Sermon Summary: “Yielding – Our Will vs. God’s Will” 1. Yielding Is the Greatest Spiritual Battle The sermon opens by showing that yielding to God’s will is the greatest struggle every believer faces. Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane reveals that His most intense battle was not the cross, but surrendering His will to the Father. Once Jesus yielded, the cross became inevitable and victory was secured. 2. The Flesh vs. the Spirit Jesus’ words—“The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”—describe the ongoing conflict believers experience. Outside of Satan, our greatest enemy is our own flesh. This battle does not fade with age or maturity; it remains a lifelong challenge requiring vigilance, prayer, and humility. 3. Factors That Work Against Yielding Several forces resist surrender to God: A fallen nature inherited from Adam Pride and self-reliance Presumption about tomorrow Subjectivity toward God’s Word Lack of prayer and a renewed mind These pressures cause believers to resist God’s authority and delay obedience. 4. Yielding Is the Path to Blessing Surrender is not loss—it is the doorway to blessing, peace, and clarity. Yielding acknowledges God’s wisdom, authority, and foresight. When believers refuse to yield, they restrict themselves and miss what God intends to accomplish through them. 5. True Wisdom Is Willing to Yield From James 3, the sermon contrasts earthly wisdom with godly wisdom. Wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, and willing to yield. Self-seeking and envy are identified as destructive, opening the door to confusion and spiritual harm. 6. Subjectivity Is a Spiritual Trap The fall of Adam and Eve illustrates the danger of being subjective with God’s Word. Satan convinced Eve that God was withholding something, leading her to replace God’s truth with personal reasoning. The sermon warns against the modern lie of “living your own truth,” emphasizing that there is only one truth—God’s. 7. Setting Yourself Up to Succeed Romans 6 teaches that believers must present (yield) themselves to God, setting themselves up for righteousness rather than sin. Yielding involves changing access points, habits, and environments so the flesh has less opportunity to dominate. 8. Presumption Blocks Obedience Using Psalm 19 and James 4, the sermon warns against presuming upon tomorrow. Life is fragile, brief, and uncertain. Delayed obedience—putting God off for convenience or comfort—often results in missed divine appointments. 9. Yielding Begins at Salvation and Continues Daily Surrender starts when a person comes to Christ and continues throughout life. Many resist salvation itself because they do not want to yield control. God’s will requires availability, humility, and obedience in both small and great things. 10. Final Call: Be Available The sermon concludes with a powerful call: Yield fully to God Stop delaying obedience Make yourself available to His will Live with eternal perspective The central truth is clear: no one owns tomorrow—only today. God is looking for people who will say, “Here am I, send me.”

Sermon Summary: Judges – Session 1 (When God’s People Refuse to Yield)   A New Season Begins with Old Problems The book of Judges opens after the death of Joshua, during a time when Israel had entered the Promised Land but had not fully obeyed God. Though God was faithful, the people failed to complete the work of driving out the inhabitants of the land, setting the stage for future trouble. Partial Obedience Leads to Compromise Judah began strong and experienced victory, but many tribes weakened in obedience. Instead of removing the Canaanites, they tolerated them, made compromises, and placed them under tribute. What began as fear or convenience eventually became spiritual compromise. You Reap What You Sow The confession of Adoni-Bezek reveals a biblical principle: God repays actions justly. The sermon emphasizes the importance of honesty—acknowledging personal responsibility rather than blaming God or others. God is merciful, but consequences often remain. Salvation Brings New Battles Entering the Promised Land did not eliminate conflict. Likewise, salvation does not remove spiritual battles. The enemy adapts, and believers must remain vigilant, disciplined, and yielded to God in every season of life. Compromise Always Returns with Consequences Israel’s decision to coexist with the Canaanites allowed foreign gods, practices, and influences to remain. These compromises eventually became snares, pulling the nation away from God and leading to repeated cycles of defeat. God Warns Before Judgment The Angel of the Lord confronted Israel, reminding them that God had kept His covenant, but they had not. Because they refused to tear down idols and sever ungodly alliances, God allowed their enemies to remain as thorns in their sides. A Generation That Did Not Know the Lord After Joshua’s generation passed away, a new generation arose that did not know the Lord or His works. Without personal relationship or spiritual foundation, the people turned to idolatry, provoking God’s anger. The Cycle of Judges Begins Israel repeatedly: Forsook the Lord Served false gods Fell into oppression Cried out in distress Were delivered by a judge God’s mercy responded to their repentance, but their refusal to yield led to repeated failure once the judge died. The Root of Sin Is Refusing to Yield The sermon concludes by identifying the core issue behind all sin: choosing our will over God’s will. Sin manifests in many forms, but it always begins with a heart unwilling to yield. Final Call Believers are challenged to: Learn from Israel’s failure Reject partial obedience Remove compromises Yield fully to God The message sets the tone for the book of Judges: when God’s people refuse to yield, they suffer; when they repent, God shows mercy.

Sermon Summary: Joshua – Session 12 (Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve)   1. God Keeps Every Promise As Joshua concludes his leadership, the sermon emphasizes that not one word God spoke failed. Israel possessed the land exactly as God promised. Victory, rest, and provision came not through Israel’s strength, but because the Lord fought for them. 2. Yielding Determines What We Experience God’s promises were available to all, but only fully realized by those who yielded in faith and obedience. Refusing to yield does not cancel God’s promises, but it causes people to miss out on what God intends for them. 3. Brotherhood and Unity Matter The distribution of land to the Levites and the resolution of the altar conflict show the importance of loving God first and loving one another. Misunderstandings were handled through communication, humility, and unity rather than division, modeling how God’s people should relate to one another. 4. God Alone Is the Source of Victory Joshua reminds Israel repeatedly that they did not win battles on their own. God gave them land they did not labor for, cities they did not build, and vineyards they did not plant. Pride leads to downfall, but humility keeps God’s favor. 5. Compromise Leads to Spiritual Traps Joshua warns that clinging to the nations around them—or their gods—would lead to bondage. Friendship with the world results in snare, sorrow, and spiritual loss. God does not remove worldly “friends”—only enemies—so believers must choose separation wisely. 6. A Clear Call to Commitment Joshua issues a decisive challenge: “Choose this day whom you will serve.” Everyone serves something. If not the Lord, it will be idols—self, possessions, power, or culture. True faith requires a deliberate choice to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. 7. Serving God Is Not Casual Joshua explains that God is holy and jealous, not tolerant of divided loyalty. Forgiveness is found only in Him; there is no salvation or restoration apart from God. Allegiance cannot be transferred without consequence. 8. The Word of God Endures Forever The sermon reinforces that everything else fades—nations, wealth, achievements—but God’s Word stands forever. Building life on anything else leads to loss, while obedience to God brings lasting fruit. 9. Final Charge Joshua’s life ends with a testimony of faithfulness, and the people renew their covenant with God. The message closes by calling believers to: Put away competing idols Yield fully to God Walk in obedience and sincerity Serve the Lord with all their heart The sermon concludes with this central truth: God will always be faithful—our responsibility is to choose Him and remain yielded to His will.

