Sermons

Since our calling to the truth, we have had a foot in the door.  To bring our other foot in was our choice to get baptized and to live God’s way of life.  Even though we still go through struggles, what do we need to do to keep both feet in, and what does God promise to all who remain faithful until the end?

In the Old Testament book of Nahum, the destruction of the ancient city of Nineveh—capital of the Assyrian Empire—is described in vivid detail. But the prophet Nahum is foremost speaking about the coming destruction of modern Germany. The specific description of Germany’s fate is sobering. At the same time, it reveals much about God’s character.

Mankind has been duped into believing that following ALL of God’s Laws is burdensome. But you cannot find success in following God if you aren’t willing to use ALL of the Laws He has provided us to know Him.  We can only be transformed into children of God if our every action and thought is a reflection of His commandments.

The Book of Hebrews offers us a sweeping view of God’s salvation for us—for the firstfruits. The greatness of our calling at this time and the dire consequences if we fall away are messages by which we are now being judged. Will we hear what God is saying?

With protests and anger dominating the news, we see escalating emotions, rhetoric, and violent action taking place around us. It seems that the only way that people can be heard in the world requires this kind of confrontation. Is there a better way? There is, and God commands it.

Angela Merkel refused to join the G7, to be hosted by Donald Trump at the end of June, who reacted with anger and postponed the entire summit until this fall. Germany sided with the protests in the USA against police brutality and racial discrimination and openly declared that they are done with Trump. In response, Trump announced that he will withdraw about 9,500 American troops from Germany, causing a sharp rebuke from German governmental officials. Germany also announced that while they will be allowing Europeans to travel freely throughout Europe by June 15, this will not include Americans. Where will this continuing alienation and hostility lead?

It is important to have the proper tools when you are working in order to be able to create or to build anything worthwhile. In all areas of life, we find that those who wield tools properly help to build up and support others in what they do. Having tools is one thing, but knowing how to use them skillfully is another. As Christians, what tools are at our disposal? And how do we use them effectively and powerfully to accomplish the Work of God, for which we have been called?

God gives us amazing gifts constantly. How do we respond in turn? Our offerings are important to God as He has command them. But what is our attitude? Is God pleased with our offerings based on our actions in how we live our lives?

Do we have faith in God and His power to work miracles? But is this kind of faith sufficient in order to be able to enter the Kingdom of God, or is an additional kind of faith required? What exactly is that faith which God’s Holy Spirit must give us? How is faith described in the Bible; why does it not have anything to do with what we can see; and why does doubt destroy our faith?

With the passing of time we gain experience that shapes our character. Are we taking advantage of our opportunities, or refusing to use the Holy Spirit to learn the lessons presented to us? Are we focused only on reaching the destination, but neglecting to pay attention along the way? The Christian journey involves continual growth as we aim towards the destination of perfection.

There was a time in recent years in which the Church of God had tremendous unity, but that was lost by far too many. Are you among those who are zealously keeping the Truth of God—without compromise?

What does it mean to obey God rather than men? Are we to just believe blindly what the mainstream media, doctors and politicians are telling us? How can we watch events the light of biblical prophecy unless we are willing to look behind the official façade? What about Europe’s opposition to Israel; German and US guidelines for school children; the financial downfall of the USA; unreliable statistics pertaining to the coronavirus; the questionable effectiveness of the lockdown; Alan Dershowitz’s wrong understanding of the Bible; violent riots in the USA; public prayers by women; and holding grudges?

The Bible has many examples of those who went above and beyond in faith and courage, when all seemed hopeless, but that didn’t stop Daniel and his 3 companions, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego, to stand up for what was right and put their complete trust in God, who saved them from death.

The Bible speaks of the terrible Day of the Lord and admonishes us to be prepared and not to be caught off-guard. Especially the book of Joel contains many warnings and shows us what will happen during that future time which is not far from us.

When we start to talk about people behind their back, we cause division and strife. The Bible tells us instead to have mercy and empathy for others. We should work to help instead of accuse. God is the Judge and He alone reserves the right to pass judgement on people. How can we make sure that we are not doing those things that hurt others, but rather build them up?

God entrusted His physical creation into the hands of man, to tend and care for our surroundings. This job was for our own physical needs and happiness. The physical is a reflection of the spiritual realm, and likewise needs tending, with the ultimate goal of directing man to God. Man has utterly failed in maintaining the physical creation as well as the spiritual necessity of drawing closer to God—as we were designed. We must not let our commission dim, even as the world around us draws closer to destruction.

If we truly seek to be in God’s Kingdom, then we must not compromise with the Truth of God. Rather, we must faithfully learn and live by the doctrines of God.

When we started our Christian journey, there was no way to know all of the challenges we would face and how our lives would change. Knowing that we will continue to face challenges and change, are we committed to persevere? What are the sources of inspiration that we can draw from to help us strengthen our commitment?

We are surrounded by a culture that cannot find truth.  The deception of Satan is so complete that his lies are the only truth many understand.  We must stay clear of any worldly persuasions that lead us, not to truth, but into deceit that blinds the world of God’s truth.