Road To Life Podcast: Recent Episodes
Road To Life
What if the thoughts you've been thinking your whole life are the very thing keeping you stuck? Pastor Dave opens this powerful message from Romans 12:2—"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind"—revealing that transformation isn't just about behavior modification, it's about rewiring how you think at the deepest level. Drawing on both Scripture and neuroscience, Pastor Dave unveils how thoughts literally grow like trees in our brains, branching deeper with every repetition, shaping our DNA, our relationships, and our destiny. His insight cuts through the noise: you can't know God's will while letting the world—or your own unrenewed mind—hold the steering wheel. For every person who's ever felt like a victim, a fighter, or a runner, this message is a divine interruption. The battle isn't out there—it begins and ends in your mind. Don't wait another week to break the cycle. Start today: take every thought captive, flood your mind with God's Word, and watch Him transform your forests of fear into fields of freedom. Your whole life can change—one surrendered thought at a time.
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Proverbs 23:7
7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
Romans 12:2
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 2:4
4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
Deuteronomy 30:19
19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
Psalm 55:22
22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous be shaken.
What if the very thing you've been running from is the very thing God is using to prepare you for your greatest breakthrough? Pastor Dave opens in 1 Peter 5:10—"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you"—and builds a bold, unflinching case that suffering isn't a sign God has abandoned you; it's a sign He's taking you somewhere. Drawing from Peter's five chapters of hard trials, Pastor Dave reveals that the benefits of suffering—being perfected, established, strengthened, and settled—only appear after you've walked through it, not around it. Like a woman who walks out of a salon mid-perm, leaving before God finishes His work leaves you incomplete and exposed. His message is clear: stop pitching a tent in your pain, stop church-hopping to avoid discomfort, and stop letting pride disguise itself as insecurity. God wastes nothing—not your worst moments, not your hardest seasons. Your due season is coming. Now is the time to humble yourself, cast your cares on Him, resist the enemy, and trust that the God of all grace is perfecting you for the promise on the other side.
1 Peter 5:10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
Vs 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
Vs 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Vs 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
Vs 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
What if the person least likely to succeed was actually the one God had already chosen? Pastor Dave opens this powerful message from 1 Samuel 16 and uses David's story to shatter the lies we've believed about ourselves. When Samuel arrived at Jesse's home to anoint a king, Jesse didn't even bother calling David in from the fields. Too young. Too overlooked. Not invited to the party. Yet God looked past every polished, qualified candidate and said of the shepherd boy, "Arise, anoint him, for this is the one" (1 Samuel 16:12). Pastor Dave's unique insight cuts deep: your limitations are real, but your God has none—and choosing to trust your limitations over God's power is the enemy's greatest victory over you. Like a hard drive that must be written over rather than simply deleted, our minds need God's Word to replace the lies we've carried. The call today is urgent and personal: stop counting yourself out, bring those areas of settled defeat to the altar, and receive what God has already declared over you. You are unqualified—but you are chosen. Now get up and walk in it.
1 Samuel 16 Now the Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.”
2 And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.”
But the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; you shall anoint for Me the one I name to you.”
4 So Samuel did what the Lord said, and went to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, “Do you come peaceably?”
5 And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons, and invited them to the sacrifice.
6 So it was, when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him!”
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
8 So Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.”
And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12 So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.
What if the very thing that disqualifies you in the world's eyes is exactly what qualifies you in God's? Pastor Dave opens 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 with a bold, liberating truth: God has never once recruited from the ranks of the polished, the powerful, or the self-righteous. He deliberately chooses the foolish, the weak, the unknown, and the despised—not despite their brokenness, but because of their surrendered hearts. Pastor Dave points to Paul—a man who murdered Christians, held the coats of Stephen's killers—and asks the stunning question: if God chose him to write most of the New Testament and deliver the gospel to the Gentiles, what excuse do any of us have left? With raw, unfiltered passion, Pastor Dave dismantles the lie that shame, guilt, or a scarred past can disqualify you from your God-given destiny. The real barrier isn't your history—it's the pride that refuses to look foolish for God, the heart that won't submit, and the guilt the enemy uses as a leash. Today is your reset. Lift your hands, surrender your excuses, and let God write the next chapter—because your destiny is still your destiny.
1 Corinthians 1:26-29
For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.
What if the very place you've been avoiding holds the key to everything you've been searching for? In Matthew 16, Jesus asked His disciples a question that still echoes today: "Who do you say that I am?" — and Peter's bold answer became the foundation of the Church itself. This powerful message reveals that the Church isn't just a building; it's where broken lives get repaired, weak areas get strengthened, and destinies get unlocked. Watch as a DoorDash driver received a surprise $922 blessing, reminding us that the Church actively transforms communities. Don't miss this — your story could be next.
Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some 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 answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus answered and said to 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 also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
What if money has been quietly ruling your life—not as a servant, but as a master? Pastor Dave reveals three powerful truths about why Jesus talked about money as much as He talked about eternity: it demonstrates God's power, exposes our hearts, and reveals what He can trust us with. Just as Jesus directed Peter to find provision inside a fish's mouth, God already knows where your breakthrough is—He just needs your faith to go fishing. If you're tired of financial stress and ready for alignment, don't miss this message.
Ecclesiastes 10:19 A feast is made for laughter,
And wine makes merry; But money answers everything.
Matthew 17:24-27 24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” 25 He said, “Yes.” And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” 26 Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.”
Matthew 19:16-22 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Luke 16:10-13 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. 11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?
13 “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
What if everything you've ever done, every word you've ever spoken, and every choice you've ever made has been quietly revealing who your true Father is? On this Father's Day, Pastor Dave opened John 8 with a question that cut straight to the heart: "Who's your daddy?" Drawing from Jesus' bold confrontation with the Pharisees, Pastor Dave revealed that your life is a mirror—reflecting whoever calls the shots in your soul. Just like squeezing an orange produces orange juice, whatever is truly inside you will pour out under pressure. Pastor Dave's unique gift is his raw, unfiltered transparency—sharing his own journey of not knowing his biological father until age 11, and losing him at 17—to remind every person that a perfect heavenly Father is always present, always reaching. Whether you're wounded by an absent dad, drowning in addiction, or simply going through the motions of faith, God is not finished with your story. He heard you, He taught you, He sent you—and He's waiting for you to step into that calling. Don't leave unchanged. Lean into His presence, surrender what's holding you back, and discover once and for all that your heavenly Father has never stopped pursuing you.
John 8:25 Then they said to Him, “Who are You?”
And Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning. 26 I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him.”
27 They did not understand that He spoke to them of the Father.
28 Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. 29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”
Vs 44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
Vs 59 Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
Vs 26 I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him.”
Vs 28 Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.
Vs 29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”
Vs 38 I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father.”
What if you're more upset by God's mercy toward others than grateful for His mercy toward you? Pastor Dave reveals how Jonah—despite being rescued by God's whale-sized grace—still pouted when enemies received forgiveness instead of judgment. Through dramatic modern whale encounters and sobering global statistics, Dave challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we celebrating when people repent, or secretly hoping God will "get them"? This convicting message exposes how spiritual seniority doesn't equal spiritual maturity and calls us to break the cycle of offense. Don't miss this chance to let the whale spit you back where God wants you—free from bitterness and ready for His purposes!
4 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry. 2 So he prayed to the Lord, and said, “Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm. 3 Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!”
4 Then the Lord said, “Is it right for you to be angry?”
5 So Jonah went out of the city and sat on the east side of the city. There he made himself a shelter and sat under it in the shade, till he might see what would become of the city. 6 And the Lord God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant. 7 But as morning dawned the next day God prepared a worm, and it so damaged the plant that it withered. 8 And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah’s head, so that he grew faint. Then he wished death for himself, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.”
9 Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?”
And he said, “It is right for me to be angry, even to death!”
10 But the Lord said, “You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made it grow, which came up in a night and perished in a night. 11 And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left—and much livestock?”
What if you discovered that God never gives up—even when you've run from Him countless times? Pastor Dave powerfully unpacks Jonah chapter 3, revealing how "the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time," demonstrating God's relentless pursuit of our hearts. After Jonah's whale experience taught him that prayer changes everything while complaining changes nothing, he finally listened and obeyed God's call to preach to Nineveh. Dave challenges us with a convicting truth: if people who know you best don't even realize you're a Christian, is Jesus really in your life? He calls out our tendency to gossip about church problems while never sharing the gospel, reminding us that 83% of Americans don't walk with God—your coworkers, neighbors, and friends need to hear the good news. When Jonah finally preached God's message, an entire city repented, from commoners to the king himself, and God relented from judgment. This same merciful God offers you another chance today, no matter how many times you've failed or run. Don't let this moment pass—step out of your seat, surrender your heart, and watch God transform your story from the inside out.
JONAH 3:1-10 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying,
2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you.”
3 So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three-day journey in extent.
4 And Jonah began to enter the city on the first day’s walk. Then he cried out and said, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!”
5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them.
6 Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes.
7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water.
8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands.
9 Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?
10 Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.
What happens when you're swallowed by your worst nightmare and realize God prepared it just for you? Pastor Dave reveals the shocking truth about Jonah's three-day underwater prison: sometimes the belly of the whale isn't punishment—it's God's Uber back to your purpose. From 2,500 miles in the wrong direction, running from God's call, Jonah discovers that even in the literal depths of hell, prayer changes everything. Dave's raw honesty cuts through our spiritual pretenses: "You go to the phone instead of the throne, to Facebook instead of His book," while we wonder why our prayers feel powerless. The revelation isn't complicated—when trapped in life's storms, you pray to the right God, cry out loud with desperate faith, and worship Him before you see the breakthrough. Jonah's transformation from complainer to worshiper triggered his miraculous deliverance to dry land, right back where his journey should have started. Your situation will change when you change, but it requires abandoning worthless idols and embracing the sacrifice of thanksgiving even in your darkest hour. Stop running from God's voice—He's ready to speak one word that will vomit you out of whatever whale has swallowed your dreams and place you exactly where your destiny awaits.
Jonah 2:1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly.
2 And he said: “I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, And He answered me. “Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, And You heard my voice.
3 For You cast me into the deep, Into the heart of the seas, And the floods surrounded me; All Your billows and Your waves passed over me.
4 Then I said, ‘I have been cast out of Your sight; Yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.’
5 The waters surrounded me, even to my soul; The deep closed around me; Weeds were wrapped around my head.
6 I went down to the moorings of the mountains; The earth with its bars closed behind me forever; Yet You have brought up my life from the pit, O Lord, my God.
7 "When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; And my prayer went up to You, Into Your holy temple.
8 “Those who regard worthless idols Forsake their own Mercy.
9 But I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.” 10 So the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.
What happens when you realize you've been running in the wrong direction? Pastor Dave opens with a relatable truth about ignoring instructions—from furniture assembly to life itself—but this isn't about missing screws. Jonah, God's reluctant messenger, fled from divine assignment to confront Nineveh's wickedness, boarding a ship to escape the inescapable. When storms arose, Jonah slept while others suffered, embodying the uncomfortable reality that sometimes we're the source of chaos in our own lives. Pastor Dave's piercing insight cuts through excuses: "Maybe you're in a storm because you haven't obeyed" and "99% obedience is still 100% disobedience." Even when we think we've run too far, God's gifts remain irrevocable—He knew our failures before calling us and prepared rescue vehicles we didn't expect. Sometimes the whale that swallows us isn't punishment but salvation, God's uncomfortable mercy bringing us back to purpose. The safest place isn't always the most comfortable; it's wherever God positions us for restoration. Today is your moment to stop running, throw the disobedience overboard, and return to the mission God prepared before you were born—your calling still stands.
Jonah 1: 1 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.”
Vs 3 But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.
Vs 4 But the Lord sent out a great wind on the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship was about to be broken up.
Vs 5 Then the mariners were afraid; and every man cried out to his god, and threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down into the lowest parts of the ship, had lain down, and was fast asleep.
Vs 6 So the captain came to him, and said to him, “What do you mean, sleeper? Arise, call on your God; perhaps your God will consider us, so that we may not perish.”
7 And they said to one another, “Come, let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this trouble has come upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.
Vs 8 Then they said to him, “Please tell us! For whose cause is this trouble upon us? What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?”
9 So he said to them, “I am a Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.”
Vs 12 And he said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that this great tempest is because of me.”
Vs 13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to return to land, but they could not, for the sea continued to grow more tempestuous against them. 14 Therefore they cried out to the Lord and said, “We pray, O Lord, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O Lord, have done as it pleased You.”.
Vs 15 So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging
Vs 16 Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the Lord and took vows.
Vs 17 Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights.
What happens when God's people forget that mercy and goodness are literally following them every single day? Pastor Dave delivered a powerful conclusion to his Psalms 23 series, reminding Road to Life Church that they have two constant companions they may not even recognize. Walking through David's timeless psalm, Dave revealed how God prepares us through trials (not despite them), protects us in valleys we must walk through (not around), and provides tables of blessing right in front of our enemies. His most striking insight? That preparation often feels painful because God is refining us for destinations we couldn't handle without His transforming work. Dave challenged the congregation with raw honesty about human nature—acknowledging that left to ourselves, we choose wickedness, and spiritual maturity isn't about time served but authentic relationship with Christ. The sermon climaxed with the revelation that Goodness and Mercy are our daily companions, following believers everywhere, while God doesn't give us what we deserve but lavishes grace instead. As worship filled the sanctuary and people responded to the altar call, the urgent truth became clear: if you can recognize God's faithfulness behind you, you can trust His provision ahead of you. Stop running from God's refining process and start embracing the overflow life He's preparing for you today.
