Sermon Outlines for 2024
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Teacher: Lay Minister Luis Rodriguez
Time: Sunday Morning, April 28, 2024
Title: To be announced
Text: To be announced
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Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, April 21, 2024
Title: “The Big Reveal of Jesus Christ”
Text: Revelation 1:1-3, 19 (Printed and Presented)
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. … 19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
God shares with His Son and His Servants an overview for the finale of all things.
Truth: What do these scriptures mean to us?
We now have the key info (maybe not the full understanding) about the end times.
Thot 1: The Central Person of the Book (1:1a)
A. The Unveiling of Christ to Us as God’s Beautiful Messiah
B. The Uniqueness of Christ for Us with God’s Bountiful Mercy
Thot 2: The Clear Purpose of the Book (1:1b-2)
A. The Father’s Disclosure to His Son about Every Thing
B. The Function of Displaying to His Servants about Some Things
1. The Witness for God (2a)
2. The Words from God (2b)
3. The Works of God (2c)
Thot 3: The Comforting Promise of the Book (1:3a)
A. Via Hovering Over (Reading) It (3ai)
B. Via Hearing about It (3aii)
C. Via Holding on to (Keeping) It (3aiii)
Thot 4: The Certain Prophecy of the Book (1:3b, 19)
A. The Future Time that is Approaching (3b)
B. The Forthcomings Told that are Appointed (19)
1. The Past: The Living Sovereign Christ was Incarnated (19a, Chapter 1)
2. The Present: The Letter to the Seven Churches is Inked (19b, Chapters 2-3)
3. The Prophetic: The Look of the Sure Conclusion that’s Imminent (19c, Chapters 4-22)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I will not worry with fear about this prophecy; but I will walk in faith with peace.
Underscored portion of this outline is From The Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible © 2009 by Love Worth Finding Ministries. Used by permission. The remainder of the outline is mine (Ben Duncan).
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Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, April 14, 2024
Title: “The Amazing Results from Godly Giving”
Text: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (Printed and Presented)
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
Corinth was an international hub with great wealth. In such an environment, many callous and selfish attitudes prevailed. Even in the church, charitable kindness was woefully absent. So, Paul encourages believers to be countercultural and give generously to their church and community. Paul explains to the Corinthians (and us) about the astonishing effects released via godly giving.
Truth: What do these scriptures mean to us?
Sadly, uncaring attitudes and self-centeredness still prevail. Barna reports (2022) * within the modern local church (USA) among self-identifying Christians, only 21% give 10 percent or more of their income, 54% give less than 10%, and 25% do not give to their church at all. Yet, when the truth about the blessings of generosity is finally discovered and then faithfully practiced by the believers, it blesses both the givers and the recipients in so many ways.
Thot 1: God’s Law of Reciprocity is Explained for Us (6)
Thot 2: God’s Love of Generosity is Expressed about Us (7)
Thot 3: God’s Lavishing of Prosperity is Exported upon Us (8-10)
Thot 4: God’s Liberality causes a Thanksgiving that is Exemplified through Us (11-15)
A. Our Unselfish Giving Sustains/Substantiates our Ministries, Sending God Exaltation (11-14)
B. God’s Unspeakable Gift of His Son, our Savior, the Messiah, Serves as Our Example (15)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I will be a blessing to others through giving and sharing of what God has entrusted to me to manage. Hereafter, I will tithe 10% of my income, and give offerings above my tithe, to my local church. Moreover, I will give to others and to worthy charitable causes as God directs me!
*U.S. self-identified Christians, November 12–19, 2021. Source: Barna Group © 2022 Barna.com
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Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, April 7, 2024
Theme: The Seven Signs (John 20:30-31)
Title: “A Breakfast by the Sea” (Bonus)
Teaser: We all like getting those unexpected something extras: an end of the year monetary bonus from our work; a BOGO (buy one; get one free) at the store on our favorite product; a complimentary dessert at a restaurant on our special day (birthday or anniversary celebration); overtime, extra innings, or a playoff at our favorite sports events; another song or two from our favorite musical band or singer when they/he/she reappear(s) on the stage after finishing for an encore performance; etc. Similarly, John, who featured 7 miracles to highlight that Jesus is the Christ and that we would believe on Him for eternal life, retakes the stage and announces that he wants to share just one more miracle. So, he gives us a bonus miracle in the last chapter of his gospel.
