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Reformation Conference Week | Night 1

This sermon examines the burial of Jesus as recorded in Mark 15, emphasizing that the physical death and burial of Christ are essential components of the gospel message. The exposition highlights three key aspects: the courageous action of Joseph of Arimathea in claiming the body, the confirmation of Jesus' death by Pilate and the centurion, and the faithful execution of the burial by Joseph and Nicodemus. The preacher argues that these events demonstrate the literal reality of Christ's sacrifice, countering the idea that He merely suffered or swooned. Furthermore, the passage illustrates that true allegiance to Christ requires practical obedience and service, even in the face of fear or apparent defeat. Ultimately, the sermon grounds the believer's confidence not in fluctuating emotions but in the unchanging truth of Scripture and the faithfulness of God, who fulfills His promises even in the midst of grief and finality.

Tonight…we pick up where we left off. God is gonna show Gideon… that peace with the LORD… is not permission to make peace with idols. Before Gideon can confront Midian in the valley… he must confront Baal… in his own backyard.

Psalm 11 is significant because it addresses the challenge of remaining faithful to God when society's moral and spiritual foundations appear to be collapsing. David faces advice to flee from danger, as the wicked prepare their weapons and attack the upright, prompting the question, "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3). Rather than surrendering to fear, David declares his trust in the LORD, who reigns from His holy throne, sees everything, examines the hearts of humanity, and will ultimately judge the wicked while upholding righteousness. In the context of "Foundations Crumbling," this psalm reminds believers that although earthly institutions, moral standards, and human security may fail, God's throne and righteous character remain unshaken. Christians are therefore called to stand firm in faith, resist the temptation to despair, and trust in God's sovereign justice and enduring righteousness, knowing that the LORD loves the righteous and remains their ultimate refuge even in times of widespread corruption and uncertainty.

1. The command of happy courage 2. The promise of happy courage

Jesus' final words to His disciples in John 16, focus on the promise of peace amidst worldly tribulation. The central message asserts that while sorrow is inevitable in this fallen world, the joy found in Christ is permanent and cannot be taken away. The text highlights the theological necessity of the Trinity for salvation, arguing that only through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit can sin be atoned for and righteousness imputed to believers. By connecting the disciples' impending scattering with their subsequent boldness, the sermon illustrates how the assurance of Christ's victory over the world transforms fear into courage. Ultimately, the passage serves as a direct comfort to believers, encouraging them to trust in God's faithfulness and to live as distinct witnesses of the Gospel in a hostile world.

This was an intense time of persecution which tried the faith of Christians. Paul encouraged Timothy to stand true and not be ashamed of the testimony of Jesus, to be courageous.

How should we live in this temporary world, knowing that our eternal home is with Christ? Because Christ has secured our future with him, we can live with courage seek to please him and take seriously the day we will stand before him

God created man to serve as a priest-king, ruling in righteousness while worshiping and submitting to the Lord. Yet Genesis 14 reveals the consequences of abandoning that priestly calling, as nine wicked kings pursue power, domination, and autonomy from God. In contrast, Abram demonstrates the character of a righteous priest-king, motivated by love and justice to rescue the innocent rather than seeking power or personal gain. His remarkable victory over the kings of the east reveals the power and faithfulness of God Most High. Upon his return, Abram encounters two contrasting kings: Melchizedek, the righteous priest-king of Salem, and the wicked king of Sodom. By honoring Melchizedek and rejecting Sodom's riches, Abram demonstrates his allegiance to righteousness and his refusal to compromise with evil. Yet even Abram acknowledges a king greater than himself, foreshadowing the coming of Jesus Christ, the perfect and eternal Priest-King who triumphs over every enemy and grants His righteousness to His people. The passage calls believers to reject the temptation of worldly power, act courageously against injustice, refuse ungodly alliances, and treasure the eternal riches of Christ above the fleeting rewards of this world.

When life's pressures and unexpected threats try to intimidate you, how should you respond? In the message The Chicken is Not Afraid, Pastor Steve Harness examines Luke 13 to show how Jesus courageously faced opposition without yielding to fear. Discover how to walk out your God-given calling with confidence and find ultimate refuge under His protective wings.

The sermon challenges the common expectation that God will always remove life's difficulties, arguing instead that He often empowers believers to act supernaturally amidst their trials. Drawing from the account of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14, the message asserts that the church is called to step out of its comfort zone and engage with a hostile world through the power of the Holy Spirit, rather than waiting for circumstances to improve. The speaker connects this biblical principle to the current cultural and spiritual climate, describing it as a period of increasing turmoil where the church must demonstrate unshakable faith. By shifting focus from personal fear to divine purpose, believers are invited to trust in God's presence and authority, which enables them to overcome obstacles and witness to others. The core message is one of courageous obedience, urging the congregation to respond to God's call with boldness and reliance on His supernatural strength.

Five "ALWAYS" of The Revived (Part 3) Bridge Builders, Seed Planters, and Servants of the King This message explores five occurrences of the word "always" in 2 Corinthians, revealing the characteristics of a life walking in revival, governed by the grace of God, and devoted to making Jesus known. Beginning with Proverbs 22:17–21, the message emphasizes the importance of inclining our ears to God's wisdom, applying our hearts to His truth, and keeping His Word upon our lips so that our trust in Him continually grows. God teaches us not merely to increase our knowledge, but to establish our confidence in His promises and equip us to give His truth away to others. The five always reveal that God always leads us in triumph in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14); we are always carrying the dying of Jesus so His life may be manifested through us (4:10–11); we are always confident in His promises (5:6); we are always rejoicing, even in sorrow (6:10); and His grace supplies our sufficiency for every good work (9:8). These truths demonstrate that genuine revival isn't determined by favorable circumstances, human approval, or material abundance, but by a continual dependence upon Jesus and faithful obedience to His Word. Through illustrations of bridges, apple seeds, Gideon's clay vessels, and Paul and Silas rejoicing in prison, the message reminds believers that they are bridge builders, seed planters, and servants of the King. God uses ordinary, fragile people to carry His extraordinary message, planting gospel truth that produces fruit in His appointed seasons. And regardless of hardship, opposition, or misunderstanding, His people are called to serve with purity, kindness, sincere

Evangelist Rich Tozour

This Bible Study continues to examine the narrative of Haman's rise and fall in the book of Esther, highlighting the divine orchestration behind the deliverance of the Jewish people. It traces the progression from Esther's courageous approach to the king to Haman's escalating hatred and eventual humiliation, emphasizing that God's protection extends to His covenant people regardless of their circumstances. The teaching connects the historical account to the theological principle that those who oppose God's people will ultimately face judgment, as illustrated by Haman's demise on the gallows he built for Mordecai. The Bible Study concludes by drawing a parallel between the physical protection of Israel and the spiritual security believers have in Christ, affirming that nothing can separate them from God's love.