Sermon Summary: “Forgetting What Is Behind You, Living for Christ”   A Call to a Year of Yielding The sermon opens with a prophetic emphasis for the new year: a year of yielding. God’s will is not accomplished in believers’ lives through effort alone, but through surrender. Just as Jesus yielded His will to the Father in Gethsemane, believers are called to yield their strength, plans, and control to God so His purposes can be fulfilled. Sanctification Comes Through Yielding Believers are already perfected in Christ, yet are continually being sanctified. Sanctification is not achieved by striving, but by yielding to the work of the Holy Spirit. Our position in Christ is greater than our current condition, and real spiritual growth requires humility, honesty, and willingness to change. Peter’s Failure Reveals the Danger of Self-Confidence Through Matthew 26, the sermon examines Peter’s denial of Jesus. Peter failed because he: Refused to believe Jesus’ warning Neglected prayer and watchfulness Substituted action for prayer Followed Jesus from a distance Catered to his flesh This progression shows how spiritual drift leads to open denial when believers rely on self-confidence rather than surrender. Yielding Prevents Spiritual Collapse Jesus warned, “Watch and pray lest you enter into temptation.” The sermon explains the difference between falling into temptation and entering into it deliberately. Yielding involves intentionally setting one’s life up for spiritual success through prayer, discipline, and obedience. God’s Grace Restores the Fallen Despite Peter’s failure, God’s grace was greater. Fifty days later, Peter stood up on the Day of Pentecost and preached the most powerful sermon in history. This demonstrates that failure does not disqualify a yielded heart. God restores those who repent and trust His grace. Forgetting What Is Behind From Philippians 3, the sermon teaches that many believers are controlled by their past. “Forgetting” does not mean erasing memory, but neglecting its power. Paul deliberately turned away from both sinful and successful parts of his past so he could pursue Christ fully. Yielding Requires Intentional Neglect of the Past Believers must choose to lay aside memories, regrets, accomplishments, and wounds that hinder forward movement. No counselor or circumstance can do this for someone—it is a personal decision empowered by the Holy Spirit. A Unified Pursuit of Christ The church is described as a people who are “with it” because they share the same pursuit, not because of obligation or structure. When believers wake each day seeking to please God, unity naturally follows. Final Call The sermon concludes with a strong call to surrender: Yield fully to God Forget what is behind Press toward the upward call of Christ Live not by sight, but by faith Believers are challenged to enter the new year with renewed commitment, trusting that a yielded life leads to freedom, restoration, and spiritual power.

Sermon Summary: Joshua – Session 11 (Ending the Year Right)   God Calls His People to Possess What He Has Given As the land is divided in Joshua 17–18, God reminds Israel that the inheritance already belongs to them—but they must rise up and take possession. Delayed obedience, fear of opposition, or spiritual passivity keeps believers from fully walking in God’s promises. Incomplete Obedience Leads to Future Struggles Some tribes failed to fully drive out the Canaanites, choosing compromise instead of obedience. What is tolerated today often becomes a snare tomorrow. God calls His people to remove what competes with devotion, not manage it. Faith Requires Action, Not Excuses When tribes complained about limited territory, Joshua challenged them to get up and do the work. God had already given them power, but they had to act in faith. Blessing follows obedience, diligence, and courage—not passivity. The Lord Is Our True Inheritance The Levites received no land because the Lord Himself was their inheritance. This points to a greater truth for believers today: our ultimate reward is not earthly security but life with God. Like Abraham, believers are called to live as pilgrims, prioritizing spiritual inheritance over temporary comfort. God Is a Refuge for the Guilty and Broken The cities of refuge reveal God’s mercy. Long before sin occurred, God provided a place of safety. These cities foreshadow Jesus Christ as our refuge, where sinners can flee for forgiveness, protection, and restoration. Salvation Must Be Received, Not Ignored A refuge only saves those who run to it. Jesus is God’s provision for sin, but each person must choose to enter. Trusting in goodness, effort, or delay is dangerous—Christ alone is the safe place. A Call to Renewed Commitment As the year closes, the sermon challenges believers to: Be honest with themselves Reject spiritual sluggishness Recommit to disciplined faith Place God first without reservation The message closes with hope: when all hope seems lost, the Lord shows up. God remains faithful, and those who trust Him will find safety, purpose, and victory in Him.  

Sermon Summary: “Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Besides Me”   God Must Be First—Always The sermon opens with Exodus 20, where God establishes the first commandment: nothing is allowed to come before Him. This command is foundational because when God is not first, every other area of life eventually becomes disordered. Even temporary distractions or misplaced priorities can function as false gods if they take precedence over God. Idolatry Is Often Subtle Modern idolatry is rarely statues or images—it is anything that competes for God’s place. Satan works primarily as a deceiver, making good or neutral things seem more important than God. Careers, relationships, possessions, comfort, and personal ambitions can quietly move ahead of God, especially during seasons of pressure or busyness. Jesus Demands Supreme Loyalty Jesus reinforces this command in the New Testament, teaching that no relationship or pursuit—even family—can outrank devotion to Him. Loving anyone or anything more than Christ disqualifies true discipleship. This does not diminish human love, but properly orders it under a supreme love for God. Counting the Cost of Discipleship Following Jesus requires intentional commitment. He warns that disciples must count the cost, understanding that faith involves sacrifice, endurance, and perseverance. Those who begin without resolve often fall away when pressure, ridicule, or difficulty arises. A Disciple Is Permanently Committed The sermon explains that a disciple is not someone who tries Christianity, but someone who has made a decisive act with permanent results. True disciples are “glued,” “fused,” and fully attached to Christ and His teachings, refusing to live a divided life or allow compromise. Spiritual Danger of Becoming Sluggish Scripture warns against becoming spiritually sluggish—not sinful rebellion, but spiritual laziness. When diligence fades, prayer weakens, Scripture becomes neglected, and God gradually loses first place. Faithfulness requires intentional effort and consistency. God Rewards Undivided Hearts Psalm 84 highlights the blessing of those whose strength is in the Lord and whose hearts are set on the journey with Him. God withholds no good thing from those who remain upright, coupled, and fully devoted. A day in God’s presence is better than anything the world offers. Trusting God With the Impossible The sermon concludes with the challenge of the “Impossibility List”—placing before God needs that only He can accomplish. This practice reinforces trust, keeps God first, and builds faith as believers watch Him answer prayers over time. Final Call Believers are urged to examine their lives, realign priorities, and recommit to placing God first in every area. When hope seems lost, God proves Himself faithful. True discipleship begins and continues with this resolve: no other gods—only Him.

