Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him, and Matthew's life is radically changed. Jesus sees beyond Matthew's exterior and calls him to a life of faith and spiritual transformation. The story of Matthew's call serves as a reminder that Jesus is still calling people today to follow him, and that he sees them for who they are and for who they can become. [... more]

The church at Antioch sets an example for churches today by being a giving, praying, and sending congregation. They demonstrate courage in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in cultures different from their own, and they face spiritual warfare as they do so. The church at Antioch's legacy continues to inspire churches like Mercy Hill to prioritize global missions and to be a source of hope and light in a world that needs it. [... more]

The significance of Hanukkah in the light of Bible prophecy, the alignment of nations against Israel, and the growing Christian community in Iran, Turkey, and China. The book of Daniel and its relevance to current events, including the Abraham Accords and the potential for a peace treaty to be confirmed by the Antichrist. [... more]

The story of Alexander the Great's conquests and the subsequent division of his kingdom is used to illustrate the prophecy of Daniel, highlighting the survival of the Jewish people, the similarity of the Antichrist, and the sovereignty of God. The chapter describes the rise and fall of various kings, including Antiochus Epiphanes, who desecrated the temple in Jerusalem, and the eventual return of the Jewish people to their land. [... more]

Daniel chapter 11 reveals a series of wars and conflicts between nations, ultimately leading to the rise of the Antichrist, a figure who will bring great damage to the earth but will be limited by God and come to a violent end. The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and faithfulness, encouraging believers to trust in His truthfulness and work for the gospel while waiting for His promise to be fulfilled. [... more]

The Apostle Paul preaches the gospel, focusing on the history of redemption, from the patriarchs to Jesus, emphasizing God's election, covenant, and promise to David and his greater son, Jesus, highlighting the difference between works righteousness and faith in Christ alone. [... more]

Jesus' public ministry comes to an end as he returns to the theme of faith, emphasizing the importance of believing in him to have eternal life. The Gospel of John highlights the contrast between belief and unbelief, with 18 of 21 verses dealing with unbelief. Jesus' teachings and miracles demonstrate his divinity, and he urges people to believe in him, promising eternal life to those who do. [... more]

The confrontation between Paul and Peter in Antioch highlights the importance of justification by faith alone, as Peter's behavior appears to contradict the gospel of free grace. Paul opposes Peter, arguing that his actions introduce a form of legalism, undermining the essence of the gospel. This clash of personalities and theological views has significant implications for the early church and the understanding of salvation. [... more]

God's people are often faced with two tactics used by Satan: murder and mixture. Murder involves overt destruction, while mixture involves compromising with the surrounding culture. In Daniel 11, we see the mixture component emphasized, where God's people give up their values to fit in. However, there is a remnant of bold and strong Christians who refuse to compromise and stand firm in their faith, relying on the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit. [... more]

A sermon based on Daniel's prophecy about the Antichrist, emphasizing the importance of sharing the gospel and doing the king's business in these last days, as Jesus Christ is coming back soon. [... more]

The world's future is tied to the future of Israel, as seen in the prophecies of Daniel, particularly the reign of Antiochus the Great and Antiochus Epiphanes, who brought about devastating wars and desecration of the temple in Jerusalem. [... more]

Paul and Barnabas preach the Gospel to the people of Pisidian Antioch, explaining the history of Israel and the coming of Jesus as the Messiah. They emphasize the forgiveness of sins and the justification of believers through faith in Christ, leading to acceptance and regeneration among the Gentiles, but also opposition and rejection from the Jews. [... more]

The church at Antioch, led by Barnabas and Saul, demonstrates a life of worship and liturgy, releasing their best leaders to fulfill the need of the world. Meanwhile, a holy man with evil ambitions, Bar-Jesus, opposes the apostles, but is exposed and struck blind by God's power, leading the proconsul Sergius Paulus to believe in Jesus Christ. [... more]

The city of Antioch, once a hub of immorality and sin, undergoes a radical transformation as the gospel takes root in the early church. A group of copper miners, burdened for the cosmopolitan harvest field, deliver the message of Jesus Christ to the city, sparking a revival that draws in large numbers of people. Barnabas, a layman from Jerusalem, is sent to Antioch to investigate and finds a thriving community of believers, where the disciples are first called Christians. As the church in Antioch grows, they become a model of generosity and missionary work, sending contributions to the church in Jerusalem and launching the first missionary efforts. [... more]

Pastor Rick Gaston teaches through the book of Acts, focusing on Paul's journey to Ephesus, Jerusalem, and Antioch, and the ministry of Apollos, a fervent and eloquent man who lacked a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ. [... more]

Knowing God keeps his promises is a cause for great hope and joy for the Christian. The Bible's prophecies, including those in Daniel 11, highlight the sovereignty of God and the fulfillment of his promises. The story of Antiochus Epiphanes and the Jewish people's survival against incredible odds demonstrates God's power and track record of fulfilling his prophecies. [... more]

Knowing that every person around you will one day die and go into eternity, Christians can be confident in their future with Christ when they die, but what should they do here on earth for those who don't know him? The study of prophecy should produce confidence in God, a cleanness of lifestyle, comfort and sorrow, and a conviction for service, leading to a life of winning souls for Jesus. [... more]

Barnabas' zeal for God without knowledge is not enough, and he recognizes the need for sound Bible teaching to make sound Christians. Pastor Rick Gaston teaches on the importance of resolve, faith, and the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian, using examples from the Bible and the early church. [... more]

The spread of Christianity in Acts is a deliberate and remarkable experience, as seen in the preaching of the Lord Jesus to the Gentiles in Antioch. The Holy Spirit is in control, and God's sovereignty is evident in the lives of believers. Barnabas, a devout believer, is sent to Antioch to confirm the work of the early Christians, and his message of encouragement and resolve is crucial in their journey. The importance of faith, resolve, and being filled with the Holy Spirit is emphasized, as it is the key to being useful to God and spreading the Gospel. [... more]

The spread of Christianity in Antioch, a city in the Roman Empire, marks a significant turning point in the early Christian church as Gentiles begin to accept Jesus Christ, and the church expands beyond its Jewish roots, facing persecution and hardship along the way. [... more]