Psalms 23 The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.
Psalm 84:11 says For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly.
Psalms 34:9-10
Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him.
10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger;
But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.
Psalms 85:12 Yes, the Lord will give what is good;
And our land will yield its increase.
What if the valley you're walking through isn't your destination, but your preparation? Pastor Dave masterfully unpacks Psalm 23:4, revealing that even in life's darkest moments—the valley of the shadow of death—we don't have to fear because God walks with us through it all. With passionate conviction, Dave challenges us to shift our perspective: instead of feeling trapped in our circumstances, we're moving through them toward God's greater purpose. He reminds us that Joseph didn't know about the pit and prison on his way to the palace, but God was preparing him for leadership through every trial. The shadow of death can only exist where there's light—and that light is Jesus himself. Dave's unique insight cuts deep: "The protection comes through the pressure, and it's provided by his presence." Whether you're facing loss, darkness, or uncertainty, God isn't absent—He's personally invested in your breakthrough. As our Psalms 23 series continues, don't let another week pass believing you're stuck in your valley. Change your perspective today: you're not staying in it, you're going through it, and God has a table prepared for you on the other side.
Psalms 23 The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord
Is the death of His saints.
Matthew 28:20... teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—
Have you ever felt like you're drowning in the valley of your struggles, wondering if God sees your pain? In Psalms 23:5, Pastor Dave reveals a stunning truth: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." Right out of walking through the shadow of death, God doesn't just rescue you—He sets up a feast! The Hebrew word "prepare" means to arrange plates in rows, not just one blessing, but multiple provisions lined up for your breakthrough. Pastor Dave's passionate message reminds us that God doesn't wait for our enemies to leave; He blesses us right in their faces, moving obstacles out of our way or using them to prepare us for greater purpose. Whether God removes the mountain before you arrive or leaves it there to strengthen you, His anointing oil removes the ashes of your pain and fills your cup to overflowing—not just for you, but to bless others through you. Don't let another day pass believing your enemies have the final word. God is setting your table right now, and it's time to take your seat at His feast of favor and provision!
Psalms 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.
Pastor Dave reveals how the ancient words of Psalm 23—"The Lord is my shepherd"—unlock a revolutionary understanding of God's intimate involvement in every season of our lives. Through powerful Hebrew insights, he unveils that our shepherd isn't just a distant deity, but an active God who shepherds our past, present, and future simultaneously. Pastor Dave challenges us to recognize that what we're going through isn't punishment—it's preparation. God is making us lie down in green pastures, leading us beside still waters, and restoring our souls that have been battered by life's storms. But here's the catch: we can't bring our baggage into our breakthrough. The very struggles that feel like setbacks are actually God preparing us for promotions we can't yet imagine. This Easter season calls for more than just celebration—it demands surrender. Stop trying to shepherd your own life and let the master shepherd take control. Your breakthrough is waiting, but it requires releasing your grip on the past and trusting God's perfect preparation process. Will you choose growth over hurt and let Him restore your soul completely?
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
Pastor Dave brought Easter's explosive message home with the piercing question from Luke 24: "Why do you seek the living among the dead?" These grieving women came to Jesus' tomb expecting to find a lifeless body, but discovered empty grave clothes and angels declaring victory over death itself. Dave's passionate delivery reminded us that we often search for life, purpose, and healing in all the wrong places—looking for the living among dead things. His raw honesty about men needing to step up spiritually while celebrating how women consistently lead the way in faith created powerful conviction. The altar call erupted as people streamed forward, crossing from spiritual death to eternal life, with Dave using a dramatic rope illustration showing how our brief earthly existence pales against eternity's endless hope. Lives were genuinely transformed as Northwest Indiana witnessed the resurrection power that turns misfits into children of the King. Don't leave today unchanged—Jesus didn't rise from the dead so you could stay spiritually dead.
Luke 24:1 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ”
8 And they remembered His words. 9 Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. 11 And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.
What if the most powerful force for transformation wasn't found in grand gestures, but in simple acts of faithful witness? In his compelling message, Pastor Dave unpacked Acts 4:33, revealing how the early church's impact flowed from both "great power" and "great grace." He challenged the congregation to move beyond religious routine into authentic relationship with Jesus, emphasizing that true spiritual power comes through humble prayer and full surrender to the Holy Spirit. Through vivid examples and passionate delivery, Pastor Dave illustrated how every believer is called to be a bold witness - starting in their homes, extending to their communities, and reaching to the ends of the earth. The service culminated in a powerful time of Spirit-led prayer and anointing, as congregants stood symbolically on God's Word, receiving fresh filling for the mission of sharing Christ's resurrection power. His urgent call to action: stop making excuses and start inviting others to "come and see" what God is doing, because the eternal destiny of souls hangs in the balance.
Acts 4:33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 4:33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
What if the detours and struggles in your life weren't accidents, but part of God's intricate plan? In a powerful message on divine purpose, Pastor Dave unpacks Jeremiah 29:11, revealing that God's thoughts toward us are far more extensive than we imagine. Drawing from the story of exiled Jews feeling forgotten while others prospered, he illustrates how God's plans include not just intentions, but also divine inventions and purposes uniquely designed for each person's journey. Through personal stories, including a near-fatal childhood accident, Pastor Dave demonstrates how God orchestrates circumstances, creates solutions, and positions resources exactly when needed—even if they don't yet exist. His central message resonates with hope: your current challenges aren't your final destination; they're pathways to God's greater purpose. With pastoral warmth, he challenges believers to trust God's process, reminding them that while the journey may be difficult, God's thoughts toward them are of peace, not punishment, leading to a future filled with hope. The message culminates in a powerful altar call, inviting listeners to surrender their lives to God's master plan.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Psalms 139:17-18 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.
Psalm 40:5 Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works Which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us Cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered.
Have you ever wondered how God can turn life's darkest moments into stepping stones toward your destiny? In a powerful message on perspective and divine purpose, Pastor Dave unpacks Romans 8:28, revealing how every circumstance—even the painful ones—can work together for good. Through the compelling story of Joseph's journey from the pit to the palace, he illustrates how God uses our challenges as building blocks for breakthrough. The sermon challenges us to shift from a mindset of bitterness to one of "Godfidence," knowing that the Holy Spirit and Jesus are actively interceding on our behalf. Pastor Dave emphasizes that while we can't control what happens to us, we can choose our perspective—counting it all joy and trusting that God is working behind the scenes. His urgent call reminds us that our current struggles aren't the end of the story; they're often the very path God uses to position us for purpose. Through vivid examples and scriptural truth, he invites listeners to embrace a serendipitous faith that expects God's goodness even in unexpected places.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Genesis 50:19 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.
What grabs your attention about serendipity quickly transforms into a powerful warning against compromising God's destiny for our lives. Drawing from the dramatic story of Samson, Pastor Dave illuminates how seemingly innocent choices to revisit past sins - what he calls "dead things" - can derail our divine purpose. Through vivid imagery of Samson finding honey in the lion's carcass, he illustrates how the enemy disguises destruction with temporary sweetness. The pastor's urgent message resonates: God's supernatural power through the Holy Spirit gives us the ability to overcome any "roaring lion" in our path, but we must choose to walk away from old temptations rather than return to inspect their carcasses. With both pastoral compassion and bold truth-telling, he challenges the congregation to recognize where they're compromising their "serendipity" - God's divine orchestration of blessed circumstances - and instead fully embrace the destiny God has planned. His passionate call to action urges listeners to surrender those "honey-filled carcasses" at the altar and commit to walking in God's freedom and purpose.
Proverbs 16:9 NIV. In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Judges 14:5 So Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother, and came to the vineyards of Timnah. Now to his surprise, a young lion came roaring against him.
Vs 6 And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he tore the lion apart as one would have torn apart a young goat, though he had nothing in his hand.
Vs 7 Then he went down and talked with the woman; and she pleased Samson well. 8 After some time, when he returned to get her, he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion.
And behold, a swarm of bees and honey were in the carcass of the lion.
9 He took some of it in his hands and went along, eating. When he came to his father and mother, he gave some to them, and they also ate. But he did not tell them that he had taken the honey out of the carcass of the lion.
Have you ever wondered what true, transformative worship looks like? In this powerful final message of his worship series, Pastor Dave reveals how authentic praise isn't just singing songs – it's a full-body, whole-hearted response to God's goodness. Drawing from King David's example, he unpacks the Hebrew word "Shabbat," showing how biblical worship involves triumphant shouting, dancing, and celebrating even before we see the victory. Through personal stories and Scripture from Psalms, Pastor Dave challenges us to move beyond spectating to active participation – whether through lifted hands, joyful dancing, or unashamed praise. His core message? When we truly grasp what God has done in saving us from darkness, bringing us into light, and working all things for our good, we can't help but worship with everything we have. The sermon culminates in a powerful altar call where lives are transformed, demonstrating that authentic worship leads to real life change. If you're ready to break free from religious constraints and enter into genuine, biblical worship, this message will revolutionize your understanding of praise.
Psalms 63:3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.
Psalms 106:47 Save us, O Lord our God,
And gather us from among the Gentiles,
To give thanks to Your holy name,
To triumph in Your praise.
Psalm 145:4 One generation shall praise shaback Your works to another,
And shall declare Your mighty acts.
Psalm 95:6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
Psalms 47:1 Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples!
Shout to God with the voice of triumph!
Psalms 134:2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary,
And bless the Lord.
Psalms 63:4 Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
Psalms 66:1-2 Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!
2 Sing out the honor of His name;
Make His praise glorious.
Psalms 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
2 Samuel 6:14 Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet. 16 Now as the ark of the Lord came into the City of David, Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David leaping and whirling before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart.
20 Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, “How glorious was the king of Israel today, uncovering himself today in the eyes of the maids of his servants, as one of the base fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!”
21 So David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me instead of your father and all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel. Therefore I will play music before the Lord.
What an electrifying message! Pastor Dave delivered a powerful sermon on the transformative power of praise and worship. In this dynamic teaching, he illuminated how praise isn't just about singing songs—it's a spiritual weapon that breaks chains and ushers in God's presence. Drawing from Psalms 150 and other scriptures, Pastor Dave emphasized that worship isn't optional for those who have breath; it's our divine purpose and calling. He passionately shared how God is "enthroned in the praises of His people," explaining that when we worship, Jesus literally takes His seat among us, bringing freedom, healing, and breakthrough. Through personal stories and biblical examples, he challenged the congregation to move beyond comfort zones and offer sacrifices of praise regardless of circumstances. The message culminated in a stirring altar call where lives were changed as people responded to God's invitation to "come out of darkness into His marvelous light." This series continues to revolutionize our understanding of authentic worship and its power to transform lives.
Psalms 150 Praise the Lord!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty [b]firmament!
2 Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
3 Praise Him with the sound of the [c]trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!
4 Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
5 Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with clashing cymbals
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord!
Psalms 107:22 Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving,
And declare His works with rejoicing.
Psalm 116:17 I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
And will call upon the name of the Lord.
Psalms 54:6 I will freely sacrifice to You;
I will praise Your name, O Lord, for it is good.
Hebrews 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
Revelation 4:11“You are worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist and were created.”
Psalms 18:3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.
Psalms 22:3 But You are holy,
Enthroned in the praises of Israel.
Psalms 150:2 Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
What if discovering your true spiritual soil type could transform your entire walk with God? Through Jesus' powerful parable of the sower, Pastor Dave reveals how our heart's condition determines whether God's Word takes root or withers away. From battling distractions that choke out growth to experiencing the life-giving moisture of authentic worship, this message illuminates the path to becoming fertile ground for God's truth. Learn practical keys for protecting the seed of His Word and producing lasting spiritual fruit in your life. Don't miss this transformative teaching on cultivating a heart where God's truth can flourish and multiply!
Luke 8:4 And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable: 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. 8 But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.” When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Vs 12 Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
Vs 13 But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.
Vs 14 Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.
Vs 15 But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience
Have you ever felt like a spectator in your spiritual life, watching from the sidelines while others experience God's presence? Pastor Dave challenges us to move beyond observation into authentic participation, revealing how true worship isn't about personality but about positioning our hearts before God. Through powerful biblical examples—from Jehoshaphat's victory through praise to Paul and Silas's midnight worship—he shows how God consistently responds to genuine worship with breakthrough, freedom, and transformation. Whether you're seeking deeper connection or facing impossible walls, this message inspires: God responds when we worship. Watch now to discover how your praise can shake foundations and unlock chains!
Psalms 150
Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament!
2 Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
3 Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp!
4 Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
5 Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
2 Chronicles 20 It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites, came to battle against Jehoshaphat. 2 Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar” (which is En Gedi). 3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.
