Advertise on podcast: Glendale Christian Church

This powerful Easter message takes us on a journey through the scarlet thread of blood sacrifice woven throughout Scripture, from the Passover in Exodus to the cross of Calvary. We discover that God's plan of redemption has always centered on the blood. The hyssop plant, used to apply blood to the doorposts in Egypt, appears again at the crucifixion when it brings the sour wine to Jesus' lips just before He declares 'It is finished.' This is no coincidence but divine orchestration showing us that the same sacrificial system pointing forward to Christ has now been fulfilled in Him. We're challenged to understand that our salvation rests not on our performance or worthiness, but solely on the blood of the Lamb. The resurrection proves Jesus is who He claimed to be: Lord and God. Thomas's confession, 'My Lord and my God,' becomes our confession too. We who have not seen yet believe are called blessed. The empty tomb stands as historical evidence that death has been defeated, and we now live under the authority of the risen King whose word cannot be overturned. This Easter, we're reminded that while we celebrate resurrection power, we must also proclaim Christ's death until He comes, because there are still those who need to be covered by His blood.

This exploration of Scripture invites us to see the Bible not simply as an ancient text but as a living and active weapon in our spiritual lives. Drawing from 2 Timothy 2:15, we are challenged to become diligent workers who accurately handle the Word of Truth. The image of Scripture as a sword, especially the double edged sword described in Hebrews 4:12, reminds us that God's Word reaches the deepest parts of our hearts and judges our thoughts and attitudes. Understanding how Scripture was revealed, inspired, and preserved equips us to use it faithfully. Like a skilled swordsman who understands his weapon, we grow from casual readers into confident believers who can share the gospel with clarity and purpose.

This message explores what the Bible truly teaches about salvation and good works. Based on Ephesians 2:8–10, it reminds us that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our own efforts. At the same time, believers are created in Christ to live out the good works God prepared for us. The sermon also highlights the importance of the church as a community of believers who encourage one another, grow together in truth, and shine as a light to the world while we await Christ’s return.

This message explores one of the most misunderstood doctrines in Christianity: salvation. It explains that believers can face God’s judgment with confidence because salvation is a gift of grace received through faith, not something earned by works. Drawing from Epistle to the Ephesians 2:8–10, it highlights the three aspects of salvation: justification, sanctification, and glorification. Instead of living under the pressure of performance-based religion, believers are invited to rest in the freedom of Christ’s finished work and allow good works to flow naturally from transformed hearts.

We find ourselves confronting one of Christianity's most sobering yet essential truths: judgment is real, imminent, and unavoidable. This exploration of the seventh essential Christian doctrine challenges us to hold two seemingly contradictory feelings simultaneously. On one hand, we cry out for justice, longing to see wickedness punished and righteousness vindicated. On the other, our hearts break for those we love who remain outside of Christ, desperately hoping they have time to turn before it's too late. The message walks us through the entire biblical narrative, from creation to the second coming, reminding us that Jesus Himself will be our judge. Drawing from passages like Psalms 9, Romans 2, Acts 1, John 5, and Revelation 21, we're confronted with the reality that everyone will receive a resurrection body and face judgment. Yet here's the beautiful tension: the very One who judges us has already told us exactly how to be found righteous. Jesus doesn't hide the criteria or change the rules. He offers us the free gift of salvation through His death and resurrection. For those in Christ, judgment becomes not a terror but a promise of reward for good deeds done in faith. For those outside Christ, it remains the just consequence of sin against an infinite God. This isn't meant to paralyze us with fear but to mobilize us with urgency. We don't know when Christ will return, so we must be ready now and share this truth with everyone we love.

At the heart of our faith is the truth that God is the Creator of all things. This second essential Christian doctrine reminds us that the universe did not happen by chance or exist eternally—it was intentionally created by an all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-good God. Scripture teaches that creation itself reveals God’s invisible attributes—His eternal power, divine nature, and holiness. Through Christ, the Word, all things were made, and nothing exists apart from Him. Humanity alone is created in God’s image, uniquely designed for relationship, reason, and love. This truth shapes our understanding of purpose, worth, and responsibility. When we grasp that the God who formed the galaxies also formed us with intention and care, our perspective changes—we stand firm against false narratives and boldly proclaim that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator.

What we think about God is the most important thing about us—it shapes our faith, our worship, and our lives. In a world full of competing beliefs, clarity about who God truly is matters. Scripture reveals that God’s nature is not abstract theology but the foundation of our relationship with Him. From passages like Psalm 139, Jeremiah 32, 1 John 4, and Deuteronomy 33, we see six defining attributes of God: He is all-knowing, all-powerful, all-good, eternal, necessary, and triune. These truths deepen our trust, strengthen our prayers, and fuel our witness. When we understand that God is perfect love, eternally existent, and Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in perfect unity, it doesn’t just inform our minds—it transforms how we live and invites others into relationship with the one true God.

This message challenges our natural tendency to put ourselves at the center and calls us to become God-centered and others-focused. Rooted in 2 Corinthians 9:6–14, it shows that discipleship is lived out by following Jesus, abiding in Him, and participating in His mission. We’re invited to actively value what God values across seven areas: knowledge, worship, service, generosity, family, membership, and invitation. At the center is generosity—the hinge that connects belief to action. When we give cheerfully and purposefully, we reveal transformed hearts and become channels of God’s provision. The call is simple and clear: live with Christ at the center of everything.

In a world full of distractions, this message refocuses us on what truly matters: making disciples. From Jesus’ call to “follow me” in Matthew 4:19 to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, discipleship frames His entire ministry. A disciple is not a casual fan, but someone who follows Jesus wholeheartedly, abides in Him, and joins His mission. Disciples both grow in Christ and help others find Him. Paul’s transformation reminds us that no one is beyond Jesus’ reach. As we move into 2026, our focus turns toward the evangelistic heart of discipleship—reaching those who don’t yet know Jesus. This is why the church exists.

Worry is all too common. We worry about health, finances, what people might think or say about us, etc. Sometimes worry prevents us from acting. We have good news. We should share it. The angels shared good news with the shepherds in Luke 2 and the shepherds shared that good news with others. The word "gospel" means good news. In ancient Israel, the prophet Isaiah declared that the good news involved Yahweh's victory of evil and the rescue of His people. In ancient Rome, the good news was an announcement o f an emperor's ascension or birthday. Since the Christian good news involves the in breaking of God's kingdom as both the fulfillment of prophecy and a challenge to the world's present rulers, the word 'gospel' became an important shorthand for both the message of Jesus Himself, and the apostolic message about Him. Here's the gospel: Good news! Jesus, who died on the cross for our sins and rose again for our justification according the Scriptures, is the true Lord of the world! When the gospel is preached, God calls people to salvation by His grace, leading to faith in Jesus. We heard the gospel. We came to believe the gospel. We placed our faith in Jesus. As His disciples, it is our responsibility to share the gospel message with others.