The Truth Church

Bishop Riggen opens with Matthew 7:13-14, where Jesus warns that the path to life is narrow and few find it, contrasting it with the broad way that leads to destruction. He then focuses on verse 15: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." He emphasizes that Jesus repeated this warning throughout Scripture and that Old Testament prophets like Jeremiah and New Testament writers like Paul, Peter, and John all cautioned against false prophets. Bishop Riggen notes that many false prophets appear as Christians, performing miracles and prophesying in Jesus' name, yet they are not sent by God. He provides two tests from Deuteronomy: first, if a prophet's predictions do not come to pass, he is false (Deuteronomy 18:21-22); second, even if a sign comes true but the prophet leads people away from God's Word, he is false (Deuteronomy 13:1-3). Bishop Riggen highlights the story of Micaiah versus the 400 prophets in 1 Kings 22, showing that the majority can be wrong and that false prophets may be deceived themselves. He stresses that true prophets preach the apostles' doctrine, specifically Acts 2:38—repentance, baptism in Jesus' name, and receiving the Holy Ghost. He cites examples from Acts (Samaritans, Gentiles, Ephesians) to show consistency. He concludes that any deviation from this apostolic message marks a false prophet, and believers must test every teacher by Scripture.

The minister preaches from Acts 2:16-21, where Peter declares that the Pentecost outpouring is the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. He emphasizes that this 'this is that' experience is available to believers today. Drawing from Joel 1-2, he describes the bleak judgment of locusts and fire that consumed Israel's land, but highlights the turning point in Joel 2:12: 'Turn ye even to me with all your heart.' This call to repentance, with fasting and mourning, is not about outward show but a torn and contrite heart. The minister uses the metaphor of a farmer burning a field to reset the ground for new growth, explaining that God's judgments prepare hearts for fresh sowing. God's promise follows: restoration of the years the locusts have eaten, and the outpouring of His Spirit. The minister connects Joel's 'former rain' to the moderate beginnings of the Spirit's work in Acts—3,000 saved, miracles, healings, and unified prayer shaking the place. He notes that while the former rain came moderately, God also promises the latter rain, signaling an even greater outpouring in the last days. He calls believers to seek this same apostolic experience, to be unified in one accord, and to anticipate a restoration of Acts-level power in the present time. The message urges turning to God wholeheartedly to receive the promise of the Holy Ghost and the full restoration He brings.

Bishop Riggen continues the series on the laying on of hands from Hebrews 6:1-3, emphasizing it as a foundational doctrine. He reiterates that God honors symbols He established, such as those in the Old Testament tabernacle—the altar representing Christ's death, the laver representing His burial, and the glory representing His resurrection, which prefigure repentance, baptism, and the Holy Ghost. He stresses that violating God's symbols, as Moses did by striking the rock, carries consequences. In the New Testament, the laying on of hands transfers what the believer possesses—such as Peter's statement, 'Such as I have give I thee' (Acts 3:6). Bishop Riggen addresses two lies from the devil: that healing is not God's will, and that the sufferer is unworthy. Using James 5:14-15, he declares that if the sick call for the elders, the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and past sins are forgiven. He explains that oil symbolizes the Spirit's anointing. From Acts 8:15-17 and 19:6, he shows that the laying on of hands imparts the Holy Ghost, as with the Samaritans and the Ephesian disciples. From Acts 6:6, it imparts spiritual authority for church office. In 2 Timothy 1:6 and 1 Timothy 4:14, Bishop Riggen notes that gifts are stirred up and imparted through the laying on of hands by Paul and the presbytery. He concludes that divine authority flows downward under proper submission, and he calls believers to approach the altar with faith, expecting God to honor His symbol and transfer healing, the Holy Ghost, or other needs.

Reverend Hilton preached from Hebrews 12:29 and Exodus 3:1-6, declaring that God is a consuming fire. He explained that fire appears in Scripture in three ways: judgment, purification, and as a sign of God's presence. In judgment, fire consumes sin—as seen with Korah—and God's holiness cannot coexist with unrighteousness. In purification, fire refines believers like precious metals, burning away wood, hay, and stubble so that their foundation in Christ stands firm. The burning bush reveals fire as the sign of God's presence—not destroying the bush but drawing Moses into holy ground. Reverend Hilton connected this to Acts 2, where tongues of fire sat upon the disciples, and they were filled with the Holy Ghost. He emphasized that the same fire now dwells within believers, not merely upon an altar or a bush, but inside them as the Holy Ghost. This fire judges hidden sin, purifies the heart, and empowers true believers to overcome—as seen when Jesus' disciples cast out devils and when Paul and Silas prayed in prison. Reverend Hilton urged the congregation to respond to the Spirit's call, opening the door like the Laodicean church, and to allow the consuming fire of the Holy Ghost to have full sway in their lives. He closed by proclaiming that Jesus stands ready to commune with all who will come, and the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.'

Pastor Hilton preaches from Matthew 14:22-29 on Peter walking on water. He begins by noting the disciples obeyed Jesus' command to cross the sea yet still encountered a violent storm. The wind was contrary, the ship was tossed by waves, and they toiled for hours—from evening until the fourth watch of the night. They were afraid, both of the natural storm and of what they thought was a spirit when Jesus came walking on the sea. Jesus spoke directly: 'Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.' Peter responded with extraordinary desire. Not content to merely survive the storm or stay in the boat with his fear relieved, he asked Jesus to command him to come on the water. Jesus said, 'Come,' and Peter stepped out, walked on the water toward Jesus. Pastor Hilton draws two forces opposing believers: physical limitations and spiritual opposition. He emphasizes that storms do not indicate spiritual failure; they happen even in obedience. The sermon urges believers to move beyond the ordinary, routine experience of church. Using John 7:38-39, he identifies water as typifying the Holy Spirit. To walk on water is to be led by the Spirit, to desire more of God's presence and power. The invitation is for those weary of fighting their own battles to cry out to Jesus, cast their cares on Him, and obey His call to come out of the boat into a Spirit-led life.