Sermons from 2025

Sermons from 2025

Grace and Judgment in the Days of Noah

Genesis 6:1-22 This chapter is examined in connection with Matthew 24, where Jesus compares the end times to the “days of Noah.” The message highlights that although present-day evil is serious, it does not yet equal the corruption of Noah’s era. Humanity then had become so depraved that “every intent of the thoughts of the heart was only evil continually,” provoking divine sorrow and judgment. Genesis 6:1–2 introduces the “sons of God” and “daughters of men.” Three main interpretations are…

Murder

Genesis 4-5 After leaving Eden, Adam and Eve have two sons: Cain, a farmer, and Abel, a shepherd. Both bring offerings to God—Cain from his crops, Abel from the firstborn of his flock. God accepts Abel’s offering but not Cain’s, though the text does not explain why. Cain becomes angry and jealous, ignoring God’s warning that sin is “crouching at the door.” In his jealousy, Cain kills Abel, committing the first murder. When God questions Cain, he denies responsibility, replying,…

The Fall

Genesis 3 We begin with Adam and Eve living in the Garden of Eden with only one command: not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The serpent tempts Eve, questioning God’s word and suggesting God is withholding something good. Eve adds to the command by saying they must not even touch the tree, then sees the fruit as good, eats it, and gives it to Adam, who also eats. Their eyes are opened, and…

The Creation of Adam

Genesis chapter 2 describes the creation of man, the Garden of Eden, and God’s direct involvement in life. God prepares the earth with water, forms man from dust, and breathes His spirit into him. He plants Eden with trees that are beautiful and good for food, including the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, establishing human freedom and choice. Adam tends the garden and names the animals, exercising creativity in partnership with God, but…

In The Beginning

Genesis begins with four key events (Creation, the Fall, the Flood, the Tower of Babel, chs. 1–11) and four central figures (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, chs. 12–50). Moses, writing after the Exodus, introduces the God who rescued Israel. Genesis 1 describes God creating the heavens, earth, and all life. Each stage is declared “good,” and humanity, made in God’s image, is called “very good.” Humans are given dominion and told to be fruitful and multiply. The text hints at the…

The Harding Odyssey

The Harding’s family 10-week trip to the U.S. was originally planned as ministry followed by rest. The ministry happened; the rest did not. The trip was framed through 2 Corinthians 2:14–15, as an “odyssey” with symbolic monsters, cyclops, and sirens representing challenges and temptations. Highlights: California: Faced the “monster” of high prices and tipping culture. Ministry opportunities opened unexpectedly, including supporting an old friend in need. Arizona/New Mexico: Time with family, encouraging relatives and helping them connect to a church.…

Paul’s Witness in Rome

Acts 28:17-31 Paul in Rome under house arrest; calls Jewish leaders, explains he is imprisoned for “the hope of Israel” (the Messiah). Jewish leaders curious, having heard of Christianity as a controversial “sect.” Paul teaches from the Law and Prophets about Jesus from morning to evening; some believe, some reject. Response echoes prophecy in Isaiah 6: some hear but don’t understand. Paul declares salvation has also gone to the Gentiles. Paul remains imprisoned for two years (AD 60–62), welcoming all,…

Trusting God Through Every Trial

Acts 28:1-16 Paul and his companions were shipwrecked on the island of Malta around 58 AD, but all survived. Despite cold and rain, the locals showed kindness by building a fire. As Paul helped, a viper bit him. The locals assumed he was a criminal being punished by fate, but when he remained unharmed, they changed their minds and called him a god. This shift highlights how quickly people judge based on appearances. The lesson drawn is to avoid snap…

Trusting God in Life’s Storms

Acts 27:21-44 Faith and trust in God — believing He will fulfill His promises, has things under control, and will guide our path. The core question is: How does God use challenges to prepare us for life’s storms? Paul’s journey in Acts 27, from Crete to the shipwreck at Malta, shows that despite dangerous storms and loss of cargo, Paul’s faith and God’s promise assured all 276 aboard would survive. Paul relied on God’s word over visible circumstances, prayed for…

Sailing against the Wind

Acts 27:1-20 Paul, after being in Caesarea for two years, appeals to Caesar to avoid danger in Jerusalem. Festus arranges for his journey to Rome. Purpose of the journey: to witness to Gentiles, Caesar, and the Roman Empire, establishing the Christian Church in Rome. In Acts 25–26, Paul defends himself before Festus and King Agrippa, almost persuading Agrippa. Luke, Aristarchus, and other companions travel with Paul, providing support through hardships. Timothy is notably absent, possibly on another mission. Paul travels…
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