Text: John 21:3-6, 11, 14, 17 (Printed); John 21:1-25 (Presented)
3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” 6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. … 11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. … 14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. … 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
Peter and six more disciples go fishing. They fish all night but catch nothing. Jesus, unnoticed by them initially, tells them to put their net on the right side and they catch a lot. They go from “no luck” to “no lack!” This is the third time Christ appears to His disciples who, because of their fears and failures, have not yet started their ministry. Jesus then addresses Peter alone.
Truth: What do these scriptures mean to us?
Like the disciples, we too are often negligent in sharing the gospel. Perhaps, like them we become disappointed from our failures, dismayed by our fears, distracted from our focus, and disrupted by the familiar. At times, our Savior, maybe without our even noticing Him, gently nudges us personally vis His Spirit to return to Him and to resume our assigned work!
Thot 1: The Fishing Excursion (1-3)
A. Their Crew of the Timid Seven (2)
B. Their Course to the Tiberias Sea (1, 3a)
C. Their Catch is Totally Scarce (3b)
Thot 2: The Fruitful Experience (4-6, 11)
A. The Momentary Concealment of Christ (4)
B.The Making of Conversation with Christ (5-6a)
C. The Miraculous Catch from Christ (6b, 11)
i. It’s Remarkable to Them
ii. It’s Reminiscent for Them
iii. It’s a Recommissioning of Them
Thot 3: The Fellowship Excited (1, 7-10, 12-25)
A. At Their Recognition of the Person of Christ (1, 7a, 14)
B. At Their Reunion Providentially with Christ (7b-9)
C. At Their Repast Prepared by Christ (10, 12-13)
D. At Peter’s Reconciliation and Patch Up with Christ (15-25)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I’m following Christ and forsaking all excuses and things that hinder me from doing His will.
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Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, March 31, 2024
Theme: The Seven Signs (John 20:30-31)
Title: “The Resurrection and the Life!” (7 of 7)
Text: John 11:25-27 (Printed); John 11:1-45 (Presented)
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
Jesus comes to Bethany and consoles Martha and Mary, Lazarus’ sisters, who are grieving his death. While Jesus subsequently raises him from the dead; he first gives reassuring insights to Martha (and to us) about the resurrection. In just a brief amount of time (perhaps two weeks or so), Jesus would be crucified, buried, and then rise to life in His glorified body on the third day! His raising of Lazarus foreshadows His power to raise Himself (and all who believe in Him) back to life.
Truth: What do these scriptures mean to us?
From Jesus’ words to Martha, we too can be assured of our resurrection by Christ! Death has no power over the one who believes in Christ and is alive in Him! While Lazarus’ resurrection was limited (he was raised back to mortal life; and then subsequently had to die again; awaiting the true resurrection into a glorious body), all who believe in Christ (including Lazarus) will one day be raised to a life that is immortal, incorruptible, and eternal! It will be truly glorious!
Thot 1: The Person Who is the Resurrection (25a)
A. The Self-Proclaiming Lord over Death (25ai)
B. The Surety in Portraying Life after Death (25aii)
Thot 2: The Power with Whom is the Resurrection (26)
A. The Security in Pronouncing those Living among Death (26a)
B. The Searching Probe from this Luminary about Death (26b)
Thot 3: The Promise for Whom is the Resurrection (26a, 27)
A. The Sincere Professing of the Liberty from Death (26a, 27a)
B. The Simple Possessing of the License over Death (27b)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
Like Martha, I too believe that Jesus is the Christ of God; and I am alive now and forever in Him. Accordingly, I am assured that I too will one day be resurrected from the dead and changed from mortal to immortal (or if alive, at the Rapture)!
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Teacher: Minister Dorian Saunders, Sr.
Time: Sunday Morning, March 24, 2024
Title: Put the Devil on the Run!
Text: James 4:6-10 (NKJV)
6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, March 17, 2024
Theme of Series: The Seven Signs (John 20:30-31)
Title of Sermon: “Jesus Gives Sight to the Blind” (6 of 7)
Text: John 9:1, 6-7; 35-38 (Printed); John 9:1-41 (Presented)
1 Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. … 6 When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. 7 And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing. … 35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” 36 He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” 37 And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” 38 Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him.
