If you have God's Word… turn with me this morning to Genesis 1. And we're gonna to begin our message…exactly where the Bible begins. We're gonna begin with verse 1. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1 HCSB) You know…there are some questions… that almost everybody asks… at some point in life. • Where did I come from? • Why am I here? • Does my life have a purpose? • Is there really a God? • What happens when I die? And folks… those are some big questions. But the way you answer those questions… depends largely on… how you answer another question: How did all of this get here? Where did everything we see come from?

In Matthew 23:1–12, Jesus confronts the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees—religious leaders who loved recognition, titles, and positions of honor but failed to practice what they preached. In "Servants, Not Showmen," Todd Fletcher explains that true spiritual leadership is not about appearing impressive before others. Christ calls His followers to reject pride, practice what they teach, and pursue the humble service that seeks God's approval rather than human applause.

Pastor Grant Van Leuven was the guest preacher for the afternoon chapel service at Fredericka Manor Retirement Community in Chula Vista. His three oldest boys joined him and stood to honor the elderly saints ministered to with one of the Bible verses read ( Leviticus 19:32). Psalm 71:18 teaches that the heart of a Christian late in life is to desire to still be actively useful to the Lord with a lasting spiritual legacy. May Your Last Years Be Your Best Years.

The sermon examines the biblical account of the Gerasene demoniac in Mark 5 to illustrate the imperative of personal testimony. It contrasts the man's desire to follow Jesus with Christ's command to return home and declare what God has done, emphasizing that true faith manifests in one's closest relationships. The preacher argues that the reliability of Scripture rests on first-hand eyewitness accounts preserved through generations, from Adam to Moses and the Apostles. This historical authenticity serves as a stable foundation against shifting cultural beliefs, urging believers to let their transformed lives serve as evidence of grace to those who know them best. Ultimately, the message calls for an overflow of gratitude where individuals share their personal encounter with Christ's compassion and power.

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: (Acts 26:22) ~~~~ An afternoon service in the lounge of Milward House Pilgrim home, Tunbridge Wells. With some 20 residents and visitors. ~~~~ *1/ The help of being preserved while unconverted. 2/ The help of being called and given eternal life. 3/ The help to continue in the faith.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the Apostle Paul's declaration in Acts 26 that he has obtained help from God, exploring this theme through three distinct phases of divine assistance. It highlights God's providential care prior to conversion, the transformative power of being called by grace, and the sustaining strength provided during the Christian walk. The preacher illustrates these points with personal anecdotes about survival before faith and the suddenness of spiritual awakening. The message encourages believers to recognize God's hand in their lives and to share their testimonies of divine help with others. Ultimately, it calls the congregation to acknowledge God as the source of salvation and endurance.