E.P.I.C. Word of Truth

Hannah’s Example of Godly Womanhood (I Samuel 1:1-2:10)

Hannah, a woman of deep devotion to the Lord, exemplifies godly womanhood in her life. Her story teaches us valuable lessons about faith, prayer, dedication, and the power of God to fulfill His promises.
Hannah Was a Godly Woman - despite her barrenness, Hannah remained faithful and devoted to the Lord. Her character shines through her actions and her trust in God's plan for her life.
In her distress, Hannah made a vow to the Lord, promising to dedicate her child to His service if He would grant her a son. This vow demonstrates Hannah's deep faith and her willingness to surrender her desires to God's will.
Hannah's story reminds us that God is always faithful to His promises. Just as He answered Hannah's prayer for a child, He is ready to answer our prayers and fulfill His purposes in our lives. Hannah's story also teaches us that our strength and victory come from the Lord, not from our own efforts or abilities.

The Doctrine of Creation - Part Four

One of the points we will be examining in this message is the age of the Earth. The age of the Earth can be a contentious issue, often debated between scientific theories and biblical truths, and often debated among Christians as well. While some propose an ancient earth, the Bible provides a clear timeline of creation, pointing to a relatively young earth.
One of the intriguing questions that arise from the early chapters of Genesis is the identity of Cain's wife. Genesis 4:17 mentions Cain building a city and finding a wife. This seemingly simple question actually highlights the broader scope of humanity's early history.
Another big question is about dinosaurs and dragons. The mention of behemoth and leviathan in Job 40-41 has led some to speculate about dinosaurs and dragons in the Bible.
The theory of evolution stands in stark contrast to the biblical account of creation. While some attempt to reconcile these two viewpoints, the fundamental differences in their premises make such harmonization untenable.
The Bible teaches us that God created each kind of creature according to its kind, a concept that aligns with the observable evidence in nature. As believers, we hold fast to the truth that God's Word is infallible and provides the ultimate explanation for the origins of life.

The Doctrine of Creation - Part Three

On the sixth day, God crowned His creation with the pinnacle of His handiwork—humanity. In Genesis 1:26, we read, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.' This day was a culmination of divine design, as God fashioned man and woman, distinct from all other creatures, and breathed into them the breath of life. As we meditate on this truth, let us marvel at the intentionality and purpose with which God created us, setting us apart as bearers of His image and stewards of His creation.
May we be steadfast in our commitment to God's Word, standing firm against the tides of skepticism and worldly wisdom. Let us go forth, proclaiming the glory of God's creation and the truth of His Word to a world in need of His saving grace.

Covetousness, Contentment & Confidence (Hebrews 13:5-6)

In this message we delve into the profound truths of God's Word concerning two contrasting but intimately related aspects of our Christian walk: covetousness and contentment.
This emphasizes that our entire lifestyle should be characterized by a lack of covetousness, showing that our behavior and attitudes should align with God's principles of contentment and trust in His provision.
Likewise, this verse is also saying our entire lifestyle should be characterized by a state of contentment, and confidence in the fact our Lord and Savior will always be with us and never leave us nor forsake us.
In Hebrews 13:5, the writer provides us with a powerful exhortation:
urging us to live without covetousness,
to live with contentment,
and ultimately, to live with confidence in God's unfailing promises.
Covetousness, the desire for things that belong to others, is a temptation that has plagued humanity since the dawn of time. From the Garden of Eden to our modern-day struggles, the allure of what others possess often leads us astray.
However, as believers, we are called to a higher standard. We are called to live without covetousness, we are called to be satisfied with what God has graciously provided for us.
Now the contrast to covetousness is contentment and if you think about it contentment is a rare and precious virtue in today's world. It is the antidote to covetousness, the inner peace that comes from trusting in God's provision.
Contentment does not mean complacency or laziness; rather, it is a deep-seated trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, knowing that He will always provide for our needs.
So as we strive to live without covetousness and live with contentment, we can do so with confidence, knowing that God has promised never to leave us or forsake us. This assurance should fill us with boldness and courage, knowing that we are not alone in our journey but are accompanied by the ever-present God who loves us beyond measure.
 