5 Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, 6 and said: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? 7 Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? 8 And they dwell in it, and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your name, saying, 9 ‘If disaster comes upon us—sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this temple and in Your presence (for Your name is in this temple), and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save.’ 10 And now, here are the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir—whom You would not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them and did not destroy them— 11 here they are, rewarding us by coming to throw us out of Your possession which You have given us to inherit. 12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
13 Now all Judah, with their little ones, their wives, and their children, stood before the Lord.
14 Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 15 And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.”
18 And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the Lord, worshiping the Lord.
19 Then the Levites of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with voices loud and high.
20 So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” 21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying:
“Praise the Lord,
For His mercy endures forever.”
22 Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated. 23 For the people of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them.
23 For the people of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.
24 So when Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude; and there were their dead bodies, fallen on the earth. No one had escaped.
25 When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away their spoil, they found among them an abundance of valuables on the dead bodies, and precious jewelry, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away; and they were three days gathering the spoil because there was so much.
Joshua 6 Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in.
2 And the Lord said to Joshua: “See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor. 3 You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days. 4 And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5 It shall come to pass, when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout with a great shout; then the wall of the city will fall down flat. And the people shall go up every man straight before him.”
6 Then Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the Lord.” 7 And he said to the people, “Proceed, and march around the city, and let him who is armed advance before the ark of the Lord.”
8 So it was, when Joshua had spoken to the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the Lord advanced and blew the trumpets, and the ark of the covenant of the Lord followed them. 9 The armed men went before the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard came after the ark, while the priests continued blowing the trumpets. 10 Now Joshua had commanded the people, saying, “You shall not shout or make any noise with your voice, nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I say to you, ‘Shout!’ Then you shall shout.” 11 So he had the ark of the Lord circle the city, going around it once. Then they came into the camp and lodged in the camp.
12 And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the Lord. 13 Then seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the Lord went on continually and blew with the trumpets. And the armed men went before them. But the rear guard came after the ark of the Lord, while the priests continued blowing the trumpets. 14 And the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. So they did six days.
15 But it came to pass on the seventh day that they rose early, about the dawning of the day, and marched around the city seven times in the same manner. On that day only they marched around the city seven times. 16 And the seventh time it happened, when the priests blew the trumpets, that Joshua said to the people: “Shout, for the Lord has given you the city! 17 Now the city shall be doomed by the Lord to destruction, it and all who are in it. Only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all who are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. 18 And you, by all means abstain from the accursed things, lest you become accursed when you take of the accursed things, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. 19 But all the silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, are [b]consecrated to the Lord; they [c]shall come into the treasury of the Lord.”
20 So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.
Acts 16:25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.
27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”
29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.
What if following God's commands unlocked a deeper relationship than you've ever known? Through Pastor Dave's powerful message, we discover that truly seeing God requires more than belief—it demands love expressed through obedience. Drawing from John 14, he challenges us to move beyond merely liking God to genuinely loving Him through keeping His commands. This transformative teaching shows how aligning our lives with God's Word invites His manifest presence, bringing freedom, provision, and miracles. Ready to experience God in a fresh way? Watch now to discover how genuine love for God can trigger your divine purpose.
John 14:2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”
5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”
8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”
9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
19 “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?”
23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.
Have you ever felt like giving up, only to discover God's been praying for you all along? Pastor Dave reveals how Satan's attempts to sift us actually precede God's profound shifting in our lives. Through powerful personal testimony and Jesus' words to Peter, he shows how our survival is evidence of purpose—even when we feel lost or broken. Watch this transformative message to discover how Jesus is actively interceding for you, praying your faith won't fail, and using your struggles to prepare you for an unstoppable destiny. Don't miss this timely word about moving from trauma to triumph!
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.
32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
Have you ever felt the enemy trying to derail your divine purpose? Through a powerful examination of Peter's story, Pastor Dave reveals how Satan specifically targets those marked for God's greatest work. In this stirring message from the "Triggered" series, discover how to shift from being triggered by past trauma to being triggered by holy purpose. Through biblical insight and raw authenticity, Pastor Dave shows how opposition often signals you're on the right path - the enemy wouldn't waste time if you weren't a threat to darkness. Ready to turn your triggers into triumph? This message will equip you to stand firm, knowing that while Satan may ask for you, God's protective shield and limitless purpose prevail. Don't miss this transformative word!
Luke 22:24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 27 For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.
28 “But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. 29 And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.
What triggers you - past trauma or divine purpose? Pastor Dave challenges us to stop letting the enemy's triggers keep us stuck and instead be motivated by God's calling. Through Nehemiah's story of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, we see how God prepares, provides, and protects those who pursue their purpose, even in the face of opposition. Your survival through trials isn't just survival - it's preparation for your calling. Ready to serve? God wants to use your story to help others find freedom. Watch now to be inspired!
Nehemiah 1:3 And they said to me, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.”
4 So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
Look at Nehemiah 2:17 Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.”
Nehemiah 2:1-6 And it came to pass in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, that I took the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had never been sad in his presence before. 2 Therefore the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing but sorrow of heart.”
So I became dreadfully afraid, 3 and said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs, lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire?”
4 Then the king said to me, “What do you request?”
So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”
6 Then the king said to me (the queen also sitting beside him), “How long will your journey be? And when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.
Nehemiah 2:6-9 Then the king said to me (the queen also sitting beside him), “How long will your journey be? And when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.
7 Furthermore I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given to me for the governors of the region beyond the River, that they must permit me to pass through till I come to Judah, 8 and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he must give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel which pertains to the [c]temple, for the city wall, and for the house that I will occupy.” And the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me.
9 Then I went to the governors in the region beyond the River, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.
Nehemiah 2:10 When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of it, they were deeply disturbed that a man had come to seek the well-being of the children of Israel.
Nehemiah 2:19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they laughed at us and despised us, and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Will you rebel against the king?”
Nehemiah 2:12 Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me; I told no one what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem; nor was there any animal with me, except the one on which I rode.
Nehemiah 4:6 So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.
Nehemiah 3:5 Next to them the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord. NKJV
Are life's triggers holding you back from God's purpose? Pastor Dave challenges us to shift from being controlled by past trauma to being motivated by divine purpose. Through Romans 8:28, he reveals how God foreknew our struggles yet predestined us for greatness—not despite our past, but through it. Drawing on the powerful image of ancient showbread, Pastor Dave explains how God wants to put our transformed lives on display as evidence of His power. Ready to break free from old triggers and embrace your calling? This message inspires hope for anyone seeking to move from past pain to purposeful living. Watch now!
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Romans 9:17 For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.”
2 Timothy 1:8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works……………………but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
Have you ever felt surrounded by overwhelming challenges, wondering where to turn? In 2nd Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat faced three enemy armies, yet discovered the secret to victory through prayer and praise. Pastor Dave reveals how this ancient story offers hope for our modern battles, sharing four powerful prayer principles that transform fear into faith. Through vivid examples from his own 3:30 AM prayer sessions and pastoral experience, he shows how recognizing God's hand, remembering His faithfulness, believing He hears us, and approaching Him with humility can turn any situation around. Whether you're facing work stress, relationship conflicts, or personal struggles, this message will revolutionize your prayer life and remind you that "the battle is not yours, but God's." Watch now to unlock the power of prayer that produces results!
2 Chronicles 20:1-12 It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites,[a] came to battle against Jehoshaphat. 2 Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from [b]Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar” (which is En Gedi). 3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set [c]himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.
5 Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, 6 and said: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? 7 Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? 8 And they dwell in it, and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your name, saying, 9 ‘If disaster comes upon us—sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this temple and in Your presence (for Your name is in this temple), and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save.’ 10 And now, here are the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir—whom You would not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them and did not destroy them— 11 here they are, rewarding us by coming to throw us out of Your possession which You have given us to inherit. 12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
22 Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated. 23 For the people of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them. And when they [e]had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.
Vs 24 So when Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude; and there were their dead bodies, fallen on the earth. No one had escaped.
25 When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away their spoil, they found among them an abundance of valuables on the dead bodies, and precious jewelry, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away; and they were three days gathering the spoil because there was so much.
Vs 14 Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 15 And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
vs 3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.
5 Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, 6 and said: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You?
vs 7 Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever?
19 Then the Levites of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with voices loud and high.
What if discovering authentic faith meant moving beyond just saying we believe? In this powerful message about the movie "The Santa Clause," Pastor Dave explores how true belief transforms lives when we move from mere words to living proof. Through Scott Calvin's journey from skeptic to believer, we see how faith requires both conviction and action. Drawing from Hebrews 11, Pastor Dave reminds us that "believing is seeing"—not the other way around. Struggling with doubt or feeling stuck? This message inspires us to take that first step of faith, knowing that God's promises are true even when we can't see the outcome. Watch or listen to discover how your faith can become contagious and impact those around you!
Hebrews 11:1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see
Hebrew 11:6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Psalms 27:13 AMP I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.
Psalms 27:13 NIV I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Luke 1:38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”
Luke 2:15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.
James 2:14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 3:15b And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
In this heartwarming message through the lens of "Elf," Pastor Dave explores how Buddy's journey to find his father mirrors our own spiritual search for identity and belonging. Just as Buddy discovers his true identity, we too are invited into God's family through spiritual adoption. Drawing from Ephesians 1, we learn that God planned our adoption through Jesus Christ from the beginning. This Christmas message reminds us that God's greatest gift isn't just presents under the tree—it's His invitation to become part of His eternal family.
Ephesians 1:3-6 How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. 7-10 Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.
11-12 It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
13-14 It’s in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This down payment from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.
Ephesians 2:1-6 message It wasn’t so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn’t know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us.(adopted us) He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.
Psalm 106:1 Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Galatians 3:26-29
New Life Version
26 You are now children of God because you have put your trust in Christ Jesus. 27 All of you who have been baptized to show you belong to Christ have become like Christ. 28 God does not see you as a Jew or as a Greek. He does not see you as a servant or as a person free to work. He does not see you as a man or as a woman. You are all one in Christ. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you have become the true children of Abraham. What God promised to him is now yours.
Has God's whispering voice felt distant this Christmas season? In this compelling message, Pastor Dave unpacks how the story of the Grinch parallels deeper spiritual truths about finding authentic Christmas joy. Through engaging movie clips and biblical wisdom, he reveals how comparison, consumerism, and isolation can shrink our hearts—but God offers three unshakeable gifts: everlasting peace, exceeding joy, and overflowing hope. Whether you're feeling weary or wondering where Christmas went, this transformative message reminds us that Christ came to heal hearts and make us whole. Don't miss this fresh perspective on rediscovering the true meaning of Christmas!
2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold,]wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”
Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.
John 14:27 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
The Message Translation - Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
LUKE 2:8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And [c]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
Have you ever felt completely alone, even in a crowded room? Through the lens of "Home Alone," Pastor Dave explores how isolation affects us all—from Kevin McCallister's cry for family to King David's desperate psalms. When we're hurting, we often retreat and put up false fronts, like Kevin's elaborate mannequin scheme, rather than embracing authentic connection. But just as Kevin discovered in that powerful church scene with Mr. Marley, healing begins when we turn on the light and face our fears. God stands ready, knocking at the door of our hearts, offering relationship and restoration. This inspiring message reminds us that no matter how far we've wandered, we're just one step away from coming home to God's transformative presence. Watch now to discover how to move from isolation to restoration!
Psalm 142:3-4 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then you knew my path. In the way in which I walk They have secretly set a snare for me. 4 Look on my right hand and see, For there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul.
1 Kings 19:4 (message) He came to a lone broom bush and collapsed in its shade, wanting in the worst way to be done with it all—to just die: “Enough of this, God! Take my life—I’m ready to join my ancestors in the grave!” Exhausted, he fell asleep under the lone broom bush.
John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
Have you ever felt a divine nudge but let doubts hold you back? Pastor Dave's heartwarming story of proposing to his wife reveals how stepping past our fears unlocks life's greatest blessings. Through compelling statistics showing that 57% of non-churchgoers would attend if invited, he challenges us to reach "just one more" this Christmas season. With special Christmas at the Movies services featuring beloved holiday films, now is the perfect time to extend that life-changing invitation. Don't miss this opportunity to help someone find hope, joy and peace in Christ—watch or listen to discover how you can make an eternal difference.
Matthew 28:19 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Have you ever wondered what it means to truly live in peace while standing firm in your faith? Pastor Dave delivers a powerful message on the transformative power of being a peacemaker and persevering through persecution. Drawing from the Beatitudes, he reveals how pursuing peace isn't passive—it requires actively choosing reconciliation even when relationships are strained. Through vivid examples and Scripture, Pastor Dave shows that persecution often comes when we take bold stands for righteousness, but this shouldn't discourage us. Instead, we're called to "rejoice and be exceedingly glad," knowing our eternal reward far outweighs temporary struggles. Whether you're facing relational conflicts or feeling attacked for your faith, this timely message offers practical wisdom for walking as a peacemaker while remaining unshakeable in your convictions. Don't miss this inspiring conclusion to the Beatitudes series!
Matthew 5:1-12 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the [a]earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
Romans 12:18 As much as you can, live in peace with all men. KJV as much as it lies with you
2 Corinthians 4:9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—
Matthew 5:1-12 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the [a]earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to have a Christ-like attitude? Pastor dives deep into Jesus' revolutionary Beatitudes, showing how these "be-attitudes" are far more than temporary emotions—they're transformative ways of being. Through vivid examples like the war horse that's both powerful and controlled, Pastor reveals how true meekness isn't weakness, but strength under God's authority. Whether you're struggling with your attitude or seeking deeper spiritual growth, this message unpacks how embracing Jesus' counter-cultural attitudes leads to kingdom living. Don't miss this fresh perspective on becoming who God calls you to be—watch or listen now!
