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I. A Heart for the World — Global Missions Pastor Richard and Pastor Lisa have a vision that reaches beyond the four walls of the church. Their mission trips, including the trip to Kenya, demonstrate obedience to God's calling. God-given dreams can become reality when we take action and trust Him. Their support of missionaries helps spread the Gospel and build relationships with believers around the world. Their example encourages the church to look beyond itself and reach a hurting world with the hope of Christ. Their global ministry also inspires and equips the church to grow in faith and leadership. Key Scripture: Proverbs 25:2 — Understanding the hearts of others. II. Recognizing and Honoring Our Pastors Honoring spiritual leaders is biblical and important. Pastoring is a demanding responsibility that involves prayer, preparation, sacrifice, and criticism. Pastor Richard's commitment to prayer and seeking God's direction is an example to the congregation. Church members are encouraged to check on their pastors, pray for them, and support them. Pastor Richard demonstrates a genuine burden for the lost and a desire to see people saved. The congregation is called to follow godly leadership as leaders follow Christ. Key Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 — Recognize and esteem those who labor among you in the Lord. III. A Ministry of Love and Compassion Pastor Richard and Pastor Lisa have opened their hearts and doors to people from different backgrounds and nations. Members from Liberia expressed gratitude for the pastors' welcome, support, and continued ministry in Liberia. Their personal relationships with church members demonstrate humility, compassion, and genuine care. Their ministry helps people grow spiritually and discover their God-given potential. Key Scripture: Matthew 25:35–40 — Serving others as an expression of serving Christ. IV. The Importance of Vision and Giving Pastor Richard and Pastor Lisa have faithfully pursued the vision God placed in their hearts for Victory Church. Their commitment to seeking God's wisdom and understanding strengthens the congregation. Tithes and offerings help support the church, expand ministries, reach the community, and bring people to Christ. Giving is an act of obedience, gratitude, and worship. The congregation is encouraged to partner with the pastors in fulfilling God's vision. Key Scripture: Proverbs 29:18 — The importance of vision and following God's direction. V. Investing in the Next Generation The youth ministry expressed appreciation for the pastors' love, prayers, teaching, and guidance. Pastor Richard and Pastor Lisa encourage young people to grow in their relationship with God. Their example helps the next generation develop confidence, faith, and a desire to serve the Lord. Their investment in young people is helping shape future Christian leaders. VI. The Impact of Life Groups and Emerging Leaders Life groups provide a safe environment for fellowship, meaningful conversations, and spiritual growth. Pastor Lisa's patience and encouragement have helped members overcome fear and become more confident. Emerging Leaders classes develop spiritual maturity, leadership skills, and personal growth. Participants are learning to share the Gospel with family, friends, and coworkers. Leadership training equips members to serve their communities and make a difference beyond the church. The pastors' investment in people creates a lasting impact that extends to future generations. VII. The Young Adults Ministry Pastor Richard invests time in mentoring and encouraging young adults. Life groups create opportunities to ask questions, build relationships, and strengthen faith. Young adults are encouraged to become more than church attendees and to live out God's Word. The pastors' prayers, wisdom, and personal involvement help shape young adults into the people God has called them to be. VIII. A Legacy of Prayer and Faithfulness Church members testified to Pastor Richard's consistent commitment to prayer. His actions reflect the message he preaches, demonstrating faithfulness and integrity. Members who have known him for decades testified to his consistency and trustworthiness. The congregation prayed for God's protection, strength, encouragement, and continued blessing over Pastor Richard, Pastor Lisa, and their family. IX. Closing Remarks and Blessing The church was encouraged to participate actively in honoring its pastors. Appreciation should not be limited to one special day but expressed throughout the year. Members were invited to join a blessing line to personally thank and honor Pastor Richard and Pastor Lisa. The service concluded with an opportunity for the congregation to express love, gratitude, and support.

