Jesus Alone is God

<ul><li> Email: hpaulsilas@hotmail.com</li><li> https://apostolicinternational.com/ </li><li> Statement of beliefs: https://apostolicinternational.com/statement-of-beliefs </li><li> The sermon: https://apostolicinternational.com/sermons/STAND_STILL_AND_SEE_THE_SALVATION_OF_THE_LORD.pdf </li><li> The sermon focuses on the biblical story of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, emphasizing the idea of separation from the world and salvation. It begins by highlighting how challenging it can be for those who have been deeply entrenched in worldly ways to separate themselves for the Lord. The number 430 is mentioned, signifying a time of permanent and irrevocable separation, drawing parallels with the Israelites' 430 years in slavery in Egypt and the division of the earth in the days of Peleg.The sermon underscores the importance of faith in God's promise of separation and salvation, even when faced with fear and uncertainty. The Red Sea symbolizes a dramatic and frightening moment when individuals are squeezed between their past sinful lives and the path to salvation. However, the message assures that God stands as a barrier between the past and the glorious future, shielding believers from their tormenting past.The sermon concludes with an encouragement to stand still and witness the salvation of the Lord. It emphasizes that separation from the world can be painful and turbulent but is essential for understanding the beauty of holiness. Divine intervention is highlighted as the means to break free from the bondage of sin and move towards the Promised Land, with the hope that the path back to a sinful past will be permanently closed. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to rise again, even after falling into sin, and trust in the salvation of the Lord.</li></ul>

This message draws inspiration from the biblical accounts of two remarkable individuals: the Shunammite woman and the unnamed host who prepared a guest chamber for the Lord. These stories illustrate the importance of faith, hospitality, and devotion to God.\n\nThe Shunammite woman, described as \"great,\" despite her childlessness, made a choice that set her apart. Instead of dwelling on her misfortune, she chose to focus on what truly mattered: her love for God. She was determined to prepare an empty room in her house for the prophet Elisha, a man of God who frequently passed by. Her act of faith demonstrates the principle of seeking first the kingdom of God.\n\nThe metaphor of an \"empty room\" is extended to our own lives. It represents unmet needs, struggles, and challenges that we face. The message encourages us to give these empty rooms to Jesus. In other words, we are called to trust God with our problems and unfulfilled desires.\n\nThe story of the unnamed man who prepared a guest chamber for Jesus during the Passover is another powerful example of hospitality and faith. This man's actions symbolize our willingness to make room for Jesus in our lives. He recognized the significance of Jesus and offered his space for the Passover meal.\n\nThe message emphasizes that when we give our \"empty rooms\" to Jesus, we invite Him to fill those spaces with blessings, just as the Shunammite woman's empty room was eventually filled with the laughter of a child. It encourages us to trust God even when faced with challenges, knowing that He will meet our needs in His perfect timing.\n\nThe unnamed host's guest chamber for Jesus becomes a symbol of God's divine presence. It was in this room that Jesus shared the life-giving symbolism of His body and blood, and it was where the Holy Spirit was poured out. The lesson here is that when we prepare room for God in our lives, He blesses us in ways beyond our imagination.\n\nUltimately, the message encourages us to embrace the act of hospitality, faith, and trust in God. Just as Hannah dedicated her child Samuel to God and the Shunammite woman prepared a room for Elisha, we are invited to give our empty rooms to Jesus, trusting that He will fill them with His presence and blessings.

<ul><li> Email: hpaulsilas@hotmail.com</li><li> https://apostolicinternational.com/ </li><li> Statement of beliefs: https://apostolicinternational.com/statement-of-beliefs </li><li> The sermon: https://apostolicinternational.com/sermons/I_WILL_BE_TO_THEM_A_LITTLE_SANCTUARY.pdf </li><li> In Ezekiel 11:16, God assures His people that even in foreign and hostile lands, He will be their sanctuary. The sermon draws parallels to the Tabernacle of Moses, explaining how it represents God's presence and refuge. Despite challenging surroundings, believers are encouraged to seek this "little sanctuary." The story of Daniel's unwavering prayer in Babylon exemplifies this concept.The Tabernacle's elements hold spiritual lessons: the golden censer symbolizes prayer's centrality; the Ark of the Covenant reminds of God's promise and global salvation; the golden pot signifies heavenly nourishment; Aaron's rod signifies divine leadership; and the tables of the covenant emphasize God's enduring word. The little sanctuary, like the Tabernacle's Holy Place, must be free from worldly distractions.Prayer's importance is highlighted, echoing Christ's words that His house is a house of prayer. Just as Israel received God's miraculous provisions, believers can find spiritual nourishment in the little sanctuary. The leadership, exemplified by Aaron's rod, is divinely appointed, and believers are urged to discern genuine spiritual gifts. The word of God, represented by the tables of the covenant, should be central, guiding believers' lives.The sermon encourages regular visits to the little sanctuary, shutting out worldly noise. Through prayer, assurance of God's presence, promises, and divine leadership is obtained. The Ark of the Covenant signifies global salvation through Christ. The golden pot assures divine provision, while the tables of the covenant emphasize God's unchanging word. The sanctuary offers a place of spiritual refuge and strength amidst life's challenges.</li></ul>