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
Jesus comes across a man born blind; and restores his physical and spiritual sight.
Truth: What do these scriptures mean to us?
We too are born spiritually blind; and need Jesus to find and heal (i.e., save) us!
Thot 1: The Act of a Charitable Encounter (1-9)
A. The Punishing Harshness of the Disciples’ Misplaced Speculation (1-2)
i. The Condition of Sightlessness (1); ii. Their Condemnation of Sin (2)
B. The Purposeful and Helpful Details of Messiah’s Speech (3-5)
i. The Apparent Plight (3); ii. The Approaching Night (4); iii. The Appearing Light (5)
C. The Physical Healing from the Dust and the Master’s Saliva (6-7)
i. He is Tenderly Daubed by Christ with Clay (6); ii. He is Then Directed by Christ to Clean (7)
Thot 2: The Answers to some Chiding Enquiries (10-34)
A. Recited to the Persons that are Neighbors beside Him (10-12)
B. Redirected by the Parents whose Neglect befalls Him (18-23)
C. Repeated to the Pious in Name before Him (13-17; 24-34)
Thot 3: The Ascertaining of the Challenging Enigma (35-41)
A. The Conversion to Christ is the True Healing for the Spiritually Unsighted (35-38)
B. The Condemnation by Christ for their Tainted Haughty Sanctimony Unveiled (39-41)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I now come to Jesus for the healing of my spiritually blinded eyes!
Open the eyes of my heart Lord; I want to see you!
Michael W. Smith
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Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, March 10, 2024
Theme of Series: The Seven Signs (John 20:30-31)
Title of Sermon: “Jesus Walks on Water” (5 of 7)
Text: John 6:15-21 (Printed and Presented)
15 Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone. 16 Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them. 18 Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. 19 So when they had rowed about 1three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. 20 But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.
Footnote: 1 Lit. 25 or 30 stadia
My notes: 1 stadia = about 192 meters (630 feet); One tenth of a mile = 176 yards (528 feet)
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
After feeding the 5,000, the crowd wants to make Jesus King! Jesus dismisses them; tells His disciples to get in a boat on the Sea of Galilee and travel to the other side, to Bethsaida; and retreats to the mountain to pray. The disciples begin rowing in a boat towards Capernaum. It soon becomes dark and stormy with waves tossing them and the wind blowing them off course. The disciples are very afraid as they are now in the middle of the sea and straining to get to land; when suddenly, in the predawn hours. Jesus comes walking on the water amid the storm! He is gladly welcomed by them into the boat which immediately makes landfall (see also Matt. 14:22-36; and Mark 6:45-51).
Truth: What do these scriptures mean to us?
We are not exempt from life’s storms that often blow us off course! We too become frightened and it seems our struggles to get through these difficult times are futile. Pastor Tim, our former pastor, often said about life, “You are either going into a storm, in the middle of a storm, or coming out of a storm.” The good news is that Christ is with us as we enter, endure, and exit life’s storms!
Thot 1: His Approach to Us (18-19)
A. The Violent Storm (18)
i. The Sights: The Boisterous Waves; ii. The Sounds: The Blowing Wind
B. Their Vigorous Struggle (19a)
i. The Difficulties of Their Toil; ii. The Distance of Their Travel
C. The Visible Savior (19b)
i. His Path to Them on the Sea;
ii. His Power for Them over the Storm
Thot 2: His Assurance for Us (20)
A. The Laborious Sailors’ Worries are Concerning (19c)
i. Their Perspective is Daunting; ii. Their Panic is Disabling
B. The Lord’s Soothing Words are Calming (20)
i. His Declaration Budges their Focus onto Him;
ii. His Demand Banishes their Fear from Them
Thot 3: His Abiding with Us (21)
A. The Mariner’s Acceptance of Him into the Boat (21a)
i. Their Recognition of Him; ii. Their Reception of Him
B. The Miraculous Arrival with Him at the Beach (21b)
i. The Distance Reported in Miles;
ii. The Destination Reached in a Moment
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
Christ is with me in all my storms today; and He will be with me in all my storms in all my tomorrows! With Him on board with us, we are sure to arrive at our “haven of rest.” This assurance gives me peace; and calms my fears!
