The Problem and the Promise | Pastor Chris Searcy | 8.2.26

The Problem and the Promise!

In the last 12 months 4,849 christians have been killed

more than 388 million christians experience high levels of persecution and

discrimination (most ever)

Do we westerners/Americans think we’re a immune from the attack of the enemy?

Daniel contains one of the clearest and most revelatory prophesies about Jesus and his

return humans will ever read!

The Problem and the Promise!

CONTEXT OF DANIEL

What happened immediately before Daniel?

Josiah’s reforms and death

Before Daniel, Judah had experienced a major revival under King Josiah.

The Book of the Law had been found, idolatry had been removed, the temple had been

cleansed, and Passover had been restored.

But in approximately 609 BC, Josiah was killed. And Judah’s independence collapsed.

Josiah’s son Jehoahaz became king but reigned only three months.

Next his brother Eliakim, renamed Jehoiakim reigned and Judah became an Egyptian-

controlled state.

This means Daniel grew up during a period of tremendous political instability:

Judah had experienced spiritual reform.

Its righteous king had been killed.

Egypt was controlling Judah’s throne.

Babylon was rapidly becoming the new world power.

Jeremiah was warning that Babylonian judgment was coming.

Why did Babylon suddenly attack Judah?

In 605 BC, Nebuchadnezzar defeated Pharaoh Neco’s Egyptian army at the Battle of

Carchemish.

What is exile and what was it like?

First attack: approx. 605 BC — Daniel is taken

Nebuchadnezzar intimidated Jerusalem into submission. Jehoiakim became his

subordinate.

Some vessels were taken from the temple.

Young men from Judah’s royal family and nobility were carried to Babylon.

The city was not burned. The temple remained standing. Most of Judah’s population

remained home. Jehoiakim continued ruling, but now under Babylonian authority.

This was essentially a hostage deportation.

Nebuchadnezzar took the brightest sons of Judah’s ruling class so that:

Judah would be less likely to rebel.

Potential future leaders would be removed.

The conquered nation’s best minds could serve Babylon.

Young nobles could be retrained to think, speak, and operate as Babylonians.

Second attack: 597 BC — The leadership of Judah is removed

After Jehoiakim rebelled against Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar’s army returned. Jehoiakim

died, and his young son Jehoiachin inherited the crisis.

Jerusalem came under siege, and Jehoiachin surrendered.

Nebuchadnezzar then:

Captured Jehoiachin.

Took the king’s mother, wives, officials, and leading citizens.

Removed soldiers, craftsmen, smiths, and skilled workers.

Stripped the temple and royal palace of treasures.

Installed Jehoiachin’s uncle Mattaniah as king.

Renamed him Zedekiah.

Approximately 10,000 captives were taken, including 7,000 fighting men and 1,000

craftsmen and smiths. Only the poorest people were left behind.

The prophet Ezekiel was taken during this deportation. Daniel had already been in

Babylon for roughly eight years.

Third attack: approximately 588–586 BC — Jerusalem is destroyed

Zedekiah eventually rebelled against Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar returned with his entire

army, surrounded Jerusalem, and built siege works around it.

This was the catastrophic attack.

The city was blockaded for approximately eighteen months. Food disappeared. Famine

became so severe that the biblical accounts describe people wasting away and mothers

consuming their own children. The conditions described in Lamentations were not

poetic exaggerations detached from history; they reflected the horror of a starving,

collapsing city.

When the Babylonians breached the wall:

Judah’s soldiers fled at night.

Zedekiah was captured.

His sons were killed in front of him.

His eyes were put out after he watched

their deaths.

He was bound in bronze shackles and

carried to Babylon.

The temple was burned.

The king’s palace was burned.

Jerusalem’s significant houses were

burned.

The city walls were torn down.

Temple equipment was carried away.

Priests and government officials were

executed.

More survivors were deported.

Only some of the poorest agricultural

workers remained.

Daniel would have been living in Babylon when news arrived that Jerusalem, the

temple, and possibly many people he knew had been destroyed.

What began as assimilation ended in annihilation!

DANIEL chapter 1

Daniel’s story begins around 605 BC, during the first Babylonian attack.