Matthew 5:1-12 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the [a]earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
What if your dreams aren't as dead as you think? Through powerful stories of Jesus raising both a young girl and Lazarus from death, Pastor reveals how our buried hopes, dreams, and purpose can be resurrected. Drawing from real-world examples and raw emotion, he challenges us to stop attending the funeral of our own potential and start believing God for resurrection power in every area of life. Whether you're wrestling with buried dreams or feeling spiritually stuck, this message offers practical hope for seeing dead things come back to life. Don't miss this transformative teaching on moving from grief to glory!
Mark 5:35-42 35 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”
36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” 37 And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38 Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw [a]a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. 39 When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.”
40 And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. 41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
John 11:38-44 38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”
Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”
40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 41 Then they took away the stone [a]from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”
Matthew 14:23- 32 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
What if the reality you're living isn't reality at all? In this powerful message about spiritual psychosis, Pastor Dave confronts the deceptive belief that hell is either a party or doesn't exist. Drawing from Scripture, he compassionately but firmly warns that eternal separation from God awaits those living in spiritual delusion. Through vivid biblical descriptions and practical examples, Pastor Dave challenges us to evaluate our true relationship with Jesus—beyond church attendance or religious labels. Want clarity about your eternal destiny? This urgent message could be your wake-up call to move from spiritual deception to authentic faith. Listen now to discover how to be certain your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Revelation 20:10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Matthew 8:12 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Mark 9:43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 44 where
‘Their worm does not die
And the fire is not quenched.’
45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 46 where
‘Their worm does not die
And the fire is not quenched.’
47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire— 48 where
‘Their worm does not die
And the fire is not quenched.’
Matthew 25:46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Matthew 25: 41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting 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 take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’
44 “Then they also will answer Him, 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, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch 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 everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Revelations 21:8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
2 Thessalonians 1:8 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.
Revelations 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
1 Corinthians 6:9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
What if your darkest valley could become your greatest testimony? In a powerful message, Pastor Dave reveals how the prophet Habakkuk's journey from despair to declaration mirrors our own seasons of questioning God. Through vivid storytelling and biblical wisdom, he shows how choosing to rejoice—even when circumstances suggest otherwise—unlocks supernatural strength. This isn't about fake positivity, but making a holy shift in perspective that transforms complaining into praise. Whether facing financial strain, broken relationships, or shattered dreams, discover how to run with "deer's feet" toward your God-given high places. Don't miss this timely word about finding unshakeable joy in life's toughest moments!
Habakkuk 3:2 O Lord, I have heard Your speech and was afraid;
O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years!
In the midst of the years make it known;
In wrath remember mercy.
Habakuk 16 when I heard…..
Habakkuk 3:17-19 Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—
18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
19 The Lord God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Have you ever felt trapped by your past, wondering if true freedom is possible? Pastor Dave reveals a transformative truth from Romans 5—through faith in Christ, we're not just forgiven, but completely justified, treated as if we'd never sinned. Drawing from his own journey from brokenness to breakthrough, he shares how God's grace gives us access to live victoriously right here in Northwest Indiana as it is in heaven. Whether you're battling old regrets or current struggles, this powerful message shows how to walk in the peace, grace, and unshakeable hope that's already yours. Don't miss this chance to discover your freedom—watch now!
Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Have you ever felt like God wasn't moving in your life? Pastor Dave tackles this universal struggle with refreshing honesty, unveiling how our own unbelief often limits God's power in our lives. Through compelling stories from Mark's Gospel and Acts, he illuminates how genuine faith—not just casual belief—unleashes God's miraculous power. Drawing from his own moments of doubt and triumph, Pastor Dave shows how breaking free from worry and fully trusting God can transform our circumstances. Don't miss this powerful message that will revolutionize your understanding of faith and activate God's promises in your life. Watch now to discover how to experience God's kingdom "on earth as it is in heaven" right where you are!
Mark 9:14 And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. 15 Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. 16 And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?”
17 Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. 18 And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.”
Vs 19 He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” 20 Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth.
21 So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?”
And he said, “From childhood. 22 And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”
Mark 6:5-6 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then he went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.
Matthew 13:58 Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Act 14:8-10 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. 9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked.
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to bring heaven to earth? Pastor Dave unveils a powerful vision of living out Matthew 28's Great Commission right here in Northwest Indiana. Through compelling stories of transformed lives—like Neil and Marissa's journey from addiction to freedom—he shows how Jesus' authority empowers everyday disciples to make kingdom impact. Whether you're feeling stuck in your past or unsure of your purpose, this message ignites hope by revealing the same power that raised Christ lives in you! Don't miss this inspiring start to the "As It Is In Heaven" series that will revolutionize how you view your role in God's mission.
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
Have you ever felt like your prayers are hitting a dead zone, with no signal getting through to heaven? In a powerful message on unanswered prayer, Pastor Dave reveals how our choices and subscriptions can create spiritual interference. Drawing from Jeremiah 33, he unpacks how God eagerly desires to "show great and mighty things" in response to our prayers—but sins and intentional wrong choices (iniquities) can block the connection. Through practical biblical wisdom and candid insights, this message offers hope and clear steps to restore your prayer life. Watch now to discover how to clear the static and experience God's dynamic answers to your prayers.
Jeremiah 33:1 33 Moreover the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the prison, saying, 2 “Thus says the Lord who made it, the Lord who formed it to establish it (the Lord is His name): 3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and [b]mighty things, which you do not know.’
Isaiah 59:1-2 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened,
That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy,
That it cannot hear.
2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you,
So that He will not hear.
Psalms 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart,
The Lord will not hear.
James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
1 John 5:14-15 14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
Matthew 17:14 And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is [c]an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.”
17 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”
20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
Hebrew 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Proverbs 28:9 One who turns away his ear from hearing the law,
Even his prayer is an abomination.
What if your breakthrough is closer than you think? Pastor Dave reveals a powerful truth from Acts 12 - while believers prayed for Peter in prison, his miracle was already at the door! Through vivid storytelling of Peter's supernatural prison break, we discover that our prayers for others unleash God's power in unexpected ways. Whether you're bound by anxiety, addiction, or seemingly impossible circumstances, take heart - the answer may be closer than you realize. Ready to see chains fall and doors mysteriously open? Don't miss this inspiring message about the transformative power of intercessory prayer!
1 Timothy 2:1-2 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
Acts 12:5-14 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.
6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison.
7 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands.
8 Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did He said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.”
9 So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.
10 When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord;Look…the gates which opened to them of its own accord; they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
11 And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”
12 So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying.
13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate.
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (or tricks) of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
LUKE 11:5 5 And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within and say, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you’? 8 I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.
Have you ever felt the weight of the world pressing down on your shoulders? The struggles, the conflicts, and the spiritual battles can sometimes feel overwhelming. In his powerful sermon, Pastor Dave Gargano urges us to recognize the transformative strength of prayer as our weapon against these challenges. Drawing on Ephesians 6, he emphasizes that prayer is not just a routine but a vital lifeline that connects us to God’s power. In a world that pulls us away from God, Pastor invites the congregation to become experts in prayer, asserting that it truly changes things, including our relationships, circumstances, and spiritual well-being. With relatable anecdotes and challenges, he passionately calls the church to acknowledge spiritual warfare and to put on the armor of God through consistent prayer and supplication in the Spirit. This message resonates deeply, urging us to shift from general to specific requests in our communication with God, fostering a genuine relationship with Him. Whether you’re new to faith or seeking a deeper connection, this sermon offers life-changing insights. Don’t miss the opportunity to transform your prayer life—watch or listen to this inspiring message today!
Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [a]wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [b]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
Are you ready to stand against life's battles and pray with authority? In Pastor Dave's powerful message, he unpacks the hard truth that spiritual warfare is real, urging us not to wrestle against people, but the unseen forces of darkness at play in our lives. Drawing from Ephesians 6, Pastor emphasizes the vital necessity of putting on the whole armor of God to withstand the enemy’s attacks. As he navigates the challenges we face, he reminds us that prayer is our lifeline—an open communication with God, where we freely present our requests. Pastor encourages us to stay awake and watchful, poised to witness the miraculous responses from our prayers. He passionately shares stories of expectation and the profound impact of faith, urging everyone to believe that God still moves and answers prayer today. This sermon isn't just about understanding spiritual battles; it's an invitation to engage, expect, and experience God's faithfulness in our lives. Don't miss the opportunity to reclaim your spiritual stance—watch or listen to the full message now and awaken your faith!
Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [a]wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [b]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Have you ever wrestled with the weight of unforgiveness, wondering how many times you should forgive someone before saying "enough is enough"? In his powerful sermon, Pastor Dave addresses this challenging topic through the lens of Matthew 18, revealing the transformative power of grace and mercy. He illustrates that while we may seek to count offenses, Jesus calls us to forgive up to 490 times—not as an arithmetic exercise, but as a lifestyle of release and healing. Pastor Dave challenges us to see that our own unforgiveness not only shackles our relationships but also obstructs the abundant life God desires for us. He emphasizes the immense debt of sin that we all share, one that God has graciously wiped clean, and invites the congregation to reflect on how this experience of forgiveness should shape our interactions with others. By letting go of our grudges, we free ourselves from the bondage of bitterness. If you find yourself struggling with resentment or harboring pain from past offenses, this message is for you. Join us as we explore the freedom that comes from pouring out grace as we have received it. Don’t hesitate—watch or listen to this transformative message now and discover the life-changing truth about forgiveness.
Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made.
26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’
27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’
29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’
30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.
31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.
35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
Matthew 7:3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?
How do we go from seasons of divine purpose to a path marked by despair? Pastor Dave invites us to delve deep into the story of Ahithophel, a man whose life spiraled from being a revered oracle of God to one consumed by bitterness and grief. In this enlightening sermon, Pastor examines 2 Samuel 16-17, highlighting how Ahithophel, once sought for his wise counsel, succumbed to a bitter heart after witnessing the sins of King David against his family. His tragic end serves as a striking reminder of the silent, destructive power of unforgiveness. Pastor Dave passionately underscores that the bitterness we carry not only affects our spiritual journey but ultimately robs us of our destiny, urging the congregation to self-reflect on their own grievances. Are you carrying bitterness that prevents you from fulfilling your purpose? This poignant message resonates deeply with anyone struggling to let go of past hurts, offering hope and guidance towards forgiveness. Join us on this transformative journey of healing and freedom, and don't miss the chance to receive the wisdom that could set you free. Watch or listen to the full sermon today and take the first step toward liberation!
2 Samuel 16:23 Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one had inquired at the oracle of God. So was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.
2 Samuel 17:23 Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled a donkey, and arose and went home to his house, to his city. Then he put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died; and he was buried in his father’s tomb.
2 Samuel 11:11 It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.
2 Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. 3 So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, “Is this not [a]Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?”
4 Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house. 5 And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, “I am with child.”
Vs 27 after Bathsheba mourned David took her in his house and married her
And this displeased the lord what David had done
2 Samuel 11:3 So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, “Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?”
2 Samuel 23:34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, 35 Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,
Psalm 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
Blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions,
And my sin is always before me. 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned,
And done this evil in Your sight—
Have you ever carried the heavy burden of unforgiveness, feeling trapped by the offenses of others? In this powerful sermon, Pastor Dave dives deep into the biblical story of Joseph—a man who endured betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment yet emerged victorious because of how he chose to handle his offenses. Pastor Dave emphasizes that unforgiveness is not just about others; it's a condition that affects our own spirit, hindering us from stepping into the full potential God has for our lives. With dynamic energy, Pastor Dave encourages the congregation to recognize their own need for forgiveness and healing, reminding them that even in moments of offense, God is orchestrating a path toward their ultimate destiny. Using vivid examples from Joseph’s life and the principle of laying aside grudges, Pastor Dave reveals how true freedom comes when we let go—saying, “release it.” This message invites you to examine the relationships in your life and challenges you to embrace a posture of forgiveness, ushering in God’s favor. Are you ready to break free from the chains of bitterness? Don’t miss the chance to experience a transformation; listen to the full sermon and discover the keys to unlocking your destiny!
Genesis 45:3-4 3 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence. 4 And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.
14 Then he fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. 15 Moreover he kissed all his brothers and wept over them, and after that his brothers talked with him.
5 But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.
7 And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Have you ever felt the weight of unforgiveness dragging you down, like a chain around your heart? In his powerful sermon, Pastor Dave Gargano dives deep into the transformative theme of forgiveness, emphasizing its vital importance in our lives. Drawing from scripture, particularly Matthew 6:15, Pastor invites us to confront the truth that holding onto grudges harms us more than those we’re upset with. He passionately reminds us that while we all sin and fall short of God’s glory, God's provision for our forgiveness is abundant. When we bring our guilt and shame into the light, confessing our wrongs, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Pastor connects this message to our everyday struggles, urging the congregation to release the burdens of offense and bitterness that hinder our spiritual growth and health. This message is a call to action: don’t let unresolved issues fester any longer! Embrace the freedom God offers and step into a fresh start. Join Pastor in this healing journey towards forgiveness—watch or listen to this impactful sermon and take a brave step towards liberation today!
