is so contrary to human nature and requires the supernatural Spirit of Christ, who is the Spirit of meekness.
Grief or sorrow is not something applauded or considered good. Yet the Lord Jesus calls a certain type of grief blessed with the guarantee of spiritual comfort. Spiritual mourning leads to holiness, and holiness leads to happiness.
In this message pastor and RTM speaker, Michael Durham applies the first beatitude to the believer. This is a message of practical application.
The greatest sermon ever preached began with poverty of spirit. Jesus starts His message where every man can relate. The problem is that not every man realizes his spiritual bankruptcy.
The gospel of the kingdom of Christ defines those who are in the kingdom. Jesus describes who they are. In a time of confusion about what true Christianity is, here is a timely message that pronounces Jesus' clarity on the issue. Never more is our Lord's words needed than now.
An introduction to the most famous sermon ever delivered. In this message Pastor Durham shows what the theme of the sermon is and how we should approach this amazing word from our Lord.
The major responsibilities of parents are laid out in one verse. Last week Michael Durham dealt with the first responsibility--not discouraging your children. This message finishes this verse with the last two responsibilities that the Apostle Paul lays out for parents.
The major responsibilities of parents are laid out in one verse. This message unpacks each responsibility.
Children are often considered in some way a lesser part of the church, if a part of a local congregation at all. But the Apostle Paul addresses children themselves, believing them to be under the authority of the church. This message was addressed to all in attendance, but mainly to children and young people.
Marriage is so much a part of life that we just assume it is for everyone. But it isn't. There are those whom God has called to remain single for His purposes. But no matter whether you are single by choice or circumstances, Real Truth Matters speaker, Michael Durham has a word for you. This is also an excellent message to teach young people how to use their singleness as preparation for marriage.
Husbands are to unconditionally love their wives and wives are to unconditionally respect heir husbands. Much of the Christian world has heard about unconditional love, but unconditional respect has somehow been overlooked, if not ignored. Just as unconditional love makes it easier for a wife to follow, unconditional respect makes it easier for a husband to lead his wife.
Submission is not without some complexity. Should a wife always submit to her husband no matter what he demands or asks? Does Paul really mean everything when he says a wife is to submit in "everything"? Pastor Durham deals with four complex issues when it comes to submission.
The word submission has fallen on hard times. Yet, the command of God remains, "Wives, submit to your own husbands." How can a woman do this especially if her husband has a problem with leadership? Listen and find out the matter has more to do with the wife's heart, than the husband's leadership.
As in the sermon addressed to men discussing their God-glorifying responsibility as husbands, Michael Durham shares what makes a wife godly. Godliness is not determined by behavior but by the heart. Listen and learn what godliness is for a woman.
A husband must demonstrate love for his wife other than just providing for her. He must learn how to "cherish" her. In this message three biblical principals are given that teach men how to cherish their wives.
What does it mean to "nourish" your wife? The Bible says this is what Christ does for His bride. Jesus is the example for all husbands, therefore all husbands are to nourish their wives. Listen and discover what a wife needs as far a love that nourishes.
How is a husband to lead his wife in such a way that she wants to follow him? That question is answered in the gospel's message. Pastor Michael Durham shows how the gospel applies to the home and a husband's leadership.
Society wishes to change the role and functions of men and women. It is imperative that this Christian generation do what is necessary to return and preserve God's design for both husband and wife. In this message, Michael Durham lays out the responsibility of godly men.
Marriage is one of God's most used tools in sanctifying believers. It is the very environment in which one learns to love unconditionally. It is the school of selfless love.
God's ultimate design for marriage is not what most people think. And being a Christian does not guarantee a successful marriage. This message is the first in a series that Michael Durham preached one time before. This series was very powerful and is needed again.
Faith must rest on God and His word alone. No other support or object is sufficient. In this incidence, Thomas learns this lesson. God loves His children regardless of their feelings or circumstances.
There are many lamentable results of grieving the Holy Spirit, but in this message five are discussed. Along with this a remedy for grieving God is offered. Could the weakness of both churches and Christians be a result of the Holy Spirit's grief? Is the Spirit at work in our midst or are we going through the motions. Listen and find out.
Did you know that you could grieve God Himself? Listen to this message to see what the Bible says about God's Vulnerability.
To grow in grace is not about doing the best you can. Rather it is believing God that what He has already said about us is true and living in light of that truth. It is in this way that God's sovereignty and human responsibility come together in a beautiful harmony.
Historic orthodoxy has always believed in effusions of the Spirit aiding the believer to fulfill God's purpose. Listen to this message as Pastor Durham shares the biblical and practical case for new infillings of the Holy Spirit.
Another type of Christ is unpacked in this message. As Judah was surety for his brother, Benjamin, so Christ Jesus is our surety.
The resurrection of Christ guarantees not just our own resurrection, but is the surety of the very Spirit of resurrection working in us now to help us to not live according to the flesh. We are enjoying the fruit of our Lord's resurrection.
Our trials are tests that determine whether or not we trust God. But doubt is a counter-suit where we put God on trial. How did God respond when Israel tried to put God on trial questioning His goodness? The answer may surprise you.
In the last message of this series the subject of retirement is tackled. Should Christians think of retirement as most Americans think of it? This sermon deals with what the biblical approach to preparing for our latter years should be.
Is it good stewardship to save money? Most Christian financial counselors would say it is. How does this coincide with Jesus' command to not lay up treasures on this earth? God has an answer in the birds and the ants.
Is going into debt permissible? Or does the Bible forbid it altogether? In this message we explore what the Bible says about the subject of debt. Pastor Durham ends the message with debt’s most powerful illustration.