Sermon Summary: “Who Hijacked Christmas?”   Christians Reclaimed Christmas The sermon explains that Christmas was not stolen from Christianity—Christians intentionally reclaimed it. Long before Christ, pagan cultures celebrated the winter solstice with fleshly festivals. Believers stepped into that moment and redirected the season to focus on God sending His Son. Rather than abandoning the season, the church redeemed it for truth. The Birth Matters Because the Resurrection Matters While the resurrection is the greatest event in history, the birth had to happen first. Christmas is celebrated not because of a date on the calendar, but because without the birth there is no cross, no empty tomb, and no salvation. Celebrating Christ’s birth honors the beginning of God’s redemptive plan. Defending the Virgin Birth A central emphasis of the sermon is the virgin birth. Jesus was not merely born—He was conceived by the Holy Spirit. This supernatural conception is essential to Christianity. If Jesus is not born of a virgin, He is not the Son of God and Christianity becomes just another religion. The church historically elevated Christmas to defend this truth when it came under attack. Jesus Is the Good Shepherd and God’s Gift Through John 10 and the illustration of the candy cane, the sermon teaches that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. The red represents His blood, the white His purity, and the shepherd’s staff His care and protection. Jesus came to give abundant life and eternal life. Celebration Is Biblical Just as Israel celebrated God’s miracles (such as Hanukkah), believers are encouraged to celebrate God’s greatest miracle—Jesus Christ. Celebration does not equal compromise. Giving gifts reflects God’s nature, because God loved and gave first. Materialism is a heart issue, not a Christmas issue. The Unseen Became Seen The sermon highlights that Christmas marks the moment when the unseen God became visible. Jesus stepped into human history, walked in our shoes, suffered, and redeemed humanity. His coming proves God did not abandon a fallen world but entered it to save it. Stand for Christ in Every Season Believers are called to stand boldly for Jesus—not just at Christmas, but in every moment of life. The world is imperfect, but Christians are light in darkness, using every opportunity to point others to Christ rather than withdrawing from culture. The Greatest Gift Still Offered The message concludes by reminding listeners that Jesus is still healing, delivering, restoring, and saving. He is the Anointed One who sets captives free. Christmas ultimately declares that God sent His Son as a ransom, offering forgiveness, healing, and eternal life to all who believe.     This sermon explains that Christians did not lose Christmas—they redeemed it. While many cultures celebrated pagan festivals around the winter solstice, believers intentionally reclaimed the season to celebrate the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ. Though Jesus was likely not born in December, the timing does not diminish the meaning. The focus is on why we celebrate, not the calendar date. The message emphasizes that the birth of Jesus is essential, because without the birth there could be no death, resurrection, or salvation. Christmas matters because it defends the virgin birth, which confirms Jesus as the only begotten Son of God, distinct from every other religious leader. If the virgin birth is denied, Christianity collapses into just another religion. Using Scripture from Isaiah, Luke, and John, the sermon highlights Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the Anointed One (Messiah), and God’s help sent into the world. His supernatural conception, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection reveal that the unseen God became seen in human form. The sermon challenges believers not to abandon Christmas because of materialism or cultural misuse. A fallen world will always distort good things, but that

Sermon Summary – Joshua Session 10 This sermon centers on endurance, faithfulness, and staying fully committed to God’s calling, using Caleb as the primary example of a believer who refused to quit despite time, opposition, and hardship.  1. Salvation and Endurance Matter Most The message opens by reminding believers that nothing is more important than salvation, and that true faith is proven by endurance over time. The mark of a genuine believer is not perfection, but perseverance—continuing in faith until the end. 2. Caleb: Faith That Outlasts Time Caleb stands as a model of unwavering faith. Though 85 years old, he still trusts God’s promise made 45 years earlier. He does not ask for comfort or ease but boldly requests the mountain still occupied by giants, declaring that God is able. Faith means believing God’s Word over what the eyes can see. Caleb’s strength came from obedience and trust, not age or circumstances. 3. Courage to Believe What God Can Do Joshua and Caleb were willing to say what God can do, not what He can’t do. The sermon challenges believers to resist a faith that limits God and instead trust His power to heal, deliver, and save—just as He always has. 4. Blessing Passes Through Generations Faithfulness does not end with one person—it impacts generations. Caleb’s obedience brought blessing to his descendants. Likewise, believers today are setting the spiritual direction of future generations by staying committed to the journey. 5. The Danger of Compromise and Sluggishness As Israel settles into blessing, some tribes fail to fully drive out their enemies. This partial obedience leads to compromise, spiritual sluggishness, and influence from ungodly relationships. God does not remove what we choose to tolerate. Compromise gives the enemy access and influence. 6. The Importance of Being “In Place” God’s protection and provision are tied to obedience and staying where He places us. Leaving God’s will—even for seemingly wise reasons—brings loss, as illustrated through biblical examples like Naomi’s family and Abraham’s detour into Egypt. 7. Set Your Heart on the Journey The sermon closes with Psalm 84:5: “Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage.” Believers are called to be all in—committed to the journey regardless of hardship, offense, or opposition. Those who refuse to be denied by fear, difficulty, or distraction will inherit the promises of God. Key Theme Faithfulness over time brings inheritance, influence, and generational blessing. Set your heart on the journey and refuse to quit.

This sermon teaches the biblical balance between the love of God and the fear of God, showing that both are essential for a healthy, obedient Christian life. Using the story of “Philip,” the message illustrates how many believers unknowingly create a personal theology—embracing God’s love while neglecting proper fear—resulting in compromised obedience and ongoing struggle with sin. Scripture reveals that love for God is proven through obedience, and obedience is strengthened by a proper fear of the Lord. The fear of God is not terror or avoidance, but a deep reverence, respect for His authority, and awareness of consequences. Proverbs and Psalms show that fearing God brings life, wisdom, protection from evil, confidence, and spiritual safety. Jesus Himself taught that God alone is to be feared, because He holds ultimate authority over both soul and body. The sermon explains that fear and love are not opposites but work together—love motivates relationship, while fear establishes boundaries that protect believers from sin and spiritual harm. The message warns that a lack of the fear of God in the modern church has led to moral looseness and self-made theology. True spiritual growth requires humility, willingness to change, and submission to God’s authority. God’s boundaries are an expression of His love, designed to keep His children safe. The sermon concludes with a call to self-examination, repentance, and renewed obedience—urging believers to live within God’s loving boundaries, guided by both His love and a proper fear of the Almighty.