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
Are you feeling spiritually parched, yearning for a revitalizing touch from God? In his powerful sermon, Pastor Dave Gargano draws from Zechariah 10:1 to remind us of the divine promise of rain—a metaphor for God’s favor and presence that brings life and transformation. Just as rain revitalizes dry land, Pastor emphasizes that seeking God’s rain is essential for healing and growth in our lives. He encourages us to look beyond our past pains and embrace God’s plans for our future, assuring us that nothing we endure is wasted; God uses it to bring forth new life. Unpacking the concept of rain, he explains that it requires a lifting force (the Holy Spirit), moisture (God's presence), and often a bit of instability—the challenges we face—to cultivate the flourishing outcomes we desire. If you feel stuck in a dry season, Pastor invites you to ask for the rain of God’s Spirit, believing that it is not just imminent but already on its way to transform your life. Don't miss the chance to hear this uplifting message that could change your spiritual journey; tune in now and prepare for the rain that’s heading your way!
Zechariah 10:1 Ask the Lord for rain In the time of the latter rain. The Lord will make flashing clouds; He will give them showers of rain, Grass in the field for everyone.
Exodus 40:34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
Ezekiel 10:4 4 Then the glory of the Lord went up from the cherub, and paused over the threshold of the temple; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the Lord’s glory.
Exodus 24:15-18 Then Moses climbed up the mountain, and the cloud covered it. And the glory of the Lord settled down on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days. On the seventh day the Lord called to Moses from inside the cloud. To the Israelites at the foot of the mountain, the glory of the Lord appeared at the summit like a consuming fire. Then Moses disappeared into the cloud as he climbed higher up the mountain. He remained on the mountain
forty days and forty nights.
Exodus 13:21 Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and He provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night.
2 Chronicles 5:13-14 KJV It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying, For He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God.
Matthew 17:5-6 But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My dearly loved Son, who brings Me great joy. Listen to Him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.
Isaiah 45:8 “You heavens above, rain down my righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness flourish with it; I, the LORD, have created it.
Pastor Dave emphasizes the importance of Father's Day and the need for honoring fathers in a culture that often overlooks them. He draws parallels between biblical figures, such as King David and his instructions to Solomon, highlighting that true strength comes from obedience to God's word. Pastor Dave encourages men to be vigilant and act like God-designed men, recognizing that their actions have generational consequences. Ultimately, he calls for men to trust in God, put on the armor of faith, and stand firm in their commitment to Christ for a fulfilling legacy.
1 Kings 2:1-4
1 When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son.
2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, 3 and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go 4 and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.
Matthew 18:8-9
8 And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.
Pastor Dave emphasizes the profound impact our words have on our lives and the lives of those around us, urging us to realize that the tongue can bring both life and death. He illustrates how our speech can affect relationships, self-worth, and our spiritual maturity, urging listeners to speak positively and avoid negativity, gossip, and curses. The pastor reminds us that our words reflect our heart, and as we allow God to transform our hearts, we can change the words we express. Ultimately, he invites everyone to acknowledge their struggles with words and seek healing and freedom through God.
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Matthew 12:36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,
James 3:2-12 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.
See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.
Matthew 12:33-34 33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. 34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
In his sermon, Pastor Dave highlights the importance of faith being tested, illustrating that true faith can only be proven through trials, much like gold is refined in fire. He uses the stories of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to emphasize that God is present with us in our trials, affirming that while faith may be challenged, believers should remain steadfast and trust in God's purpose. Pastor encourages the congregation not to run from the fire of life’s challenges, as these experiences serve to refine and strengthen their character and faith. Ultimately, he reassures everyone that they are valuable to God, and through perseverance in their faith, they will witness God's deliverance and strength in their lives.
Zechariah 13:9 cev
Then I will purify them and put them to the test, just as gold and silver are purified and tested. They will pray in my name, and I will answer them; I will say, “You are my people,” and they will reply, “You, Lord, are our God!”
Isaiah 43:2-3
The Passion Translation
When you pass through the deep, stormy sea, you can count on me to be there with you. When you pass through raging rivers, You will not drown; When you walk through persecution like fiery flames, you will not be burned; the flames will not harm you, for I am your Savior, Yahweh, your mighty God, the Holy One of Israel!
Daniel 3 - ESV King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its breadth six cubits. He set it up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.
Daniel 3:12-14 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up?
Proverbs 20:6 NLT Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?
Acts 4:19 NLT But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?
Matthew 7:1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what [b]judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Daniel 3:24-30 - Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king's counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them. Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king's command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
I Peter 1:7-9 Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your FAITH, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory. You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don't see him, yet you trust him - with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you'll get what you're looking forward to: total salvation.
Psalm 23:4 ESV
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Luke 15:1 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
Pastor Dave Gargano’s sermon on Mother’s Day highlights the significance of recognizing problems and seeking Jesus for miracles, illustrated through the story of Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding. He emphasizes that a relationship with Jesus is crucial for understanding and applying the "recipe" for miracles, which includes obeying His commands. Pastor shares that while everyone faces challenges, it's essential to approach Jesus and participate in the miracle by acting in faith, even when the situation seems impossible. Ultimately, through trust and obedience, miracles can manifest in our lives, reflecting God's care for both the big and small issues we encounter.
John 2:1-11 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”
4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”
5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”
6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”
11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.
Pastor Dave emphasizes the significance of baptism in demonstrating one's faith rather than simply explaining it. He draws on the story of Jesus' baptism from the book of Mark, highlighting how Jesus did not need to repent but chose to be baptized to fulfill God's command and model obedience. The pastor encourages the congregation to live out their faith through actions, stating that true validation and blessings come after obedience to God's word. He concludes with a call to repentance and an invitation for those desiring to be baptized to step forward, reinforcing that God's love and acceptance are not contingent upon performance.
Mark 1:1-15 1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the Prophets:
“Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.”
3 “The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’ ”
4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. 8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. 11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
12 Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. 13 And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him.
14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel [f]of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God [g]is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Matthew 3:15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.
Pastor Dave Gargano's sermon focuses on the story of Lot and Sodom from Genesis, emphasizing the gravity of sin and the importance of heeding God's warnings. He illustrates how Lot's wife turned into a pillar of salt for looking back at her past, symbolizing the dangers of allowing one's past to hinder spiritual progress. Pastor Dave warns that negotiation with God, disobedience, and lingering in sin can lead to dire consequences. He encourages the congregation to move forward in faith, leaving behind past transgressions and embracing God's mercy and righteousness.
Genesis 19:1 Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. 2 And he said, “Here now, my lords, please turn in to your servant’s house and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.”
And they said, “No, but we will spend the night in the open square.”
3 But he insisted strongly; so they turned in to him and entered his house. Then he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.
4 Now before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house. 5 And they called to Lot and said to him, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may know them carnally.”
6 So Lot went out to them through the doorway, shut the door behind him, 7 and said, “Please, my brethren, do not do so wickedly! 8 See now, I have two daughters who have not known a man; please, let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them as you wish; only do nothing to these men, since this is the reason they have come under the shadow of my roof.”
9 And they said, “Stand back!” Then they said, “This one came in to stay here, and he keeps acting as a judge; now we will deal worse with you than with them.” So they pressed hard against the man Lot, and came near to break down the door. 10 But the men reached out their hands and pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. 11 And they struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they became weary trying to find the door.
12 Then the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Son-in-law, your sons, your daughters, and whomever you have in the city—take them out of this place! 13 For we will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown great before the face of the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.”
14 So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, “Get up, get out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city!” But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking.
15 When the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, “Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city.” 16 And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. 17 So it came to pass, when they had brought them outside, that he said, “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed.”
18 Then Lot said to them, “Please, no, my lords! 19 Indeed now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have increased your mercy which you have shown me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to the mountains, lest some evil overtake me and I die. 20 See now, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one; please let me escape there (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.”
21 And he said to him, “See, I have favored you concerning this thing also, in that I will not overthrow this city for which you have spoken. 22 Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything until you arrive there.”
Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.
23 The sun had risen upon the earth when Lot entered Zoar. 24 Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.
26 But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
Pastor Dave emphasized that God has a unique plan for everyone, highlighting the significance of Jesus's death and resurrection for all people, including those struggling with various challenges in life. He illustrated that just as a seed must be buried to grow, we also need to surrender our burdens and areas of life that are not thriving to experience true transformation. The message called for self-reflection on what needs to be buried within us to allow God's power to bring forth new life and potential. Ultimately, Pastor Dave urged the congregation to embrace this process of surrender to achieve a deeper relationship with Christ and realize their fullest potential.
Genesis 3:15 - (AMP) “And I will put enmity (open hostility) Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her Seed; He shall [fatally] bruise your head, And you shall [only] bruise His heel
John 12:24 The Message (MSG) “Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over.
Matthew 10:39 (ERV) Those who try to keep the life they have will lose it. But those who give up their life for me will find true life.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMP)
Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].
On Palm Sunday, Pastor Dave emphasizes the crucial need for a savior and the daily reliance on Jesus, not just for eternity but for everyday life. He reflects on the events leading to the crucifixion, highlighting that while people welcomed Jesus with shouts of "Hosanna," many later turned against him, illustrating the fickleness of public opinion and the need for genuine faith. Pastor encourages the congregation to know and understand their beliefs, underscoring that Jesus came to save everyone, including those who seem beyond redemption. Ultimately, he calls for a personal commitment to Jesus, reminding that true transformation happens when we recognize Him as our Savior and respond to His love.
Luke 19:28 After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. 29 As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. 30 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
Matthew 21:9-11 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Luke 19:39-40, Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
Psalms 22:16-18 Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce[a] my hands and my feet.
17 All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. 18 They divide my clothes among them
and cast lots for my garment.
Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Psalms 118:25-26 25 Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
From the house of the Lord we bless you.
Romans 10:9-10 if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
In Pastor Dave's sermon, he shares the story of a widow who faces overwhelming debt and is about to lose her sons to creditors. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing what we still have, even in our times of emptiness, as the prophet Elijah asks her, "What's in your house?" Pastor Dave encourages the congregation to come to God empty and ready to be filled, highlighting that miracles often arise from our humility and willingness to surrender. The core message is about faith in God's provision; when we recognize our emptiness and trust Him, His blessings will flow abundantly into our lives.
2 Kings 4 A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves.”
2 So Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.”
3 Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not gather just a few. 4 And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones.”
5 So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured it out. 6 Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.”
And he said to her, “There is not another vessel.” So the oil ceased. 7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.”
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Pastor Dave begins by emphasizing God's desire for us to do supernatural things, especially in challenging times. He recounts the story of Peter walking on water, highlighting that true faith involves asking God for direction and acting on His word, even amid storms. Pastor Dave stresses the importance of focusing on Jesus rather than the overwhelming circumstances surrounding us, explaining that fear can cause us to sink. Ultimately, he calls the congregation to respond to God's invitation, reminding them that Jesus is always ready to catch and save those who cry out for help.
Matthew 14:22 22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
Proverbs 26:11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness.
In his sermon, Pastor Dave emphasizes that everyone experiences moments of paralysis in their lives, whether spiritually, physically, or emotionally. He reminds the congregation that true healing comes from Jesus, who asks each of us if we truly want to be made well. Pastor Dave encourages listeners to stand up, pick up their "mats"—their pasts and burdens—and move forward, sharing their testimonies rather than hiding from them. Ultimately, he assures the congregation that their identity is not defined by past mistakes but by the transformative power of God's grace.
John 5:1-9 - Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. 2 Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”
7 “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”
8 Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”
9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath,
Psalms 62:5 My soul is quiet and waits for God alone. My hope comes from Him.
Only God gives inward peace, and I depend on him.
Acts 2:14 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.
Ezekiel 2:1-2 He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” 2 As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
In this sermon, Pastor Dave emphasizes that even in the midst of seemingly hopeless situations—like being shipwrecked or bitten by a snake—God remains in control and has a plan for our lives. He uses the story of Paul in Acts to illustrate that sometimes we find ourselves on unexpected islands, but these circumstances can serve a greater purpose. Pastor encourages the congregation to shake off negativity and doubts, reminding them that what doesn't kill us ultimately strengthens us, and that God can use our trials for His glory. Ultimately, everyone is urged to trust in God's promises, recognizing that through challenges, our testimonies can inspire others.
Acts 27:20-26 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.
21 After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. 22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”
Acts 28:1- Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta.
2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a snake a viper
4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.”
5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.
6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happened to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
7 There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. 8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. 9 When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10 They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.
Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Or quit
Pastor delivered a powerful message emphasizing that storms and challenges in life often serve a greater purpose and are not necessarily a result of personal wrongdoing. Drawing from the story of Paul in Acts 27, he encouraged the congregation to focus on God's word rather than questioning why difficulties arise, reminding them that God's promises remain intact despite hardships. Pastor highlighted the importance of shifting perspectives to recognize how challenges can be part of God's plan, guiding individuals toward their true destiny. Ultimately, he urged everyone to move beyond their "why" and grasp the truth of God's unwavering faithfulness and purpose for their lives.