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Teacher: Lay Minister Luis Rodriguez
Time: Sunday Morning, March 3, 2024
Title: Two Gates; Two Gains; Two Groups
Text: Matthew 7:13-14
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Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, February 25, 2024
Theme of Series: The Seven Signs (John 20:30-31)
Title of Sermon: “The Feeding of the Five Thousand” (4 of 7)
Text: John 6:5-9 (Printed); John 6:1-14 (Presented)
5 Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. 7 Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” 8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9 “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?”
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
Jesus seeks solitude in the mountains with his disciples. A multitude, impressed by His earlier miracles, pursue Him and arrive to him at meal time. Jesus tests Philip asking him about buying bread to feed everyone (while He already knows what He will do). Philip, realizing their shortfall, is stumped! Andrew finds a boy offering to share his meager lunch. Christ blesses and multiplies it and there are 12 baskets of leftovers collected.
Truth: What do these scriptures mean to us?
Sometimes, we too are confronted with overwhelming trials that exceed our resources. God uses these trying moments to turn our eyes to Him (He already knows what to do).
Thot 1: The Location that’s Secluded (1-4, 10b)
A. The Desire for Privacy: The Fleeing of Christ to the Mountain (1, 3)
B. The Determined Pursuit: The Following of the Crowd because of the Miracles (2, 10b)
C. The Dawning of Passover: The Feast on the Calendar is Mentioned (4)
Thot 2: The Lad that Shared (5-9)
A. The Situation Explained by Christ (5-6)
i. The Ominous Challenge Posed; (5) ii. The Omniscient Christ Poised (6)
B. The Shortages Expressed to Christ (7-9)
i. A Limit of Funds in the Bank (7a); ii. A Lack of Food to Bestow (7b); iii. A Lad with Fish and Bread (8-9)
Thot 3: The Lunch that’s Served (10-14)
A. The Circulation Subsequent to the Invocation of Thanksgiving (11)
B. The Confidence Seen via the Instructions Tasked (10a, 11b-12)
i. Seat the Folks (10); ii. Serve the Food (11); iii. Save the Fragments (12)
C. The Collection of Scraps is an Incredible Total (13)
D. The Connection to the Savior as Indicative of the Torah (14)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
Are you facing a seemingly impossible obstacle? Don’t know what to do? Good news! Jesus is waiting for you to give your worry or concern to Him. He’s got it all figured out!
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Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, February 18, 2024
Theme of Series: The Seven Signs (John 20:30-31)
Title of Sermon: “The Stirring Up of the Living Water” (3 of 7)
Text: John 5:5-9 (Printed); John 5:1-15 (Presented)
5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” 7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
Jesus finds a chronically ill man lying by the Pool of Bethesda. He asks if he “wants to be made whole?” The man explains that he cannot enter the stirred-up water before others get in. Jesus heals him with His spoken Word. The man, unknowingly, has experienced the stirring of the true Living Water, Jesus Christ that has come to him! The Jews criticize, rather than celebrate, the healing because it was done on the Sabbath. At a later encounter, Jesus tells him to cease sinning. The man spreads the news about Jesus!
Truth: What do these scriptures mean to us?
We often embrace religious practices or traditions (anointing oil, prayer cloths, etc.) for our healing. While these rituals can facilitate a stirring up of our faith; it is only God Who heals us. So, step into the Presence of the real Living Water today and be healed!
Thot 1: First Come, First Serve (1-4)
A. The Beautiful Setting and the Infirmed Assembly (1-3)
B. The Bountiful Stirring by the Infrequent Angel (4)
Thot 2: Fierce Criticism for Flouting the Sabbath (5-13)
A. The Restoring Words of Jesus are Healing (5-9)
B. The Restraining Works of the Jews are Harsh (10-13)
Thot 3: Found and Cautioned, the Facts are Spread (14-15)
A. The Admonishment by Jesus to the Man (14)
B. The Announcement about Jesus the Messiah (15)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I will answer Jesus, “Yes, I want to be healed.” I will trust Jesus, and no one and nothing else, for my healing. I will not put my faith in a prayer cloth, a bottle of oil, holy water, a religious ritual or in a someone who claims to heal. My healing is not dependent on objects or what I or others do; but, solely on what God says. I will put my faith in Jesus alone! I will forsake my sins! I will tell everyone about my Savior and Healer: Jesus Christ!