Sermon Summary – Zechariah Session 8 This message teaches that God disciplines His people redemptively, warns of the danger of persistent rebellion, and points powerfully to Christ as the true Shepherd and the ultimate hope for Israel and the nations 20251211 - Thursday Bible Study… . 1. God’s Discipline Is Redemptive, Not Cruel The study opens with Zechariah 11, explaining that God disciplines those He loves. Discipline is not condemnation but a loving attempt to restore hearts that have wandered. When correction is ignored repeatedly, however, judgment eventually becomes unavoidable. God always provides warnings and opportunities to repent before judgment comes. Discipline is meant to bring humility and dependence on God. 2. A Shepherd Who Loves vs. Worthless Shepherds Zechariah contrasts the Good Shepherd with selfish, corrupt shepherds who abuse and neglect the flock. Israel’s leaders exploited their own people and felt no guilt. When God’s people reject faithful leadership, they are left with leaders who reflect their rebellion. This serves as a warning for both nations and individuals. 3. Prophecy of Christ’s Rejection The passage prophetically points to Jesus: The 30 pieces of silver represent the price paid for betraying the Good Shepherd. The money being thrown to the potter points to Christ’s rejection and death, yet also reveals His mercy—He redeems even the broken and discarded. Jesus willingly laid down His life; no one took it from Him. 4. God Can Redeem the Worst Situations Personal testimony illustrates how God can use severe hardship to bring repentance and salvation. God does not cause sin, but He can redeem the consequences of it. No life is beyond restoration—God specializes in turning ashes into beauty. 5. Jerusalem at the Center of God’s End-Time Plan Zechariah chapters 12–14 focus on Jerusalem, which remains the focal point of God’s prophetic purposes. Nations that oppose Jerusalem will ultimately face judgment. God promises final deliverance and restoration for Israel. The Messiah will return, stand on the Mount of Olives, and reign as King over all the earth. 6. Israel’s Future Repentance and Cleansing Israel will one day look upon the One they pierced and mourn in repentance. God will pour out grace and supplication. A fountain of cleansing will be opened for sin and uncleanness. This mirrors the spiritual process of repentance and restoration seen in individual believers today. 7. Refinement Leads to Restoration Though judgment is severe, God preserves a refined remnant. Trials refine faith like fire refines gold. God declares, “They are My people,” and they respond, “The Lord is my God.” 8. The Coming Kingdom The sermon concludes with the hope of Christ’s reign: Jesus will be King over all the earth. Jerusalem will dwell securely. Holiness will define everyday life. God’s glory will fill the world. Key Theme God disciplines to redeem, judges to restore, and reigns to bring ultimate peace. The Good Shepherd lays down His life so His people can live—and one day, He will reign openly as King.

Sermon Summary – Joshua Session 9 This message teaches that God’s people are heirs of a greater inheritance, and that earthly possessions are temporary compared to what God gives through relationship with Him. 1. The Division of the Promised Land Joshua 13 describes Israel dividing the land after years of warfare. Some tribes receive territory, while the tribe of Levi receives no land. Instead, God Himself is their inheritance. This becomes the central spiritual lesson of the sermon. 2. God Owns Everything The pastor emphasizes that no one truly owns land or possessions—everything belongs to God. Israel’s inheritance is a foreshadowing of a greater, eternal inheritance promised to believers. 3. A Warning Against Living for This World Many believers, especially in prosperous cultures, are tempted to build their lives around comfort, security, and material success. The sermon warns against “building tents and pitching altars,” instead of pitching tents and building altars—investing more in eternity than in temporary things. 4. Believers Are Kings and Priests Connecting Joshua to Revelation, the pastor explains that believers today are like the Levites: We may not receive everything we want on earth But God Himself is our inheritance Through Christ, we are made kings and priests who will reign with Him This shifts the focus from what we gain now to who we are becoming. 5. Suffering Has Purpose Battles, opposition, and hardship are part of the journey. Being in a fight does not mean failure—it means engagement. God uses suffering to prepare believers for eternal responsibility. 6. More Than Conquerors Through Christ’s sacrifice, believers are declared “more than conquerors.” Jesus fought the battle we could never win, and we now share in His victory, inheritance, and future reign. 7. Final Encouragement This world is not our home God is shaping eternal sons and daughters Our calling is endurance, faith, and obedience If God is for us, nothing can separate us from His love Key Theme: God has not shortchanged His people—He has given us Himself. Our inheritance is eternal, and our victory is already secured in Christ.

Main Theme:True unity is powerful — whether for good or evil — but only unity built on obedience to God’s Word can stand. Using Genesis 11 (Tower of Babel) and John 17 (Jesus’ prayer for believers), Pastor Matthew taught that prideful unity seeks to glorify man, while holy unity glorifies God. The sermon called believers to become “one” with God, within themselves, and with one another, through humility and obedience. Man’s Pride and the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1–9) Humanity once shared one language and one goal — to build a city and tower “whose top is in the heavens.” This unity was not righteous; it was rooted in pride and self-exaltation. “Let us make a name for ourselves.” — the cry of human arrogance. Pastor explained that Nimrod led this effort, motivated by defiance against God’s authority and fear of another flood. Historian Josephus wrote that Nimrod’s goal was to build a tower taller than any future flood could reach. Humanity still acts the same way today — building monuments, chasing power, and seeking fame — revealing that “man’s heart hasn’t changed.” Lesson: “You can build something big without God — but it won’t last.” God’s Response — Confusion and Division God “came down” to see what man had built — emphasizing His sovereignty: “They tried to build up, but He had to come down to see it.” The Lord noted their unity: “Nothing they propose to do will be withheld from them.” Unity, even for evil, is powerful. So God confused their language to protect mankind from greater rebellion. This was not destruction, but mercy through disruption — scattering people before sin could multiply unchecked. “The only thing that reached heaven from Babel was their sin.” Two Kinds of Unity Pastor contrasted two types of unity: Worldly unity – Prideful, self-glorifying, built on rebellion (Babel). Godly unity – Humble, self-denying, built on obedience (Christ). “It’s powerful to be unified, even for the wrong reason — but it’s holy when you’re unified for the right one.” He warned that even evil movements gain momentum through unity, while the Church often loses ground because of division. The greatest form of unity begins with God Himself — aligning our will with His. “You’ll never be unified with people until you’re first unified with God.” Humility and the Example of Abraham Abraham’s humility contrasted Babel’s pride: He let Lot choose the better land, trusting God’s promise instead of striving for position. “Abraham pitched his tent and built his altar — Lot pitched his tent and lost everything.” God told Abraham, “I will make your name great.” The key difference: Abraham waited on God to exalt him; Babel tried to exalt itself. Pastor connected this to Jesus’ humility — who sought the Father’s glory, not His own. “Jesus didn’t look for fame; He looked for the Father’s confirmation.” Jesus’ Prayer for Unity (John 17:1–14) In John 17, Jesus prayed that His followers would be one as He and the Father are one. Unity is rooted in shared obedience and shared glory — not shared opinion. “If we don’t care who gets the credit, we’ll stay unified.” Jesus’ request: “Glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You.” “Keep them through Your name that they may be one as We are one.” Pastor emphasized that Jesus prayed not for the world, but for those who belong to God — the Church that would reach the world through unity and truth. Lesson: “Unity doesn’t mean sameness — it means shared purpose: glorifying God.” The Anatomy of Unity — Spirit, Soul, and Body Every believer must first be unified within themselves: Spirit (where the Holy Spirit dwells). Soul (mind, will, emotions). Body (the vessel of action). Without spiritual renewal, the soul leads — driven by emotion, intellect, and will. The Holy Spirit must rule the soul to align the believer with God’s will. “You’ll never be unified outwardly until you’re unified inwardly.” Pastor described how old thought patterns (like

