Today’s focus is on the vital importance of building our lives according to God’s pattern, not our own preferences or the shifting standards of the world. Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 7, we see that every person is building a “house”—a life, a family, a future. The difference between a life that stands and one that falls is not in the storms faced, but in the foundation chosen. Jesus makes it clear: hearing His words is not enough; it is the application—obedience—that makes us wise builders. The storms of life are inevitable, but those who build on the rock of Christ will endure. A key obstacle to hearing God is the absence of repentance. Repentance is not just a one-time event but a continual turning from our own way of thinking to God’s way. The story of King Herod illustrates the danger of silencing the voice of repentance; when we cut off repentance, we cut off the voice and direction of God in our lives. True repentance means surrendering our right to define good and evil and instead adopting God’s standard. Wisdom is not merely knowledge, but knowledge applied. Solomon’s prayer for wisdom, rather than riches or power, shows us that wisdom brings with it all the other blessings we often seek. Many of the struggles we face are not just circumstantial but are rooted in faulty patterns—cycles that can only be broken by aligning our lives with God’s design. Life built by default—drifting wherever the tide takes us—leads to instability. But life built by design, according to God’s pattern, brings hope, stability, and endurance. The foundation we choose is more important than the storms we face. Even if you have built poorly in the past, God’s grace allows you to choose today to build on the rock of Jesus. Our hope is not in our circumstances, but in the unshakable foundation of Christ. Like the hymn writer Edward Mote, whose song “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” was born out of a desire to hear from God, we can find peace and strength in Jesus, no matter what storms come our way. Key Takeaways - Repentance is the gateway to hearing God’s voice. When we refuse to repent, we silence the very voice that brings direction and life. Repentance is not just feeling sorry, but a decisive change of mind—letting go of our own definitions of right and wrong and embracing God’s truth. Without repentance, even the most religious among us can find ourselves spiritually deaf. [03:21] - Wisdom is knowledge applied, not just knowledge acquired. Solomon’s request for wisdom teaches us that God values our desire to discern and apply His ways above all else. Many blessings we seek are the natural result of living wisely, and without wisdom, even good things can become burdens or be lost. Wisdom is the difference between surviving storms and being swept away by them. [10:54] - The patterns we follow determine the outcomes we experience. Repeated struggles often point to faulty patterns, not just bad luck or spiritual attack. God calls us to build according to His pattern, not our feelings or cultural trends. Changing the pattern—aligning with God’s design—brings freedom and breaks cycles of defeat. [17:18] - Life built by default is unstable; life built by design is secure. Drifting with the tides of circumstance or emotion leads to instability and disappointment. God invites us to intentional living—making decisions rooted in His wisdom and truth. Our destiny is shaped not by chance, but by the daily decisions to build on the rock. [22:39] - Hope for the future is found in the foundation, not the forecast. The storms of life are inevitable, but they do not determine our future—our foundation does. Even if you have built on sand in the past, God’s grace allows you to start building on the rock today. The peace, hope, and endurance you long for are found in Jesus, our unshakable foundation. [27:49] Youtube Chapters [00:00] - Welcome [01:26] - The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders [02:42] - The Importance of Hearing God [03:21] - Repentance: The Key to Hearing [04:56] - The Danger of Silencing Repentance [06:57] - Herod’s Encounter with Jesus [08:02] - Choosing God’s Standard Over Our Own [09:05] - Hearing and Doing: The Path to Wisdom [10:54] - Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom [12:49] - Wisdom Sustains What Blessing Brings [14:10] - Building Foundations: Lessons from Construction [16:19] - Praying for Relief vs. Building with Wisdom [17:18] - Building by God’s Pattern [18:20] - Breaking Cycles: Pattern Problems [19:18] - Living by Default or Design [21:32] - The Story of Captain Turtle [22:39] - Decisions Shape Destiny [23:23] - Why Wisdom and Structure Matter [24:49] - Is It Sin or Is It Wise? [25:29] - The View from the Sand [27:49] - Hope for the Future: Building on the Rock [29:06] - The Story Behind “My Hope Is Built” [31:57] - Hope and Peace in the Storm [33:22] - Responding to God: Repentance and Application [34:26] - Closing and Prayer