Key Highlights 1. Change Your Mindset A poverty mentality is not about how much money you have, but about thinking in terms of fear, lack, and limitation. 2. Trust God as Your Provider Our security, joy, and contentment should come from God, not money or possessions. 3. Have Faith in Difficult Seasons Isaac sowed during a famine and trusted God to provide. We must keep trusting God even when circumstances look difficult. 📖 Genesis 26:12 — “Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year an hundredfold; and the LORD blessed him.” 4. Persevere and Don't Give Up Continue praying, serving, and doing what is right, even when you don't see immediate results. 📖 Galatians 6:9 — “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” 5. Give with a Cheerful Heart Be generous, manage your resources wisely, and trust God rather than allowing fear to control your decisions. 🙌 Closing Message Don't let fear, lack, or difficult circumstances control your mindset. Keep walking by faith, remain faithful, and trust God through every season. Your current situation does not determine what God can do in your future!

Hearing is not the same as listening We can hear the Word of God regularly without actually allowing it to change us. The real question is: Are we listening with a heart that is willing to respond? Is something blocking our spiritual hearing? Sin, distractions, busyness, pride, fear, unforgiveness, and worldly influences can make us less sensitive to God's voice. Ask: What has gotten in the way of my relationship with God? God is speaking—are we paying attention? God speaks through His Word, prayer, the Holy Spirit, and godly counsel. Sometimes the issue isn't that God has stopped speaking; we've stopped listening. A willing ear requires a willing heart Listening to God means being willing to obey even when what He says challenges us. We shouldn't only want to hear what makes us comfortable. What happens when we don't listen? Ignoring God's instruction can lead us in the wrong direction. Spiritual hearing becomes stronger when we consistently respond to what God shows us. Are we listening selectively? It's easy to hear God's promises while ignoring His correction. We need to receive both encouragement and conviction. The importance of obedience Biblical listening ultimately produces action. The question isn't simply, “Did I hear the sermon?” but “What am I going to do with what I heard?”

Introduction Brokenness is difficult but can lead to strength and blessing. The heart represents the whole inner person—mind, will, and emotions. David and Psalm 51 After serious sin, David responds with repentance. God desires a “broken spirit” and “contrite heart” more than outward sacrifice. True devotion begins in the heart. What Biblical Brokenness Means Humility and surrender. Recognizing dependence on God. Letting go of pride, self-reliance, and pretense. Surrendering the whole of life to God. Responding to Suffering Everyone experiences pain and hardship. What matters is how we respond. We can become bitter or better, hardened or humble. God can use suffering to transform us. Three Responses Resist what God is doing. Run from difficult circumstances. Respond with surrender: “Yes, Lord.” Jacob and True Blessing Jacob sought God's blessing but needed character transformation. His encounter with God changed his identity. Biblical blessing is more than material prosperity; it includes transformation. Personal Testimony The speaker describes a season of having little while waiting on God. He eventually surrendered his desires and concluded: having God was enough. That surrender became a defining experience of brokenness. The Goal God wants believers to become more like Jesus. Brokenness and surrender are presented as ongoing parts of spiritual growth. Conclusion God is near to the brokenhearted and humble. The appropriate response is to bring God our pain, pride, failures, and desires. Central message: Brokenness → surrender → transformation → blessing.