Acts 27:20-26 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.
21 After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. 22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”
Acts 28:1- Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta.
2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a snake a viper
4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.”
5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.
6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happened to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
7 There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. 8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. 9 When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10 They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.
Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Or quit
Pastor Dave's sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and cultivating our love for Jesus, specifically distinguishing between different types of love, such as agape and phileo. He challenges the congregation to reflect on their relationship with Jesus, questioning if their actions truly demonstrate a deep commitment to Him. Using the dialogue between Jesus and Peter, Pastor highlights Jesus' desire for authentic, sacrificial love and encourages believers to prioritize their faith over worldly distractions. Ultimately, he invites those who feel distant from God to seek restoration and deepen their spiritual maturity through a genuine connection with Christ.
John 21:15-17 15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”
16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.
Pastor Dave reminds us that we must prioritize our love for God above all else. Drawing from Revelation, he emphasizes that while we may be active in our works and service, we can fall away from our first love for Jesus, leading to spiritual stagnation. He urges us to remember our past love for Him, repent for our distractions, and return to the passion we once had in our relationship with God. Ultimately, Pastor Dave calls for a heartfelt reconnection with Jesus, highlighting that genuine love is demonstrated through commitment and action.
Revelations 2:1-5 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,
‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.
Pastor Dave introduces a sermon series titled "For the Love of God," emphasizing the importance of understanding and embodying God's love, particularly through the lens of John 3:16. He contrasts different types of love—eros, philia, and agape—highlighting that agape love is unconditional and expects nothing in return. Throughout the message, he challenges the congregation to reflect on their own relationships and the false expectations that can lead to frustration when love is conditional or transactional. Ultimately, Pastor Dave calls for a deeper commitment to God's love, encouraging individuals to respond and align their lives with the example of unconditional love God has demonstrated.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Romans 5:8 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Psalms 116:12-14 What shall I render to the Lord For all His benefits toward me? 13 I will take up the cup of salvation, And call upon the name of the Lord. 14 I will pay my vows to the Lord Now in the presence of all His people.
In his sermon, Pastor Dave emphasizes that God's call for us is to thrive, starting not in the distant future but immediately upon accepting salvation. He highlights that many Christians struggle to live abundantly because they do not fully understand their identity and position in Christ, often succumbing to sin and ignoring the active work of the Holy Spirit within them. As we grasp God's promises and allow the Holy Spirit's transformative power to work in us, we will begin to experience miracles and thrive in our daily lives. Ultimately, thriving requires us to recognize God's conditions for blessings and to actively engage with His presence and Word for true change and growth.
Ephesian 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
In Pastor Dave's sermon, he emphasizes the importance of transforming our thought life in order to thrive in our faith and lives. Using Ephesians 3:20, he reassures that God's power works within us, challenging the congregation to overcome "stinking thinking" that hinders their growth. Pastor Dave calls for a conscious effort to capture every thought, aligning it with God's word, and encourages the audience to reject negative influences and thoughts that do not reflect their new identity in Christ. Ultimately, he advocates for a mindful approach to thinking, leading to spiritual renewal and a thriving Christian life.
Ephesians 3:20 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
“Eat and drink!” he says to you,
But his heart is not with you.
Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Ephesians 4:22-24 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Pastor Dave emphasized the church's vision to help individuals recognize and reach their potential through a deep understanding of their position in Christ. He highlighted that thriving in 2025 requires recognizing God's ability to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think, while also acknowledging our need to ask according to His will and in faith. Pastor Dave urged the congregation to guard and meditate on God's Word, as it provides the foundation for thriving and answering prayers, rather than relying on worldly distractions. In closing, he called for humility and repentance, encouraging everyone to bring their requests directly to God and to seek His guidance first in every area of their lives.
Ephesians 3:20 Now unto HIM who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Phil. 4:6 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Matthew 6:8 For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
1 John 5:14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Matthew 21:21-22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. 22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
John 14:13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
John 15:7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
Job 35:12 There they cry out, but He does not answer,
Because of the pride of evil men.
James 4:6 God resists the proud or apposes the plans of the proud
But gives grace to the humble
James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
1 John 3:22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.
Pastor Dave emphasizes that the upcoming Thrive 2025 era is about unlocking the potential within each individual to thrive, regardless of their current circumstances. He urges the congregation to recognize their identity in Christ and to believe in the transformative power of God’s grace, which allows them to move from a state of ‘dead’ to ‘alive.’ Citing the book of Ephesians, Pastor Dave encourages everyone to embrace their position as victorious children of God and to act boldly in their faith. Ultimately, he reassures the church that God is capable of exceeding their highest hopes and that with belief and action, they will thrive in 2025 and beyond.
Ephesians 2:1,22
2 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Ephesians 3
6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,
12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. 13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
In his sermon, Pastor Dave welcomes everyone to the online blessing service and emphasizes the importance of communal participation despite being at home. He introduces the contents of the blessing box, including communion elements and an anointing cloth that symbolizes God’s blessings and presence in their homes. Pastor Dave highlights the significance of anointing their homes with oil and invites families to pray for God’s protection and presence to thrive in their space. He concludes by encouraging everyone to share their testimonies of how God has touched their lives and ensures that they are entering into 2025 with faith and a commitment to thrive in their faith journeys.
Pastor Dave delivered a powerful sermon celebrating the birth of Jesus, emphasizing that this event is not just a birthday but the fulfillment of God's divine plan for humanity. He highlighted the significance of the virgin birth and the resurrection, affirming that these truths form the foundation of Christian faith and provide access to salvation. Pastor Dave urged the congregation to recognize the true meaning of Christmas, shifting the focus from material gifts to the gift of Jesus, who came to deliver and transform lives. As he encouraged a personal response to this message, he invited those seeking a relationship with God to come forward and embrace the opportunity for spiritual renewal.
Pastor Dave’s sermon at Road to Life Church focused on the importance of knowing the Scriptures and the power of God. He discussed the Sadducees, who questioned Jesus about resurrection with misunderstanding and sarcasm, highlighting that many people attend church without truly believing or understanding God’s word and power. The pastor emphasized that our actions reflect our beliefs and that knowing the Bible intimately can lead to transformative power in our lives. Ultimately, he encouraged the congregation to engage with Scripture actively, to seek God’s truth and power, and to not let their lives be dictated by misunderstanding or skepticism.
Matthew 22:23-29 23 The same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked Him, 24 saying: “Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. 25 Now there were with us seven brothers. The first died after he had married, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother. 26 Likewise the second also, and the third, even to the seventh. 27 Last of all the woman died also. 28 Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her.” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “You are [a]mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.
In today's sermon, Pastor Dave emphasizes the significance of God's calling in our lives, questioning whether we truly value what He has done for us. He reminds the congregation that God separates us to draw us closer to Himself, not for our comfort, but so we can actively participate in His mission. Pastor challenges the apathy within the church, urging everyone to step out of complacency and serve the community, highlighting that faith is not just about receiving blessings but sharing them. Ultimately, Pastor Dave calls for a recommitment to living purposefully for God's kingdom, acknowledging that faith must result in action.
Numbers 16:8-9
8 Then Moses said to Korah, “Hear now, you sons of Levi: 9 Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the work of the tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the congregation to serve them;
Numbers 16:8-9
8 Then Moses said to Korah, “Hear now, you sons of Levi: 9 Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the work of the tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the congregation to serve them;
In his sermon, Pastor Dave emphasizes the importance of recognizing the significance of God's separation in our lives. He uses the story of Moses and the Israelites to illustrate how people often complain and forget the miracles God has performed for them. Pastor Dave challenges the congregation to reflect on their apathy and to see their faith as more than a small thing, urging them to trust in God's promises, even when they face difficulties. Ultimately, he calls for a separation from past struggles and a commitment to follow God's path wholeheartedly.
Numbers 16:8-10
8 Then Moses said to Korah, “Hear now, you sons of Levi: 9 Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the work of the tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the congregation to serve them; 10 and that He has brought you near to Himself, you and all your brethren, the sons of Levi, with you? And are you seeking the priesthood also?
Pastor Dave shared insights from the movie "Top Gun," using it as a metaphor for personal growth and forgiveness. He emphasized that just like the characters in the film, we often struggle with letting go of our past and holding grudges that prevent us from moving forward. Drawing from scripture, he stated that to truly heal and grow, we must practice agape love, pray for those who have wronged us, and extend forgiveness without waiting for apologies. Ultimately, Pastor Dave encouraged the congregation to release their burdens and embrace a new beginning by accepting God's grace.
Isaiah 43:18-19 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Matthew 5:43-48 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Ephesians 4:32 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Pastor Dave's sermon focuses on the rising epidemic of anxiety in today's society, particularly among youth, using the animated film "Inside Out 2" as a springboard for discussion. He emphasizes that while feelings of anxiety can overwhelm us, true peace can only be found through a relationship with God and consistent prayer. Pastor Dave shares his personal struggle with anxiety, illustrating how fear can control our lives if we let it, but insists that faith and trust in God can break that cycle. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to bring their worries to God, highlighting that prayer is not just a last resort but a powerful tool for transformation and healing.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Hebrews 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Psalms 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord Forever.
Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Pastor Dave shared an inspiring message about the power of faith, highlighting underdog stories like that of Kurt Warner and Rahab. He emphasized that despite life's challenges and setbacks, faith can lead to unexpected victories and fulfillment of dreams. Using Rahab as an example, he illustrated how trusting in God can transform one's life, taking her from a life of shame to becoming an ancestor of Jesus. The sermon encouraged everyone to keep pursuing their dreams and not to give up, reminding them that faith empowers them to overcome obstacles and achieve their destinies.
Joshua 2:1- 5 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. 2 The king of Jericho was told, “Look, some of the Israelites have come here tonight to spy out the land.” 3 So the king of Jericho sent this message to Rahab: “Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, because they have come to spy out the whole land.” 4 But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. She said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they had come from. 5 At dusk, when it was time to close the city gate, they left. I don’t know which way they went. Go after them quickly. You may catch up with them.”
8 Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof 9 and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
1 John 5:4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
Joshua 2:12-14 “Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign 13 that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.”
14 “Our lives for your lives!” the men assured her. “If you don’t tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the Lord gives us the land.”
Matthew 1:5-6
5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,
Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,
Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of King David.
Hebrews 11:31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.
Philippians 4:13
13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Pastor Dave emphasizes the importance of recognizing that while we may have our own life plans, God's plans often lead us in unexpected and necessary directions. He uses the character of Spider-Man, particularly in the movie "Far from Home," to illustrate how we may feel unprepared or reluctant to accept the roles and responsibilities God presents to us. Through the story, Pastor Dave encourages us to trust in God's greater purpose and to be willing to let go of our own plans in favor of His, as His intentions are always for our good. Ultimately, the sermon calls for faith and action, urging everyone to take the next step forward in their relationship with God.
Proverbs 19:21 You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Matthew 26:39 “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will your plan to be done, not mine.”
Proverbs 16:3 Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
In his sermon, Pastor Dave discusses the theme of overcoming fear, particularly the spirit of fear that comes from the enemy, and emphasizes that God wants us to live fear-free lives. He draws upon Isaiah 43:1, reminding the church that God has created, formed, redeemed, and called each person by name, assuring them that they belong to Him. Pastor highlights that although believers may face challenges like dangerous waters or fires, God's presence will protect and guide them through these trials. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to embrace their identity in Christ and trust in God's redemptive plan, allowing them to live without fear.
Isaiah 43:1-2 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
Isaiah 42:24-25 Who gave Jacob for plunder, and Israel to the robbers? Was it not the Lord, He against whom we have sinned? For they would not walk in His ways, Nor were they obedient to His law. 25 Therefore He has poured on him the fury of His anger And the strength of battle; It has set him on fire all around, Yet he did not know; And it burned him, Yet he did not take it to heart.
Isaiah 43:3-4 For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. 4 Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you;
Real Talk Kim shares a powerful message about the importance of recognizing our potential and the choices we make in life. She emphasizes the difference between pivoting out of pressure and getting stuck in it, encouraging the audience to take control of their paths and not let past experiences define them. Through personal stories, she highlights that even after setbacks, it's crucial to keep moving forward and trusting in God's plans. The sermon concludes with a call for self-forgiveness and a commitment to making positive changes, reinforcing that as long as one is alive, there is always a chance to pursue dreams and fulfill one's destiny.
Pastor Dave delivered a powerful message titled "Whom Shall I Fear?" focusing on the theme of overcoming fear and recognizing God's presence in difficult situations. He used the Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt as an example, highlighting how their fear could have led them back to bondage instead of freedom. Even when faced with insurmountable odds, such as Pharaoh's army pursuing them, the message emphasized that God hears our cries for help and facilitates our freedom. Ultimately, Pastor Dave encourages you to trust in God's plan, understand the importance of perseverance in faith, and not to retreat back into fear or past bondage.
Exodus 14:4 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.” So the Israelites did this.
5 When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, “What have we done? We have let the Israelites go and have lost their services!” 6 So he had his chariot made ready and took his army with him. 7 He took six hundred of the best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them. 8 The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out boldly
9 The Egyptians—all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen and troops—pursued the Israelites and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi Hahiroth, opposite Baal Zephon.
10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. 11 They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”
13 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
15 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. 16 Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. 17 I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. 18 The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen.”
