Confession on SermonAudio

Christ is "coming again to judge the living and the dead." That is one of the basic truths believers confess. So important is the final judgment that the Bible devotes almost an entire book to that theme. Revelation reveals the closing chapters of the great drama of human history—the conflict between the offspring of the serpent and the offspring of the woman. In the judgment God will affirm his love to his dear children. But upon those who reject him and have sided with Satan will be judged. The seven bowls of God's wrath are Scriptures most intense portrayal of God's judgment. Whatever we feel about the judgment, it is coming. But we ought to feel something about the judgment. More than that, we ought to respond with godly zeal to the warnings God gives about the judgment. In Revelation, the Lord previews for his church "the things that must soon take place" to encourage them as they endure tribulation (Rev. 1:9).

When fear prevents you from loving, God's love gives you reason not to fear.

This sermon explores the narrative of Jesus walking on water and Peter's attempt to follow, emphasizing that the central purpose of the event is not merely the miracle itself but the revelation of Jesus' identity as the Son of God. The speaker highlights how the disciples' fear during the storm contrasts with Jesus' authority and comfort, illustrating that crises often test faith rather than result from disobedience. Peter's experience serves as a model for believers who may feel overwhelmed by life's circumstances, showing that looking away from Jesus leads to sinking, while crying out for help results in immediate rescue. The passage concludes with the disciples' worship, which the speaker identifies as the true climax, affirming that Jesus is worthy of adoration regardless of one's current situation. The message calls the audience to trust in Jesus' sovereignty and to prioritize their relationship with Him above all else, recognizing that their hope rests in His power to sustain and save them. Outline: 1) Our Circumstances Can Create a Crisis 2) Our Circumstances Can Bring a Command 3) Our Circumstances Can Lead to a Confession

I. Confession II. Assurance III. Humility

Why did Jesus choose the region of Caesarea Philippi, near Mount Hermon and its pagan sanctuaries, to ask His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Join Pastor Brandon Holthaus as we examine Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God, and Christ's declaration: "I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." Explore the region's connections to pagan worship, ancient Jewish traditions concerning spiritual rebellion, and the significance of Jesus announcing His church in this setting. Discover how Christ's identity, the church's foundation, and His authority over death give believers confidence amid spiritual opposition. The church belongs to Jesus Christ—and neither the power of death nor the dominion of darkness can defeat His purposes.

Is salvation is merely a one-time event? Are we presenting our bodies as living sacrifices in order that we be transformed inwardly, in our minds? Have we found that communing with God is really a daily cleansing that restores our intimacy with God, a relational aspect that is broken often behind our sin? Please listen to "Mirror for your Motives, (the Sequel), taught by Pastor Ricardo Calvo Jr., to find the valuable answers to these questions and more.