Among these prisoners were four men from the royal family line of David 14-18 years

old

Daniel, later named Belteshazzar

Hananiah later named Shadrach,

Mishael later named Meshach

Azariah later named Abed-nego

Chapters 1-3: Provides hope to God’s suffering people among the nations

Daniel 1:1

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of

Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.

2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand….

Divine providence over world events

2 with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of

Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god.

3 Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of

Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, 4 youths without blemish, of good

appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning,

and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and

language of the Chaldeans.

5 The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine

that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time

they were to stand before the king.

7 And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar,

Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called

Abednego.

Abram → Abraham: “father of many nations” — Genesis 17:5

Sarai → Sarah: mother of nations and kings — Genesis 17:15–16

Jacob → Israel: “one who strives with God,” — Genesis 32:28

Simon → Peter: Rock (“You are Peter, and on this rock I will.…”) — Matthew 16:17–18

Jesus - The Lord Saves

Hebrew

name Hebrew meaning Babylonian name Probable Babylonian meaning

Daniel “God is my Judge” Belteshazzar “Bel, protect the king.” (His life)

Bel was a title for Babylon’s chief god.

Hananiah “The LORD is gracious”

Shadrach “Under the authority of Aku.” (Command of)

Aku was associated with the moon god.

Mishael “Who is like God?”

Meshach “Who is like Aku?”

replacing Israel’s God with a Babylonian deity.

Azariah “The LORD has helped”

Abednego “Servant of Nebo/Nebo,”

The Babylonian god of wisdom and writing.

8 But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the

wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not

to defile himself.

The Tower of Babel was approximately 1,600 + before Daniel Chapter 1

• Babel and Babylon are the same Hebrew name: Bavel.

• Both were located in the same place Shinar

• The tower represented human pride: “Let us make a name for ourselves.”

Genesis 11:4-9

4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in

the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves,

• Babylon continued Babel’s pattern: pride, idolatry, empire, and rebellion

against God.

• Nebuchadnezzar echoed Babel’s pride: “Babylon the Great, which I myself

have built”—Daniel 4:30.

• Like babel, Babylon becomes a biblical symbol of human pride.

Daniel would have been living in Babylon when news arrived that Jerusalem, the

temple, and possibly many people he knew had been destroyed.

What began as assimilation ended in annihilation!

DANIEL chapter 1

Daniel’s story begins around 605 BC, during the first Babylonian attack.

Among these prisoners were four men from the royal family line of David 14-18 years

old

Daniel, later named Belteshazzar

Hananiah later named Shadrach,

Mishael later named Meshach

Azariah later named Abed-nego

Chapters 1-3: Provides hope to God’s suffering people among the nations

Daniel 1:1

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of

Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.

2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand….

Divine providence over world events

2 with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of

Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god.

3 Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of

Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, 4 youths without blemish, of good

appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning,

and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and

language of the Chaldeans.

5 The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine

that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time

they were to stand before the king.

7 And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar,

Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called

Abednego.

Abram → Abraham: “father of many nations” — Genesis 17:5

Sarai → Sarah: mother of nations and kings — Genesis 17:15–16

Jacob → Israel: “one who strives with God,” — Genesis 32:28

Simon → Peter: Rock (“You are Peter, and on this rock I will.…”) — Matthew 16:17–18

8 But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the

wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not

to defile himself.

The Tower of Babel was approximately 1,600 + before Daniel Chapter 1

• Babel and Babylon are the same Hebrew name: Bavel.

• Both were located in the same place Shinar

• The tower represented human pride: “Let us make a name for ourselves.”

Genesis 11:4-9

4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in

the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves,

• Babylon continued Babel’s pattern: pride, idolatry, empire, and rebellion

against God.

• Nebuchadnezzar echoed Babel’s pride: “Babylon the Great, which I myself

have built”—Daniel 4:30.

• Like babel, Babylon becomes a biblical symbol of human pride.

Will the Hebrew boys try to make a great name for themselves by the way of

Babylon!

Or will they accept the level of greatness and significance that the

Lord gives!

The True Light | Trey Townsley | 7.26.26

John 1:1-9 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. ⁴ In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. ⁶ There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ⁷ This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. ⁸ He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. ⁹ That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

• Comprehend: to take eagerly, to seize, possess
• Light and darkness do not co-exist in a peaceful harmony

John 9:4-5 ^{4 “}I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. ⁵ As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

• This is an amazing exclusivity claim! 