In John 4, Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well reveals the radical nature of God’s grace and the depth of His invitation to each of us. Jesus intentionally goes through Samaria—a place most Jews avoided—demonstrating that He breaks through cultural, racial, and religious barriers to reach those who feel excluded or unworthy. The woman, coming to the well at noon to avoid others, is surprised when Jesus not only speaks to her but asks her for a drink, defying social norms and elevating her dignity in the process. As their conversation unfolds, Jesus moves beyond the surface, offering her “living water”—a metaphor for the eternal life and satisfaction found only in Him. The woman, like many of us, initially misunderstands, thinking in terms of physical needs and religious products. But Jesus isn’t offering a product or a quick fix; He’s inviting her into a relationship that transforms from the inside out. He gently exposes her brokenness, not to shame her, but to bring her to a place of healing and forgiveness. In that moment, she recognizes Him not just as a prophet, but as the long-awaited Messiah. This encounter is a masterclass in worship and revelation. Jesus teaches that true worship isn’t about location, tradition, or ritual, but about spirit and truth—a living, ongoing relationship with the Creator. The woman’s life is so changed by this encounter that she leaves her water pot behind—the very thing she came for—and runs to tell her city about Jesus. Her testimony, once a source of shame, becomes a tool for revival as many come to believe because of her story. The story doesn’t end with her. Just as Peter’s obedience brought blessing to those around him, the living water Jesus gives overflows from one life to many. When we truly encounter Jesus, our understanding of who He is expands, and the living water He gives not only satisfies us but spills over to bless everyone we meet. We are called to draw deeply from this well, to carry living water into our homes, workplaces, and communities, and to invite others to experience the Savior of the world. Key Takeaways - Jesus breaks through every barrier—cultural, racial, gender, and religious—to reach the heart that feels most unworthy or excluded. His intentional journey through Samaria shows that no one is beyond His pursuit, and He meets us right where we are, even in our places of shame or hiding. [03:30] - The living water Jesus offers is not a religious product or a temporary fix, but a relationship that brings true satisfaction and eternal life. Many seek God for what He can do for them, but Jesus invites us to know Him personally, to move from seeking blessings to seeking the Blesser Himself. [13:47] - When Jesus exposes our sin, it is never to condemn, but to heal and restore. The prophetic ministry of Christ reveals our brokenness, but always with the offer of atonement and forgiveness. True encounters with God bring both conviction and the assurance of grace, leading us to freedom rather than shame. [17:50] - True worship is not confined to a place, tradition, or ritual, but is a response to God in spirit and in truth. Jesus redefines worship as an intimate, ongoing relationship with the Creator, accessible anywhere and anytime, regardless of our circumstances or background. [21:06] - A genuine encounter with Jesus transforms not only our lives but also the lives of those around us. The Samaritan woman’s testimony, once a source of shame, becomes a catalyst for revival in her city. When we allow the living water to flow through us, our story becomes an invitation for others to meet the Savior and experience His life-changing power. [30:54] Youtube Chapters [00:00] - Welcome [01:10] - Setting the Scene: Why Samaria Matters [03:30] - Jesus Breaks Barriers at the Well [06:45] - The Significance of the Well and the Water [09:20] - The Woman’s Arrival and Jesus’ Radical Request [12:59] - Living Water vs. Religious Product [15:24] - The Bend in the Road: Jesus Shifts the Conversation [16:15] - Exposing Brokenness: The Prophetic Encounter [17:50] - Sin, Atonement, and True Church [21:06] - Worship in Spirit and Truth [23:10] - The Messiah Revealed [25:01] - The Woman’s Transformation [29:03] - Leaving the Water Pot: A Changed Life [30:54] - Testimony and Citywide Revival [34:18] - Overflow Blessing: The Ripple Effect [36:52] - Stretching Our Expectation of Jesus [37:58] - Living Water for Every Day [39:25] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

This morning, we explored the deep connection between ourselves and the cross of Christ, focusing on the doctrine of atonement—how Jesus’ sacrifice covers and removes our sins. We began by recognizing our total dependence on God every moment of every day, and how easily we drift into self-dependence when we lose sight of that. The story from John 7 and 8, particularly the woman caught in adultery, reveals not just a lesson in mercy, but a living illustration of atonement. The Pharisees, intent on upholding the law, brought the woman before Jesus to trap Him, but Jesus’ response exposed both the hypocrisy of the accusers and the heart of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus, by writing in the dirt and challenging anyone without sin to cast the first stone, upheld the law’s standard while simultaneously revealing that none are qualified to judge except Himself. He did not dismiss the seriousness of sin, but neither did He condemn the woman. Instead, He removed her penalty and called her to a new life: “Go and sin no more.” This is the costly love of Christ—He accepts the code, but He takes the penalty upon Himself. The story is not just about the woman; it’s about all of us. We are all like sheep who have gone astray, deserving of judgment, but Jesus steps in as both our judge and justifier. The