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Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, February 11, 2024
Theme of Series: The Seven Signs (John 20:30-31; 21:24-25)
Title of Sermon: “Taking God at His Word” (2 of 7)
Text: John 4:46-54 (Printed & Presented)
46 So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” 49 The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!” 52 Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household. 54 This again is the second sign Jesus did when He had come out of Judea into Galilee.
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
Jesus is met by a royal official whose son in deadly ill. He pleas for Christ to come and heal him. Instead, Jesus simply speaks life over his son; and the official believes Him. On his way home, his servants meet him and tell him that his son is alive! They all believe!
Truth: What do these scriptures mean to us?
Time, distance, even little faith. are no barriers for Christ Who transcends them all and Who is Lord of all. Jesus can heal us with His spoken, authoritative, and powerful Word!
Thot 1: The Father’s Cry (46-47, 52b)
A. The Return to Cana by Christ (46a)
B. The Request from Capernaum by the Courtier (46b-47)
i. The Son (46b); ii. The Sickness (47b, 52b); iii. The Supplication (47a)
Thot 2: The Factual Criticism (48-50)
A. The Rebuke of a Shallow Faith Unchallenged (48)
B. The Resolve of the Son’s Father Unchanged (49)
Thot 3: The Faith Credited (50-54)
A. Jesus and the Healing Words He Spoke (50a)
B. Journeying with Hope on the Way to His Son (50b)
i. The Information Received (51); The Inquiry Requested (52); The Insights Revealed (53)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
There are no obstacles that can stop the spoken words of Christ from healing me!
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Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, February 4, 2024
Theme of Series: The Seven Signs (John 20:30-31; 21:24-25)
Title of Sermon: “From Water to Wine” (1 of 7)
Text: John 2:6-11 (Printed) John 2:1-11 (Presented)
6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” 11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
At a wedding celebration near their hometown, Mary expectantly tells Jesus that there is no more wine. Jesus then does His first miracle: changing water into wine!
Truth: What do these scriptures mean to us?
Sometimes we are confronted with crises: big, small, and in-between. Yet, we can always go to Jesus with hope; and He graciously meets us at the point of our need.
Thot 1: The Festive Marriage in Cana (1-2)
A. The Involved Location is within Galilee (1a)
B. Those Invited on the List of Guests (1b-2)
Thot 2: The Fretful Mary and the Crisis (3-8)
A. The Mother’s Request and Her Firmness to the Servants as Mandated (3, 5)
B. The Messiah’s Response and His First Sign is Manifested (4, 6-8)
Thot 3: The First Miracle by Christ (9-11)
A. The Evidence is Largely Inconspicuous (9-10)
B. This Event is Lastingly Incomparable (11)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I am comforted knowing that I can bring all my worries, concerns, problems, etc. (even the mundane things) to Christ, Who is the Answer! Most importantly, this miracle shows me that Christ can transform me from my sins to His righteousness, from my death to His life, from my darkness to His light!
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Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, January 28, 2024
Title: “We Shall Wear a Crown”
Text: 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (Printed & Presented)
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all
who have loved His appearing.
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
Apostle Paul discloses that God’s Son will one day review the faithfulness and fruitfulness of our kingdom work; and subsequently reward His followers with an appropriate crown, along with rights and responsibilities to serve Him in eternity!
Truth: What do these scriptures mean to me?
As a believer, I too am included in this marvelous future event; and will receive a crown from Christ to wear for His glory throughout all of eternity; a crown that is commensurate with my labor of love for Him now, and reflective of my eternal service for Him in the New Heaven and New Earth!