Outline: “Power Encounters” I. Opening and Introduction Welcome, blessing, and encouragement to the congregation. Emphasis on being part of a church family. Lighthearted interaction with the congregation. Encouragement to bring physical Bibles rather than relying solely on phones. Avoid distractions from texting and social media. Introduction of the sermon title: “Power Encounters.” II. What Is a Power Encounter? A power encounter is described as experiencing God’s power in a real and tangible way. It moves beyond intellectual or philosophical arguments into an experience of God’s authority. Biblical power encounters demonstrate Jesus Christ’s authority over spiritual forces. The Book of Acts provides examples of God’s power confronting darkness, wickedness, and demonic oppression. III. The Reality of Spiritual Battle The sermon identifies an ongoing conflict between: Light and darkness. Truth and deception. Good and evil. Holiness and sin. Christians are encouraged to recognize that spiritual opposition exists. Personal example: A church prayer gathering for the nation was met with opposition from an atheist organization. Main point: As the church moves forward, the preacher believes spiritual opposition will attempt to resist its progress. Christians should not respond with fear but with awareness and preparation. IV. Being Forewarned and Forearmed Reference to 2 Corinthians 2:11: Christians should not be ignorant of the enemy’s devices. Warning signs are presented as preparation rather than reasons for fear. Ephesians 6:10: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” The believer's strength comes from: God. God’s Word. God’s presence. Spiritual battles cannot ultimately be fought through human strength. V. The Purpose and Message of Acts Acts records the beginning and expansion of the Christian church. The Gospel spreads: From Jerusalem. Throughout the Roman Empire. Ultimately toward the nations. Paul continues preaching even while imprisoned. The church's mission is to proclaim the Gospel. The Gospel offers: Forgiveness of sins. A new relationship with God. A transformed life. The Gospel continues despite opposition. VI. Dependence on the Holy Spirit The church's work depends completely on the Holy Spirit. God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. The disciples' transformation illustrates this: Before Pentecost: fear, self-doubt, shame, and hiding. After receiving the Holy Spirit: boldness, conviction, and courage. Central question: What made the difference? Answer: The power of the Holy Spirit. VII. Spiritual Power for Spiritual Battles Believers need spiritual power to: Serve God. Serve the church. Witness to Jesus. Face spiritual opposition. Psalm 144:1 is used to describe God training believers for spiritual battle. Spiritual strength and victory are developed through: Scripture. Prayer. Learning to operate spiritually. VIII. Fighting From a Place of Victory Christians are encouraged not to fight from a mindset of defeat. Instead, they should recognize the victory already accomplished through Christ. Illustration: the preacher’s childhood baseball team His team was undefeated. Although he was not the strongest player, he had confidence because he knew astrong team was behind him. He pitched a one-hit game. Application: Confidence comes from knowing who is behind you. Christians can face spiritual battles because Christ has already won the victory. IX. Christ’s Victory Over Spiritual Powers Colossians 2 is used to explain Christ’s victory. Christ: Removed the record of sin. Nailed it to the cross. Disarmed principalities and powers. Triumphed over them. The cross appeared to be defeat but ultimately represented Christ’s victory. Because Christ has victory, believers can fight from a position of victory rather than defeat. X. The Power of the Holy Spirit vs. Human Wisdom 1 Corinthians 2 is introduced. Paul emphasizes that his ministry did not depend on: Human wisdom. Persuasive speech. Intellectual ability. Instead, it depended upon: Demonstration of the Spirit. God’s power. The goal is for faith to rest in God’s power rather than human wisdom. XI. Personal Encounter With God The preacher encourages listeners to experience God personally. Personal experience is presented as something that cannot easily be argued away. The emphasis is not on: Emotionalism. Fanaticism. Sensationalism. Rather, the emphasis is on a genuine personal encounter with the living God. XII. Keep Moving Forward Believers are encouraged not to stop serving because of: Hurt. Offense. Betrayal. Disappointment. Discussion of “church hurt.” The church is made up of imperfect people. Jesus is the only perfect person. God works through imperfect people who can understand and sympathize with oneanother. Main exhortation: Keep serving. Keep coming. Keep giving. Keep helping. Keep blessing. Keep moving forward. Illustration: Things that stop moving eventually weaken, deteriorate, or become unusable. Spiritual growth likewise requires continued movement, even if it is only a small step. XIII. God’s Presence and Manifestation God is described as omnipresent—present everywhere. However, the preacher distinguishes God's general presence from moments when God makes His presence especially evident. The early church experienced God in a powerful and tangible way. Christianity is presented as more than doctrinal statements: It is a living relationship with God. It involves experiencing His presence. XIV. Three Results of a Power Encounter 1. Reality God's presence and power make His reality tangible. 1 Corinthians 2: faith should rest in God's power. Luke 24:32: the disciples' hearts “burned” as Jesus opened the Scriptures. The preacher desires listeners to experience a similar spiritual awakening. Psalm 34:8: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Faith is presented as something to be personally experienced, not merely intellectually observed. Worship creates an atmosphere for people to seek God's presence. 2. Refreshment Spiritual encounters bring renewal and refreshing. Acts is referenced regarding “times of refreshing” from God's presence. Believers can become weary through: Spiritual battles. Job difficulties. Sickness. Discouragement. Old patterns of thinking. God's presence provides renewed strength. Key idea: New levels require new strength. 3. Restoration God restores the soul. The preacher connects restoration with bringing something back to its proper condition—and ultimately making it better. God can restore: Joy. Peace. Spiritual strength. What has been lost or stolen. Believers are encouraged to seek a fresh touch from God. XV. Closing Prayer and Invitation The congregation is asked to stand. The worship team returns. Prayer for: The Holy Spirit's presence. Hunger and thirst for God. Spiritual strength. Refreshment. Awareness of spiritual opposition. Congregants are invited to: Leave their seats. Pray. Kneel. Seek the Holy Spirit. Receive prayer from the ministry/prayer team. Final emphasis: “Lord, I need Your Holy Spirit.” “Lord, I need Your touch.” Central Message Believers should seek a personal encounter with the power of the Holy Spirit, recognize that Christ has already won the victory, and continue moving forward in faith, receiving God's strength, refreshment, and restoration.