cross is not a distant event; it is a personal connection. Jesus’ atonement is not just a theological concept, but a lived reality for every believer. He sets us free from the law of sin and death, not so we can continue in our old ways, but so we can walk in the freedom and victory He has purchased for us. The call is not just to receive forgiveness, but to live differently—to “stop it,” to rebuke the old patterns, and to honor the price that was paid. We are not condemned; we are free, and that freedom is meant to be lived out daily, in gratitude and obedience. Key Takeaways - Total Dependence on God: Every moment of our lives is meant to be lived in complete dependence on God. When we drift into self-reliance, we lose sight of the source of our strength and freedom. True spiritual life begins with the humility to recognize our need for Him in all things. [00:38] - Atonement Is Personal, Not Abstract: The doctrine of atonement is not just a theological idea; it is the living connection between Christ’s sacrifice and our own lives. Jesus’ death and resurrection are not distant events, but the very means by which we are set free from sin, shame, and death. The cross is where our story and His story meet. [01:47] - Jesus Upholds the Law, Yet Removes the Penalty: In the story of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus does not dismiss the law or minimize sin. Instead, He upholds the law’s demands but reveals that none are qualified to judge except Himself. He alone has the authority to remove the penalty, and He does so at His own expense, embodying both justice and mercy. [34:56] - Freedom Is Not a License, But a Call to Transformation: Jesus’ words, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more,” show that grace is not permission to continue in sin. True freedom in Christ is the power to say no, to rebuke old patterns, and to live in a way that honors the costly love we have received. Repentance is not just stopping, but turning and walking in a new direction. [42:08] - Our Connection to the Cross Is Our Identity: The connection between us and the cross is not just about forgiveness, but about identity. We are no longer defined by our past, our failures, or what others say about us. We are free people—set free by the blood of Jesus, empowered to overcome, and called to live as those who have truly touched the finger of God. [45:46] --- Youtube Chapters [00:00] - Welcome [00:38] - Living in Dependence on God [01:47] - The Doctrine of Atonement: What the Cross Means for Us [06:50] - Jesus Declares Himself the Living Water [08:33] - The Pharisees’ Reaction and the Crowd’s Division [10:29] - The Eighth Day: Sabbath and the Setup [12:50] - The Woman Caught in Adultery: The Trap is Set [14:01] - The Law, Honor, and the Cultural Weight of the Accusation [17:11] - The Pharisees’ Dilemma: Law vs. Roman Rule [19:40] - Jesus’ Purpose: Setting the Captive Free [22:50] - Jesus Writes in the Dirt: Knowing the Law [24:36] - The Challenge: “He Who Is Without Sin” [28:45] - The Power of Honor and Shame [34:56] - Jesus Removes the Penalty, Not the Standard [38:41] - The Costly Love of Christ and Our Response [42:08] - Living Free: Rebuking the Old Life [45:46] - Prayer of Freedom and Closing Celebration

So often, frustration in life comes not from where we are or what we’re facing, but from misunderstanding the timing of God. God, in His wisdom, has given us the gift of time—not as a trap, but as a vehicle to deliver His promises and purposes at the right moment. Just as a loving father doesn’t give his children everything they ask for immediately, God withholds certain things until we are ready, so that blessings don’t become burdens. Time is the means by which God matures us, prepares us, and ensures that what He gives will be a true inheritance, not a fleeting prize. Seasons are central to how God works. There is a time to plant and a time to harvest, a time to hold on and a time to let go. Many of our frustrations come from trying to force a harvest in a planting season, or refusing to move on when the season has changed. The people, opportunities, and blessings in our lives are often seasonal, and recognizing when time has shifted is crucial. It’s not that people or opportunities become bad; it’s that time has changed, and we must discern what belongs in each season. Timing is everything. In life, as in music or sports, skill and effort mean little without the right timing. Acting out of season, even with the right intentions, can lead to fruitlessness or even harm. The key is to focus not on the pressures or voices around us, but on Jesus—the “ball” in the analogy—who reveals the right timing and leads us into fruitfulness. Jesus is the revealer of the hidden God, the one who takes us from mere comparison to true revelation. As we mature, He reveals more, and our understanding of timing deepens. God is not hiding from us; He is inviting us to seek, to dig, to press in, so that He can reveal more of Himself and His timing. Sometimes, the most important growth happens unseen, as roots go deep before fruit appears. If you’re in a season of waiting, trust that God is working beneath the surface. As you gather wisdom from past seasons and allow Jesus to reveal the timing, you’ll find that fruit comes more quickly and even miracles can happen—God can accelerate what would otherwise take years. Key Takeaways - God’s