The Truth Church

Pastor Hilton preaches from Luke 8:43-46, focusing on Jesus's question "Who touched me?" in the midst of a thronging crowd. He contrasts three types of encounters with Jesus in Scripture: those Jesus initiated a touch for, those who besought His touch and received it, and those who actively reached out and touched Him themselves. The preacher emphasizes that many in the crowd pressed against Jesus physically but did not truly touch Him with faith. The woman with the issue of blood, however, despite her defiled state, pushed through the press, determined to touch even the border of His garment. Pastor Hilton explains that being made whole goes beyond mere healing — it is a restorative power that returns what was lost, as when the leper was not just cleansed but had limbs restored, or the prodigal son received back all he had squandered. The sermon challenges the congregation to move beyond passive waiting for God to initiate a touch, urging them to actively demonstrate their desire for Him, even if it means stepping outside comfort zones. Drawing from Mark 5 and the example of Paul and Silas in prison, he stresses that reaching out in faith, whether through prayer, praise, or physical movement, releases virtue from Jesus. The altars are open as an invitation for each person to personally, deliberately touch the Savior, not just brush against Him in the crowd, but connect with faith that draws His power.

Pastor Hilton preaches from 2 Corinthians 5:7, emphasizing that walking by faith, not by sight, is the fundamental posture of the Christian life. He explains that biblical faith is more than mental assent—it is a conviction of truth that produces holy fervor, a passionate action born from belief. Every person has been given a measure of faith, but it must be placed in objective truth: God's Word, which is absolute and immutable. He contrasts this with the world's shifting philosophies, pointing out that even secular theories like evolution require their own kind of faith. True faith, however, is not merely saying 'I believe'; it authorizes a lifestyle that matches the confession. Using Abraham as the prime example, he shows that faith compelled him to obey and leave Ur without knowing where he was going, because he trusted the One who called him. The sermon urges believers to regulate their entire lives by faith—not by feelings, trends, or visible circumstances. Faith is the evidence of things unseen, and it sustains prayer, worship, and perseverance even when answers delay. The central question posed is: How far does your faith carry you? It must carry you through the week, through trials, and into obedience. The purpose of walking by faith is ultimately to give glory to God and lead others to Him, not to build a name for oneself. Pastor Hilton calls the church to renew their commitment, to be strong in faith without staggering, and to keep advancing in the purpose God has set before them.

Bishop Riggen preaches from Luke 1:39-45 on Mary as a blessed mother, establishing through three witnesses—the angel Gabriel, Elizabeth filled with the Holy Ghost, and an unnamed woman in Luke 11—that Mary was indeed blessed by God. He argues that while the church world has over-venerated Mary, apostolics often avoid the topic, yet her life offers vital lessons on finding God's favor. The sermon identifies two keys to Mary's blessing: first, her willingness to accept God's will regardless of personal cost, as seen when she told the angel, 'Be it unto me according to thy word,' even knowing the reproach she would face as an unwed mother. Bishop Riggen emphasizes that Mary bore shame, potential divorce from Joseph, and the prophecy of a sword piercing her soul, yet she submitted. Second, she was obedient to God's word, pondering it in her heart—from the shepherds' report to Jesus' temple response. She kept His commands, waiting in Jerusalem for the Holy Ghost as instructed, and likely received baptism in Jesus' name. Bishop Riggen contends that Jesus' reply in Luke 11:28—'Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it'—shows Mary's greater blessing was not just giving birth but her faithful hearing and keeping of Scripture. He applies this to all believers: to be blessed like Mary, one must accept God's will and obey His word, which leads to His favor being recognized even by one's family.

Pastor Hilton opens with Isaiah 30:18, emphasizing that God waits to be gracious and that blessing comes to those who wait for Him. He draws from Frank Bartleman’s account of the Azusa Street Revival, where the “tarrying room” was a sacred space for quieting the mind and escaping worldly distractions to be alone with God. The message argues that true Pentecostal power requires rediscovering this discipline of waiting—not passive idleness but active, hopeful occupation. Using Romans 8:25, the pastor explains that hope in what is unseen fuels patience. He shares personal testimony about waiting years to marry his wife with the blessing of authorities, illustrating that some blessings cannot be grasped by human effort alone. Scripture references include Exodus 14:13-14 (stand still and see salvation), 2 Chronicles 20 (Jehoshaphat’s battle won through praise and waiting), and Habakkuk 2:2-3 (the vision will surely come). Pastor Hilton stresses that waiting involves watching, praying, and occupying until Christ returns, as seen in the upper room before Pentecost. He challenges complacency, urging the congregation to move beyond routine worship into a place of complete submission and spiritual hunger. The goal is a sovereign move of God where the Holy Spirit directs every moment, not mere human effort or organization.

Reverend Goff opens his message by grounding it in Proverbs 14:12, Proverbs 12:15, and Galatians 6:3, emphasizing that there is a way which seems right to a man but ends in death, and that a fool is right in his own eyes while the wise hearken to counsel. He declares that the right approach to God is essential, not casual, and that casting all care upon Him is necessary for change. Using Nicodemus as a key illustration, Reverend Goff highlights that Nicodemus came to Jesus by night not out of deception but desperation, seeking a life-changing encounter. Unlike the rich young ruler who turned away, Nicodemus received Jesus' teaching on being born of water and Spirit, and later stepped from the shadows to publicly prepare Christ's body for burial with 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes, showing his transformation. The preacher contrasts Mary and Martha: Mary sat at Jesus' feet and chose the good part, while Martha was cumbered with much serving and was told she lacked one thing—a right heart. Reverend Goff warns against substituting barrenness with busyness, noting that self-promotion is a demotion. He also points to Stephen, who served widows with a right approach and was used mightily, and to Peter, who denied Christ but repented bitterly, then boldly proclaimed repentance and baptism in Jesus' name at Pentecost. The message urges listeners to step from the shadows, revive past commitments, and approach God with a broken and contrite heart, for God will heal and use those who serve Him rightly.