🎙️ Podcast Highlight Points 1. The Struggle Is Real, But the Victory Is Assured “The struggle is real. But the victory is assured this morning.” Life may bring trials and difficulties, but God never gives up on us. He continues to give us grace and strength. 2. We Are In a Spiritual Battle “You are in a spiritual battle whether you realize it or not this morning.” The message emphasizes that our battles are not only physical or visible. We must recognize the spiritual dimension and depend on God's power and presence. 3. Put on the Whole Armor of God “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” “Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles ofthe devil.” Our strength comes from the Lord, and we are called to stand firm in spiritual battles. 4. Don't Fight People—Recognize the Real Battle “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood.” The sermon points to Ephesians 6:12 and reminds us that there are spiritual forces behind the battles we face. 5. Do Not Live in Fear “God doesn't want us to live in fear. God doesn't want us to live in ignorance.” Instead, believers are encouraged to understand spiritual realities through God's Word and to walk in faith rather than fear. 6. There Is More Than Meets the Eye “There's more than meets the eye with what's going on in your life.” The story of Elisha reminds us that what we see naturally isn't always the complete picture. “Lord, open his eyes that he may see.” 7. God Is Fighting for You “Those who are with us are more than those who are with him.” Just as Elisha's servant discovered that God's heavenly forces surrounded them, we can trust that God is greater than what stands against us. 8. The Name of Jesus Has Power “There is a power and there is an authority in the name of Jesus Christ.” The sermon repeatedly points believers back to the authority and power found in Jesus. “In My name, they will cast out demons.” 9. It's Not a Formula—It's a Relationship “It's not a formula, it's a relationship.” Following Jesus isn't about copying someone else's method or trying to find the perfect formula for spiritual success. “It's about getting on your face, getting to know God in His Word, in prayer.” 10. Relationship Comes Before Ministry “That they might be with Him.” Before Jesus sent His disciples out to preach, heal, and minister, He called them to be with Him. “It's relationship.” Our ministry flows out of our relationship with God. 11. Stay Connected to God's Word “There's always a fresh revelation, there's always something God speaks to you.” The sermon encourages believers to continually spend time in Scripture because God'sWord continues to speak into different seasons of our lives. 12. True Repentance Produces Change “It's not enough to just say I repent.” “There's got to be some fruit, there's got to be a manifestation of a changed life.” Real repentance isn't merely words—it produces tangible changes in the way we live. 13. Don't Play With Spiritual Things “This is not child's play. This is not something that we just mess around with.” The message calls for biblical discernment and warns against treating spiritual matters casually or as a formula. 14. You Have Authority Through Jesus “You've got the authority. You've got to use it right now.” The sermon encourages believers to stand in the authority they have through Christ rather than allowing fear or oppression to hold them back. 15. God Wants to Restore What Was Lost “Lord, restore what the enemy has stolen.” The closing prayer focuses on restoration: “Lord, I pray you'd restore their joy.” “God, I pray you'd restore their peace in their home.” “Lord, I speak restoration over Your people today.”

