Sermons

There is a spiritual change that we experience at the time of our baptism.  We also experience another type of change, a physical “change” when we assemble together on a holy day, by giving to God in thanks what is owed to Him.

In this second installment, we are covering Ephesians 1:9-23, and, in particular, concepts pertaining to “the mystery of God’s Will,” “the dispensation of the fullness of times,” “our inheritance,” “the gospel of your salvation,” “being sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee,” “the purchased possession,” and “the riches of God’s glory.”

 Faith is a necessity in order to keep God close to us in our lives. As
soon as we begin to doubt His promises, we push away Him from providing
us help. Action proves our faith in God, and demonstrates our
willingness to live His way.

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we learn about the nature of God and His plan for mankind. The letter has been greatly misunderstood by orthodox Christianity.
 
In this first installment, we are discussing the concepts of “saint,” “heavenly places,” “predestination,” and “redemption,” as well as the difference between “sins” and “trespasses.”

True Christians are called Ambassadors for a new country. What is this country that we should be representing?  And If we are representing a different country, how should we behave?

Why are there SEVEN days of unleavened bread? Why does God say that during this time no leaven is to be eaten, seen or found in all our dwelling place or habitation? Note that the Pharaoh, Egypt and Jericho symbolize sin. How does sin enslave us, and how does God make us free? And is leaven always a symbol for sin?
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In God’s eyes, disobedience or rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft or divination. King Saul was guilty of both. And it is Satan who works today in the children of disobedience. But God demands obedience of His disciples. He instructs us that we are to obey others in authority over us. What does this all entail?

God told ancient Israel to get rid of the groves and high places. They failed to do that as we have today. In the book of Hosea, chapter 7, it states that “Ephraim has mixed herself among the peoples”. The Church of God has long understood that that this refers to Britain and its commonwealth of nations and this sermon looks at how this prophecy is being fulfilled today.

The simple things that we need in our lives, like electricity for example, can be taken for granted, but on the contrary, it’s only when we lack electricity that it’s importance is recognized.  There can be an interesting correlation between electricity and the manifestation of God’s power, the Holy Spirit.

One of the greatest desires that men and women have is the desire for power, position and influence.   This message looks at good and bad examples and asks each time what the motivation is – is it to serve or be served and what the fruits are.

On March 28, 2010, after sunset, truly converted, baptized and Spirit-begotten members of the Church of God will partake of the Passover. The Apostle Paul admonishes us to examine ourselves so that we can and will eat of the bread and drink of the wine in a worthy manner. How are we to examine our lives, and how are we to recognize whether we live worthy or unworthy of God, our calling or the gospel?

The gift of the Holy Spirit is a seed planted within the lives of God’s called people. To foster the growth of that seed to fulfill its’ potential, we need to be diligent to have the proper attitude, work with it diligently, and acknowledge the responsibility to profit with it. By proving that we can live our lives, growing spiritually with the gift within us, we can rest assured to bear fruit worthy of righteousness.

What type of fear should we have of God?  Should we even fear Him?  The knowledge of how to properly obey God with the right type of fear can be found here.

Germany’s Catholic sexual abuse scandal is widening. Close to 100 priests and members of the laity have been suspected of abuse in recent years. However, the Catholic church has tried to ignore or downplay the abuse. At the same time, the euro is coming under attack, and its very survival is questioned. What does this all mean in the light of biblical prophecy?