John 8:12 ¹² Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

• Darkness can induce fear. Naturally speaking, no one is afraid of the light.
• Darkness causes blindness which brings uncertainty
• Jesus is not speaking of a physical darkness, but a spiritual one
• True darkness doesn’t naturally exist anywhere on earth. 

Exodus 10:21-23 ²¹ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, darkness which may even be felt.” ²² So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. ²³ They did not see one another; nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-7 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, ² not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. ³ Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, ⁴ who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.⁵ Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? ⁶ And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. ⁷ For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 

John 12:44-46 ⁴⁴ Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. ⁴⁵ And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. ⁴⁶ I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. 

John 3:19 ¹⁹ And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 

• Believers are occasionally affected by the power of darkness

Luke 22:52-53 ⁵² Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? ⁵³ When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

• Consider medicinal practice today
• It seems that society has taught us to be so intolerant of temporary or sporadic pain that we are willing to share our bodies with a substance that admittedly may cause us to die
• How many of us are doing it with our spiritual bodies?
• Believers do not have to be overcome by the power of darkness

John 8:12 ¹² Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” 

• Deny our own worldly desires 
• Luke 9:23 ²³ Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 
• Love God sacrificially
• Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
• Love one another sacrificially 
• Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. ² And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
• Be filled with Holy Spirit 
• John 14:26 ²⁶ But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

The Forgotten Weapons of Spiritual Warfare | Pastor Kyle Searcy | 7.19.26

I. OUR CURRENT UNDERSTANDING

OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Eph 6:12

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,

but against principalities, against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this age,

against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the

heavenly places.

• There is a real enemy.
• There is a real war.
• God has given us weapons to win.

Matthew 16:18

And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of

heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be

bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on

earth will be loosed in heaven.

CONTEXT: Far more than routing

devils…Authority to bring Kingdom to Earth

Luke 4:35

“But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be quiet, and

come out of him!’ And when the demon had

thrown him in their midst, it came out of him

and did not hurt him.”

II. LESSOR KNOWN OR FORGOTTEN

METHODS

1. Submission and Resisting

James 4:7

Therefore, submit to God. Resist the

devil and he will flee from you

Resist – Set your self against, oppose.

2. Standing

Ephesians 6:13-14. 15a

Therefore, take up the whole armor of

God, that you may be able to withstand

in the evil day, and having done all, to

stand, stand therefore

3. Forgive Quickly

2 Corinthians 2:10-11

Now whom you forgive anything, I also

forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven

anything, I have forgiven that one for

your sakes in the presence of Christ,

11  lest Satan should take advantage of

us; for we are not ignorant of his

devices

4. Embrace and Release Mercy

Revelation 12:10

Then I heard a loud voice saying in

heaven, “Now salvation, and strength,

and the kingdom of our God, and the

power of His Christ have come, for the

accuser of our brethren, who accused

them before our God day and night, has

been cast down.

Matthew 5:7

Blessed are the merciful for they shall

obtain mercy

Guard Your Thought Life

2 Corinthians 10:4-5

For the weapons of our warfare are not

carnal but mighty in God for pulling

down strongholds, 5  casting down

arguments and every high thing that

exalts itself against the knowledge of

God, bringing every thought into

captivity to the obedience of Christ

HOW

Phil 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever things are

true, whatever things are noble,

whatever things are just, whatever

things are pure, whatever things are

lovely, whatever things are of good

report, if there is any virtue and if there

is anything praiseworthy—meditate on

these things

5. Praise

Psalm 149:6-7

Let the high praises of God be in their

mouth, And a two-edged sword in their

hand, 7 To execute vengeance on the

nations, And punishments on the

peoples; 8 To bind their kings with

chains, And their nobles with fetters of

iron; 9 To execute on them the written judgment— This honor have all His

saints. Praise the LORD

2 Chronicles 20:21–22

And when he had consulted with the

people, he appointed those who should

sing to the Lord, and who should praise

the beauty of holiness, as they went out

before the army and were saying: 'Praise

the Lord, For His mercy endures

forever. Now when they began to sing

and to praise, the Lord set ambushes

against the people of Ammon, Moab,

and Mount Seir...

Acts 16:25–26

But at midnight Paul and Silas were

praying and singing hymns to God, and

the prisoners were listening to them.

Suddenly there was a great

earthquake...