Gift of Time and the Wisdom of Waiting Time is not a curse but a gift from God, designed to deliver His promises at the right moment. Like a wise father, God withholds certain blessings until we are ready, ensuring that what He gives will not harm us or be wasted. Embracing the waiting seasons allows us to mature and receive our inheritance rather than a fleeting prize. [06:42] - Discerning Seasons and Letting Go Much of our frustration comes from not recognizing when a season has changed. People, opportunities, and blessings are often seasonal, and holding onto them past their time can hinder our growth. It’s not that these things become bad, but that time has shifted, and wisdom is knowing what to carry forward and what to release. [13:45] - The Power of Right Timing Over Right Action Doing the right thing at the wrong time can be as damaging as doing the wrong thing. Timing transforms right actions into fruitful ones, bringing restoration and life. We must learn to move not by pressure or external voices, but by the leading of Jesus, who reveals the right moment for every action. [21:54] - Revelation Comes Through Jesus God often hides deeper truths in parables and comparisons, not to keep us in the dark, but to provoke us to seek and mature. As we grow, Jesus reveals more, taking us from surface understanding to true revelation. Each new level of maturity opens up greater insight into God’s timing and purposes. [34:49] - Miracles and Accelerated Fruitfulness Through Understanding Timing As we gather wisdom from past seasons and allow Jesus to reveal God’s timing, we find that fruit and answered prayer come more quickly. God can even eliminate time, bringing miracles that bypass natural processes. The more we understand and cooperate with God’s timing, the more we experience sustained fruitfulness and unexpected blessings. [49:38] Youtube Chapters [00:52] - Introduction: Timing is Everything [02:56] - The Parable of the Weeds and Wheat [05:07] - Time as God’s Gift [06:42] - The Goodness of a Waiting and Planning Father [08:37] - Promises, Inheritance, and the Conveyor Belt of Time [13:45] - Seasons Change: Letting Go and Moving Forward [17:19] - The Dangers of Stubbornness and Missing the Season [20:05] - Learning Timing: Lessons from Baseball [21:54] - The Fruitfulness of Right Timing [26:16] - The Importance of Saying the Right Thing at the Right Time [29:44] - How to Know What Time You’re In [30:32] - Parables: Hidden Revelation and Seeking God [34:49] - Maturity, Revelation, and Jesus as the Revealer [39:52] - Understanding the Signs of the Times [43:01] - The Unseen Growth: Roots Before Fruit [46:06] - Miracles: When God Eliminates Time [48:45] - Gathering Wisdom from Past Seasons [50:52] - Accelerated Fruitfulness and Miracles [52:28] - Prayer for Revelation and Closing

Sometimes, the storms and fires we face in life are not accidents or oversights, but rather moments that God has intentionally allowed so that His glory might be revealed. Just as Jesus intended to pass by the disciples on the stormy sea, or as God allowed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to enter the fiery furnace, there are times when God’s plan is to let us walk through difficulty so that we can encounter Him in a new and deeper way. God is never caught off guard; He always has a plan, even when the enemy seems to be at work. From the very beginning, God declared that every scheme of the enemy would be met with His own redemptive plan. Grace is at the heart of God’s dealings with us. It is free, but it is not cheap. When Jesus encountered the blind man outside Jericho, He did not simply react to the man’s cries—He acted with purpose. The blind man’s healing was not just about restoring sight, but about inviting him into a new life, one that would cost him his old way of living. Similarly, Zacchaeus, the despised tax collector, went to great lengths to see Jesus, disregarding his own dignity and honor. Jesus, in turn, honored Zacchaeus by choosing to stay at his house, an act that scandalized the religious crowd but transformed Zacchaeus’ life forever. These stories remind us that Jesus is always coming into our situations, often in ways we do not expect. He is not bound by our customs, our expectations, or our sense of timing. Whether it’s the blind man, Zacchaeus, or even Lazarus in the tomb, when Jesus shows up, everything changes. He brings grace, honor, and transformation to those who are willing to pursue Him, even at great personal cost. Our response, like those in the stories, should be to glorify God publicly, recognizing that every blessing and every act of mercy is an opportunity to praise Him. No matter what you are facing, do not lose hope. Jesus is coming into your situation. His intention is to reveal His glory, to bring grace to your house, and to change everything. Let us pursue Him, receive His grace, and respond with lives of praise and generosity, knowing that when Jesus comes, nothing stays the same. Key Takeaways - Grace Is Free, But Never Cheap The grace that comes through Jesus is freely given, but it always costs us something. Like the blind man whose healing meant leaving behind his old way of life, receiving God’s grace often requires us to step into the unknown, surrendering our comfort and security. True grace transforms us, calling us to a new identity and a new way of living that reflects the