The Truth Church

Brother Larson opens with a foundational scripture from Proverbs 8:11, declaring that wisdom is better than rubies and all things desired cannot compare to it. He illustrates this with a vivid analogy of a chessboard's exponential rice doubling, emphasizing the immeasurable value of divine wisdom over any earthly wealth. He then defines what godly wisdom is not, referencing James 3:14-15 to distinguish it from earthly, sensual, and devilish wisdom. True wisdom, as described in James 3:17, is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy, impartial, and sincere. Brother Larson stresses that the fear of the Lord—reverence and awe—is the beginning of wisdom, citing Psalm 111:10 and Proverbs 9:10. He notes that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), calling for humility and a return to the Lord. A central teaching is James 1:5: if any lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously. He powerfully retells King Solomon's request for an understanding heart in 1 Kings 3, showing that God not only granted wisdom but also added riches and honor. Brother Larson then applies Hebrews 4:12, showing God's wisdom as a discerner of the heart's thoughts and intents, illustrated by Solomon's judgment between two mothers claiming the same child. The sermon concludes with an urgent call to seek God's wisdom for daily life, trust in His guidance, and expect Him to do unprecedented, new things, removing the limits of past perspectives.

Bishop Riggen begins by expounding Matthew 6:22–23, where Jesus teaches that if the eye is single, the whole body is full of light, but if the eye is evil, the body is full of darkness. He explains that a single eye means a singular focus on God's kingdom, not divided between Christ and the world or between Christ and self. He criticizes the modern tendency to be 'sheep in wolves' clothing'—claiming Christianity while living like the world—and warns that claiming to have light when it is actually darkness makes the darkness even greater. He then argues that what we look at affects our hearts, and our hearts determine our actions, so guarding the eyes is essential. Bishop Riggen introduces the concept of abominations—things God utterly detests—and stresses that God, who is love, still hates certain things. He outlines six categories of abominations: moral abominations (including homosexuality, bestiality, pride, lying, cross-dressing); occult abominations (witchcraft, idolatry, divination, necromancy); vocal abominations (lying tongue, justifying the wicked); abominations of worship (offering God less than our best); abominations of character (deviousness, pride); and violent abominations (murder, including abortion). He emphasizes that these are not merely Old Testament rules but reflect God's unchanging character. The spiritual purpose is to call believers to renew their covenant with their eyes, intentionally avoiding what God hates and fixing their gaze on Jesus alone.

Pastor Hilton preaches from Acts chapter 18, verses 24 through 26, focusing on the biblical figure Apollos. Apollos is described as an eloquent man from Alexandria, mighty in the scriptures, fervent in spirit, and bold in teaching, yet he knew only the baptism of John. This was his limitation. The pastor emphasizes that while Apollos had many commendable qualities, his incomplete understanding required correction. It was the humble couple Aquila and Priscilla who took him aside and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. The central argument is that every person, even those who are sincere and zealous, can have a 'scale' over their eyes, thinking their way is right when it may be lacking one essential thing. The pastor draws a parallel to Paul's encounter with the disciples of John in Acts 19, who had not even heard of the Holy Ghost. He also references Paul's address on Mars Hill, declaring the unknown God, and his bold testimony before King Agrippa. The spiritual purpose is to challenge listeners to submit to God's word and allow the Spirit to reveal what is missing in their own lives, whether it be foundational salvation, heart cleansing, or a deeper consecration. The pastor stresses that tradition or human reasoning can make the word of God of none effect, and that a 'more perfect way' is found only through humble obedience and continued revelation from Scripture. He concludes by urging the church to pray for God to remove any scales and show them the way more perfectly.

Bishop Riggen expounds on Matthew 6:22-23, teaching that the eye is the lamp of the body and that a 'single' eye means focusing entirely on God, not splitting attention between Him and the world. He emphasizes that we must guard our eyes because what we look at enters our heart and shapes who we become, citing Lamentations 3:51 ('Mine eye affecteth mine heart') and Proverbs 23:7. The bishop argues that there is no 'second' in Matthew 6:33—seeking the Kingdom is the entire list, not merely the first priority. He illustrates this with the examples of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refusing to bow, and Joseph resisting Potiphar’s wife, showing that righteousness must come from within, not from external pressure. The sermon stresses that approximately one-third of the world’s temptation attacks through the eyes (1 John 2:16). Bishop Riggen calls believers to make a covenant with their eyes like Job (Job 31:1) and to set no wicked thing before them (Psalm 101:3). He contrasts unavoidable exposures with deliberate choices, urging caution with media, video games, and social media. The spiritual purpose is to train believers to guard their visual intake so their whole body may be full of Christ’s light, avoiding the 'great darkness' that comes when the eye is evil.

Bishop Riggen preaches from Mark 10:42-45, which he identifies as the key to understanding the entire book. He explains that Mark is writing primarily to Romans, presenting Christ as the suffering servant, not a king. Unlike Matthew's focus on Jesus' words, Mark emphasizes Jesus' works and actions, using terms like 'immediately' and 'straightway' to create a fast-paced, action-oriented narrative. Mark deliberately avoids calling Jesus 'Lord' prior to the resurrection, instead highlighting his humble service. The bishop then reviews Jesus' return to his hometown of Nazareth in Mark chapter 6. Despite performing many miracles in surrounding areas, Jesus could do no mighty work in Nazareth because of their unbelief. Their unbelief was rooted in a stubborn belief that things would always stay the same. The bishop applies this powerfully: people often have more faith in their sickness or problems continuing than in God's ability to change them. He urges the congregation to break free from being bound by past failures or disappointments. When Jesus shows up, he sets new precedents, as illustrated by the feeding of the 5,000 with a boy's lunch. The spiritual purpose is to inspire faith that God can do something new and unprecedented today, regardless of past experiences. Bishop Riggen calls for listeners to take the limits off God and expect a miracle right now.

Pastor Hilton opens with Isaiah 66:4-9, examining the three voices in verse 6: the voice of noise from the city, the voice from the temple, and the voice of the Lord rendering recompense to enemies. He explains that Zion represents Jerusalem, its inhabitants, and God's people, and that every city has a collective, unending cry like roaring waves—a desperate call for mercy and help. The voice of the Lord defends and brings justice against those who attack God's people. The middle voice, from the temple, represents the congregation’s prayer. Citing 1 Corinthians 3:16, he declares believers are now the temple of God; they need not travel to Jerusalem to be heard—their sincere prayers at home or church are received. He warns against silent, hypocritical worship, referencing God’s displeasure in Isaiah 66:4 when His people did not answer His call. Using the metaphor of childbirth (verses 7-9), he stresses that revival and spiritual breakthrough require travail—audible, fervent prayer and agreement. God does not bring His people to the point of birth only to close the womb; He desires to bring forth revival. Pastor Hilton urges the congregation to raise their voices, make joyful noise, and not be reserved or silent, for the house of God is a house of prayer.