Outline: “Hot, Cold or Lukewarm” I. Introduction: The Challenge of Being Lukewarm Opening encouragement: “We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Illustration about coffee: Some prefer it hot. Some prefer it cold. Few prefer it lukewarm. Connection to spiritual life: Jesus desires people who are spiritually hot or cold, rather than lukewarm. Primary text: Revelation 3:14–22 II. Background: The Message to the Church at Laodicea The passage came to the preacher during a three-day fast and prayer. Jesus gives John the Apostle a revelation while John is on the Isle of Patmos. John was elderly and exiled because of his faithful proclamation of Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:19 provides the framework for the book: Things John had seen. Things that were happening. Things that would take place afterward. Revelation chapters 2–3 contain messages to seven literal churches in Asia Minor: Ephesus Smyrna Pergamos Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia Laodicea III. The Purpose and Pattern of the Seven Messages Each message begins with a revelation of who Jesus is. Each generally contains: A commendation. A rebuke or correction. Counsel about how to respond. Smyrna and Philadelphia received commendation without rebuke. Laodicea uniquely received rebuke without commendation. The messages to the first-century churches remain relevant to believers today. Application: Scripture is given for teaching, correction, reproof, and training. Believers should examine themselves rather than constantly examine others. IV. Jesus’ Standard for Evaluating His Church Jesus does not primarily evaluate churches according to: Attendance. Buildings. Money/budget. The preacher contrasts the “ABCs”: Attendance Buildings Cash Jesus emphasizes the D: Discipleship. The goal is not merely making decisions or gathering spectators. True disciples: Follow Jesus. Learn from Him. Live like Him. Contribute through faith and service. The emphasis is quality rather than quantity. Jesus looks at the inward condition of the heart rather than outward appearance. V. The Four C’s of the Message 1. The Christ — Revelation 3:14 Jesus identifies Himself as: The Amen The faithful and true witness The beginning/source of God’s creation Jesus alone is qualified to judge the heart and soul. “Beginning” refers to His supremacy, source, and preeminence—not that Jesus was created. Jesus is both authoritative and loving. Believers should measure themselves by: Jesus. God’s Word. Avoid comparing yourself with other people because comparison produces: Pride. Insecurity. 2. The Complacency — Revelation 3:15–17 Jesus says the Laodiceans are neither hot nor cold. Their lukewarmness makes Him want to spit/vomit them out. Hot represents: Passion. Spiritual hunger. Prayer. Scripture. Commitment. Pursuit of God. Cold represents: Clearly recognizing one's distance from God. Awareness of one's need for God. Lukewarm represents: Indifference. Going through religious motions. Lack of spiritual passion. Being comfortable with just enough Christianity to avoid real transformation. Background of Laodicea: Nearby Hierapolis had hot springs. Cold water was also available from another nearby source. By the time water reached Laodicea through aqueducts, it became lukewarm. Jesus used the city's familiar experience to communicate a spiritual truth. Warning against becoming like the Pharisees: Religious outwardly. Spiritually corrupt inwardly. Self-righteous and judgmental. Complacency often develops gradually through compromise. The danger of prosperity: “I am rich.” “I have everything I need.” Material sufficiency can produce spiritual self-sufficiency. True wealth is being rich toward God. Without Jesus, possessing everything amounts to nothing. With Jesus, even without worldly possessions, a person possesses what truly matters. 3. The Counsel — Revelation 3:18–19 Jesus counsels the Laodiceans to receive from Him: Gold refined by fire — true spiritual riches. White garments — righteousness and purity in Christ. Eye salve — spiritual sight and understanding. Jesus again speaks in terms familiar to Laodicea: Financial/banking center → gold. Textile/fashion industry → clothing. Medical/eye treatment → eye salve. The central message: Stop trusting worldly resources. Come to Jesus for what truly satisfies. Jesus could command, yet He lovingly says, “I counsel you.” Isaiah 55 reinforces God's invitation to receive His provision without money. Jesus' rebuke comes from love: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” The appropriate response is: Zeal. Repentance. Change. 