Our Expectations & God's Answers to our Prayers (Proverbs 3:5-6)

It is not uncommon for us to approach God with preconceived notions of how we expect Him to answer our prayers. However, the Scriptures teach us to trust in His wisdom and not impose limitations on His ability to bless us.
Proverbs 3:5-6 again says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
In the context of prayer, these verses remind us of the importance of trusting in the Lord completely. When we bring our requests before Him, we should not rely solely on our own understanding or limited perspective. Instead, we are called to trust in God's wisdom and leading.
Trusting the Lord with all our hearts means:
surrendering our desires,
surrendering expectations,
and surrendering our plans to Him.
It involves acknowledging His sovereignty and believing that He knows what is best for us. This includes trusting the answer He gives us, even if it is different from what we expect or desire.
When we acknowledge God in all our ways, including in our prayers, He promises to direct our paths. This means that as we trust Him with our requests and accept His answers, He will guide us in the right direction.
This guidance may not always be what we anticipate, but we can have confidence that God's plan is perfect and that He is working for our good (Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose).

The Doctrine of Creation - Part Two

As we delve into the Scripture, we are reminded that every word penned in the Bible is breathed out by God, serving as our guide to truth and life.
In the beginning, the Almighty set forth the heavens and the earth, crafting each aspect with intentionality and purpose. As we ponder the vastness of creation, we find ourselves confronted with the ultimate question of purpose.
Why did God create the universe, the earth, and all that dwells within? Our study reveals a Creator who delights in His creation, who establishes order, beauty, and life, and who desires to display His glory and share His love with beings created in His image.
The timeline of creation is a topic of much debate and discussion. Yet, as we stand firm on the foundation of Scripture, we see clearly the testimony that the world was crafted by the divine Word in six literal days.
This understanding not only aligns with the historical reading of Genesis but also affirms the power and authority of God’s Word. In a mere six days, the Lord brought forth all that exists, demonstrating His infinite power and sovereign will.
Day Two of Creation - sees the formation of the firmament, separating the waters above from the waters below. This act of divine separation and organization sets the stage for the habitation of life, showcasing God's meticulous care in preparing the earth for His crowning creation.
Day Three of Creation - unfolds with the gathering of waters and the sprouting of vegetation. Here, God introduces diversity and abundance, filling the earth with plants and trees, each according to its kind. This day speaks to God's provision and foresight, ensuring that every need of His creation is met even before bringing forth life.
Day Four of Creation - marks the appointment of the sun, moon, and stars to govern the day and night, to mark seasons, days, and years. The celestial bodies stand as constant reminders of God’s faithfulness and the ordered rhythm of life designed by His hand.
Day Five of Creation - witnesses the teeming of life in the waters and the skies. Fish and birds, created in a vibrant array of forms and functions, declare the creativity and care of the Creator, each reflecting His glory in unique ways.
Day Six of Creation - culminates in the creation of land animals and, ultimately, mankind—created in the very image of God. This final act of creation before the day of rest underscores the special place humanity holds in God’s heart and plan, entrusted with stewardship over the earth and commissioned to live in relationship with Him.
As we journey through these divine acts of creation, let us be stirred by the majesty and mystery of our God. Let us marvel at His power, wisdom, and love. And let us respond with worship, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to live according to His purposes, bearing His image in a world that desperately needs His light.

The Doctrine of Creation - Part One

Genesis 1:1-3 is not merely the introduction to a sacred text; it is the foundation upon which our understanding of life, purpose, and God Himself rests. Let us draw our hearts near to these eternal truths as we wrap up this message this morning.
First, we recognize the omnipotent Creator—"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
Not a force,
not a collective consciousness,
not evolution,
not a big bang,
not chance,
but the Almighty God, who is sovereign and supreme, created the heaven and the earth.
It is He who fashioned everything from the vast expanse of the universe to the intricate details of our being. Who among us will dare to challenge His authority or question His existence when all creation bears His signature?
Next, the question stands before each one of us: Will you believe God? Not merely believe in Him but believe Him—take Him at His word. Genesis 1:1 doesn't just demand our acknowledgment; it requires our faith. In a world where truth is often considered relative, the truth of God's Word stands unshakeable.
Will you anchor your soul in the shifting sands of human wisdom, or will you plant your feet firmly on the solid rock of God's unchanging truth?
Look at the magnitude of God's creation. "The heaven and the earth"—everything that exists, seen and unseen, material and immaterial. There is no realm or reality outside of His sovereign handiwork.
Every galaxy, every atom, every heartbeat pulses with the rhythm of His divine intention. How can we look upon the beauty and complexity of the world around us and not be moved to worship its Creator?
The location of God's creative activity unfolds in "the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep." Here, in the formless void, God's Spirit hovered, ready to enact the divine will. God chose to create here, in this space, bringing order, beauty, and life from chaos.
Does your life feel formless and empty? Know that the same God who spoke light into the darkness can speak life into your deepest voids.
Finally, we marvel at the method of God's creation—"And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." By His word alone, reality came into being.
His command was sufficient to ignite the dawn of creation, bringing forth light out of the darkness. This same powerful Word speaks to us today through the Scriptures, guiding, creating new life within, transforming darkness into light.
We stand at the crossroads of belief and unbelief, of divine truth and human reasoning.
The God who created the heavens and the earth by His word alone is the same God who offers you new life through His Son, Jesus Christ, by faith alone.