1 Samuel 16:23

And so it was, whenever the spirit from

God was upon Saul, that David would

take a harp and play it with his hand.

Then Saul would become refreshed and

a. Praise regularly

b. Praise when needed

c. Praise especially when you don’t feel

like it

6. Speak the Word

Matthew 4:1-4

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into

the wilderness to be tempted by the

devil. 2  And when He had fasted forty

days and forty nights, afterward He was

hungry. 3  Now when the tempter came

to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of

God, command that these stones

become bread.” 4  But He answered and

said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by

bread alone, but by every word that

proceeds from the mouth of God.’ 

7. Spirit Praying

Eph 6:17-18

And take the helmet of salvation, and

the sword of the Spirit, which is the

word of God; 18  praying always with all

prayer and supplication in the Spirit,

being watchful to this end with all

perseverance and supplication for all

the saints

8. Pleading the Blood

Revelation 12:11a

“And they overcame him by the

blood of the Lamb…”

9. Not speaking Much

John 14:29-30

“And now I have told you before it

comes, that when it does come to

pass, you may believe. 30  I will no

longer talk much with you, for the

ruler of this world is coming, and he

has nothing in Me.

Proverbs 18:21

“Death and life are in the power of

the tongue.”

Proverbs 10:19

“In the multitude of words sin is not

lacking, But he who restrains his lips

is wise.”

Isaiah 53:7

“He was oppressed and He was

afflicted, Yet He opened not His

mouth.”

1 Peter 2:23

“Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return.”

10. Holding Faith and A Good

Conscience

1 Tim 1 :18-20

This charge I commit unto thee, son

Timothy, according to the prophecies

which went before on thee, that thou by

them mightest war a good warfare;

19  Holding faith, and a good conscience;

which some having put away concerning

faith have made shipwreck: 20  Of whom

is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I

have delivered unto Satan, that they

may learn not to blaspheme.

Backsliding and sin start with a

compromised conscience

11. Total Abandonment to Christ

Rev 12:11

And they overcame him by the

blood of the Lamb and by the word

of their testimony, and they did not

love their lives to the death

The Journey Back to Glory | Willie L. Davis | 7.5.26

 1 Samuel 7:1-9 NASB

1 And the men of Kiriath-jearim came and took the ark of the Lord and brought it into the house of Abinadab on the hill, and they consecrated his son Eleazar to watch over the ark of the Lord. 

2 From the day that the ark remained at Kiriath-jearim, the time was long, for it was twenty years; and all the house of Israel mourned after the Lord. 

3 Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you, and direct your hearts to the Lord and serve Him alone; and He will save you from the hand of the Philistines.”

4 So the sons of Israel removed the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and served the Lord alone.

5 Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah and I will pray to the Lord for you.”

6 So they gathered to Mizpah, and drew water and poured it out before the Lord, and fasted on that day and said there, “We have sinned against the Lord.” And Samuel judged the sons of Israel at Mizpah.

7 Now when the Philistines heard that the sons of Israel had gathered at Mizpah, the governors of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the sons of Israel heard about it, they were afraid of the Philistines.

8 So the sons of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that He will save us from the hand of the Philistines!”

9 Samuel took a nursing lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord; and Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. 

1 And the men of Kiriath-jearim came and took the ark of the Lord and brought it into the house of Abinadab on the hill, and they consecrated his son Eleazar to watch over the ark of the Lord. 

2 From the day that the ark remained at Kiriath-jearim, the time was long, for it was twenty years; and all the house of Israel mourned after the Lord. 

• Step one: Longing.

Longing produces an appetite that only God can fill. 

3 Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you, and direct your hearts to the Lord and serve Him alone; and He will save you from the hand of the Philistines.”

4 So the sons of Israel removed the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and served the Lord alone.

• Step 2: Repentance.

Repentance helps us recenter our lives around God. So that we can operate from a divine frame of reference.

5 Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah and I will pray to the Lord for you.”

6 So they gathered to Mizpah, and drew water and poured it out before the Lord, and fasted on that day and said there, “We have sinned against the Lord.” And Samuel judged the sons of Israel at Mizpah.

7 Now when the Philistines heard that the sons of Israel had gathered at Mizpah, the governors of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the sons of Israel heard about it, they were afraid of the Philistines.

8 So the sons of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that He will save us from the hand of the Philistines!”

