The sermon encourages the congregation to rejoice in God's past faithfulness rather than mourn the closing of their current building, urging them to extend grace to those at their new location. It then transitions into a study of Barnabas, highlighting his role as an encourager and mentor to Paul during their time in Antioch. The preacher emphasizes that divine calling requires first faithful obedience to God's revealed will through local church service and fasting. Key theological points include the diversity of the early church, the proper process of ordination by the body of believers, and the reality of opposition alongside conversion in missionary work. Ultimately, the message calls listeners to actively serve so they may discern and respond to God's specific calling on their lives.

This first part of a two part series addresses the proper attitude and preparation required when partaking in the Lord's Supper, drawing parallels between the modern church and the dysfunctional Corinthian congregation. The preacher highlights how selfishness, division, and hypocrisy among believers distort the sacred nature of communion, turning it into a ritual devoid of genuine love and unity. By examining the historical context of the early church's love feasts, the message emphasizes that the table represents Christ's sacrifice and the believer's shared identity as one family in Christ. The central call is to approach the ordinance with frequent participation, deep love for others, and sincere self-examination rather than mere outward conformity. Ultimately, honoring the Lord's Table requires believers to resolve interpersonal conflicts and demonstrate the transformative power of redemption through their relationships.

The Ordination of the Twelve & the Beatitudes Psalm 1,Luke 6: 12-26 July 12, 2026

The efficacy of baptism is not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administered; yet, notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinance the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by the Holy Ghost, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace belongeth unto, according to the counsel of God's own will, in his appointed time.

We examine the feeding of the five thousand in Mark 6, contrasting Jesus' compassionate shepherding with the disordered leadership of Herod. The supernatural provision of God through Christ is highlighted by tracing Old Testament imagery from Moses to Ezekiel, the text identifies Jesus as the promised Good Shepherd who seeks and feeds his scattered flock. The sermon connects this event to the Lord's Supper, highlighting how Christ continues to nourish believers with himself through his Word and ordinances. Ultimately, the message calls for dependence on Christ rather than self-reliance, offering comfort in his sufficient provision and commissioning believers to reflect his character.

Those who lead in the church need to meet the Biblical qualifications for the office and positions they hold. In this sermon Pastor Harris is joined by Pastor Chris Pandolfi of Calvary Baptist Church in Medford, NY to go over the calling, qualifications and responsibilities of those in church leadership. There is a focus on Elders because this sermon was given prior to the ordination of three men to that office.

AI Generated Summary: The sermon examines Chapter 24 of the London Baptist Confession of Faith, affirming that Christians may lawfully serve in civil government as a divine ordinance. It refutes Anabaptist pacifism by demonstrating through Scripture that all authority originates from God and is instituted for the public good. The preacher emphasizes that civil magistrates must administer justice impartially to maintain peace, distinguishing their role of enforcing laws from individual calls to mercy. Key passages like Romans 13 and Psalm 82 illustrate that righteous governance restrains evil and protects the vulnerable. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to view civil service as a sacred duty under God's supreme sovereignty.