In this powerful message, we explore the call for believers to break their silence and boldly proclaim the goodness of God. Jesus declares that if His disciples remain silent, the very stones will cry out in praise. This sermon challenges us to use our voices to testify about God’s faithfulness and deliverance.

Key Points:

1. Past Sins Have Silenced Me

• Many believers remain silent because of past failures and feelings of unworthiness.
• God doesn’t hold our past against us—He wants to use our testimony for His glory.
• Scripture Reference: Numbers 32:23 – Misinterpreted by many, this verse does not mean God seeks to expose past sins but rather calls us to fulfill our commitments to Him.
• Encouragement: Isaiah 54:17 reminds us that no weapon formed against us will prosper, and our righteousness comes from the Lord.

2. Sound Before Sight

• Acts 2:1-3 – The Holy Spirit was heard before He was seen at Pentecost, showing that faith often comes through hearing before seeing.
• Hebrews 11:1 – Faith is believing in things not yet seen.
• Victory has a sound—what does it sound like in your life?

3. Use Your Words

• Psalm 81:10 – "Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it."
• God calls us to praise Him openly for what He has done and will do.

4. Free Indeed

• John 8:36 – True freedom isn’t just being freed from something but being freed to something.
• We are freed from sin’s bondage and freed to worship God in Spirit and truth.
• 2 Corinthians 3:17 – Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Conclusion: The Posture of Praise

• Praise is active clapping, shouting, dancing, lifting hands, and raising our voices in prayer.
• Psalm 150:1-6 – Calls all creation to praise the Lord with everything we have.
• Praise isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a command!

Final Challenge: Don’t let fear, past mistakes, or doubt keep you silent. Declare your victory and let the sound of freedom be heard!

As we recognize Super Bowl Sunday, sports fans everywhere are counting on their teams to win. But let’s take a moment to flip this concept spiritually. True Holiness, The Intentional Church, we are the warriors. Who are we counting on to win the game? The answer: Every player has a role in securing victory. As your coach, I’ve given you the tools—now it’s up to you to execute the game plan. Let’s revisit the playbook of scripture and stay focused on the goal.

Key Points to Stay Focused on Game Day

1. Your Gift is Your Strength

John 14:27 – "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you... let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

• Every believer has a unique gift that contributes to the team’s victory.
• Hold onto God’s peace—don’t let fear stop you from using what He has given you.

2. Overcoming Doubt

Psalms 94:19 – "When doubt filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer."

• Moments of doubt will come, but the Holy Spirit is our source of renewed hope and encouragement.
• Trust in God’s ability to guide and uplift you through uncertainty.

3. Persevering Through Challenges

James 1:12 – "Blessed is the one who endures temptation, for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life."

• Just like athletes face obstacles and setbacks, we must persevere spiritually.
• Trials refine us—keep pushing forward with faith.

4. Being Part of a Great Team

Hebrews 12:1 – "Since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight... and run with patience the race set before us."

• We have a history of faithful believers cheering us on.
• Stay in your lane, focus on your journey, and don’t be a stumbling block for others.

5. The Power of Unity

Ecclesiastes 4:9 – "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed."

• Teamwork is essential—when we unite, we achieve greater purpose.
• Support and uplift one another to fulfill God’s plan.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Victory

Our goal is to finish the game strong because, as believers, we have already won.
Colossians 3:23 – "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord."

• Stay focused—today is game day.
• Victory is ours because Jesus conquered sin, death, and the grave.
• Encourage someone today: Stay focused, we have a game to win!

In this episode, we explore the struggle between the desire to do good and the reality of sin. Paul, in Romans 7:15-25, shares his personal battle between his spiritual aspirations and human weaknesses. This message is a powerful reminder that our fight is not just against external influences but also against the sin within us. By keeping our focus on Christ, we can overcome these struggles and live a victorious life.