• Step 3 : Reliance. 

Relying on God gives us permission to trade our limited strength for His unlimited power.

9 Samuel took a nursing lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord; and Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. 

Repentance | Minister Sheree Finley | 6.28.26

Before Revival Comes, Repentance Comes

II Chronicles 7:14-15

14 If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. 

Isaiah 59:2

² But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. 

Psalm 66:18

¹⁸ If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: 

Psalm 24:3,4

³Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. ⁴He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah

Luke 13:1-5

There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. ² And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? ³ No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. ⁴ Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? ⁵ No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” 

Two Kinds of Repentance

Jesus makes two statements that seem almost identical, but the wording reveals two different aspects of repentance.

Once-and-for-All Repentance

Luke 13:5 says,

"I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."

While the wording appears similar, this usage points toward the decisive act of repentance that occurs when a person turns and gets saved.

There must be a moment when we acknowledge our sin, turn from our old life, and surrender ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

No one can enter the Kingdom without repentance.

This is the once-for-all turning that begins a new life in Christ.

Continuing Repentance

Luke 13:3 says,

"I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."

The phrase "unless you repent" in this passage points to a continuing repentance.

This is not merely a one-time experience. It describes a lifestyle of repentance. It is the ongoing work of allowing God to search our hearts, reveal our faults, correct our attitudes, and change our behavior.

Even after salvation, we have to maintain a repentant heart.

Repentance is not simply for sinners coming to Christ. It is also for saints walking with Christ.

A repentant person remains teachable, humble, and sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

What Repentance Really Means

2 Corinthians 7:10 NKJV

“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”

Repentance is more than feeling sorry. Not sorry for being caught. Not sorry for the negative consequences. Not sorry for the embarrassment it caused. Repentance is more than regret and more than emotion.

Repentance is a change of mind that produces a change of direction. 

It’s hating the sin.

For example, okra.

Repentance Leads to Revival

The Welsh Revival was a historic spiritual awakening driven by radical repentance, public confession of sin, and prayer. 

Azusa Street Revival was characterized by intense, ongoing repentance. 

The Asbury Revival of 2023 was a spontaneous, 16-day outpouring of continuous worship, prayer, and confession 

Repentance for Those Who Want Revival

Revelation 3:19 KJV

 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”

Revelation 2:5 KJV

 “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”

Notice the progression Jesus gives:

• Remember where you have fallen from.
• Repent.
• Return to the works you did at first.

The church at Ephesus was still active. They were still working. They were still serving. But they had left their first love.

Jesus did not tell them to become more busy or more zealous. He told them to repent.

What Do We Need to Repent For

The Works of the Flesh

Galatians 5:19–21 KJV

¹⁹Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, ²⁰Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, ²¹Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

17 behaviors into four distinct categories:

• Sexual Sins: 

• • Adultery (immoral sexual behavior for a married person)
  • Fornication (immoral sexual behavior for an unmarried person)
  • Uncleanness (impure thoughts or behaviors) 
  • Lasciviousness (shameless, uncontrolled lust)
• False Worship:
• • Idolatry (putting things before God)
  • Witchcraft (sorcery [manipulative and harmful influence]; use or the administering of drugs, and occult practises [in connection with idolatry])
• Relational Sins: 
• • Hatred (deep hostility toward people)
  • Variance (constant arguing)
  • Emulations (jealousy [covetous desire])
  • Wrath (fits of anger)
  • Strife (debating, contention)
  • Seditions (stirring up divisions)
  • Heresies (damnable factions)
• Sins of No Self-control: 
• • Envyings (desire mixed with resentment; selfish ambition)
  • Murders
  • Drunkenness
  • Revellings (wild partying)

Our Response

Psalm 139:22

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

1 John 1:9 (KJV)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Conclusion

May we never become so comfortable in our walk with God that we no longer respond when He calls us to repent.

Psalm 68:1-6 | Pastor Chris Searcy | 6.21.26

¹ May God arise, may his enemies be scattered;
    may his foes flee before him.
² May you blow them away like smoke—
    as wax melts before the fire,
    may the wicked perish before God.
³ But may the righteous be glad
    and rejoice before God;
    may they be happy and joyful.

