This sermon relates the beginning of Paul and Barnabas' first missionary journey. From the calling of Christ's servants to their empowering, we see the Holy Spirit's intimate involvement in gospel missions. Accordingly, this text ought to inspire Christ's church to get involved in missions.

The sermon explores the profound unity between God the Father and Jesus Christ, using the idiom 'like father, like son' to illustrate their shared nature and purpose. It examines John 14:7-14 to demonstrate that knowing Jesus is equivalent to knowing the Father, affirming Jesus as the incarnate God and the final revelation of divine truth. The preacher contrasts this biblical reality with various cultural examples and opposing religious views to emphasize the necessity of believing in Christ's divinity. Additionally, the message highlights the promise of 'greater works' performed by believers through the Holy Spirit and encourages persistent prayer in Jesus' name. Ultimately, the text calls listeners to trust in Christ alone for salvation and to recognize that true knowledge of God is found exclusively in Him.

Guest Pastor-Dennis Harrison 08-09-26 Sunday Morning Follow us on social media-- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@matoakabaptistchurch-bartl6249 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064614887031 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatoakaB Sermon Audio: http://tinysa.com/live/matoakachannel If you were blessed by this sermon, please consider donating here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/MatoakaBaptist We pray God's Holy Spirit quenches yours to eternal life through His everlasting powerful Word. May you be born-again of the incorruptible seed that always yields the fruits of His Holy Spirit and moreover leads to eternal life with Him, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST – The King of King's and the Lord of Lord's – The Alpha and the Omega – The Great "I AM"- The Author and Finisher of our faith – just to name a few. Hallelujah JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN – HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

Prayer can feel difficult during seasons of pain, confusion, and emotional heaviness. Christians may know they need to pray while still struggling to find the words. Romans 8:26 teaches that the Holy Spirit helps believers in their weakness, even when they do not know what to pray. Psalm 62:8 calls God's people to trust Him at all times and pour out their hearts before Him. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains that prayer is not about having perfect words or pretending everything is fine. Christians can come honestly before God, trust that He hears them, and depend upon His help because they approach Him through the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Steve Rothkoph addresses the exclusive claim of Christianity that Jesus Christ is the only way to God, encouraging believers to engage in evangelistic conversations with confidence. It contrasts Christian theology regarding the Trinity and salvation by grace with other major world religions, highlighting the unique divinity and humanity of Christ. Using the analogy of shopping for a vehicle, Steve illustrates how individuals often narrow their search for spiritual truth based on personal needs and desires. He urges Christians to articulate their faith clearly, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide them when sharing the gospel in everyday settings like a grocery store. Ultimately, it calls us to view daily interactions as mission fields where we can share the hope of eternal life with those seeking direction.

Guest Pastor-Scott Neighbors 08-09-26 Sunday Night Follow us on social media-- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@matoakabaptistchurch-bartl6249 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064614887031 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatoakaB Sermon Audio: http://tinysa.com/live/matoakachannel If you were blessed by this sermon, please consider donating here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/MatoakaBaptist We pray God's Holy Spirit quenches yours to eternal life through His everlasting powerful Word. May you be born-again of the incorruptible seed that always yields the fruits of His Holy Spirit and moreover leads to eternal life with Him, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST – The King of King's and the Lord of Lord's – The Alpha and the Omega – The Great "I AM"- The Author and Finisher of our faith – just to name a few. Hallelujah JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN – HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

The sermon defines a spiritual service not by external manifestations like shouting or music, but by the internal presence and filling of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes that true worship occurs only when believers are united in love and obedience, allowing the Spirit to produce fruit rather than manufacturing religious experiences. The preacher warns against grieving or quenching the Spirit through sin and urges the congregation to focus on glorifying God above all else. Unity among believers is presented as a key cause of God's presence, distinct from mere uniformity. Ultimately, the message calls for self-examination to ensure one is filled with the Spirit and living in accordance with His will.

The sermon explores the profound privilege of being a servant of God, drawing primarily from Psalm 119:124 where David pleads for mercy and instruction. It emphasizes that true spiritual knowledge is not achieved through intellectual effort alone but requires humility and dependence on God's mercy to teach His statutes. The preacher contrasts human self-sufficiency with the necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit, meditation, and preaching to gain genuine understanding of Scripture. By examining David's example, the message encourages believers to maintain a humble posture, recognizing that all insight comes from God rather than personal merit. Ultimately, the goal is to foster a deeper, transformative relationship with Christ through obedient service and continuous learning.

Death, Where Is Your Victory? What if the resurrection is more than a promise that we go to heaven when we die? Paul says that because Christ was raised from the dead, death itself will ultimately be defeated. The resurrection is God's answer to the curse that entered the world through Adam—and it is the promise that those who belong to Christ will one day be raised with glorified, imperishable bodies. That truth changes how we live right now. We are not called to live as defeated people, forever defined by our sin and failures. In Christ, we have been forgiven, declared righteous, given the Holy Spirit, and called to walk in victory. And because Christ has conquered death, our labor for Him is never in vain. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore... be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." — 1 Corinthians 15:57–58 Christ has conquered death. And because He lives, we have hope.

Follow the ministry of the Holy Spirit as the Word goes throughout the world.