Thot 1: The Sovereign King Who Crowns Us (8b)
A. The Faithful Potentate our Savior (8bi)
B. The Future Period as Scheduled (8bii)
Thot 2: The Several Kinds of Crowns for Us (7, 8a)
A. Our Work Reviewed: The Fight, The Finish, The Faith (7)
B. Our Work Rewarded: The Future, The Finale, The Favor (8a)
i. The Crown of Righteousness (2 Tim. 4:8a)
ii. The Crown Imperishable (1 Cor. 9:25)
iii. The Crown of Joy (1 Thess. 2:19)
iv. The Crown of Glory (1 Pet. 2:10)
v. The Crown of Life (James 1:12, Rev. 2:10)
Thot 3: The Selected Kindred given these Crowns with Us (8c)
A. Those Loving Him with Adoration (8ci)
B. Those Looking for His Appearance (8cii)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
While I am saved by grace (not works); I understand that I am also saved for the works to which He has appointed me; and that He will one day evaluate. So, I am compelled by my love for Christ to please Him in all that He wants me to do.
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Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, January 21, 2024
Title: “Seeing Yourself as God Sees You”
Text: Judges 6:11-18 (Printed) & Judges 6:1-24 (Presented)
11 Now the Angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth tree which was in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide it from the Midianites. 12 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” 13 Gideon said to Him, “O my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.” 14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?” 15 So he said to Him, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” 16 And the Lord said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.” 18 Do not depart from here, I pray, until I come to You and bring out my offering and set it before You.” And He said, “I will wait until you come back.”
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
God calls Gideon a “mighty man of valor;” but he sees himself as someone who is much less.
Truth: What do these scriptures mean to me?
God always sees us as succeeding in His strength; yet, we often see us as failing via our flaws.
Thot 1: Gideon’s Encountering with God (11-12a)
A. The Frightened and Obscured Harvester is Concealed (11b)
B. The Fearless and Observed Herald is Revealed (11a, 12a)
Thot 2: Gideon’s Engaging for God (12b-15)
A. Via the Man’s Imperfect Perspective (13, 15)
i. God’s Seeming Lack in Heavenly Miracles
ii. God’s Simply Leaving them in the Hands of the Midianites
iii. Gideon’s Shaking Legacy in the Hierarchy of Manasseh
iv. Gideon’s Sway Limited in the Household Matrix
B. Via the Maker’s Impeccable Perspective (12a, 14)
i. God’s Presence with Him
ii. God’s Promotion of Him
ii. God’s Power within Him
iv. God’s Promise for Him
v. God’s Pledge to Him
Thot 3: Gideon’s Ensuring from God (16-18)
A. A Vocal Statement is Declared (16)
i. God’s Presence Reassured
ii. God’s Promise Reiterated
B. A Visible Sign is Desired (17-18)
i. The Cautious Reservation and Condition Postulated
ii. The Calm Restraint and Concession Permitted
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I will dare to see myself as God sees me; and courageously move forward in faith to do His will.
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Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, January 14, 2024
Title: “Walking in Faith …”
Text: Hebrews 11:1-3, 6 (Printed & Presented)
11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. … 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
This chapter is known as the Hall of Faith! It details the mighty works of God in answer to the faith exhibited by His people when they were facing trying times.
Truth: What do these scriptures mean to me?
God still responds to the faith of us, His children, in magnificent ways and wonders!
Thot 1: The Features Stipulating the Walk of Faith (1-2)
A. The Definitions Assigned to It (1)
i. A Comprehension Expected (1a)
ii. A Confidence Expressed (1b)
B. The Demonstrations Asserted by It (2)
i. The Patriarchs Stated by their Names are Mentioned (2a, 3-40)
ii. The Proof Substantiated by the Numerous Miracles (2b, 3-40)
Thot 2: The Force Sustaining the Walk of Faith (3)
A. Faith is a Profound Mystery (3a, 3c)
B. Faith is a Prodigious Manifestation (3b)
i. The Visible Worlds Designed by God (3bi, 3ci)
ii. The Voiced Word Derived from God (3bii, 3cii)
Thot 3: The Favor Surrounding the Walk of Faith (6)
A. It is Requisite for Those Pleasing to God (6a)
B. It is Reliant on Those Presenting before God (6b)
C. It is Rewarding (6c)
i. To Those Persistence with God (6ci)
ii. To Those in Pursuit of God (6cii)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
Growing in faith, I’ll practice it with confidence; and behold God’s amazing power!
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Teacher: Lay Minister Dorian Saunders
Time: Sunday Morning, January 7, 2024
Title: Heritage
Text: Isaiah 54:11-17