Key Points:

I. Understanding the Fight

• The term "fight" means to contend or strive vigorously for or against something.
• Christians face various battles beyond sexuality, including the Seven Deadly Sins:
  1. Lust (2 Timothy 2:22)
  2. Gluttony (1 Corinthians 10:31)
  3. Greed (Hebrews 13:5)
  4. Sloth (Proverbs 6:6)
  5. Wrath (Romans 12:9)
  6. Envy (Proverbs 14:30)
  7. Pride (Jeremiah 9:23-29)

II. The Cure – The Seven Virtues

• Overcoming sin requires practicing virtues that counteract sinful tendencies:
  1. Kindness – Cures envy by prioritizing helping others.
  2. Temperance – Cures gluttony by promoting self-control.
  3. Charity (Self-Control) – Cures lust by focusing passion for good.
  4. Humility – Cures pride by fostering a service-oriented attitude.
  5. Diligence (Zeal) – Cures sloth by prioritizing effort over ease.
  6. Patience – Cures wrath by encouraging understanding.

III. Lifestyle vs. Struggle

• A true fight means resisting sin despite its pull.
• When something becomes a lifestyle, it ceases to be a struggle—it becomes a habit.
• The goal is to fight against sin rather than surrender to it.

IV. The Internal Struggle (Romans 7:15-25)

1. Frustration (Verses 15-17)
   • Paul acknowledges doing things he doesn’t want to do.
   • His struggle is between the inner man (desire to obey God) and sinful nature.
2. Desire to Do Good (Verses 18-20)
   • He has a desire to do good but often fails.
   • Sin is at work within him, showing that without divine help, he is powerless.
3. The Law at Work (Verses 21-23)
   • When he seeks to do good, evil is present.
   • The law reveals sin but does not provide the power to overcome it—grace is needed.
4. Desperation and Deliverance (Verses 24-25)
   • Paul cries out, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me?"
   • The answer: Deliverance comes through Jesus Christ.
   • Faith in Christ, not human effort, empowers believers to overcome sin.

Conclusion: The battle against sin is real, but victory is assured when we focus on Christ—the ultimate "Fight Fixer." By keeping our eyes on Him and embracing the virtues that counteract sin, we can live in spiritual victory.

Call to Action:

• Reflect on your personal struggles and identify areas where you need Christ’s strength.
• Commit to practicing the virtues that counteract sin.
• Trust in Jesus, knowing that He provides the power to overcome all struggles.

This episode highlights the powerful role youth can play in God’s kingdom, featuring biblical examples of young individuals who demonstrated extraordinary faith, courage, and influence. The theme "Game Changers" is explored through the stories of Daniel, the 11 apostles, Esther, Samuel, and Jesus, showing that age is not a barrier to making a profound impact for God.

Key Points from the Sermon:

1. Identity - Daniel (Daniel 1:8, 16):
   As a teenager taken captive in Babylon, Daniel stayed true to his identity as an Israelite, refusing to defile himself with the king’s food. His bold stand not only preserved his integrity but also influenced a cultural shift, changing the palace diet. Takeaway: Don’t let anyone change your identity in Christ.
2. Influence - The 11 Apostles (Acts 2:41):
   Jesus called young disciples, likely in their teens or early 20s. Despite their youth and inexperience, they grew to preach with such conviction at Pentecost that 3,000 people were saved. Today, young people can use their platforms, like social media, to share the message of salvation and disciple others.
3. Boldness and Fearlessness - Esther:
   As a young queen, Esther risked her life to confront the king and save her people, showing immense courage. She reminds us that boldness for God’s kingdom can lead to world-changing outcomes, even in the face of great danger.
4. Integrity - Samuel (1 Samuel 3):
   Despite growing up under the flawed leadership of Eli and witnessing corruption, Samuel remained steadfast in his integrity. He courageously delivered God’s message of judgment to Eli, proving that integrity can shine in difficult circumstances.
5. Wisdom and Knowledge - Jesus (Luke 2:41-47):
   At just 12 years old, Jesus amazed temple teachers with His understanding and questions. This moment foreshadowed His role as the ultimate game changer. Even in His youth, Jesus exemplified wisdom and a deep commitment to His purpose.