Main Theme:Faith is proven through obedience. Dewayne Payton’s message focused on Noah’s faithfulness and obedience in building the ark — even when he had never seen rain. The sermon emphasized trusting God’s Word above logic, walking in His will regardless of circumstance, and leading others (especially family) to salvation through consistent faith. Introduction and Context Dewayne opened with prayer, thanking God for His Word and for the congregation’s hunger to grow.He returned to Genesis 6–8, reviewing Noah’s story as an example of unwavering faith and obedience in a corrupt world. “Noah was faithful in all that God commanded him — can we say the same?” The Call of Noah and the Power of Obedience (Genesis 6:11–22) The world was corrupt and filled with violence, yet God chose Noah because of his righteousness and obedience. God gave specific instructions for building the ark — exact measurements, placement of the door and window, and even how to seal it with pitch. Dewayne noted that every command had a reason — even when Noah didn’t understand it. “Faith doesn’t question — it builds. Noah didn’t argue with God; he just obeyed.” Key Point:Believing in God is not the same as believing God. “It’s one thing to believe in Him; it’s another to take Him at His word.” The Test of Waiting and Believing Noah believed God’s warning about a flood, even though rain had never fallen before. God gave 120 years before judgment — time for obedience, preparation, and patience. Dewayne reminded that God often asks believers to wait: Noah waited seven days in the ark before the rain started — a test of faith. Waiting reveals whether we still believe after obedience. “When God gives you a word, the devil will try to show you the opposite — to test if you really believe God.” God’s Control Over Creation and Salvation Dewayne illustrated how animals came to Noah by divine instinct, comparing it to migration patterns of geese, whales, and turtles. The lesson: if God can guide animals, He can direct your path. “It’s never the animals that are the problem — it’s us.” God told Noah, “Come into the ark,” implying His presence was already inside. Salvation is being with God in the place of safety. The Door of Salvation Genesis 7:16 — “And the Lord shut him in.” Dewayne highlighted this as symbolic of God’s control over salvation: Noah didn’t close the door; God did. “It’s not our place to decide who’s too far gone — only God shuts the door.” Once God shuts the door, judgment begins — a parallel to the coming judgment of the world. “Today is the day of salvation. Once the door closes, it’s closed.” The Flood as Judgment and Picture of the Rapture The flood waters lifted the ark above judgment — a prophetic symbol of the church’s rapture. Noah waited seven days (one shabua, or period of seven), just as believers will be with Christ for seven years before returning with Him. “Judgment came, but the righteous were lifted up. That’s what God will do for His church.” Lessons in God’s Sovereignty and Human Limits Dewayne taught that even during chaos, God was in full control: He started and stopped the rain. He set boundaries for the flood. He sustained Noah and the animals — possibly even through hibernation. “When you’re in God’s will, you’re never in danger. When you step out, that’s when trouble comes.” He used a simple illustration: a stick figure walking on God’s path is safe even in storms, but danger comes when we wander into our own way. The Raven and the Dove (Genesis 8:6–12) The raven represents the flesh — feeding on death and corruption. The dove represents the Spirit — finding no rest in the world, returning to Noah. “There’s no rest for the believer in this world. Rest only comes when you’re in Christ.” The dove’s return with an olive leaf signified peace and restoration — God’s renewal of the earth and reconciliation with mankind. Worship and Sacrifice After Deliverance Noah’s

Main Theme:Hope in Christ is not wishful thinking — it is a confident certainty rooted in the person and promises of Jesus. Pastor Matthew taught that when our hope is centered in Christ, our joy remains steady, and when joy remains, strength endures. The message called believers to anchor hope solely in Jesus, not in people, possessions, or circumstances. The Foundation of Hope Opening with 1 Timothy 1:1 — “Jesus Christ, our hope.” The Greek word elpis means hope as a sure expectation, not uncertainty. The verb form elpo means to expect confidently — always used with “in” or “on.” Pastor explained that English hope has a question mark (“I hope it won’t rain”), but biblical hope has no question mark because it rests in Jesus’ finished work. “When your hope is in and on Jesus Christ, there’s no question mark — because He’s already overcome death, hell, and the grave.” Lesson:If our hope is placed in people, success, government, or even ourselves, disappointment is inevitable. Only hope in Christ sustains true joy and strength. The Connection Between Hope, Joy, and Strength Quoting Nehemiah 8:10 — “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Joy is sustained when hope is rightly placed. When hope shifts to unstable things, joy fades and strength follows. “If you see someone without joy, you’re seeing someone who’s lost strength — because their hope has drifted.” Misplaced Hope and the Trap of Blame Pastor warned that misplaced hope gives others power to manipulate our emotions: “If my hope is in someone else, then how they act determines how I feel. That’s bondage.” Believers must stop blaming others for disappointment and instead reaffirm God’s sovereignty. “Either God is in control of your life, or that person is — but not both.” Insight:Hope in Christ frees us from emotional control by people or circumstances. The Certainty of God’s Promises Using Hebrews 11, Pastor explained that biblical hope is assurance in things unseen. The patriarchs “saw the promises afar off” and believed even when they hadn’t yet received them. Their hope without a question mark made them strangers and pilgrims on earth, focused on a heavenly city. “Abraham built his altars and pitched his tents — not the other way around.We’re in danger today of building our tents and pitching our altars.” Application:Believers must reorient life around eternity, not temporary comfort or possessions. Abraham: Hoping Against Hope (Romans 4:16–21) Abraham believed God’s promise for a son despite being 100 years old and Sarah’s womb barren. His hope wasn’t natural optimism but supernatural confidence in God’s word. “He hoped against hope — natural hope said it’s impossible, but divine hope said, ‘God cannot lie.’” Pastor reminded that God’s blessings are gifts of grace, not rewards for performance. “You can’t earn it. Everything from God is a gift — received by faith, not achieved by merit.” Staying Coupled to God The Hebrew term for “upright” (Psalm 84) means “to stay coupled.” Pastor illustrated with train cars: A shiny new car and a rusty old one both reach the destination if they stay coupled to the engine. “Some of you have dents and rust from life’s battles — but if you stay coupled to Jesus, you’ll reach the destination.” Encouragement:Even when believers fall, they must “fall forward.” God forgives failure and restores hope. Hope Through Hard Times (Jeremiah 29:10–13) In exile, God promised Israel restoration after 70 years. Jeremiah believed enough to buy land in a desolate place, trusting God’s word when it looked foolish. “You must decide whether to believe what God said — or what you see.” Pastor compared linear human logic to “block logic”: Human logic says, “If A, then B.” God’s truth says, “If God said it, it’s true — regardless of what A or B looks like.” Prisoners of Hope and the Example of Job (Zechariah 9:12) “Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope… I will restore double.” Job embod