<ul><li> Email: hpaulsilas@hotmail.com</li><li> https://apostolicinternational.com/ </li><li> Statement of beliefs: https://apostolicinternational.com/statement-of-beliefs </li><li> The sermon: https://apostolicinternational.com/sermons/WHAT_DID_JESUS_DO_FOR_YOU.pdf </li><li> The sermon centers around the story of the blind man healed by Jesus in John 9. Suffering and difficulties are opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and be glorified in our lives. Jesus, as God, has the ability to perform miraculous acts, and through this healing, He reveals His identity as the one true God.All humans are born spiritually blind due to sin, and it is only through Jesus that we can receive spiritual sight and salvation. The blind man's testimony of his healing serves as an example of how each individual must speak for themselves about what Jesus has done in their lives.The ultimate miracle is the salvation of the soul, and should not be swayed by the opinions of others but to firmly believe in Jesus as the Son of God. The blind man's unwavering faith and worship of Jesus demonstrate his understanding of Jesus' divine nature.In conclusion, the sermon encourages the audience to stand firm in their faith, knowing the identity, love, and compassion of Jesus. Each person should declare what Jesus has done for them, acknowledging Him as the one true God and Savior.</li></ul>

<ul><li> Email: hpaulsilas@hotmail.com</li><li> https://apostolicinternational.com/ </li><li> Statement of beliefs: https://apostolicinternational.com/statement-of-beliefs </li><li> The sermon: https://apostolicinternational.com/sermons/THE_STILL_SMALL_VOICE.pdf</li><li>The sermon is based on the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-13. Elijah's ministry was marked by spectacular demonstrations of God's power, such as calling fire from heaven and shutting up the heavens with his prayers. However, after a great victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah faced a crisis when Queen Jezebel threatened his life. He fled to Mount Horeb, seeking God's guidance and reassurance. God spoke to Elijah in a still, small voice, not in the wind, earthquake, or fire.The sermon highlights that Elijah's ministry relied too heavily on the spectacular displays of power, and God used the crisis to teach him an important lesson. While God may at times perform miracles, He desires humans to be persuaded by His Spirit and Word. The sermon draws parallels with the multitudes who followed Jesus for His miracles and provision of food but abandoned Him when He spoke of deeper spiritual truths.God was in His still, small voice, which brought restoration and edification to Elijah. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God in His Word and listening to His still, small voice. The voice of God can heal, restore, and empower, and we should rely on His Word to persuade souls rather than relying on spectacular acts.The sermon concludes by highlighting how God's voice asked probing questions about Elijah's own conduct and corrected and comforted him. It encourages listeners to separate themselves from the crowds, come to Jesus alone, and wait to hear His still, small voice. The sermon calls for a reliance on the voice of God and persuading others through His Word, rather than relying on the spectacular.</li></ul>

<ul><li> Email: hpaulsilas@hotmail.com</li><li> https://apostolicinternational.com/ </li><li> Statement of beliefs: https://apostolicinternational.com/statement-of-beliefs </li><li> The sermon: https://apostolicinternational.com/sermons/THE_DIVIDED_GARMENTS_OF_JESUS.pdf </li><li> In this sermon, the focus is on the Roman soldiers dividing the garments of Jesus after His crucifixion. The preacher interprets this event symbolically, highlighting several key points.Firstly, the sermon emphasizes that Jesus had no earthly possessions except for the clothes He wore. The Roman soldiers represent the Gentiles, indicating that the Gospel was of great interest to them, unlike the Jews who rejected Jesus. The division of the garments into four parts represents the universality of the Gospel, signifying its message reaching all corners of the world.The sermon also draws a connection to prophecies about Jesus' garments being divided among the soldiers and the Psalm that foretells this event. This highlights the idea that the Gospel is for those who understand its value and are willing to fight for it. It encourages believers to demonstrate zeal and determination, like Elisha, who desired to inherit Elijah's mantle. By inheriting Jesus' garments, it refers to receiving His anointing and favor to evangelize the world.Moreover, the sermon compares the disciplined and determined Roman soldiers to the soldiers of Jesus' Kingdom. It stresses the importance of believers being disciplined, trained, and determined to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The mention of Paul's handkerchiefs in Acts further emphasizes the power and impact that can come from items associated with anointed individuals.Finally, the sermon highlights the significance of the soldiers not tearing Jesus' seamless coat, representing the inner vesture. This garment symbolizes the need to enter the presence of Jesus, the High Priest, who cleanses and ministers to the needs of our souls. It emphasizes the Christian life as a continuous cycle between going out into the world to make disciples and returning to Jesus for spiritual nourishment.The sermon concludes by urging believers, now in possession of Jesus' garments (anointing and priesthood), to march forward as Christian soldiers, conquering the world for Jesus. It encourages them to fulfill the Great Commission and utilize the power of Jesus to impact lives and bring others to Him.</li></ul>

<ul><li> Email: hpaulsilas@hotmail.com</li><li> https://apostolicinternational.com/ </li><li> Statement of beliefs: https://apostolicinternational.com/statement-of-beliefs </li><li> The sermon: https://apostolicinternational.com/sermons/LESSONS_FROM_THE_OLIVE_TREE.pdf </li><li> The sermon is based on the parable of Jotham from Judges 9:8-15, focusing on the significance of the olive tree as a symbol of humility, faithfulness, and service to God and humanity. The olive tree was chosen by the other trees to be their king but declined because it recognized its purpose in honoring God and serving others through its fatness (abundance) and the oil it produced. The sermon highlights the biblical references and symbolism associated with the olive tree, including its role in the Ark of Noah, the Temple in Israel, and the Garden of Gethsemane. The sermon encourages believers to emulate the olive tree's characteristics of knowing the source of their blessings, remaining faithful, and prioritizing service to God and others over worldly ambitions.</li></ul>