For the second time the Apostle John is recorded as having fallen down to worship at the feet of an angel and is rebuked by the angel (Rev. 22:8; 19:10). How could John commit such a grievous sin? What IS John's problem? John's problem is one every human being has. "Nothing is more carefully guarded in the Bible than the purity and simplicity of worship; nothing is more sternly rebuked than idolatry; nothing is more contrary to the divine law than rendering in any way that homage to a creature which belongs of right to the Creator. It was necessary to guard even John, the beloved disciple, on that subject; how much more needful, therefore, is it to guard the church at large -- and, I would add, your own heart -- from the dangers to which it is liable." -- Albert Barnes.

Have you ever been confused when the Bible refers to God and Jesus as though they are different? Is it saying that Jesus is not God? How are we to understand the trinity? Can a Christian be Unitarian? These questions and others are explored in this sermon.

What can we learn from Scripture about the meaning of the Lord's Supper? This sermon is an overview of four understandings: 1) Memorial Only -- Held by most fundamentalist, some evangelical faiths and others; 2) Transubstantiation/"The Real Presence" -- Held by the Roman and Orthodox faiths and others; 3) Consubstantiation -- Held by the Lutheran faith; 4) The Reformed view. This sermon also addresses the issue of paedocommmunion.

This sermon is an update of the sermon preached several years ago on this passage. Pastor Mencarow and his wife visited the site of the church at Laodicea in modern Turkey in January, 2012. This sermon incorporates what they learned from their visit and additional research. VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5b9aUe_uMQ&feature=player_detailpage

This sermon is an update and expansion of the sermon preached several years ago on this passage. Pastor Mencarow and his wife visited the site of the church at Philadelphia in modern Turkey in January, 2012. This sermon incorporates what they learned from their visit and additional research.

"Thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name." Christ's tender heart is displayed so vividly in His letter to the ancient church at Philadelphia. May His Word read and preached be a blessing and comfort to you -- for even the most faithful of His children have just "a little strength." "And he said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.' Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." -- II Cor. 12:9 This sermon is an update and expansion of the sermon preached several years ago on this passage. Pastor Mencarow and his wife visited the site of the church at Philadelphia in modern Turkey in January, 2012. This sermon incorporates what they learned from their visit and additional research.