Our culture has become permeated with lies and deception. The Bible contains over 50 warnings about deception in the last days. Jesus cautions us, "Take heed that no one deceives you" (Matthew 24:4). In the new series "Safeguards Against Deception," Duane Sheriff explores how vulnerable we are to deception and how the church is not exempt, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as a wake-up call to prepare for future deceptions.

In the first episode, titled "Guard Our Hearts," Duane emphasizes the importance of partnering with Jesus, who acts as the gardener that nurtures, protects, and teaches how to guard our hearts and remain steadfast against deception.

https://pastorduane.com/safeguards-against-deception/

Every aspect of life has its own authority structures, including our homes, churches, schools, and society as a whole. When we fail to understand these levels of authority, we often end up frustrated, confused, and even rebellious. In part two of "Levels of Authority," Duane Sheriff teaches God’s divine order of authority and emphasizes why this understanding is crucial for every individual, especially our young people.

God’s government stands as the highest authority, and all other forms—self-government, family, church, and civil—flow from Him. When a lower authority attempts to overrule a higher one, corruption follows, leading to disorder and instability. Understanding authority not only provides protection but also empowers us to live with confidence and order in a culture filled with confusion.

To have great faith, you must understand authority. In "Levels of Authority," Duane Sheriff explores the concept of authority in God's kingdom and its relationship to our levels of government. Romans 13:1 reminds us that all authority comes from God. All authority is delegated and should always be accompanied by accountability.

Understanding the five levels of authority helps us navigate our roles and responsibilities, along with the limits within each sphere: God's government, self-government, family government, church authority, and civil government. 

The story of the Roman centurion in Matthew 8 beautifully illustrates how great faith is connected to understanding authority. When we grasp this concept, we can make a real difference in our world. By integrating our faith into civic life, we can be salt and light, contributing to the transformation of our culture while adhering to scriptural truths.

In the tenth and final episode of "Holiness," Duane Sheriff teaches that transformation into holiness occurs progressively as we continually behold God's glory instead of focusing on our sins or the sins of others. This holiness is not achieved through self-effort or willpower but through the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. We are gradually transformed into Christ's image when we shift our focus from our failures and past struggles to God's goodness and love.

https://pastorduane.com/holiness/

In the ninth episode of "Holiness," Duane Sheriff teaches that godly fear is the key to true wisdom and understanding, helping us discern beyond our physical senses and emotions. True holiness is achieved through a reverent fear of God, which is different from worldly fear. Godly fear leads to worship, wisdom, and a departure from evil. 

According to 2 Corinthians 7:1, we are encouraged to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. This fear is not one of torment but rather a reverent awe that leads to worship. Cultivating a healthy fear of the Lord leads to a holy life and encourages spiritual growth.

https://pastorduane.com/holiness/

In the eighth episode of "Holiness," Duane Sheriff teaches the importance of maintaining a heart sensitive to God's voice. Sin can harden the heart, making hearing and responding to God's guidance difficult. Pursuing holiness helps believers stay attuned to God's guidance and prevents spiritual deafness. 

Duane draws parallels between the Israelites' rebellion in the wilderness and modern Christians' struggles with sin. We can learn from biblical examples and strive for a holy life. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, we face daily choices whether to heed God's voice or allow our hearts to harden through unbelief and rebellion. 

https://pastorduane.com/holiness/

What is repentance? It is believing God for "crop failure" when we've sown bad seeds. In the seventh episode of "Holiness," Duane Sheriff teaches the unchanging law of sowing and reaping, explaining how our actions are like seeds that produce either good or bad harvests in our lives. This spiritual principle demonstrates how our actions are like seeds, yielding corruption or eternal life. This episode explores the interesting parallel between this spiritual law and natural laws, such as gravity and changing seasons, emphasizing its consistency and relevance in our daily lives. 

https://pastorduane.com/holiness/

Why is it important to live a holy life? In the sixth episode of "Holiness," Duane Sheriff challenges common misconceptions about holiness and presents a grace-based perspective on righteous living. Holiness is not about earning God's love or salvation but rather about living out our new nature in Christ, loving God and others, and preventing Satan from gaining influence in our lives. 

This episode connects love and holiness, referencing Romans 6, which teaches that we are dead to sin and alive in Christ. Our new identity encourages us to live differently—not out of obligation but as a natural expression of our transformed selves. Holiness becomes a natural outflow of God's love in our lives rather than a burdensome list of dos and don'ts.

https://pastorduane.com/holiness/

In the fifth episode of "Holiness," Duane Sheriff explores the reasons why Christians are called to lead holy lives. John 14:15 states, "If you love me, keep my commandments." Holiness is not a burden or about earning God's love or salvation. Instead, it is a response to God's love and a reflection of our love for God and others. Duane addresses common misconceptions about holiness and provides a biblical perspective on why we should strive for holiness in our daily lives.

https://pastorduane.com/holiness/

In the fourth episode of "Holiness," Duane Sheriff teaches that a transformation occurs when you accept Jesus. Your past sinful nature (old man) is crucified and buried, and you become a new creation. You receive a new identity that is righteous and truly holy. When you realize that your old self died with Jesus, you can overcome temptation and truly live in holiness. You are no longer a slave to sin but free to live in the newness of life! 

https://pastorduane.com/holiness/