As Israel’s conquest of the land concludes in Joshua 11–12, God calls His people to remember His victories, obey His commands, and never forget the source of their blessings. Pastor Matthew used the closing of Joshua’s battles to challenge believers to stay humble, thankful, and faithful — not just at Thanksgiving, but every day of life. Opening and Thanksgiving Reflection Pastor began with a prayer of gratitude, urging believers to reflect on the blessings of life and freedom. “May we not get complacent or presumptuous — all we have is today, and that day is a gift from God.”He reminded the congregation that none of us are promised tomorrow, and that gratitude should guard our hearts from pride and forgetfulness. Joshua’s Obedience and God’s Commands (Joshua 11:12–23) Joshua followed exactly what God commanded Moses, leaving “nothing undone of all the Lord had commanded.” Pastor emphasized that faithfulness means following God’s Word, not reinventing it. “You don’t get to become a Christian and play by your own rules — God doesn’t need your ideas.” Many want to hear God’s voice but won’t read His Word; yet Scripture itself is the contract between Christ the Groom and His Bride, the Church. Application:God reveals Himself through His Word. If you want direction, open the Book before asking for new revelation. God’s Sovereignty and Human Accountability Pastor addressed the difficult truth of divine judgment: God hardened the hearts of nations that continually rejected Him. He compared this to Pharaoh’s hardened heart — a consequence of repeated rebellion. “The most fearful verse in the Bible is not in Revelation — it’s where it says, ‘The Spirit of the Lord left Samson, and he knew it not.’” The warning: don’t resist God so long that conviction disappears. The most terrifying state is when the Holy Spirit withdraws and a person no longer feels remorse. Lesson: “Conviction is a gift — if you can sin without feeling it, something’s wrong.” The Nature of Sin and Boundaries of Love Pastor explained that God sets boundaries because He loves us, just as parents set boundaries for their children. From the Garden of Eden onward, sin began when man doubted God’s goodness and believed He was holding out on them. “The devil convinced Eve that God was keeping her from something better — that’s the same lie today.” Every sin still begins with mistrust of God’s intentions. Remembering God’s Victories (Joshua 12) God listed all 31 kings Israel defeated — not to glorify Joshua, but to remind the people of every battle God had already won. “When you’re in a new fight, remember how many victories God has already given you.” Pastor urged believers to stop panicking in new trials: “You’ve already watched God feed you, heal you, and deliver you. Don’t fall apart now — the same God is still fighting for you.” Forgetting past victories leads to unbelief, which Scripture calls evil, not immaturity. Deuteronomy 8 — The Call to Remember Pastor turned to Deuteronomy 8 to explain why God told Israel to remember: God humbled them in the wilderness to test their hearts, provide manna, and teach them dependence on His Word. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.” Their clothes never wore out; their feet never swelled — a sign of constant divine provision. He connected this to modern blessings: “No nation has been as blessed as Israel — except America.But we’re in danger of forgetting who made it that way.” The Danger of Forgetfulness and Prosperity When life gets comfortable — full houses, steady income, security — people forget God. He quoted Habakkuk, rebuking Israel for caring for their own houses while neglecting God’s. “You’ll live better on 90% honoring God than 100% stealing from Him.” Forgetting God leads to pride, and pride leads to destruction. Key Reminder: “When you’re full, don’t forget who filled your table.” God’s Discipline an

Main Theme:Faith is the inheritance every believer must pass on — the foundation of the “family of faith.” Drawing from the story of Moses’ parents, Amram and Jochebed, Pastor Matthew taught that true faith trusts God even when circumstances look hopeless, and that every generation must rise up and preserve faith for the next. The Faith Legacy of Moses’ Family Amram (“exalted people”) and Jochebed (“Yahweh is glory”) were from the priestly tribe of Levi. Their three children — Aaron (the first high priest), Miriam (the worship leader), and Moses (the deliverer) — all served different purposes but under the same God. “God uses families, but He uses each person differently. Our children belong to Him first.” Jochebed’s name was the first in Scripture to contain Yahweh — a sign that through her, God was revealing His covenant name and plan for deliverance. God Raises a Deliverer Through a Family of Faith Pharaoh, fearing the rise of a deliverer, commanded that all Hebrew male infants be killed. The Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, refused to obey Pharaoh’s order because they feared God more than man, and God blessed them for their obedience. “We obey the laws of the land — until they conflict with the laws of God. That’s where we draw the line.” Pastor stressed that when God plans a deliverance, He first raises up a man or woman of faith — just as He did with Moses. Jochebed’s Faith in Action (Exodus 2:1–10) Jochebed hid her baby Moses for three months, then placed him in a basket on the Nile River — the same river where other infants were being killed. “She put her child right in the enemy’s waters — and trusted God to keep him.” Pharaoh’s daughter found the baby, and through God’s orchestration: Moses’ sister Miriam offered to find a Hebrew nurse — Jochebed herself. Pharaoh’s daughter unknowingly paid Jochebed to care for her own son. “God’s big enough to pay you to raise your own child in faith.” Jochebed eventually released Moses completely, letting Pharaoh’s daughter claim him as her son — a stunning act of humility and surrender. “She carried him, birthed him, hid him, and raised him — but was willing to let him go for God’s glory.” The Power of Faith and Humility Jochebed’s faith mirrors Abraham’s — both trusted God enough to release what they loved most. Pastor urged parents and believers to trust God with their children and futures, even when they cannot control the outcome. “The greatest people in heaven may be the ones who labored unseen and gave God all the glory.” True greatness is not found in position or visibility, but in obedience and humility. “Faith doesn’t impress God because it’s loud — it impresses Him because it trusts.” Faith that Sees the Invisible (Hebrews 11) The faith of Moses’ parents is honored in Hebrews 11:23: “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents… for they saw he was a beautiful child.” The word translated beautiful (Greek: asteios) means belonging to another city — symbolizing that Jochebed recognized Moses belonged to God. “She knew she was a steward of a child who belonged to another kingdom.” Faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” It requires acting before seeing results. Faith is ongoing, not something we once had years ago. God rewards those who diligently seek Him — meaning those who do not neglect Him. Lesson: “Faith that pleases God is faith that obeys, acts, and doesn’t neglect His voice — even when it interrupts your plans.” Moses’ Example of Faith As Moses matured, he refused to be known as Pharaoh’s daughter’s son and chose to suffer with God’s people instead of enjoying the “passing pleasures of sin.” Pastor emphasized that sin is pleasurable for a season, but its end is destruction. Moses’ faith caused him to “see Him who is invisible” — living by faith in what God promised, not what he could see. “That’s the paradox of faith — to see the invisib