Exodus 14:29 But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. 30 That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. 31 And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.
Pastor Dave addresses the pervasive nature of fear and its ability to paralyze lives, emphasizing that fear does not come from God. Using scriptures, he highlights the importance of distinguishing between light and darkness, urging believers to expose fear and not let it influence their decisions. He shares the story of Jehoshaphat, who, upon facing fear, chose to seek God and pray instead of succumbing to paralysis, reminding the congregation that they must do the same. Ultimately, Pastor Dave encourages everyone to replace fear with faith, affirming that God is in control of their battles and urging them to trust in His promises.
2 Chronicles 20:1-4 It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites, came to battle against Jehoshaphat. 2 Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar”. 3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.
vs 6 and said: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You?
vs 14,15 Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 15 And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
Vs 20 So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.”
Psalms 30:5
For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.
Pastor Duerre shared a personal testimony about overcoming significant health challenges, emphasizing that despite facing storms in life, faith in God can provide peace. He recounted how, during a recent health crisis, God kept his promise and healed him, illustrating that trusting in God's presence and power is essential for navigating life's difficulties. The message centered on the importance of focusing on the Savior rather than the storms we face, encouraging congregants to maintain faith in God's unwavering support. Ultimately, Pastor assured everyone that as long as Jesus is present in their lives, they will be alright, reminding them that healing and hope are always possible through faith.
Mark 4:35-41 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Pastor Dave encourages congregation members to recognize their potential through God’s invitation to come as they are. He emphasizes the importance of resting in God’s presence, releasing burdens, and receiving blessings while explaining that the blessings are meant to draw them closer to God rather than accumulate material wealth. He highlights the struggles many face in life, urging the acceptance of God's love and forgiveness to overcome curses and negative labels. The sermon culminates in a powerful call for people to embrace this invitation, leading to many in the congregation coming forward for prayer and renewal.
Psalms 134: Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord!
2 Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord! 3 May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth!
Psalm 34 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
In this sermon, Pastor Dave discusses the importance of inviting others to experience the love of Jesus, emphasizing that Christians should act as "fishers of men." He shares stories from the Bible, highlighting how Jesus sought out those who were often overlooked or judged by society, proving that no one is beyond redemption. Pastor Dave also encourages the congregation to share their personal testimonies as a means of outreach and to create connections with people who need to hear about God's grace. Ultimately, he challenges everyone to actively invite others to church and to be part of the mission to bring people to Christ.
Luke 19:5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”
6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”
Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Romans 10:13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Romans 10:14 But how can they call on Him if they have not put their trust in Him? And how can they put their trust in Him if they have not heard of Him? And how can they hear of Him unless someone tells them? 15 And how can someone tell them if he is not sent? The Holy Writings say, “The feet of those who bring the Good News are beautiful.”
1 John 5:10 10 The one who believes in the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies confidently on Him as Savior] has the testimony within himself
Matthew 28:19-20 9 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
John 1:45-47 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
Pastor Dave delivers a powerful message about the importance of accepting God's invitation into His family, regardless of one's background or past mistakes. He emphasizes that true worship is about pouring out everything we have to God, much like the woman who anointed Jesus' feet, demonstrating that love and forgiveness are paramount over judgment. Pastor Dave challenges the notion of exclusivity in faith, stressing that everyone, especially those who feel unworthy or rejected, is welcomed. Ultimately, he calls the church to invite and compel others to experience the same grace and love he preaches, reminding all that they are indeed invited into God’s embrace.
Luke 7:37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume.
38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
Vs 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”
40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”
“Tell me, teacher,” he said.
44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Pastor Dave Gargano's sermon "You're Invited" emphasizes the power of invitations and the impact they have on our lives. He shares personal stories and biblical examples to illustrate how invitations can lead to life-changing experiences. Pastor Dave challenges the audience to use their words as invitations to share God's love and grace with others. He calls for action, encouraging everyone to extend personal invitations to church and commit to inviting others to experience God's love and grace.
Proverbs 18:21 says the tongue has the power of life and death
Matthew 5:13 You are the salt of the earth
Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world
2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
Matthew 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever doors you lock on earth will be locked in heaven, and whatever you open on earth will be opened in heaven.”
Luke 6:36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.
Romans 12:3 I realize God has treated me with undeserved grace, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you.
Matthew 11:28 If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest.
Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and don't try to stop them! People who are like these children belong to God's kingdom.”
John 7:37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.
John 6:37 Everything and everyone that the Father has given me will come to me, and I won't turn any of them away.
2 Peter 1:3-4
The Message Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received!
Matt 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 12:21 NIV In his name the nations will put their hope.
Romans 10:14 How can people have faith in the Lord and ask him to save them, if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear, unless someone tells them?
Matthew 22:9-10 “Then he told his servants, ‘We have a wedding banquet all prepared but no guests. The ones I invited weren’t up to it. Go out into the busiest intersections in town and invite anyone you find to the banquet.’ The servants went out on the streets and rounded up everyone they laid eyes on, good and bad, regardless. And so the banquet was on—every place filled.
Luke 5: 31-32 Jesus heard about it and spoke up, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting outsiders, not insiders—an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out.”
Ephesians 1:1-6 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Pastor Dave's sermon titled "Blessings" highlights the significance of prioritizing spiritual blessings over material possessions. Encouraging the church to focus on spiritual blessings, Pastor Dave emphasizes the transformative power of God's love, urging believers to embrace their chosen, holy, and loved identity in Christ. Through understanding and walking in these spiritual blessings, the congregation is inspired to live impactful lives guided by God's eternal truth.
Ephesians 1:1-6 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Redemption in Christ 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
Romans 5:1-8 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Pastor Dave's sermon "RE-STORY" focuses on God as a restorer, emphasizing repentance, discipline, and restoration. Using examples from Judea and Joel, he highlights God's faithfulness in providing abundance and preparing individuals for their purpose. The sermon encourages praise, trust in God's protection, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in experiencing a new story of peace, safety, and completeness.
Joel 2:25-27
“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. 26 You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame. 27 Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the Lord your God And there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame.
Joel 2:21
Fear not, O land; Be glad and rejoice, For the Lord has done marvelous things! 22 Do not be afraid, you beasts of the field; For the open pastures are springing up, And the tree bears its fruit; The fig tree and the vine yield their strength. 23 Be glad then, you children of Zion, And rejoice in the Lord your God; For He has given you the former rain faithfully, And He will cause the rain to come down for you— The former rain, And the latter rain in the first month. 24 The threshing floors shall be full of wheat, And the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil. 25 “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. 26 You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,
Psalms 34:1
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalms 34:3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us praise His name together.
Joel 2:28-32 “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, Your young men shall see visions. 29 And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. 30 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. 32 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.
Pastor Dave's sermon "M&M's" stresses stewardship and tithing, emphasizing God's ownership of all resources and believers' role as faithful managers. Using the analogy of a bag of M&M's representing income, he guides the congregation on wise financial allocation. The sermon culminates in a challenge to commit to tithing, with Pastor Dave offering a 90-day tithe challenge and resources for support. Through real-life testimonies and biblical wisdom, Pastor Dave inspires trust in God's provision and encourages a lifestyle of generosity and faithful stewardship.
Proverbs 23:4 NIV Do not wear yourself out to get rich; Have the wisdom to show restraint
Proverbs 23:5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
JOB 41:11 Everything under heaven belongs to me.
.Psalms 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price.
Deuteronomy 8:17-19 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth,
Malachi 3:8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
Exodus 13:1-2 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine.”
Exodus 13:12 that you shall set apart to the Lord all that open the womb, that is, every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the Lord’s.
Exodus 13:13 But every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. And all the firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem.
Proverbs 3:9-10 9
Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your (income) increase;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.
Exodus 23:19 The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God.
Genesis 4:3-5 And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord accepted or respected Abel and his offering, 5 but He did not accept Cain and his offering.
Leviticus 27:30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord.
Exodus 13:14-15 So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is this?’ that you shall say to him, ‘By strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 15 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the Lord killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore I sacrifice to the Lord all males that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’
In Pastor Dave's sermon, he explores the concept of generosity and its significance for Christians, emphasizing that God values our hearts above material possessions. Giving with the right heart attitude is essential, as highlighted through the story of Mary's generous act contrasted with Judas' selfishness. Generosity should stem from a genuine desire to give, avoiding pride and selfish motives, as seen through various examples and biblical teachings. Pastor Dave urges self-reflection and a transformation of hearts towards generosity, aligning with God's nature as the ultimate example of giving.
John 12:1-6 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.
John 6:70-71 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” 71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.
Proverbs 11:24-26
The Message 24 The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.25 The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped. 26 Curses on those who drive a hard bargain! Blessings on all who play fair and square!
Mark 14:9 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” 71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.
Hebrew 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
2 Corinthians 9:7-9 New King James Version (NKJV)
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
2 Corinthians 3:9-17 (Amplified Bible)
9 For if the ministry that brings condemnation [the old covenant, the Law] has glory, how much more does glory overflow in the ministry that brings righteousness [the new covenant which declares believers free of guilt and sets them apart for God’s special purpose]! 10 Indeed, what had glory [the Law], in this case no longer has glory because of the glory that surpasses it [the gospel]. 11 For if that [Law] which fades away came with glory, how much more must that [gospel] which remains and is permanent abide in glory and splendor!
12 Since we have such a [glorious] hope and confident expectation, we speak with great courage, 13 and we are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the Israelites would not gaze at the end of the glory which was fading away. 14 But [in fact] their minds were hardened [for they had lost the ability to understand]; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed [only] in Christ. 15 But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil [of blindness] lies over their heart; 16 but whenever a person turns [in repentance and faith] to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom].
In Pastor Dave's sermon "Miracles," he welcomes both in-person and online attendees, emphasizing God's ability to work miracles anywhere. Highlighting the stories of Jesus healing the blind in John 9 and Mark 8, Pastor Dave stresses the importance of faith and trust in God's power. He urges the congregation to share their testimonies and see their challenges as temporary, leading to a brighter future. Overall, the sermon focuses on God's desire to perform miracles in our lives and our need to have faith and trust in His best for us.
John 9:1 Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth.
6 When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. 7 And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing.
Mark 8:22 Then He came to Bethsaida; and they brought a blind man to Him, and begged Him to touch him. 23 So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything. 24 And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.” 25 Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly.
Isaiah 43:19 For I am about to do something new. See I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Luke 1:37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Pastor Dave Gargano emphasizes the crucial role of fathers amidst attacks from the enemy and the prevalence of father wounds in society. He underscores the negative consequences of fatherlessness and the need for restoration of broken father-child relationships. Through statistics and the prodigal son parable, Pastor Dave highlights the importance of fathers stepping into their roles and seeking God's healing. The sermon concludes with an invitation for all, including men, to come forward and receive God's forgiveness and love, portraying Him as a loving and compassionate father who welcomes all who seek Him.
Luke 15:11-23 - 11 Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. 14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’
20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry;
In Pastor Dave's sermon "We are the CHURCH," unity is emphasized as key for growth and maturity in the body of Christ. He stresses the importance of active participation, using one's gifts to serve God and others effectively. The call to action challenges individuals to examine their roles and be obedient to God's calling, contributing to the church in meaningful ways. Ultimately, the sermon underscores the significance of unity, service, and obedience in fulfilling one's role within the church.
Today, Pastor Dave emphasized the importance of the church community and following Jesus' commands. He acknowledged that the church isn't perfect but urged hypocrites to seek growth within it. Pastor Dave discussed the relevance and stability of the church until Jesus' return, highlighting maturity and resisting false teachings. He gave an altar call for growth and commitment to faith, and for salvation for those seeking Jesus.
Ephesians 4: 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the [a]edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
Pastor Dave stresses the significance of the Church in believers' lives, focusing on unity, maturity, and using gifts to build up the body of Christ. He emphasizes the role of equipping the saints by pastors, the impact of community on transformation, and the need for bringing personal struggles to God for deliverance. The sermon stresses the importance of unity, love, and growth in faith, highlighting the Church as a powerful tool for spiritual development and encountering God's blessings.
Ephesians 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the ]edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
Pastor Dave Gargano's sermon, "We are the CHURCH," underscores the significance of the church in our lives, challenging the notion that it's only for flawless individuals. He illustrates how the church, akin to a functioning body, enables growth, learning, community, and a collective impact. Using the Ephesus church as a model, he urges against complacency and advocates for engagement, equipping, and active participation in the church's mission. Overall, he stresses the essential role of the church in empowering believers to fulfill God's purpose and make a lasting impact in the world.
Ephesians 4:11-12 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
Pastor Dave Gargano's sermon for Mother's Day delves into Jesus's crucifixion at Calvary, focusing on the presence of Mary and her significance at the foot of the cross. He highlights the sacrificial love of mothers and their unwavering support, urging the congregation to honor and emulate these qualities. By referencing biblical passages, Pastor Gargano emphasizes the importance of allowing children to grow independently while remaining connected to their mothers. He also cautions against idolizing Mary and redirects focus towards emulating her qualities in prayer. In conclusion, the sermon celebrates the unique impact of mothers in our lives.
John 19:25-27 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.
Luke 17:32 Remember Lot's wife! 33 Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.