4. The Call — Revelation 3:20–22 Jesus says: “I stand at the door and knock.” The original context is striking: This message was addressed to a church. Jesus is pictured as outside, knocking to be let back in. Jesus continues pursuing people even when they have become: Complacent. Lukewarm. Backslidden. His invitation: Hear His voice. Open the door. Fellowship with Him. The promise to those who overcome: They will sit with Christ on His throne. Main emphasis: There is still hope. There is still grace. There is still restoration. There is still a future. VI. Personal Self-Examination The sermon shifts from examining the church to examining oneself. Questions for believers: Am I spiritually hot, cold, or lukewarm? Have I become complacent? Am I more influenced by culture and social media than Scripture? Am I following Jesus or merely participating in church? Have prosperity and comfort made me less dependent on God? Do not judge yourself by comparison with others. Judge yourself according to God's Word. The preacher uses his own experience of receiving a medical diagnosis as an illustration: An accurate diagnosis is not condemnation. It identifies the problem so healing can begin. Likewise, God's conviction exposes spiritual problems so restoration can occur. VII. Communion and the Call to Examine Ourselves Transition to 1 Corinthians 11:23–32. Communion is presented as a moment of self-examination. Believers are instructed to examine themselves before partaking. God knows: Sin. Rebellion. Compromise. Hidden struggles. Yet He continues to knock and invite people into fellowship. God does not demand that people fix themselves before coming to Him. The invitation is: Come as you are. Repent. Surrender. Allow God's grace to transform you. VIII. Final Appeal Stop living below God's calling and purpose. Move from: Complacency → zeal. Compromise → surrender. Lukewarmness → spiritual fire. Self-sufficiency → dependence on God. Judge yourself rather than others. Recognize that correction can be an expression of love. A true friend tells the truth rather than simply affirming everything. Jesus is still knocking. The response required is simply to open the door. Closing invitation: Examine your heart. Hear Jesus. Open your heart. Repent. Receive His grace. Restore your relationship with Him.

1. Pray over our children The church wants to pray over the children and bless them practically with school supplies. More importantly, prayer provides a spiritual covering and protection. We are reminded to “pray without ceasing” because there are many needs around us. Prayer reaches people even through livestreams and social media. We should pray for people who are struggling, losing faith, needing healing, deliverance, and salvation. 2. The central message: Believe and Begin Again The message from Zechariah 4 is an encouragement to believe again and begin again. Many people have unfinished business in their lives—spiritually, emotionally, relationally, or personally. A setback or interruption does not mean the story is over. 3. God finishes what He starts Philippians 1:6 gives the powerful promise that God will complete the good work He has begun in us. God is the Alpha and Omega—the beginning and the end. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Even when we don't see the finish line, God is still working. 4. We all have unfinished projects Just as people have unfinished projects around their homes, we can have unfinished areas in our spiritual lives. These might include: A bad habit we haven't overcome. A negative mindset. A broken relationship. A character issue God is still working on. The important question isn't whether we've struggled; it's whether we're willing to start again. 5. The middle can be harder than the beginning Beginnings are often exciting and full of motivation. The difficult part comes when the excitement wears off and the finish line seems far away. That's often when people give up. The message encourages us not to quit simply because we're in the middle of the process. 6. There will be obstacles and opposition Zerubbabel was called by God to rebuild the temple, but the work was stopped by opposition. The project remained unfinished for years. Likewise, when we pursue God's purpose, we should expect challenges. Not every person who opposes us is necessarily our enemy. Sometimes people may be misinformed, fearful, or simply unable to understand what God is doing. We need spiritual discernment and must remain focused on what God has called us to do. 7. Learn patience with God's timing God does not always work according to our timetable. Faith requires patience when we don't see immediate progress. Sometimes God allows a process to take longer than we expected. Delay does not mean denial, and an unfinished season does not mean God has abandoned the work. 8. One word from God can change everything God encouraged Zerubbabel through the prophet Zechariah. The key word was: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” The answer isn't always more human strength, resources, or effort. We need the Spirit of God. One word from God can bring hope, direction, and encouragement when everything seems impossible. 9. Prayer and fasting position us to see God move The message connects prayer and fasting with depending on God's Spirit. We don't fast because our strength is enough—we fast because we need God to do what only God can do. Prayer is spiritual warfare: we stand against discouragement and believe God for breakthrough. Main Takeaway Don't let an unfinished season convince you that God is finished with you. If God started something in your life, believe again, begin again, and keep going. There may be obstacles, delays, discouragement, and seasons when you don't see progress—but God's Spirit is greater than the opposition. It's not by might. It's not by power. It's by His Spirit.

