Category: 2023 Sermons

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 21:21 — 14.7MB)

Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Romans 8:26-28

It’s All About God
God Intercedes
Romans 8:26-28

When we are guilty (when we have sinned), Jesus is our advocate/attorney; Our defender; Our “intercessor.”

Why would God include Moses’ appeal in the Bible? Because God wanted us to see what intercession looks like.

But a lot of times, People feel like God’s not listening because they don’t feel worthy of His attention.

Because of Jesus’ blood and His intercession, we have confidence and assurance to draw near to God with our prayers and petitions.

But, just in case you worry that your prayers aren’t reaching beyond the ceiling, God assures us that we don’t have to worry. We have a “HOT LINE” to the throne.

But they don’t have to worry about that because the Spirit feels their emptiness. He searches your heart, and He senses your sorrow and pain.

That’s the imagery of Romans 8. That’s what the Holy Spirit does when He intercedes for you.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 20:26 — 14.0MB)

Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Isaiah 40:28-31, Matthew 11:28-30

It’s All About God
God Strengthens
Isaiah 40:28-31, Matthew 11:28-30

Now, there are some people who do the same thing with their relationship with God.

I can give you strength! But you have to COME to ME! You have to believe I can do stuff.

When we come to God for His strength we’re not looking for “insurance” (just in case) –we’re looking for ASSURANCE of what He’s promised to those who love Him.

The only safe place for a sheep is by the side of his shepherd, because the devil does not fear sheep; he just fears the Shepherd.

It isn’t in personal strength that we gain confidence. Rather, it’s in HIS strength.

Jesus won the battle for our souls, not by the weapons of this world, but with His blood upon the cross.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 22:12 — 15.2MB)

Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: I Peter 5:6-7

It’s All About God
God Cares
I Peter 5:6-7

Now why would God bother to tell us to cast all our anxieties on HIM? Well, because we have a problem that way.

American Institute of Stress notes that “75 to 90 percent of all visits to a primary care physician’s office are related to stress disorders.”

Did you realize that NOT ONCE does the Bible say, “Worry about it” or “Stress over it” or even “Get over it.” But over and over again, Scripture clearly says: “Trust God.”

Now, we need to be clear here: God doesn’t promise that the causes of our anxiety will disappear. He just promises that (when we look to Him) our anxiety will disappear.

So sometimes God doesn’t put out the fire. Sometimes He doesn’t remove the cause of our anxiety…but then, sometimes He does.

There’s an old saying “Let God be your co-pilot!” which others have corrected to say, “If God is your co-pilot, switch seats.”

So, the question this morning is: Is the Father in control of your life, or are you still trying to be in charge…you just let Him assist you?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 19:43 — 13.5MB)

Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: I Peter 2:22-24

It’s All About God
God Saves
I Peter 2:22-24

Among the favorite verses we’re preaching about in this message series is THIS one that essentially says “I wish you were my little girl. I wish you belonged to me.”

A real god couldn’t love people like us. And even the world religions agree.

By contrast the Bible is literally drenched with verses that show God’s love for us. From beginning to end…God declares He loves us.

The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.

He loved us so much that He gave His only begotten Son. He did all that…for us!

We simply couldn’t have been good enough to be good enough to rise to heaven after death.

It’s the love of the Master that changes our value. It’s the love of God that gives us the promise of eternity.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 21:45 — 14.9MB)

Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Jeremiah 29:10-14

It’s All About God
God Has a Plan
Jeremiah 29:10-14

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 21:07 — 14.5MB)

Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Psalm 46:10

It’s All About God
God Reigns
Psalm 46:10