⁴ Sing to God, sing in praise of his name,
    extol him who rides on the clouds;
    rejoice before him—his name is the Lord.
⁵ A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
    is God in his holy dwelling.
⁶ God sets the lonely in families,
    he leads out the prisoners with singing;
    but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

Master/Teacher/Rabbi | Pastor Jannai Washington | 6.14.26

From Slaves of Sin to Slaves of Righteousness

Romans 6:15-23.

What then? Should we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? Absolutely not! ¹⁶ Don’t you know that if you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey—either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness? ¹⁷ But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over, ¹⁸ and having been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness. ¹⁹ I am using a human analogy because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you offered the parts of yourselves as slaves to impurity, and to greater and greater lawlessness, so now offer them as slaves to righteousness, which results in sanctification. ²⁰ For when you were slaves of sin, you were free with regard to righteousness. ²¹ So what fruit was produced^[e] then from the things you are now ashamed of? The outcome of those things is death. ²² But now, since you have been set free from sin and have become enslaved to God, you have your fruit, which results in sanctification—and the outcome is eternal life! ²³ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We’re going to talk about, “If salvation is by grace, can believers continue living in sin?”

Salvation By Grace

Through Christ's death and resurrection, believers have experienced a transfer of ownership. We were once slaves to sin, but now we belong to God. Freedom from sin does not mean freedom to do whatever we want. Rather, it means freedom to serve God in righteousness.

Jesus taught that everyone serves a master.

Matthew 6:24 (CSB)

"No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

In this portion of scripture, Paul is presenting to us two masters (Kingdoms, Reign, Dominion)

• Righteousness that leads to life eternal
• Sin that leads to death

I. Sin Is a Master That Leads to Death

Romans 6:15-16 (CSB)

"What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Absolutely not! Don't you know that if you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey, either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness?"

Explanation

Grace is not permission to sin.

Everyone serves something. Whatever controls our choices becomes our master.

Before salvation, sin ruled our thoughts, desires, and actions.Jesus described this bondage:

John 8:34 (CSB)

"Jesus responded, 'Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.'"

Sin promises freedom but produces slavery.

Proverbs 5:22 (CSB)

"A wicked man's iniquities will trap him; he will become tangled in the ropes of his own sin."

James 1:14-15 (CSB)

"But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death."

Application

• Sin is not harmless.
• Sin always seeks mastery.
• Repeated obedience to sin strengthens its control.
• Every sinful habit eventually produces spiritual death and destruction.

II. Christ Has Set Believers Free From Sin's Dominion

Romans 6:17-18 (CSB)

"But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over, and having been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness."

Explanation

Notice the past tense:

• You used to be slaves of sin.
• You have been set free.
• You have become servants of righteousness.

This freedom comes through Christ's work on the cross.

John 8:36 (CSB)

"So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free."

Colossians 1:13-14 (CSB)

"He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Paul emphasizes that salvation is not merely a change of destination but a change of ownership.

We have been transferred from Satan's kingdom to Christ's kingdom.

III. Believers Must Present Their Lives to God

Romans 6:19 (CSB)

"I am using a human analogy because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you offered the parts of yourselves as slaves to impurity, and to greater and greater lawlessness, so now offer them as slaves to righteousness, which results in sanctification."

Explanation

Before Christ, we willingly gave ourselves to sin.

Now Paul says we should deliberately present every part of our lives to God.

• Our minds
• Our speech
• Our eyes
• Our hands
• Our time
• Our resources

The result is sanctification, becoming more like Christ.

Romans 12:1 (CSB)

"Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship."

Psalm 119:9 (CSB)

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping your word."

Application

Righteousness is not passive.

Every day, believers choose to surrender themselves to Christ.

IV. Remember What Sin Produced

Romans 6:20-21 (CSB)

"For when you were slaves of sin, you were free with regard to righteousness. So what fruit was produced then from the things you are now ashamed of? The outcome of those things is death."

Explanation

Paul asks believers to look back honestly.

What did sin produce?

• Guilt
• Shame
• Broken relationships
• Bondage
• Spiritual death

The enemy often tries to make believers romanticize their old life.

Paul reminds them that sin's harvest is death.

Galatians 6:7-8 (CSB)

"Don't be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit."

Isaiah 57:20-21 (CSB)

"But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its water churns up mire and muck. There is no peace for the wicked, says my God."