costliness of Christ’s sacrifice. [19:58] - The Power of Pursuit and Persistence Breakthrough often comes to those who refuse to be silenced or deterred by the crowd. The blind man cried out all the more when told to be quiet, and Zacchaeus ran and climbed a tree, disregarding his own dignity. God honors those who pursue Him with desperation and persistence, meeting them in their need and transforming their lives in ways that defy social expectations. [11:28] - Jesus Flips the Narrative of Honor and Shame Jesus is not bound by human systems of honor, shame, or religious hierarchy. He brings dignity to the outcast and challenges the self-righteousness of the crowd. By choosing to stay at Zacchaeus’ house, Jesus bestowed honor where there was only shame, demonstrating that His grace is for the least likely and that true honor comes from His presence, not from human approval. [33:47] - When Jesus Comes, Everything Changes Every story—whether it’s the blind man, Zacchaeus, or Lazarus—points to the reality that when Jesus enters a situation, nothing remains the same. He brings life to the dead, sight to the blind, and grace to the outcast. Our response should be to glorify Him, not just privately but publicly, recognizing that His coming is the turning point for every circumstance we face. [38:57] [00:00] - Welcome [00:45] - God’s Intention in Our Trials [03:59] - God’s Plan vs. the Enemy’s Plan [07:30] - The Blind Man Hears Jesus Is Near [11:28] - The Crowd Tries to Silence the Beggar [13:40] - Religious Culture and Begging [16:11] - Jesus Flips the Narrative [17:55] - The Cost of Grace [19:58] - The Blind Man’s New Life [23:48] - Jesus Passes Through Jericho [26:18] - Zacchaeus’ Desperate Pursuit [31:22] - Hidden in the Sycamore Tree [33:47] - Jesus Honors Zacchaeus [35:40] - Zacchaeus’ Response to Grace [38:57] - When Jesus Comes, Everything Changes [41:25] - The Power of Jesus’ Presence [49:01] - The Blessing of Praise [52:03] - Grace Is Coming to Your House

Today’s focus is on what we are called to do as we await Christ’s return. It’s not enough to simply believe in the promise of His coming; we are called to actively seek and save the lost, just as someone once reached out to us. The parable of the prodigal son, though familiar, holds profound meaning when understood in its original cultural context. In Jesus’s day, the story would have immediately brought to mind issues of inheritance, family honor, and the deep shame associated with a son’s rebellion. When the prodigal squandered everything and found himself destitute, he attached himself to a foreigner, only to be given the most degrading job imaginable for a Jew—feeding pigs. Even then, his decision to return home was not born out of true repentance, but out of desperation. He rehearsed a speech borrowed from Pharaoh in Exodus, hoping to secure a craftsman’s job and pay his way back, not to restore a relationship. Yet, before he could even finish his plea, the father ran to him—an act of deep humility and urgency, breaking social norms to shield his son from the condemnation of the community’s kezezah ceremony, which would have permanently cut him off. This act of the father reveals a powerful truth: grace always outruns condemnation. Grace comes before repentance, not after. The father’s embrace, the robe, the ring, and the sandals all declare the son’s restored identity before he can earn or deserve it. The story then shifts to the older brother, whose resentment exposes the danger of religious pride. He cannot rejoice in his brother’s restoration, feeling slighted despite never having lost anything. This is a warning to all who have walked faithfully for years: do not let self-righteousness blind you to the joy of the lost being found. The heart of God is for restoration, not exclusion. Key Takeaways - Grace outruns condemnation. In the parable, the father’s urgent run to his son is not just a display of affection, but a race against the community’s condemnation. God’s grace reaches us before we can even utter words of repentance, shielding us from the judgment we deserve and declaring our worth as His children. This is a reminder that no matter how far we have wandered, grace is always faster than shame. [24:30] - Repentance is a response to grace, not a prerequisite for it. The prodigal son’s return was motivated by need, not genuine sorrow, yet the father’s embrace and restoration broke his heart and led to true repentance. We often think we must clean ourselves up before coming to God, but it is His kindness and acceptance that transform us. Our role is to extend that same preemptive grace to others, trusting that love will do what condemnation cannot. [25:57] - The story is as much about the older brother as the prodigal. The older brother’s refusal to celebrate his sibling’s return reveals a subtle but deadly form of lostness: self-righteousness. It is possible to be near the father, doing all the right things, yet miss His heart entirely. We must guard against the bitterness that comes from comparing ourselves to others and remember that God’s generosity toward the lost does not diminish His love for the faithful. [34:07] - The mission of God’s people is to seek and save the lost, not to protect our own comfort or traditions. Jesus told these parables to religious people who resented His focus on sinners. The church exists not to maintain the status quo, but to break