The sermon examines Matthew 8:1-4 to illustrate the approachability and compassion of Jesus Christ toward those burdened by sin and sickness. By analyzing the leper's interaction with Jesus, the message highlights four key aspects of effective prayer: boldness in approaching God, reverence in worship, specificity in requests, and confidence in His power. Brother Gleiser challenges believers to move beyond stagnant or 'skinny' prayers, urging them to bring their most impossible needs to a Lord who delights in answering faith-filled petitions. Through illustrative anecdotes and scriptural references, the text emphasizes that God cares deeply for His children and is capable of performing miracles when approached with genuine dependence and trust.

"Expecting God to Be God" "Everything FROM and FOR Jesus must BE Predicated on a Promise" The message builds on the truth that "the fall of the faithful is not fatal" because God faithfully upholds His people. When believers stumble, become distracted, or drift into unbelief, recovery comes by returning to the Lord—committing ourselves to His commitment, allowing Him to establish our thoughts, and becoming occupied with Jesus again. A central picture is: "You drift where you dwell. You steer where you stare. You graze where you gaze. You linger where you look." Remember these: Where you stare, you will steer; where you gaze, you will graze." Whatever captures our attention eventually influences our direction and feeds our souls. Therefore, rather than allowing circumstances, frustrations, people, or legitimate limitations to govern us, believers are called to keep looking unto Jesus. The message describes the believer's "sweet spot" as a life of prayer, praise, pointing others to Jesus, and expecting God to fulfill what He has promised. Prayer keeps us dependent upon Him. Praise redirects our attention to His greatness and renders the enemy's accusations powerless. Pointing others toward Jesus allows what God has worked in us to become a blessing beyond us. Romans 4 and Abraham provide the central biblical example. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. His faith was not positive thinking or wishful optimism. It was predicated on a promise from God. God spoke; Abraham believed Him. This establishes an important principle: Every work of grace is predicated upon a promise from God. Faith does not create the promise; faith receives and rests

If you're skimming Scripture but staying spiritually dry, this message is for you. In "How to Approach Scripture," Pastor Steve Hereford shows how a diligent, Spirit-led, prayerful approach can turn Bible reading into truly meeting with God.

Jeremiah 33:3 Title: A Theology of Prayer For more information about Calvary Baptist Church go to: https://cbcfarmington.com/

Living in the Sweet Spot This message centers on recovering and remaining in the "sweet spot" of kingdom living—a life characterized by prayer, praise, and pointing people to Jesus. Beginning in Hebrews 13, the message celebrates the finished work of Christ. The blood of bulls and goats could never cleanse the sinner's conscience, but Jesus sanctified His people through His own blood. Because He suffered outside the gate, believers are called to go forth to Him, bear His reproach, praise His name, and live as His witnesses in this world. The message then develops the continuing theme of recovery. Believers sometimes stumble, become distracted, operate in their own strength, or get pulled away from the Lord's priorities. Recovery begins by recommitting ourselves to the God who is already committed to us. Proverbs 16:3 teaches us to entrust our works to the Lord so He can establish our thoughts and priorities. Rather than allowing worry to pull our minds apart, Jesus calls us to seek first His kingdom and righteousness. A major truth of the message is: God does not always have to change our circumstances, but we desperately need Him to change us for our circumstances. Difficult people and situations can become God's "sandpaper," exposing rough places in our character and giving Him opportunities to conform us to Christ. God is more concerned with forming our character than preserving our comfort. Psalm 91 reminds us that God does not necessarily promise to keep us from trouble; He promises, "I will be with him in trouble." John 14 shows that believers have not been left as orphans. Jesus has given us the Spirit of truth, who lives within us, guides us, and enables u