Takeaways for Listeners:

• Age doesn’t limit your ability to influence the world for God’s kingdom.
• Stand firm in your identity, use your influence wisely, and act with boldness, integrity, and wisdom.
• Small acts of faithfulness can create a ripple effect, changing the lives of others and glorifying God.

Challenge for This Week:
Post a simple message, like "Jesus saves," on your social media and be a digital disciple. Your words have the potential to reach thousands, just as the apostles did.

Join us as we explore how young people can embrace their role as game changers and inspire others to live out their faith boldly.

In this inspiring sermon, Overseer Mary Walker draws from Matthew 5:14-16 and 1 Peter 2:12 to emphasize the importance of letting our light shine in the world. As God’s people, we are called to rise up and remain steadfast in our mission to reflect His glory. This message encourages believers to seek God's guidance for their individual purpose and to act with courage when He reveals their path.

Key Takeaways:

1. Be the Light of the World:
   Matthew 5:14-16 reminds us that we are the light of the world. Just as a city on a hill cannot be hidden, our faith and actions should illuminate the lives of others. Let your good deeds glorify your Father in heaven.
2. Live Honorably Among Others:
   From 1 Peter 2:12, we learn the power of living a life that reflects God's goodness. When we live righteously, even skeptics may come to glorify God through our example.
3. Rise Up and Stay Up:
   This is not a momentary call to action but a commitment to perseverance. We are urged to "get up and stay up," maintaining a consistent focus on our divine purpose.
4. Ask God for Direction:
   Each of us has a unique role in God’s plan. It’s crucial to seek His guidance through prayer and reflection. When He reveals your assignment, embrace it wholeheartedly without hesitation.
5. Courage to Follow Through:
   Fear and doubt can lead us to avoid God’s call. Overseer Walker encourages us to face His response with faith, trusting that He will equip us for the task ahead.

Listener Notes:

• Reflect on how your life can shine a light for others in your community.
• Pray for clarity about your individual role in God’s work.
• Consider practical steps you can take to live honorably and glorify God in everyday situations.
• Challenge yourself to remain steadfast in your faith, even when obstacles arise.

This sermon is a reminder that our light isn’t just for ourselves—it’s a beacon for the world, guiding others to God’s grace. Let’s rise up, stay up, and shine brightly!

In this episode, we dive into the story of Peter’s miraculous catch of fish in Luke 5:1-11 and explore how God calls us to bring our “A Game.” We’re reminded that we are chosen to make a difference, not through our strength, but by relying on God’s Spirit and purpose in our lives. Through Peter’s journey, we uncover four essential “A’s” for stepping into our divine calling:

1. Acknowledgement

Peter acknowledged Jesus’ authority when he said, “Master, we have toiled all night…nevertheless, at thy word, I will let down the net.” This act of obedience despite previous failure reveals a key truth: even when we feel like giving up, trying again because God says so opens the door for His miracles. (Proverbs 3:6 – “In all thy ways acknowledge Him…”)

2. Acceptance

Jesus called Peter and his partners to leave behind their old ways and follow Him. They forsook everything, choosing faith over fear. Answering God’s call requires letting go of worldly attachments and stepping into the unknown—even if it means doing so afraid. We’re reminded that we cannot hold on to the world and the Cross simultaneously.

3. Ask

Peter’s story also teaches us the importance of asking. In Matthew 14:28, Peter asked Jesus for confirmation, saying, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.” While Peter doubted himself and began to sink, Jesus never let him go. This reminds us to ask for guidance and trust God’s response. (Matthew 7:7 – “Ask, and it shall be given you…”)

4. All

Peter’s sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-17) showcases the power of inclusivity in God’s message. The Holy Spirit fell upon all people, transcending language and background. Similarly, the 153 fish Peter caught after Jesus’ resurrection (John 21:1-14) symbolized the diversity and universality of the Gospel. This number even aligns with the Hebrew phrase “Ani Elohim,” meaning “I Am God,” emphasizing God’s ability to reach and transform everyone.

