The Truth Church

Bishop Riggen builds a sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Psalm 107:1, grounding the command 'in everything give thanks' in its apocalyptic context. He argues that Paul wrote this not during peaceful times but while warning the church that destruction and the Lord's return are imminent. The proper response to coming persecution, hardship, and even present suffering is not complaint but active, vocal thanksgiving. The bishop insists this is God's will—not a suggestion—and that believers must express gratitude bodily, fruitfully, and worshipfully. He contrasts being merely thankful (an inward attitude) with giving thanks (an outward action), using the ten lepers in Luke 17 to illustrate: all were thankful, but only the one who returned to give thanks was made whole. Suffering is ordained and purposeful; after we suffer a while, God perfects, establishes, strengthens, and settles us. The bishop urges the church to stop letting circumstances dictate worship, to rejoice and give thanks even in the worst trials, because God orders every step and works all things for good. Thanksgiving should not be a yearly event but a daily, forever lifestyle. The spiritual purpose is to prepare the church spiritually for difficult days ahead by cultivating a habit of grateful, expressive worship that transcends all circumstances.

Pastor Hilton opens by reading John 2:1-10, the story of the wedding at Cana where Jesus turns water into wine as His first miracle. He emphasizes Jesus’ awareness of timing, noting that Jesus told His mother, 'Mine hour is not yet come,' yet He acted precisely when the need was greatest—at the end of the feast. The governor remarks that the best wine was saved for last, and Pastor Hilton draws the lesson that God saves the best for last in our lives, even when our situations seem prolonged or hopeless. He highlights the servants who obediently drew water, not knowing a miracle would occur, and connects this to believers today who must labor in faith, drawing from the well of God’s Spirit despite not seeing immediate results. Pastor Hilton urges the congregation to recognize they are chosen for this generation, empowered by the Holy Spirit to finish the work of the harvest. He references Acts 2:17-18 and Haggai 2:9 to affirm that God is pouring out His Spirit in greater measure in these last days. The sermon calls for laborers who will bear the water—the gospel—to a thirsty world, trusting that God will transform their efforts into something glorious. Pastor Hilton concludes by encouraging the weary to hold on, stay faithful, and draw deeper, because just as Jesus changed water into the best wine, He will bring breakthrough and purpose to those who serve Him.

Pastor Hilton draws from Daniel 9:19 and numerous Old Testament passages to expound the concept of believers as God's namesake. He explains that just as a child carrying a father's name bears the responsibility to uphold that legacy, the children of Israel—and now the church—are called to represent God's name. The preacher traces a scriptural principle: God acts for His name's sake—not because of human merit but to demonstrate His power, mercy, and faithfulness before the heathen. He cites Psalms and Jeremiah where David and the prophet plead for pardon, guidance, and deliverance "for thy name's sake," emphasizing that God's reputation is at stake in His covenant people. Pastor Hilton then moves to the ultimate revelation of the name in Christ Jesus, the perfect tabernacle and namesake, who alone reveals the Father. He proclaims Acts 4:12—no other name saves—and declares that through baptism in Jesus' name, believers take on that name. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, he reminds the congregation that though they were once fornicators, idolaters, and thieves, they are now washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus. The sermon's spiritual purpose is to instill confidence and responsibility: as God's namesakes, believers can appeal to His name for deliverance, forgiveness, and power—not because of their own righteousness, but because of who God is and the name He has placed upon them.

Bishop Riggen continues his series on gifts and callings with part 11, focusing on the pastoral office. Using Romans 11:29 as his text, he teaches that the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. In 1 Timothy 3:3-7, he examines additional qualifications for pastors. A pastor must not be given to wine—alcohol impairs sound judgment. He must not be a striker, meaning he should not be quick to physical blows or verbal contention; he must control his temper. The bishop illustrates this with the example of Nabal, a stubborn man no one could speak to. A pastor must not be greedy of filthy lucre; many ministers fall into the trap of pursuing money, unlike the bishop, who laid down financial security to serve the church. Instead, a pastor should be patient or gentle, ruling his own spirit, for the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God. He must not be a brawler or covetous. A pastor must rule his own house well, as his family reflects his ability to care for the church. He should not be a novice, lest pride cause his fall, but must have proven ministry experience. Finally, he must have a good report from those outside the church—even sinners should testify to his integrity. The bishop shares a story of a Hispanic Trinitarian preacher who was hesitant to attend his church due to the former pastor's prejudice, but came when he found the bishop had a good reputation among those without. The pastoral office carries great responsibility, requiring a man to care for God's bride with humility and grace.