down barriers and welcome home those who are far from God. Our preferences, styles, and even our sacrifices are secondary to the call to bring as many as possible into the Father’s house. [41:06] - Everything the Father has is already ours. The older brother’s complaint was rooted in a misunderstanding of his own inheritance. God’s blessings are not a limited resource; welcoming the lost does not diminish what is available to the faithful. We are invited to live in the fullness of God’s house, rejoicing in every soul that comes home, secure in the knowledge that nothing can take away what He has given us. [36:09] Youtube Chapters [01:26] - Understanding Parables in Context [04:06] - Setting: Jesus, Sinners, and Religious Leaders [07:30] - The Shocking Request for Inheritance [10:12] - The Father’s Costly Response [12:21] - The Prodigal’s Wasteful Living [15:18] - Hitting Rock Bottom: Feeding the Pigs [18:35] - False Repentance and Motives [20:41] - The Son’s Plan to Return [21:48] - The Father Runs: Outrunning Condemnation [22:46] - The Kazaza Ceremony Explained [25:57] - Grace Before Repentance [29:18] - Restoration: Robe, Ring, and Shoes [30:44] - The Older Brother’s Resentment [34:07] - The True Focus: The Older Brother [36:09] - The Danger of Religious Pride [41:06] - The Church’s Mission: Reaching the Lost [43:41] - Prayer and Closing Invitation

Today, we explored the power and necessity of faithful obedience as we prepare for the return of Jesus. God calls us not just to anticipate His coming, but to actively ready ourselves as His bride by living lives marked by obedience to His Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Obedience is not about following a formula or checking religious boxes; it’s about honoring God above all else, choosing His wisdom over our own understanding, and allowing His nearness to shape our lives. The world will recognize God’s people not by their knowledge or outward success, but by their wisdom, understanding, and the evident presence of God among them. Obedience is not always about sacrifice; sometimes it looks like rest, miracles, or a testimony. It’s about trusting God enough to do what He says, even when we don’t have all the answers. Disobedience, on the other hand, hardens our hearts and distances us from God’s covering, not because He punishes us, but because we remove ourselves from His presence. Every act of obedience is a seed sown, and while we may not see immediate fruit, God is more interested in our transformation than our comfort. The process of waiting, of letting the seed “die,” is often where God prepares us for greater things. Living obediently brings boldness and freedom, freeing us from the exhausting burden of secrets and double lives. Confession and honesty before God lead to forgiveness and purification, restoring intimacy with Him. Even when obedience is tiring, we are encouraged not to give up, for in due season we will reap a harvest if we remain faithful. God is searching for hearts fully devoted to Him, and He gives us room to grow, just as a teacher patiently guides a student. The more we focus on His instruction, the more freedom and purpose we find. Ultimately, obedience is not about God breaking us, but making us into who He has called us to be. Today is always the right day to sow seeds of obedience, to respond to His voice, and to step into the life and future He has prepared for us. Key Takeaways - Obedience is the foundation of wisdom and intimacy with God. It’s not about fearing punishment, but about honoring what God calls righteous and good, choosing His ways over our own preferences or the world’s standards. This reverence for God’s instruction is what sets His people apart and draws His presence near. [09:35] - Disobedience doesn’t just bring consequences; it hardens our hearts and distances us from God’s covering. When we ignore God’s voice, we forfeit the blessings and nearness that come with obedience, often missing out on the miracles and rewards He has prepared on the other side of our faithfulness. [14:59] - You don’t need all the answers to be obedient. Faithful obedience means trusting God’s character and direction, even when the outcome is unclear. Each step of obedience is a seed sown, and though the fruit may not appear immediately, God uses the waiting and “dying” of the seed to transform us and prepare us for greater things. [20:37] - Living a double life or harboring secrets exhausts and isolates us, destroying intimacy with both God and others. True freedom and boldness come from living transparently and confessing our sins, allowing God’s forgiveness and purification to restore us and empower us to live righteously. [23:15] - Obedience is a lifelong journey that sometimes brings weariness, but we are called not to give up. Every act of obedience is a seed that will eventually bear fruit, and God is more concerned with our transformation than our comfort. Today is always the right time to start sowing seeds of obedience, trusting that God will bring the harvest in His time. [28:51] Youtube Chapters [00:00] - Welcome [00:45] - Introduction: The Call to Readiness [02:10] - The Power of Obedience in Preparation [04:00] - Wisdom and the Fear of the Lord [06:30] - The Danger of Knowing but Not Obeying [09:35] - Obedience Softens, Disobedience Hardens [12:00] - Obedience vs. Sacrifice: What God Desires [14:59] - The Rewards and Losses of Obedience [17:30] - The Baseball Story: Listening to Instruction [20:37] - Obedience Without All the Answers [22:15] - Boldness, Secrets, and Intimacy with God [24:24] - Confession and Freedom [25:19] - Weariness in Doing Good [28:51] - Sowing Seeds of Obedience [31:33] - Transformation Over Comfort [33:21] - The Banjo Lesson: A Picture of Obedience [36:36] - Focused Obedience and Freedom [37:28] - Invitation to Respond and Prayer