What Must I Do? Luke 10:25-37 Brother David Fisher August 16, 2026

Summary The sermon, “The Deafening Silence of God,” focuses on what Christians should do when God seems silent or when prayers appear to go unanswered. The central message is that God’s silence does not necessarily mean God is absent or inactive. Sometimes silence is itself part of how God works in a person’s life. Key points: God primarily speaks through His Word. The Bible is presented as the first and most important way God communicates. Other forms of guidance—such as impressions from the Holy Spirit, spiritual leaders, godly counsel, pain, dreams, visions, and circumstances—should be evaluated against Scripture. Job illustrates the experience of God’s silence. In Job 23, Job says he cannot perceive, see, or hear God despite desperately needing answers after losing his possessions, children, and health. Yet Job continues to trust God and says that, after being tested, he will come forth “as gold.” When God is silent, obey the last thing He told you. The speaker compares this to military communication: when communication is lost, soldiers follow the last valid instruction they received. Similarly, Christians should continue obeying what God has already revealed rather than constantly seeking a new word. God may be silent because of disobedience. The example of King Saul shows that disobedience can interfere with receiving further direction. Saul disobeyed God, failed to repent, and eventually sought guidance from a medium rather than turning back to God. The sermon emphasizes that repentance, rather than excuses or alternative sources of guidance, is the proper response to disobedience. God may be preparing us for greater maturity. Jesus told His disciples in John 16 that He had more to teach them but that they were not yet ready to receive it. Silence or a lack of dramatic spiritual experiences does not necessarily mean God has abandoned someone. It may mean God is developing their character and preparing them for what comes next. Faithfulness matters more than constant excitement or miracles. The sermon challenges the desire for instant spiritual results, especially in a culture shaped by social media and instant gratification. Christians are encouraged to keep serving, praying, attending church, making disciples, and doing ordinary acts of obedience even when nothing spectacular seems to be happening. Silence can help us hear God more clearly. Modern life is filled with notifications, social media, messages, entertainment, and constant stimulation. The speaker argues that intentionally practicing silence, waiting, meditation, and stillness before God can help Christians become more attentive to His voice. God’s silence can be preparation. The approximately 400-year period between Malachi and John the Baptist is described as the “silent years.” The sermon uses this period to illustrate how apparent silence can precede something significant—in this case, the arrival of John the Baptist and ultimately Jesus. Silence can expose pride. The sermon concludes that God may use silence to confront pride and teach humility. Rather than asking only, “Why isn't God answering me?”, believers should also ask, “What is God trying to teach me through this?” Main takeaway When God seems silent, don't stop moving forward. Continue obeying what He has already revealed, repent where necessary, remain faithful, cultivate patience and humility, and wait for His direction. The sermon closes with the idea, attributed to Charles Spurgeon: When we cannot trace God's hand, we should trust His heart. In short: God’s silence is not necessarily God's absence. It may be an invitation to trust, obey, mature, become still, and prepare for what He is doing.

