Don't Go A.W.O.L

Don't Go A.W.O.L

The message encouraged listeners not to quit or drift away from their faith, describing spiritual life as an ongoing battle that requires prayer, Scripture, perseverance, and staying active in church. It emphasized that many people, including biblical figures like Jonah, Elijah, David, and the prodigal son, have fallen away but can return through repentance, grace, and God's mercy. The sermon closed with a call to self-examination and restoration, urging people to turn back to God and trust that no one is too far gone for forgiveness and a fresh start.

The Power of The Cross

The message emphasized that the cross is not just a symbol but the power of God to forgive sin, break bondage, and give freedom through Jesus Christ. It highlighted that Jesus' death and resurrection conquered death, removed condemnation, and showed the depth of God's love by dying for us while we were still sinners. The closing challenge called for a personal response: repent, embrace the cross, and follow Christ daily with a transformed life.

Stirred but not changed

Pastor Greg Melvin used Matthew 21 to contrast the crowd's emotional, temporary praise of Jesus with their later calls for his crucifixion, urging that being stirred is not the same as being changed. Emphasis was placed on renewing the mind (Romans 12:2), repentance, and developing the mind of Christ through ongoing transformation of habits and heart rather than mere emotional experiences. Listeners were encouraged to come to Jesus "just as they are," accept his cleansing, and pursue lasting Christlikeness evidenced by changed behavior and obedience.

When

Pastor Greg Melvin addressed the persistent question "when" during life's hardships, urging the congregation to trust God's timing by referencing Galatians and Ecclesiastes and reminding them that God has a right time for every promise. He taught that trials and tests refine believers—like fire purifying gold—and emphasized faithfulness, prayer, and resisting complaint while God works according to His schedule. The message closed with reassurance that suffering is temporary, God's promises will be fulfilled in His timing, and joy will come in the morning for those who remain faithful.

Your Breakthrough Comes At Your Breaking Point

Pastor Greg Melvin encouraged listeners that breakthroughs often arrive at their breaking points, using Joseph and Jacob's story from Genesis to illustrate God's faithfulness amid hardship. He emphasized staying focused on God, learning from trials, and viewing difficult seasons as spiritual strengthening rather than defeat. The message noted that God sometimes allows circumstances to dry up to prompt movement toward greater blessings and a new season. Scriptures (Isaiah 43:19, Romans 8:28, Isaiah 66:9) were cited to assure the congregation that God's plans will come to fruition and losses can be restored. The talk closed with a call to remain faithful, expect deliverance, and believe that things thought lost are coming back.