The Mission (Matthew 28:9-20)

Our text presents us not just with a narrative to admire but with a commission that demands our entire being—our hearts, our minds, and our actions. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:19-20).
These words, spoken by our resurrected Lord, are not mere suggestions or dreams of what could be. They are the very essence of our calling as followers of Christ.
This Great Commission is not optional; it is the cornerstone of our identity as disciples of Jesus. It is a charge to action, a call to arms in the spiritual battle for souls waged across the expanse of time and into the eternity that beckons.
The world around us groans under the weight of sin, despair, and darkness. People are searching for hope, for meaning, and for salvation. We have the answer. We possess the message of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ—the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes.
“But how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:14-15).
The charge before us is clear. We are to go, to make disciples of all nations, immersing them in the transformative truth of the Gospel. This is not a mission we undertake alone.
For the commission comes with a promise of His perpetual presence—"lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world"— this assures us that in our obedience, we are empowered by the very presence of Jesus Christ Himself.
Therefore, let us cast aside every hindrance, every fear, and every doubt that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race before us.
Let us be bold in our proclamation,
wise in our teaching,
and fervent in our love,
that through us, the world might encounter the risen Christ.
The time for hesitation is over. The moment to act is now. The fields are ripe for harvest, but the laborers are few. Will you answer the call? Will you embrace the Great Commission as your personal mandate? Will you carry the message of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ to a world in desperate need?

The Resurrection of Christ (Matthew 27:62-28:8)

Now, as we reflect on Resurrection Sunday, let us anchor our hearts and minds in the divine proclamation that forever altered the course of humanity and eternity itself.
Hearken unto the words that shattered the chains of death and sin, "He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." “He is not here: for He is risen!” The tomb is empty! He is not there! We serve a risen and eternally living Savior!
This resurrection account here in Matthew is not merely a historical narrative to inspire the fainthearted. No, this is the very power of God unto salvation! Romans 10:9 says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” The resurrection is the key.
The empty tomb is the eternal testament to the Lord Jesus Christ's victory over sin, death, and the devil. A victory not just witnessed in the annals of history but one that reverberates through every generation, calling each of us to a life transformed.
As we bask in the glory of our risen Lord, let us not be spectators of this divine triumph. The resurrection is a clarion call to action, a summons to arise from the slumber of complacency and to clothe ourselves in the armor of God.
For it is faith, faith in Jesus, faith in His death, burial, and His resurrection that gives us the victory! For in Christ's victory, we are more than conquerors, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37).
Yet, this victory demands our participation. It beckons us to live in the reality of the resurrection, to embody its power in our daily lives, and to proclaim its truth to a world ensnared by the shadows of despair and sin.

The Burial of Christ (Matthew 27:51-61)

Jesus always describes discipleship in this way, as an “either/or” proposition.
Either we follow Jesus, or we chase after the world.
Either we seek to please Jesus, or we seek the approval of men.
Either we serve God, or we serve wealth…you cannot serve both.
Joseph and Nicodemus were good men – righteous men even – but until this moment, they were trying to have both. They wanted to remain on the Sanhedrin Counsel and with the approval of the other Pharisees and Sadducees…At the same time, they wanted credit for following a Messiah that the rest of the Counsel despised and wanted to kill. But there was literally no way they could have both…one allegiance would always win out over the other.
This is the challenge facing every disciple of Jesus…we are called out of the world by our faith, and yet we remain in the world for a time. Jesus said we must be willing to “lose” this world so we can serve the interests of the next, and that means making different decisions, living differently, and having kingdom priorities, not worldly priorities, it means putting Christ first, His Word and His local Church first, over the priorities of the world and entertainment and rest.
Following Jesus may mean losing a few friends, losing promotions, or your job…it may even mean losing your life. That is the dilemma Jesus places in front of all His disciples…which is why Jesus asked us to count the cost of following Him.
Matthew tells us Joseph was a rich man, so we would understand the great sacrifice he was making by stepping forward. He would likely lose his position on the council, his place in society, the respect of his peers, and his means of support.
So, Joseph does, finally publicly side with Jesus, and as He does, he fulfills Scripture. Isaiah 53:9 says the Messiah dies among criminals and He is buried in a rich man’s tomb.