Cedars Church Beirut

Glorify God: Members of the Church Body (1 Corinthians 12)

In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at 1 Corinthians 12, where Pastor Lyall Armstrong shares insights on church membership. * In this episode, we reflect on what it means to be a member of the church, and how the Holy Spirit actively shapes both our belonging and our collective decisions. Membership isn’t about being on a list or meeting a set of formal requirements—it’s about the Spirit of God doing something in us. It’s about confessing Jesus as Lord, receiving spiritual gifts, and using those gifts to serve one another in love. * Every person in the body of Christ matters. We each carry something different, and when we offer it in service to the community, the church thrives. No one is more important than another—when one rejoices, we all rejoice. When one suffers, we all feel it. This shared life transcends every boundary, whether ethnic, racial, or social, and brings us together in a way that honors God. * We also look at how decisions are made in the church, not through voting or control, but through discernment. Leadership doesn’t mean authority over others, but a posture of service under Christ. We trust that the Spirit leads us, planting wisdom and conviction in each member. Being part of the church means committing to a group of people who love God, pursue righteousness, give generously, and carry the gospel of reconciliation to the world—not out of duty, but because the Spirit has stirred something real in them. Membership, then, is not a formality. It’s a living, Spirit-led participation in the life of the church. It’s a call to show up, to serve, and to belong. Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love. Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut. Speaker: Pastor Lyall Armstrong Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 12 Date: April 18, 2025 Sermon Series: Glorify God

Glorify God: Women Ministering in the Church (1 Corinthians 11:1-16)

In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at 1 Corinthians 11, where Pastor Lyall Armstrong shares insights on church leadership. In this episode, we explore what qualifies someone for leadership in the church, focusing on character over credentials. True leaders are those—men or women—who walk closely with God, show spiritual maturity, and are recognized by the community for the evident work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. It's not about titles, education, or past roles, but about being rooted in Christ and living faithfully among the body. Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love. Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut. Speaker: Pastor Lyall Armstrong Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 Date: April 11, 2025 Sermon Series: Glorify God

Glorify God: Being Above Calling (1 Corinthians 9)

In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at 1 Corinthians 9, where Pastor Lyall Armstrong shares insights on the difference between calling and identity. He reflects on how Paul refused to take advantage of the benefits of his role as an apostle, choosing not to conflate his calling with his identity. We are challenged to hold our earthly identities—our jobs, our ethnicity, even our calling—loosely, so that our true identity as people transformed by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection becomes our motivation to serve God and love our neighbor as He instructed. Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love. Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut. Speaker: Pastor Lyall Armstrong Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 9 Date: March 30, 2025 Sermon Series: Glorify God

Love Above Knowledge (1 Corinthians 8 & 10)

In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at 1 Corinthians 8 and 10, where Pastor Lyall Armstrong shares insights on how, when we encounter people who practice their faith differently, we are called to respond not just with knowledge, but with love—because love builds up and guides us to act in a way that protects, honors, and leads others toward Christ. * In Greek culture, meat sacrifices were common, and while some believers saw no problem in eating the meat, others felt it held power from the sacrifice. We are faced with two ways to approach such situations: knowledge and love. * Love should take precedence over knowledge, as knowledge can lead to arrogance, while love builds others up. Our actions should be guided by love, not just by what we think is right, because acting out of pride can harm others. Love calls us to make sacrifices, even in small ways—such as choosing grape juice at communion to avoid hindering someone who doesn’t drink alcohol. * We need to be aware that we are called to avoid sin, and that loving and caring for others is a tool that helps us on that path. May we be in tune with the Spirit of God so that we know how to act and respond. And when faced with a situation that makes us uncomfortable, we pray to be guided with love and to behave within the parameters that Jesus has given us—so that they may be saved. Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love. Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut. Speaker: Pastor Lyall Armstrong Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 8 & 10 Date: March 23, 2025 Sermon Series: Glorify God

The Time is Short (1 Corinthians 7: 25-40)

In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at 1 Corinthians 7: 25-40, where Pastor Lyall Armstrong shares insights living with a sense of urgency and faithfulness, reflecting on the teachings of Paul. * Paul urges first-century believers to live in light of the end times, where their decisions and actions should reflect this reality. * He emphasizes the importance of staying where they were when called—whether slave or free—and focusing on their commitment to God in that context. * Through the difficulties of life, he encourages the church to remember that the things they hold onto, such as relationships and possessions, are temporary and may change at any moment. This includes having undivided attention to God, particularly in managing desires like sexual temptation. * As a Church, the question we must ask ourselves today is: How are we responding to the circumstances around us? Are our actions glorifying God, and are we living as if Christ could return at any moment? Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love. Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut. Speaker: Pastor Lyall Armstrong Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 7: 25-40 Date: March 16, 2025 Sermon Series: Glorify God