Key Takeaways:

• You are chosen to make a change in the world, and God equips you to fulfill His purpose.
• Your gifts and talents will be redirected for God’s glory, not taken away.
• Obedience, faith, and perseverance lead to transformation and miracles.
• The Gospel message is for everyone, transcending all barriers.

Challenge for Listeners:
Reflect on how you can bring your “A Game” to your spiritual walk. What areas in your life need acknowledgment, acceptance, or action? Step out in faith, ask for guidance, and trust God’s ability to work through you.

Join us as we explore a thought-provoking sermon on the majesty of God and the relationship between Creator and creation. Rooted in Genesis 1:26 and supported by other scriptures, this message reminds us that we are stewards, not sovereigns, called to live in reverence and obedience to God. It challenges modern tendencies to dilute the Gospel, urging believers to embrace correction, training, and a life devoted to righteousness. Through the story of Israel's exile in Babylon, we see how God's discipline is tempered by His enduring grace and plans for restoration. Be encouraged by the reminder that even in failure, God's love never abandons His people.

"G.A.P. Theory Part IV: Gifts and Presents"

Main Scripture: John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

This episode reflects on the sacredness of Christmas through the lens of John 3:16, highlighting God’s ultimate gift to humanity—Jesus Christ. By exploring the deeper meaning of gift-giving, the message challenges listeners to return to the heart of Christmas and embrace the spiritual significance of the season.

Introduction

The sermon begins with a candid acknowledgment of how Christmas has been commercialized, shifting our focus away from meaningful gift-giving. The speaker contrasts today’s transactional habits, like gifting gift cards, with the intentional and selfless example set by God when He gave Jesus as the ultimate gift.

Through personal anecdotes about family traditions and the joy of giving, the sermon emphasizes the importance of thoughtful gifts, symbolizing love and connection. This reflection leads to the central question: Are we as excited about the gift of Jesus Christ as we are about material presents?

Main Points

I. God’s Thoughtful Gift

• John 3:16 encapsulates the entirety of the Bible's message: God gave His only Son out of love for humanity.
• Unlike impersonal gifts, God’s gift is perfect and precisely meets our needs.
• A reminder for listeners: thoughtfulness matters in giving, just as God exemplified in sending Jesus.

II. The Wise Men’s Gifts

• The Magi demonstrated thoughtful giving when they presented gifts to Jesus, each with profound symbolism:
  • Gold: A gift for a king.
  • Frankincense: Representing Jesus’ role as the High Priest.
  • Myrrh: Foretelling His sacrificial death.
• These gifts underscore that meaningful giving reflects honor, worship, and foresight.

III. Breaking Down John 3:16

• Love: God’s love is boundless, embracing humanity in its flawed state.
• Gift: Jesus Christ, born to live sinlessly and die for our redemption, is the greatest gift of all.
• Belief: Choosing to believe in Jesus grants eternal life, sparing believers from spiritual death.
• Eternal Life: Through Jesus, sins are forgiven, and the promise of everlasting life is assured.

IV. A Lesson from the Kids
Children often demonstrate joy and gratitude for their presents, a perspective that reminds us to approach the gift of Jesus with similar excitement and reverence.

Conclusion

A gift must be received, unwrapped, and used to be effective. Jesus, as the greatest gift, comes with His own power source—the Holy Spirit. Unlike earthly gifts that may wear out or become irrelevant, Jesus’ impact is eternal and universal.

Call to Action:
This Christmas, remember the thoughtfulness of God’s gift and let it inspire how you give to others. More importantly, receive and embrace the transformative power of Jesus Christ in your life.

Notes for Listeners:

• Reflect on how you can bring thoughtfulness into your gift-giving this season.
• Consider the spiritual significance of Jesus as the ultimate gift.
• Meditate on John 3:16 and how it applies to your life.