Today’s focus is on the glorious hope that awaits all who trust in Christ: the restoration of all things and our eternal fellowship with God. Drawing from Revelation 22, we see the culmination of God’s redemptive plan—a return to the intimacy and perfection of Eden, but even greater, as we dwell with God forever. The journey of history, from the fall in Genesis to the final restoration in Revelation, is about God bringing humanity back to Himself, undoing the curse, and making all things new. Right now, we live in the “Pentecost” season—the age of harvest—where the Holy Spirit empowers us to bring in souls and prepare for the coming fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles, when God will dwell with us in fullness. The river of life and the tree of life in Revelation 22 are not just symbols, but realities that point to our ongoing dependence on God, even in eternity. Our resurrected bodies will draw strength from Him, and we will finally see Jesus face to face, understanding His love and character in ways we cannot now imagine. Our identity is found in Christ, not in the world. In heaven, we will be marked by His name, fully belonging to Him. The promise of no more curse, sorrow, or pain is not just a future hope, but a present encouragement to live watchfully and ready, knowing that Jesus’ return will be sudden. The call is to take God’s word seriously, to keep the prophecy, and to let it shape our lives with urgency and hope. The Spirit and the Bride still say, “Come.” The invitation is open to all, regardless of past failures or present struggles. God’s grace is sufficient, His ability is our strength, and His faithfulness guarantees that we will make it. As we await His coming, let the spirit of “Maranatha”—“Come, Lord Jesus”—rise in our hearts, fueling our readiness, our work, and our worship. The final word is grace: the unearned, empowering presence of Jesus that will carry us all the way home. Key Takeaways - The Restoration of Eden: God’s ultimate goal is to restore what was lost in Eden, bringing us back into perfect fellowship with Him. The river of life and the tree of life in Revelation 22 are not mere metaphors, but the fulfillment of God’s promise to undo the curse and provide eternal sustenance and healing. Even in eternity, our strength and joy will come from continual dependence on God’s presence. [02:25] - Seeing Jesus Face to Face: In our resurrected bodies, we will have the capacity to behold Jesus as He truly is—His love, His character, His glory. This is not just a future event, but a present call to pursue deeper intimacy with Him, allowing His Spirit to enlarge our understanding and transform our hearts. Our present limitations are overcome as we draw near and let go of sin’s hold. [09:07] - Identity in Christ, Not the World: The mark of the believer is not outward, but an inward identification with Christ. In a world obsessed with labels and allegiances, our true identity is found in belonging to Jesus, both now and forever. This identity shapes our choices, our hope, and our destiny, distinguishing us from the world and aligning us with God’s eternal family. [11:27] - The Urgency of Readiness and Watchfulness: Prophecy is not just information about the future, but a word to keep—a call to live ready and watchful. Jesus’ return will be sudden, and the seriousness with which we take His word determines our preparedness. This readiness is not just for ourselves, but for our families and communities, as we labor in the harvest and await His coming. [15:16] - The All-Sufficiency of Grace: The final assurance is that God’s grace—His empowering presence and ability—will be with us all. We are not left to strive in our own strength; grace enables us to do, to be, and to endure all that God calls us to. No matter our past or present, the invitation is always to “come,” and the promise is that His grace will carry us to the end. [32:02] Youtube Chapters [00:00] - Welcome [01:10] - Introduction to End Times and Prophetic Events [02:25] - The Restoration of Eden in Revelation 22 [04:30] - The River and Tree of Life: Dependence on God [06:45] - No More Curse: The End of Sorrow and Pain [09:07] - Seeing Jesus Face to Face [11:27] - Our Identity in Christ [12:38] - The Faithfulness and Certainty of God’s Word [15:16] - The Call to Readiness and Watchfulness [17:56] - Angels, Goodness, and Mercy [19:58] - The Danger of Spiritual Apathy [21:35] - Rewards and the Work of the Church [23:10] - The Invitation to All: “Come” [25:29] - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Evangelism [27:42] - The Seriousness of God’s Word [29:13] - Maranatha: The Cry for Christ’s Return [32:02] - The Final Blessing of Grace [34:19] - Closing and PrayerDigital Connect Card: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/people/forms/195624 Give: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/giving Send us a direct message if you would like one-on-one prayer.