Main Theme: Learning to hear God's voice is the solution to countless problems and the key to discovering God's purpose. Big Idea: God promises to guide those who seek Him: "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21) How God Speaks: Through His Word Through the Holy Spirit's impressions Through spiritual leadership Through godly counsel Through seasons of pain and refinement Personal Testimony: Pastor Richard shares how God led him to plant Victory Church and how that calling was confirmed through prayer, wise counsel, and spiritual leadership. Powerful Truth: Counterfeits don't invalidate the genuine. Misuses of "God told me" should never keep us from seeking God's authentic voice. Pain Has Purpose: God doesn't delight in our suffering, but He can use it to redirect, refine, and mature us. Biblical Examples: Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, and David all experienced painful seasons that prepared them for God's greater plan. Key Promise: God doesn't leave us in the fire—He brings us through it into "rich fulfillment" (Psalm 66:12). Takeaway: The sooner we listen to God's Word, His Spirit, and godly counsel, the less often He needs to use painful circumstances to get our attention. Memorable Quotes "Learning to hear the voice of God is the solution to a thousand problems." "When you know that you know that you know God has spoken, it gives you confidence, conviction, and staying power." "God loves you just the way you are, but He loves you too much to leave you that way." "Pain isn't God's first choice, but He can use it to accomplish His greatest work in us." "God is not bringing you through the fire to destroy you—He's bringing you out to rich fulfillment."

📖 Sermon Title Does God Really Speak to Us Today? ⭐ Key Scripture Hebrews 1:1–3 "God, who at various times and in different ways spoke... has in these last days spoken to us by His Son." Key takeaway: God is not silent—He still speaks to His people today. Main Highlights 1. God Still Speaks Today "The Bible assures us that God still speaks today. God is not silent, and He is speaking to His people." "If God didn't speak, we wouldn't even have a Bible." Takeaway: Scripture is the foundation of God's voice. 2. God's Primary Ways of Speaking The sermon emphasized that God speaks through: His Word The Holy Spirit Spiritual Leadership 3. God Uses Spiritual Leaders Ephesians 4:11–13 "God uses the preaching of the Word... to speak truth, revelation, and insight to the body of Christ." "The Holy Spirit is able to guide you, direct you, correct you, prepare you, and speak truth to your life." 4. A Biblical Pastor Is More Than a Preacher "Some churchgoers don't want a pastor—they just want a preacher and a performer." "Follow me as I follow Christ." Key idea: God gives pastors to shepherd, disciple, and care for His people—not merely to preach sermons. Challenging Questions Are You Hard to Pastor? The sermon listed several heart checks: ✓ Do you consume but never contribute? "The church isn't a theater. You're not an audience—you are here on assignment." ✓ Do you resist authority but expect access? "You ask for counsel but reject correction." "You can't have access without alignment." ✓ Do you love the church but not the vision? "Unity doesn't mean uniformity, but it does require humility." ✓ Do you avoid commitment but still want pastoral care? "Covering requires connection." "Biblical shepherding requires relationship." ✓ Are you easily offended? "Offense is one of the fastest ways to go astray." "You see correction as rejection." Powerful Closing Statement "Having a pastor is not only biblical—it is beneficial and essential for your spiritual growth and well-being." How Do You Know God Is Speaking? Luke 24:32 "Did not our hearts burn within us... while He opened to us the Scriptures?" Application: "When you walk away saying, 'I felt like God was speaking directly to me,' that is one way you know God is speaking through anointed leadership." Memorable Quotes "God is not silent." "God still speaks today." "The church isn't a theater. You're not an audience—you are here on assignment." "You can't have access without alignment." "Covering requires connection." "Unity doesn't mean uniformity, but it does require humility." "Offense is one of the fastest ways to go astray." "Having a pastor is not only biblical—it is beneficial and essential for your spiritual growth." "Did not our hearts burn within us while He opened the Scriptures?"

Today's Service Summary: "Ignorance Is a Silent Killer" Key Scripture: Hosea 4:6 — "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." Main Message: Spiritual ignorance is dangerous because it leaves believers vulnerable to deception, fear, and poor decisions. The Bible is the primary way God speaks and reveals His will for our lives. Every Christian should continually read, study, meditate on, memorize, and hear God's Word to grow spiritually. God's Word is a lamp that guides us one step at a time, helping us make wise decisions and walk in His will. The pastor shared personal testimonies of how God used Scripture to provide direction, encouragement, and confirmation during important moments in his life and ministry. The message concluded with a challenge to seek God's will daily, trust His guidance, and build a strong foundation in His Word. Highlighted Quotes "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6) "Ignorance is a silent killer spiritually." "Open Bible, God speaking. Closed Bible, God not speaking." "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105) "Not my will, Father, but Yours be done."