The Truth Church

Bishop Riggen reads Luke 2:1-20, the account of Christ's birth, and then addresses criticisms against celebrating Christmas. He argues that while there is no explicit command to celebrate Christ's birth, there is also no command against it, citing Romans 14:5 which allows each person to be convinced in their own mind regarding days. He responds to a 'four-fold apostolic test' used by opponents, pointing out that many modern practices like revival services, Sunday school, and PA systems also fail that test. He refutes claims that Christmas originated from the Council of Nicaea, presenting historical evidence that Christians celebrated December 25th before pagans set Saturnalia on that date. He addresses Jeremiah 10, showing the passage condemns idolatry, not Christmas trees. He notes that the first celebration of Christ's birth involved heavenly lights (the shepherds' angelic glory and the star) and songs (the angels' praise), and gift-giving (the wise men's treasures). He argues that celebrating Christ's birth does not contradict Scripture, and that using a day when much of the world acknowledges Him is wise. He emphasizes that the incarnation was necessary for redemption—'without his birth, there could have been no death, and without his death, no redemption.' The spiritual purpose is to encourage believers to celebrate Christmas with confidence, rooted in biblical truth rather than pagan accusations, and to give thanks for God's gift of salvation through Christ's coming.

Pastor Hilton preaches from Exodus 17:2-7, where the children of Israel chide with Moses for water, prompting Moses to strike the rock at God's command. The place is named Massah and Meribah, meaning temptation and strife. The congregation is asked why they tempt the Lord despite His proven faithfulness. The people had witnessed miracles—the parting of the Red Sea, manna from heaven—yet they murmured out of thirst and discomfort, questioning whether God was among them. This temptation arose not from direct words but from a cynical heart, as Psalm 78:18 notes they tempted God in their heart by asking for meat for their lust. Pastor Hilton stresses that God tests His people to prove them, as with Abraham, and to humble them, as Deuteronomy 8 shows. God has never failed, so there is zero reason to tempt Him. The sermon warns that murmuring can lead to destruction, as in Numbers 21 where serpents came. The appeal is to stop questioning God's care, trust His provision, and lift eyes beyond personal needs to the harvest of souls. Even when doubts arise, approach God directly rather than murmuring among others. God answers the thirsty with water from the rock, proving He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Bishop Riggen teaches from Leviticus 27:30-32 that tithing is a matter of submission to apostolic authority, not merely an Old Testament obligation. He emphasizes that while the tithe belongs to God, Scripture shows men receive it (Hebrews 7:8) for the support of spiritual leadership. Withholding tithes signals a rejection of that authority. He argues that the entire Old Testament, including Malachi 3:6 ('I am the Lord, I change not'), remains profitable for doctrine, and that tithing predates the Mosaic Law. He cites examples from Acts and the apostles using the Old Testament to establish New Testament doctrine. The bishop contrasts the Law of Moses (parts of which are not binding) with eternal principles God established before Moses. He illustrates his point with Uzzah touching the ark—a warning against mishandling what belongs to God. He distinguishes between offerings (for church bills) and tithes (for leadership support), urging believers to give more than 10% as love demands. He laments that December, celebrating Christ's birth, is historically the lowest month for giving, calling believers to examine their priorities. The core message is that tithing is not legalism but a revelation of submission to God's order, and that a true revelation produces unwavering conviction that mere understanding cannot. He prays for divine revelation on this subject, asserting that God's nature and claims on His people do not change.

Pastor Hilton preaches from 2 Corinthians 6:16, examining the pattern of God dwelling among His people. He addresses the modern 'home church' movement, affirming that while early New Testament Christians gathered in homes, the Bible also shows the development of established local assemblies with specific addresses, like those in Revelation. The core message traces God's pattern from the Old Testament tabernacle to Solomon's temple, emphasizing that God gave Moses a precise pattern because it foreshadowed greater spiritual realities. The tabernacle's temporary sacrifices pointed to Christ's eternal sacrifice. Solomon's temple, grander and more permanent, illustrates that God desires to scale His dwelling from a temporary tent to an established, glorious temple. Pastor Hilton stresses that Jesus Himself came as both the sacrifice and the temple, and He weeps over those who miss the time of their visitation. The sermon applies this pattern to the believer: you are the temple of the living God. Using 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 and 6:19-20, he warns against defiling that temple and urges purification. The spiritual purpose is a call to readiness: to purge oneself from fleshly lusts and become a holy vessel, sanctified and meet for the Master's use. God is visiting tonight, seeking a vacancy in willing hearts. The altar call invites response to make oneself a prepared temple for His indwelling presence.

Pastor Hilton opens with Revelation 21:1-7, declaring God's promise of a new heaven and earth where He dwells with His people, wiping away tears and making all things new. He contrasts this coming home with the growing discomfort of the present world, citing Isaiah 32, Matthew 24, and 2 Timothy 3 to show Scripture's warnings about perilous times—wars, deception, and lovelessness. Yet in each warning, God offers hope: a peaceable habitation, sure dwellings, and quiet resting places for His people. The pastor argues that just as we prepare our physical homes for comfort, we must prepare a spiritual home through the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that true rest and refuge come not from external circumstances but from the Comforter, who teaches line upon line and precept upon precept. Using the illustration of a boy who slept in church because he felt safe, Pastor Hilton underscores that the church should be a place of genuine rest and family. The message culminates in an altar call, urging listeners to find their home in God through the Holy Spirit—the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession. He challenges believers to build this spiritual dwelling, where they can escape the world's troubles and find lasting peace, regardless of their physical or familial situations.