In these times of global unrest and uncertainty, it is crucial to remember that God is not just a judge—He is the Judge. He alone holds the authority to judge the earth and its inhabitants, and His judgments are always righteous and true. Throughout history, God has demonstrated this prerogative, from the flood in Noah’s day to the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah, and even in the way He dealt with individuals like Adam and Eve. The Bible is clear: every person has one opportunity in this life to be reconciled to God before facing His judgment. Hebrews 9:27 reminds us that it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment. There are at least three major judgments described in Scripture. First, the Judgment Seat of Christ, where believers are rewarded for their works done in Christ—not for salvation, but for what we have done with the life He gave us. Second, the Judgment of the Nations, where God will judge how nations have treated Israel, fulfilling His promise to Abraham that He will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse her. This is not symbolic; it is a literal promise that still stands today. Third, the Great White Throne Judgment, where all who have not accepted Christ will be judged according to their works and ultimately separated from God forever. This understanding frees us from the need for vengeance or hatred. We are not the judge—God is. Our role is to love, to forgive, and to pray for those who oppose us, knowing that ultimate justice belongs to the Lord. The presence of God is inseparable from His judgment; conviction is a sign of His nearness, not His absence. Today is the day of salvation. If you have not yet received Christ, now is the time to be born again and secure your place in God’s eternal family. Key Takeaways - God’s Judgment Is Literal and Righteous God is not merely a judge among many; He is the Judge, and His authority is absolute. His judgments throughout history—whether on individuals, nations, or the world—are not symbolic stories but literal events that reveal His character and justice. Understanding this should lead us to a reverent awe and a desire to align our lives with His will. [06:03] - The Bible’s Prophecies Are Interconnected and Meant to Be Taken Seriously Scripture is a unified whole, with Old and New Testament prophecies intricately woven together. The promises to Abraham about blessing and cursing Israel are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago, and the events unfolding in the world are not random but part of God’s sovereign plan. Taking the Bible literally grounds our faith and gives us clarity in confusing times. [13:40] - The Two Births and Two Deaths Principle Everyone is born once physically, but only those who are born again spiritually will escape the second death—eternal separation from God. If you are born twice (physically and spiritually), you will only die once; if you are only born once, you will die twice. This profound truth underscores the urgency of salvation and the hope we have in Christ. [30:43] - God’s Judgment Frees Us from Vengeance and Hatred Knowing that God is the ultimate Judge liberates us from the burden of seeking revenge or harboring hatred. We can love and forgive even those who oppose us, trusting that God’s justice will prevail. Our calling is to reflect Christ’s love, not to act as judge, because the judgment that awaits is far more serious than anything we could enact. [35:25] - The Presence of God Is Found in His Judgment Conviction is not something to be feared or avoided; it is evidence of God’s presence in our lives. Where God’s judgment is, His presence is also. Embracing conviction leads to transformation and deeper fellowship with Him, reminding us that judgment is not just what God does—it is who He is, and it is always for our good. [41:35] Youtube Chapters [00:00] - Welcome [01:00] - Introduction: God as the Judge [02:02] - How We Read and Interpret the Bible [03:47] - The Defeat of Evil and the Role of the Devil [06:03] - God’s Judgments in History [07:46] - The Three Major Judgments [13:40] - God’s Covenant with Israel and Its Modern Implications [18:30] - The Lineage of Abraham: Isaac and Ishmael [22:50] - The Battle of Gog and Magog and End-Time Events [27:10] - The First and Second Resurrections [30:43] - The Two Births and Two Deaths Explained [33:36] - The Weight of Preaching the Whole Truth [35:25] - Freedom from Vengeance: Trusting God’s Justice [36:40] - The Only Way into God’s Family [41:35] - God’s Presence in His Judgment [42:58] - Living in Light of Christ’s Return [44:35] - Invitation to Salvation and Closing Prayer