Main Theme:God is both Savior and Restorer, calling His people to remain steadfast in hope, truth, and repentance while warning against false voices and spiritual apathy in the last days. The study of Zechariah 9–10 connected ancient Israel’s restoration to God’s prophetic promises being fulfilled in our time. Opening Focus — “Prisoners of Hope” (Zechariah 9:11–12) Pastor Matthew opened with prayer and the reminder that the Lord is longsuffering and merciful, calling believers to follow His will. Zechariah 9:11–12 declares God’s promise: “Because of the blood of your covenant, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope.” The phrase “prisoners of hope” was highlighted as a declaration of certainty, not uncertainty. In Greek (elpis), “hope” means expectation without a question mark — because our confidence is in Jesus, not circumstance. No matter how “caged up” we feel, believers are never without hope if they trust the Lord. Lesson: “God’s people are not prisoners of despair — we are prisoners of hope.” God the Savior and Restorer God’s character is revealed as both Deliverer and Restorer. Like Job, who endured affliction but received double restoration, Israel too would be redeemed and multiplied. God not only saves from destruction but restores what was lost. “You’re not allowed to use God and ‘can’t’ in the same sentence — unless you’re talking about sin.” Key Thought:The only thing God cannot do is sin. He can save, heal, and restore anything that’s broken. Warnings Against False Shepherds and Idols (Zechariah 10:2) Zechariah warned that idols and false prophets speak delusion and comfort in vain, leading people astray because “there is no shepherd.” Pastor compared this to modern deception — preachers who tell people only what they want to hear. “People don’t want a doctor who lies about a tumor, or a financial advisor who hides disaster. But many want a preacher who tells them what they want instead of what they need.” Application: The absence of godly leadership creates confusion and loss. True shepherds preach repentance and righteousness, not comfort and compromise. Parallels to the Last Days — 2 Peter 3 Pastor connected Zechariah’s message to 2 Peter 3, describing the same pattern in the last days: Scoffers will deny judgment and live by their own desires. Many will forget the past judgment (the Flood) and ignore the coming one (by fire). The world will not end by human means (like climate change), but by God’s sovereign decision. “The world will not end because of warming or cooling — it will end because God brings it to a close.” The Danger of Misreading God’s Longsuffering People misinterpret God’s mercy as apathy or approval. God delays judgment to give time for repentance — not because He’s asleep or indifferent. Israel’s repeated disobedience led to captivity because they mistook mercy for permission. “The mystery isn’t that God will judge — the mystery is that He hasn’t already.” Examples: Nations and individuals fall when they take grace for granted. The sins of abortion, abuse, greed, and deceit invite judgment; only repentance delays it. God’s Desire for Repentance and Salvation Pastor reflected on 2 Peter 3:9 — “The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” God’s longsuffering aims to save even the worst sinner, illustrated through: Manasseh — the most wicked king of Judah, who repented after 55 years and was forgiven. Barabbas — the murderer set free while Jesus took his place. “Jesus carried the very crossbeam Barabbas had prepared for himself.The cleanest man who ever lived took the place of the worst man in the culture.” Insight:God’s mercy reaches even those we think beyond saving. No one is too far gone. The True Shepherd Restores His People (Zechariah 10:3–12) God’s anger burns against false shepherds, but He promises to raise up the Go

Main Theme:The message continues the study of Joshua chapters 10–11, exploring how God led Israel to fully conquer their enemies. Pastor emphasized that these natural battles symbolize our spiritual warfare—the believer’s call to finish battles of faith, destroy sin’s influence, and walk in victory through obedience. Opening and Global Prayer The service began with intercession for Christians under persecution in Nigeria and Sudan, highlighting that while Western believers face spiritual battles, others face literal physical danger for their faith. Pastor led prayer for God’s mercy, protection, and bold witness among the persecuted church. Israel’s Battle and Spiritual Parallels (Joshua 10:16–43) Joshua commanded the army to seal the five kings in the cave at Makkedah, pursue the enemy, and finish the battle. After victory, Joshua had his captains place their feet on the necks of the kings—a prophetic act of dominion. This became a picture of spiritual warfare: “Sometimes we don’t finish the battle. We let things live that God told us to destroy.” Believers must pursue sin and temptation until they are “dust under our feet.” Partial obedience leads to future bondage. Lesson: Don’t leave sin alive. Whatever is not put to death will eventually come back to destroy. Just as Joshua completed every battle, we must close every spiritual door and cut off access to the enemy. God’s Ways and the Danger of Presumption Pastor reminded the congregation that God moves in diverse ways: “Sometimes He fights supernaturally; other times He works through natural means or people—but it’s always His hand.” He warned against putting God in a box or expecting Him to act the same way every time, which leads to a Pharisaical mindset. True faith trusts His sovereignty regardless of method. The Severity of Sin Joshua’s command to destroy the Canaanite nations often troubles modern readers, but Pastor explained: God owns everything; He is perfectly just in judgment. Israel’s destruction of wicked nations demonstrates the seriousness of sin, not cruelty. “We don’t see how wicked sin really is… we’ve redefined it as conditions or sickness instead of rebellion against God.” Sin caused death, chaos, and even required the crucifixion of God’s Son to be redeemed. God’s judgment isn’t biased—He later judged Israel the same way when they turned to idolatry. “He’s long-suffering, but He’s also holy.” God the Redeemer Pastor used the analogy of the pawn shop and Hosea’s marriage: Humanity belonged to God but sold itself to sin. Yet God, though rightful owner, paid again with the blood of Christ to buy us back. “He walked into the spiritual pawn shop and paid for the whole store.” This is the picture of grace: redemption at a cost God didn’t owe. Spiritual Warfare and Finishing the Fight (Joshua 11) The northern kings united against Israel, but God reassured Joshua: “Do not be afraid. I will deliver them into your hand.” God again fought for Israel, proving that obedience keeps God’s presence active. Joshua’s faithfulness to continue Moses’ commands showed continuity—obedience to divine instruction brings sustained victory. Application: Romans 6 and the War Within Pastor connected Joshua’s battles to Romans 6, explaining how believers must fight sin with the same intensity: “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid.” Through baptism, we are united with Christ’s death and resurrection. Therefore, sin has no dominion over believers: “Even when you fail, your position in Christ overrides your condition.” Victory comes by renewing the mind with the Word, speaking God’s truth over ourselves, and closing every door to sin. Believers must “cut off options” that lead back to bondage—relationships, habits, or influences that tempt the flesh. Becoming a Bondservant Paul called himself a bondslave of Christ—one who chooses to stay out of love, not compulsion. Pastor contrasted this with modern Chr