V. Righteousness Produces Holiness and Eternal Life

Romans 6:22 (CSB)

"But now, since you have been set free from sin and have become enslaved to God, you have your fruit, which results in sanctification, and the outcome is eternal life."

Explanation

A new master produces a new life.

Sin produces death.

God produces holiness.

The fruit of serving God includes:

• Peace
• Joy
• Spiritual growth
• Christlike character
• Eternal life

John 15:5 (CSB)

"I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me."

Psalm 1:1-3 (CSB)

"Instead, his delight is in the LORD's instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season."

VI. Two Masters, Two Wages, Two Destinies

Romans 6:23 (CSB)

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Explanation

Paul concludes with a powerful contrast.

Sin Pays Wages

A wage is earned.

The payment for sin is death:

• Spiritual death
• Separation from God
• Eternal judgment

God Gives a Gift

Eternal life cannot be earned.

It is received through Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (CSB)

"For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift, not from works, so that no one can boast."

Ezekiel 36:26-27 (CSB)

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will place my Spirit within you and cause you to follow my statutes and carefully observe my ordinances."

This Old Testament promise is fulfilled in Christ through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Jesus Is Our New Master

The word "Lord" means Master.

Jesus did not merely save us from sin; He became our Lord.

Luke 6:46 (CSB)

"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and don't do the things I say?"

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (CSB)

"You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body."

Believers now belong to Christ.

He is our Rabbi, Teacher, Master, King, and Lord.

Key Truths:

• God is not looking for perfection; He is looking for surrender
• God is calling His people back to surrender before a greater shaking comes to the earth.
• Holiness becomes evidence of a transformed heart.
• Genuine salvation produces visible fruit.
• Holiness is the fruit of obedience to God.
• Eternal life is God's gift through Jesus Christ.
• Christ is now our Lord, Master, and Rabbi.

Christ the Head | Pastor Chris Searcy | 6.7.26

Christ the Head / Head of the Church / Head of the Body

• Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18

Ephesians 5:23

23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior.

Colossians 1:18

18 And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence.

Head = Christ

Body/Bride = global church

Regional body = Churches in a city/region

A Church (Ekklēsia) = assembly/gathering of believers (ephesians)

Assembly/Gathering = Made up of Families

Families = Husband, Wife, Children

1 Corinthians 12:12-27
One Body with Many Members

12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Ephesians 1:9-10
9 And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ.

22And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 4:25-32

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another. 

26 “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, 

27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.

29 Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. 

32Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 5:1-6, 11

1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, 2 and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.

3 But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. 7Therefore do not be partakers with them.

11 Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

Ephesians 5
22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her

Ephesians 6:1-4

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.”

4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

13 Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then…..

Why Fresh Anointing exists: What we are here to do:

Ephesians 4:11-16

11And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. 16 From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part.

The True Light | Pastor Trey Townsley | 5.31.26

John 1:1-9 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. ⁴ In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. ⁶ There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ⁷ This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. ⁸ He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. ⁹ That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

• Comprehend: to take eagerly, to seize, possess
• Light and darkness do not exist in a peaceful harmony

John 9:4-5 ^{4 “}I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. ⁵ As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

• This is an amazing exclusivity claim! 

John 8:12 ¹² Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

• Darkness can induce fear. Naturally speaking, no one is afraid of the light.
• Darkness causes blindness which brings uncertainty Darkness can cause hallucinations. In the absence of visual cues, the brain strains to find meaning, which can cause it to “see” what is not there. The eyes do the same thing!
• True darkness doesn’t naturally exist anywhere on earth. 

Exodus 10:21-23 ²¹ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, darkness which may even be felt.” ²² So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. ²³ They did not see one another; nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-7 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, ² not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. ³ Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, ⁴ who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.⁵ Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? ⁶ And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. ⁷ For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 

John 12:44-46 ⁴⁴ Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. ⁴⁵ And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. ⁴⁶ I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. 

John 3:19 ¹⁹ And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 

• Jesus is not speaking of a physical darkness, but a spiritual one

Luke 22:52-53 ⁵² Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? ⁵³ When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

John 8:12 ¹² Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” 

• Deny our own worldly desires 
• Luke 9:23 ²³ Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 
• Love God sacrificially
• Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
• Love one another sacrificially 
• Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. ² And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
• Be filled with Holy Spirit 
• John 14:26 ²⁶ But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.