Pastor Dave Gargano's sermon "Future" focuses on understanding God's thoughts for us and our future. He emphasizes the importance of knowing God's thoughts, which are higher and beyond our own. God has specific plans and provisions for each individual, showcasing his care and ability to fulfill his purposes. Salvation is highlighted as a free gift, urging the audience to trust in God's plans, deepen their relationship with Him, and embrace His provisions in their lives.
Isaiah 55:8-9
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
9“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Psalms 139:17-18
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.
Psalms 40:5 Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works
Which You have done;
And Your thoughts toward us
Cannot be recounted to You in order;
If I would declare and speak of them,
They are more than can be numbered.
Pastor Dave Gargano's sermon "Future" discusses how our future is predetermined by God despite challenges from the devil, using Luke 22:31-32 as a foundation. Jesus' prayers for Peter's faith, return after falling away, and restoration apply to believers today. Gargano urges faith as crucial for reaching our future, emphasizing God's promise to work all things for good. The sermon concludes with an invitation to accept Jesus, highlighting the transformative impact of faith and God's love on one's life and future.
Luke 22:31-33 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
Romans 8:28 and we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose
Pastor Dave Gargano discusses the significance of understanding our purpose and future as children of God, focusing on developing a relationship with Jesus Christ as our primary goal. He explains that our future is already determined by God, encouraging us to pursue His plans with faith and obedience. Despite challenges and opposition from the enemy, Pastor Dave advises us to persevere and trust God, as trials are opportunities for growth and refinement. Using the analogy of sifting wheat, he stresses the importance of staying committed to our faith during tough times, believing that God is preparing us for a fulfilling future.
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.
In this sermon, Pastor Dave Gargano discusses the power of the cross and its significance in our lives. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and confronting our barriers, as God wants to address the root of our issues. Pastor Dave explores how the cross plays a crucial role in salvation, emphasizing Jesus' sacrifice for humanity's sins. He concludes by inviting the congregation to surrender their burdens to the cross, symbolically nailing their struggles as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and celebrating in worship.
1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
Luke 14:27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
Ephesians 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
Joshua 7:1 But the children of Israel committed a trespass regarding the accursed things, for Achan the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed things; so the anger of the Lord burned against the children of Israel.
2 Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Beth Aven, on the east side of Bethel, and spoke to them, saying, “Go up and spy out the country.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. 3 And they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not let all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai. Do not weary all the people there, for the people of Ai are few.” 4 So about three thousand men went up there from the people, but they fled before the men of Ai. 5 And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six men, for they chased them from before the gate as far as Shebarim, and struck them down on the descent; therefore the hearts of the people melted and became like water.
6 Then Joshua tore his clothes, and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the Lord until evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads. 7 And Joshua said, “Alas, Lord God, why have You brought this people over the Jordan at all—to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? Oh, that we had been content, and dwelt on the other side of the Jordan! 8 O Lord, what shall I say when Israel turns its back before its enemies? 9 For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear it, and surround us, and cut off our name from the earth. Then what will You do for Your great name?”
10 So the Lord said to Joshua: “Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face? 11 Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. For they have even taken some of the accursed things, and have both stolen and deceived; and they have also put it among their own stuff.
Joshua 7:19 Now Joshua said to Achan, “My son, I beg you, give glory to the Lord God of Israel, and make confession to Him, and tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.”
20 And Achan answered Joshua and said, “Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and this is what I have done: 21 When I saw among the spoils a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. And there they are, hidden in the earth in the midst of my tent, with the silver under it.”
Joshua 6:1 Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in.
2 And the Lord said to Joshua: “See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor.
Vs 20 So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Genesis 39:1- 39 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there. 2 The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. 4 So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. 5 So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field. 6 Thus he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate.
Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.
7 And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.”
8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. 9 There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”
10 So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her.
11 But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside, 12 that she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside. 13 And so it was, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and fled outside, 14 that she called to the men of her house and spoke to them, saying, “See, he has brought in to us a Hebrew to mock us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice. 15 And it happened, when he heard that I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me, and fled and went outside.”
1 corinthians 10 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man;
but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
2 Timothy 2:24-26 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
3 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its width six cubits. He set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 2 And King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to gather together the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 So the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered together for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 Then a herald cried aloud: “To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; 6 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”
7 So at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, harp, and lyre, in symphony with all kinds of music, all the people, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the gold image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and accused the Jews. 9 They spoke and said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, have made a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the gold image; 11 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.”
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?”
They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”
25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
26 Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here.” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire. 27 And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.
28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! 29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this.”
30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Luke 10:30 Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”
37 And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.”
Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
1 Peter 5:10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
Psalms 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 5:1-2, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Phillipians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Hosea 4:1-10
Hear the word of the Lord,
You children of Israel,
For the Lord brings a charge[a] against the inhabitants of the land:
“There is no truth or mercy
Or knowledge of God in the land.
2
By swearing and lying,
Killing and stealing and committing adultery,
They break all restraint,
With bloodshed [b]upon bloodshed.
3
Therefore the land will mourn;
And everyone who dwells there will waste away
With the beasts of the field
And the birds of the air;
Even the fish of the sea will be taken away.
4
“Now let no man contend, or rebuke another;
For your people are like those who contend with the priest.
5
Therefore you shall stumble in the day;
The prophet also shall stumble with you in the night;
And I will destroy your mother.
6
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also will reject you from being priest for Me;
Because you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.
7
“The more they increased,
The more they sinned against Me;
I[c] will change [d]their glory into shame.
8
They eat up the sin of My people;
They set their [e]heart on their iniquity.
9
And it shall be: like people, like priest.
So I will punish them for their ways,
And [f]reward them for their deeds.
10
For they shall eat, but not have enough;
They shall commit harlotry, but not increase;
Because they have ceased obeying the Lord.
John 8:31-32 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Matthew 11:28-30 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Malachi 3:8-12
8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. 11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts; 12 “And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the Lord of hosts.
Joshua 6:18-19 18 And you, by all means abstain from the accursed things, lest you become accursed when you take of the accursed things, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. 19 But all the silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, are consecrated to the Lord; they shall come into the treasury of the Lord.”
Lev. 27 30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord.
Mark 12:41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how Jesus watched HOW they gave the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”
Genesis 14:18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said:“Blessed be Abram of God Most High,Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all.
3 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its width six cubits. He set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 2 And King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to gather together the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 So the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered together for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 Then a herald cried aloud: “To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; 6 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”
7 So at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, harp, and lyre, in symphony with all kinds of music, all the people, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the gold image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Daniel’s Friends Disobey the King
8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and accused the Jews. 9 They spoke and said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, have made a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the gold image; 11 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.”
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
Saved in Fiery Trial
19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?”
They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”
25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
Nebuchadnezzar Praises God
26 Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here.” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire. 27 And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.
28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! 29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this.”
30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon.
Psalms 126:1-6
When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion,
We were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us,
And we are glad.
4 Bring back our captivity, O Lord,
As the streams in the South.
5 Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in joy.
6 He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him.
Luke 17:11-19
11 Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12 Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. 13 And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”
14 So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.
17 So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”
Isaiah 43:1-2 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I gave Egypt for your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4
Since you were precious in My sight,
You have been honored,
And I have loved you;
Therefore I will give men for you,
And people for your life.
5 Fear not, for I am with you;
Isaiah 42: 23
Who among you will give ear to this?
Who will listen and hear for the time to come?
24
Who gave Jacob for plunder, and Israel to the robbers?
Was it not the Lord,
He against whom we have sinned?
For they would not walk in His ways,
Nor were they obedient to His law.
25
Therefore He has poured on him the fury of His anger
And the strength of battle;
It has set him on fire all around,
Yet he did not know;
And it burned him,
Yet he did not take it to heart.
Hebrews 11:6 The lord disciplines the ones he loves….
Judges 6:11-17 Now the Angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth tree which was in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide it from the Midianites. 12 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!”
13 Gideon said to Him, “O my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.”
14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?”
15 So he said to Him, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”
16 And the Lord said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.”
17 Then he said to Him, “If now I have found favor in Your sight, then show me a sign that it is You who talk with me.
Vs 36-40 36 So Gideon said to God, “If You will save Israel by my hand as You have said— 37 look, I shall put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor; if there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that You will save Israel by my hand, as You have said.” 38 And it was so. When he rose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece together, he wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowlful of water. 39 Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me, but let me speak just once more: Let me test, I pray, just once more with the fleece; let it now be dry only on the fleece, but on all the ground let there be dew.” 40 And God did so that night. It was dry on the fleece only, but there was dew on all the ground.
2 Chronicles 20:1-4 It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites, came to battle against Jehoshaphat. 2 Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar” (which is En Gedi). 3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.
Vs 5-9 5 Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, 6 and said: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? 7 Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? 8 And they dwell in it, and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your name, saying, 9 ‘If disaster comes upon us—sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this temple and in Your presence (for Your name is in this temple), and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save.’
Vs 15-17 And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel.
17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.”
Vs 18 And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the Lord, worshiping the Lord.
2 Corinthians 9:7-8, AMP
“Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift]. And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity.”
Genesis 18:3,10 3 and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. 10 And He said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.”
Exodus 3:21 And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed.
1 Samuel 16:22 Then Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Please let David stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.”
Det 33:23 23 And of Naphtali he said:
“O Naphtali, satisfied with favor,
And full of the blessing of the Lord,
Possess the west and the south.”
1 Samuel 27:5 Then David said to Achish, “If I have now found favor in your eyes, let them give me a place in some town in the country, that I may dwell there. For why should your servant dwell in the royal city with you?” 6 So Achish gave him Ziklag that day.
Nehemiah 2:5-8 5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”
Proverbs 3:1-4 1 My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
2 For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.
Psalm 5:12
For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
With favor, You will surround him as with a shield.
Psalm 30:5
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.
1 Peter 5:6-10 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
1 Samuel 16:1 Now the Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.”
2 And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.”
But the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; you shall anoint for Me the one I name to you.”
4 So Samuel did what the Lord said, and went to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, “Do you come peaceably?”
5 And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons, and invited them to the sacrifice.
6 So it was, when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him!”
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
8 So Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.”
And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12 So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.
1 Corinthians 1:26-29
For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.
Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some 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 answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus answered and said to 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 also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Jeremiah 2:9 “Therefore I will yet bring charges against you,” says the Lord,
“And against your children’s children I will bring charges.
10
For pass beyond the coasts of Cyprus and see,
Send to Kedar and consider diligently,
And see if there has been such a thing.
11
Has a nation changed its gods,
Which are not gods?
But My people have changed their Glory
For what does not profit.
12
Be astonished, O heavens, at this,
And be horribly afraid;
Be very desolate,” says the Lord.
13
“For My people have committed two evils:
They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,
And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.
John 4:10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”
John 7:38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
Luke 15:1-7 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying:
4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
John 14:6 I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the father, except through me
Revelation 20:10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Matthew 8:12 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Mark 9:43-48 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 44 where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.’
45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 46 where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.’
47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire— 48 where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.’
Matthew 25:46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Matthew 25:41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting 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 take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’
44 “Then they also will answer Him, 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, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch 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 everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Revelation 21:8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire.”
2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,
Revelation 20:15 And anyone not found written in the lamb's book of life will be cast into the lake of fire
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you But…. you were washed, but….. you were sanctified, but…. you were justified in the name….. of the Lord Jesus….. and by the Spirit…… of our God.
Matthew 9:37-38 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Matthew 4:19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,
2 Timothy 4:5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
2 Corinthians 5:20-21 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Vs 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Acts 13: 38-39 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Luke 14:15-24 15 Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!”
16 Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, 17 and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’ 18 But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’ 20 Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.’ 22 And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.’ 23 Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’ ”
Pastor Dave delivers the final message in the series "Can't Tell Me Nothin" - Stir your faith and lift your vision ... For nothing is impossible with God!
Pastor Nicole Crank of Faith Church brings a powerful word for Road To Life Church based off her new book Thrive!
Pastor Vanessa with stories of hope and faith, because you "Can't tell me nothin" is impossible with God!
Pastor Dave & Vanessa Gargano kick off the new series "Can't Tell Me Nothin" by sharing part of their story and journey!
Pastor Duerre Thomas of the Bahamas brings us the last part of our April series at Road To Life Church "GO".
Bishop Duane Swilley with a powerful word "Next Chapter" finalizing our March 2021 series "What's Next?"
Pastor Dave Gargano brings a fresh word for 2021 as part of the series Nothing Is Impossible - the vision for 2021
http://roadtolife.church/
Pastor Dave Gargano brings a fresh word for 2021 as part of the series Nothing Is Impossible - the vision for 2021
http://roadtolife.church/
Pastor Dave Gargano brings a fresh word for 2021 as part of the series Nothing Is Impossible - the vision for 2021
http://roadtolife.church/
Pastor Dave Gargano brings a fresh word for 2021 as part of the series Nothing Is Impossible - the vision for 2021
roadtolife.church
Pastor Dave Gargano brings a fresh word for 2021 as part of the series Nothing Is Impossible - the vision for 2021
http://roadtolife.church/
What happens when our expectations aren't met? Does our faith grow or dissolve? How do we respond as Christians when what we hope for feels ignored?