The Rock Church of Fenton Sermons

Having lost his family and been driven into the land of Lo-Debar, Mephibosheth receives an invitation from the King requesting his presence. Upon arrival, Mephibosheth bows in fear and pronounces himself a dead dog in the sight of the King. To his shocking surprise, the King declares that Mephibosheth will now be brought into the palace and treated as one of the King’s sons. Likewise, broken in our sin and alienated from God, the gospel call goes out announcing that a way has been made for our salvation. Like Mephibosheth, we only need to respond by faith to receive it, as the work has already been done on our behalf.

Jesus tells a story of a powerful man who sent out invitations for a grand banquet. When the announcement was given that everything was ready, the invited guests began to make excuses as they refused to come. The host then extends the invitation to the poor, crippled, blind, and lame, as well as the lowest dregs of society, among the highways and hedges. This second group takes the place of the first. Many have refused the invitation to the Kingdom of God and made excuses as to why they will not come. God’s grace extends to the farthest reaches of humanity, no matter their past or the unspeakable description of their sin. We are granted entry into the kingdom, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but rather by His mercy. Will you accept the invitation and come by faith?

When the 4 angels were released at the Euphrates River, a hellish horde burst upon the world. They brought judgment by way of fire, smoke, and brimstone to the wicked. The Euphrates holds deep history in that sin began at its headwaters when the first humans disobeyed God. The Euphrates reveals that man has not merely neglected his Maker, but devoted himself to demon worship. The Euphrates demands a decision: turn from sin and be saved, or remain under judgment. Those affected by the affliction from the Euphrates refused to repent. What will you decide?

At the sound of the fifth trumpet, an angel was given the key to the bottomless pit known as the abyss. The abyss is a prison for a group of fallen angels who sinned against God in acts of gross immorality. The creatures from the abyss will be released as a judgment upon the earth. They will be permitted to torment people for 5 months; however, they will not touch anyone having the seal of God upon their forehead. The Bible says that the Lord knows those who belong to Him and He places His seal upon them. This can only be received by repenting of sin and confessing Jesus as Lord. Are you protected by the seal of God now?

When the angels blew the trumpets, God’s judgment continued to intensify upon the earth. God demonstrates that He is Lord of all creation. Creation is a message that demands a response as well as means of judgment upon the wicked. God does not change. The nature of the plagues brought about at the end of the age are strikingly similar to what God has done before. God shows that He is slow to anger in that He destroyed a third of things but not yet the whole. Many people have been afforded God’s patient mercy. What will you ultimately decide while there is time?

Every person is searching for what they believe is the good life, whether that means money, success, family, good health, or security. People often find themselves pursuing happiness, striving for what they consider the “good life.” When Jesus came into the world fully man and fully God, the crowds gathered from all directions to hear Him. When Jesus spoke, He delivered a message that was both counter-cultural and paradoxical, challenging every common notion of happiness and fulfillment. According to Jesus, the good life is one devoted to following Him—a life that recognizes its need for rescue and surrenders to Jesus as the sole ruler of the heart. The result of a life fully surrendered to Him is a series of proclamations and attitudes known as the Beatitudes.

In the interval between the opening of the 6th and 7th seals, Revelation reminds us that not one word has failed of God’s good promise. The Lord shows us that He has kept His promise to restore Israel to the kingdom, bring salvation to all nations, and answer the prayers of the saints. The questions of the previous seals about justice and salvation have been answered, and now 7 angels arise with trumpets to bring judgment upon the Earth. Have you been sealed by the Holy Spirit, having believed in the gospel of Jesus?

When the 6th seal was opened, heaven and earth were shaken. This shaking of the cosmos removed all stability from mankind as it became a universal terror, heralding the arrival of the Lamb and His wrath upon the earth. The question was asked, “Who is able to stand?” This question echoes to the souls of mankind now. Only those who have been cleansed and made new are able to stand before the holiness of God. Are you able to stand?

When the Lamb broke the 5th seal, John saw the souls of the martyrs under the altar. They asked the Lord how long it would be until He would avenge their blood on the earth. The martyrs are with God being absent from their bodies, yet present with the Lord. Believers will receive a body without decay at the return of Jesus. The martyrs choose death over denial. Many will continue to fall away under threat of affliction rather than maintain their witness. The martyrs are promised justice. They are given robes and told to wait a while longer. God will eventually bring about judgment upon the earth for all who do not know God and do not obey the gospel. Have you believed in Jesus and do you hold fast to the Word of God and the testimony of salvation? 

When the Lamb opened the first 4 seals, horses with riders were given authority to bring judgment upon the Earth. The riders will bring temporary peace, violence and war, poverty and famine, and Death and Hades. All of the false gods and systems of comfort will be eroded in devastating fashion by the 4 horsemen. Only in Jesus can one have lasting peace, an immovable foundation, and life everlasting. Have you come to know Him? Or will you face the wrath of the coming horsemen?