Sermon Summary — “Jesus the Great Intercessor”   Main Theme:Jesus Christ stands eternally as the Great Intercessor — the one who steps between humanity and judgment, taking our place, wrapping Himself in our condition, and offering access to God through His continual intercession. 1. Defining Intercession Pastor Denis begins by distinguishing intercession from ordinary prayer. All prayer is not intercessory, though intercession may happen during prayer. The Greek roots of “intercession” convey two ideas: To come between or to obstruct/prevent something harmful. To be wrapped up in — implying full personal involvement. An intercessor steps into the gap—on behalf of others—to obstruct harm or judgment and to bring about God’s will, not personal desires. Example: Esther interceded for her people, risking her life to stand between them and destruction. True intercessors, like her, are willing to “wrap themselves” into a situation regardless of cost. 2. The Nature of True Intercession True intercession is not “safe” or comfortable, but rooted in faith and obedience. It is not motivated by emotion or pity, but by alignment with the will of God. It involves risk without fear, because “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Pastor Denis uses a story of a mayor taking his mother’s punishment to illustrate substitution — a reflection of what Jesus does for us. 3. Biblical Examples of Intercessors Job 9:32–33 – Job longs for a “mediator” (daysman) to stand between him and God — a foreshadowing of Christ. Elijah (James 5:17–18) – Elijah prayed for drought and then rain, aligning his intercession with God’s word, even though it brought hardship upon himself too. True intercession seeks spiritual restoration above physical comfort. Moses – Offered his own life for Israel’s forgiveness (“If you destroy them, destroy me too”). Shows intercession as willingness to bear another’s burden or consequence. 4. Modern Application — Interceding with God’s Will Sometimes God calls believers to pray difficult prayers, not just “bless them” prayers — to ask for repentance, breaking, and surrender. True intercessors pray for God’s will, not people’s preferences. Intercession might require standing against popular opinion or suffering personally for the sake of truth. 5. The Great Intercessor: Jesus Christ Hebrews 2 reveals that Jesus is the ultimate mediator who: Took on flesh and “tasted death for everyone.” Fully identified with humanity, walking through temptation, pain, and rejection. Now “lives to make intercession” for us continually before the Father. Jesus is the only one who: Stepped between judgment and humanity to absorb sin’s penalty. Wrapped Himself in human weakness to redeem it. Now stands as our refuge, mediator, and hope. Key Insight: Saying “I can’t overcome” or “I can’t change” is not humility — it denies the power of Christ’s intercession. Every believer must personally step into what Jesus has already provided. 6. Call to Action Seek Jesus first, before friends, family, or social support. Develop a personal relationship with Him — He’s awake at every hour, listening and interceding. Make Him the center, not a part, of your life. Everything else should revolve around Him. Understand that Jesus’ intercession is ongoing, not a one-time act — He is continually standing in the gap for us. Closing Message Jesus, the Great Intercessor, has already obstructed judgment, absorbed our punishment, and secured eternal life for those who believe.Now, He calls us to reflect His nature — to stand in the gap for others, to align with His will, and to give ourselves wholly to the purposes of God. “He lives to make intercession — not because He must be convinced, but because that’s who He is.”

Theme: Covenant Renewal and the Danger of Compromise Pastor Matthew continued the Joshua series, focusing on Joshua chapters 9 and 10—the story of the Gibeonite deception and Israel’s response. The message explored how deception, presumption, and failure to seek God’s direction lead to spiritual compromise, but also how God’s mercy and power still prevail through covenant faithfulness. The Gibeonite Deception (Joshua 9) After the miraculous victories at Jericho and Ai, news spread throughout Canaan about Israel’s power under God’s command. While other kings prepared for war, the Gibeonites chose deception: they disguised themselves as distant travelers, wearing old clothes and carrying moldy bread to make Israel believe they came from far away. “The devil doesn’t always come at you head-on. Sometimes he comes dressed as something harmless, familiar, or even friendly.” Israel’s leaders failed to consult the Lord before making a covenant with them. “They examined the evidence but didn’t pray. That’s where the failure happened.” Lesson: “Not everything that looks right is right. When you stop seeking God’s counsel, you open yourself up to deception.” The Power and Permanence of Covenant Once the truth was revealed—that the Gibeonites were local inhabitants—Israel wanted to destroy them, but Joshua refused, because they had sworn an oath before the Lord. “You don’t break covenant just because it’s inconvenient. When you give your word before God, He expects you to honor it.” Joshua made the Gibeonites servants in the house of God, cutting wood and drawing water for the altar. “Even in discipline, God gives a place of grace. The Gibeonites ended up serving in the temple—better to be a servant in God’s house than a warrior outside of it.” Application: Keep your word, integrity matters. God honors covenant even when we fail to discern perfectly. His mercy can redeem our mistakes and bring them into His purpose. Spiritual Warning — The Cost of Presumption Pastor reminded that Israel’s misstep came not from rebellion but assumption: “They assumed they knew what to do because it looked obvious. But assumption is the enemy of revelation.” He linked this to modern believers: People presume God’s approval because of success or blessing. Churches presume direction because of tradition. “We don’t pray about things anymore because we think we already know the answer. That’s dangerous ground.” Joshua 10 — When the Enemy Attacks Your Covenant Five Amorite kings formed an alliance to destroy Gibeon for aligning with Israel. The Gibeonites cried out to Joshua for help—and Joshua honored the covenant, marching all night from Gilgal to defend them. “When you make covenant before God, He’ll expect you to keep it even when it costs you sleep, comfort, or convenience.” God honored Joshua’s obedience with supernatural victory: The enemy was thrown into confusion. Large hailstones fell from heaven, killing more than the sword. The sun stood still over Gibeon as Joshua prayed for extended daylight. “When you honor covenant, God honors you. Heaven will move time itself to fulfill His word through a faithful servant.” The Sun Stands Still — God’s Power in Partnership Pastor emphasized that God didn’t act until Joshua spoke in faith: “The miracle didn’t happen until Joshua opened his mouth. Faith is voice-activated.” This battle revealed divine partnership—God works through people who trust His covenant and speak His promises. “God didn’t tell Joshua to pray for the sun to stand still—he just believed big enough to ask. That’s faith that moves creation.” Application: Don’t wait for the perfect conditions to believe in miracles. When you walk in covenant obedience, heaven backs your faith. God Finishes What He Starts Joshua captured the five kings and had them brought before Israel. He instructed his commanders to place their feet on the necks of the defeated kings. “That’s a picture of what Christ does