In this message we explored how unmet expectations can steal our joy and create distance between us and God. When life doesn't unfold the way we hoped—when prayers seem unanswered, when timing doesn't align with our plans, when God's "how" differs from our expectations—disappointment can open doors to doubt, offense, and spiritual deception. We discovered that gratitude isn't just a response to blessing; it's a weapon against despair and a declaration of trust in God's faithfulness, even when we can't see the full picture. The enemy uses our disappointments to whisper lies about God's character, but thankfulness realigns our hearts with Heaven's perspective and closes the door to familiar and seducing spirits.

Due to an audio glitch the last 10 minutes of this message were unsalvageable.

The sermon explored the glorious future that awaits believers beyond the tribulation—the millennial kingdom and the new heaven and new earth where God will dwell with His people forever. This isn't about floating on clouds as baby angels; it's about a restored Eden where we will rule and reign with Christ in glorified bodies, doing meaningful work, and experiencing unbroken fellowship with our King. From Eden to Eden, God's plan has always been to dwell with us, and every trial we endure now is refining us for that eternal purpose. Nothing we experience is wasted—God is preparing us for an eternity of purpose, peace, and His presence.

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the importance of being prepared for Christ's return. The central theme revolves around the concept of the tribulation and the rapture, drawing primarily from Matthew 24 and 1 Thessalonians 4. We're challenged to consider: Are we truly ready for Jesus' coming? This isn't about fear, but about living with purpose and urgency. The speaker emphasizes that God's sovereignty extends even over difficult times, reminding us that nothing happens outside of His control. We're encouraged to view our current struggles through the lens of eternity, recognizing that this life is just a shadow of what's to come. The message calls us to examine our hearts, to love God wholeheartedly, and to keep His commandments. It's a wake-up call to live out our faith authentically, not just in external actions, but in genuine devotion to Christ.

Pastor Brent Powell delivered a stirring sermon on Matthew 24, exploring the signs of the end times and our role as Christians in these challenging days. The sermon emphasized the importance of staying vigilant, nurturing our faith, and actively participating in God's mission despite the chaos around us. It reminded us that while we may be living in perilous times, our focus should be on spreading the gospel and showing Christ's love rather than succumbing to fear or complacency.

This week's sermon with Bishop Ed Akers explored the pervasive issue of fear in our lives and how we can overcome it through faith in God. Pastor emphasized that fear is often the greatest enemy we face, more so than sin itself. He highlighted how our culture, especially through social media and news, perpetuates a climate of fear. The sermon reminded us that as Christians, we have the power through Christ to conquer fear and live victoriously.

The sermon explored the critical importance of fully embracing the Holy Spirit in our lives as believers. Pastor Brent emphasized that it's not enough to simply know about Jesus; we must also be filled with and led by the Holy Spirit to truly live out our faith. He challenged us to confront the lies we've believed, tackle toxic ideologies, and exercise the authority given to us by Christ.

With the tragic events that seem to be going on every where in our world from schools, buses, college campuses, and more. What is the response of the Christian? We must learn to love beyond the flesh.

Luke 6:32 says, "If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them."

2 Corinthians 5:16 "From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh..."

In this message Pastor Brent Powell explored the critical transition from mere belief to active faith, especially in light of recent tragic events. We discussed how our emotions and beliefs can sometimes hinder our faith, and the importance of aligning our thoughts with God's truth. Pastor Brent emphasized the need for Christians to be bold in their faith, to overcome emotional barriers, and to live out their beliefs despite challenges.