Stratford Heights Church of God

Fathers On The Frontline

Mark chapter 9 and the story of the desperate father who brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus. This is not a sermon about being a perfect dad — it's about the kind of father who stays in the fight, who won't quit, and who keeps believing even when his faith is tired, wounded, or afraid. Through the father's honest cry, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief," we discover that God honors fathers who simply refuse to give up and who know how to get their children to the feet of Jesus.

Running on Empty — Are You Ready for the Return of Jesus?

In this powerful message titled "Running on Empty," Pastor Ray Phillips opens Matthew 25:1-13 and the Parable of the Ten Virgins to ask one searching question: when the Bridegroom comes, will you be ready? Drawing on 37 years of ministry and decades of standing beside hospital beds, caskets, and grieving families, Pastor Ray reminds us that life is short and eternity is long, and that all ten virgins looked the same on the outside — the only difference was the oil in their lamps. This sermon on the Second Coming, the rapture of the church, and the soon return of Jesus Christ challenges believers to move beyond church attendance, religious activity, and head-knowledge into a real, surrendered relationship with the Lord.

When You Are Bent Out Of Shape

In this powerful message from Luke 13:10–17, Administrative Bishop Derwood Perkins preaches on "When You Are Bent Out of Shape," using the story of the woman who was crippled and bent over for 18 years until Jesus called her, touched her, and set her free. Whether you've been bent out of shape by the loss of a job, a broken relationship, sickness, rejection, abuse, or the daily weight of life, this sermon is a reminder that Jesus notices you exactly where you are. Reverend Perkins walks through four life-changing truths: Jesus notices you when you are bent out of shape, He is powerful enough to heal you, He turns your brokenness into rejoicing, and He calls us to have that same compassion for others who are hurting. Filled with humor, scripture, and unforgettable real-life testimonies - including the healing of a little boy named Stephen and a personal journey through cancer - this Christian sermon on faith, healing, deliverance, and the love of God will encourage anyone who feels stuck, broken, or overwhelmed. If you've ever told yourself "I can't," this message about freedom in Christ, divine healing, forgiveness, and praise will lift your head and put a new song in your heart. Watch, be encouraged, and share it with someone who needs to know that hurting people matter to God.

Seed Under Siege: The War for Your Soil

The Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13. This is more than a story about farming or planting; it's a revelation of the invisible spiritual war being fought over the seed of God's Word in your heart. Pastor Ray walks through the wayside, the rocky ground, the thorns, and the good soil, showing how the enemy uses distraction, deception, and destruction to steal the truth before it can ever take root. If you've ever wondered why some people hear the Word but never seem to change, this teaching pulls back the curtain on the battle for your soul. You'll discover why the devil can't touch the seed but relentlessly attacks your soil, how to keep familiar Scriptures like John 3:16 from becoming common, and why a transformed life always begins with a planted Word. Pastor Ray closes with an unforgettable illustration of the Australian Banksia tree — a plant that can only release its seeds through fire — reminding us that God uses even our most painful seasons to reproduce beauty, fruit, and revival. Whether you're walking through a dark season or hungry to go deeper in your faith, this sermon will encourage you to become good soil, take root, and bear fruit a hundredfold. Subscribe and share to help spread the gospel and the planting of the Lord.

One Nation Under God

Pastor Ray boldly tackles the biggest question facing today's church: what should our attitude be toward government, politics, and the culture around us? Drawing from Psalm 33, John 17:3, Isaiah 43:10, and the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel, he proclaims that Jesus Christ alone is the way, the truth, and the life — and that false gods like money, politics, fame, and pleasure are loud but powerless. Topics include revival in America, Christian citizenship, praying for our leaders, standing for truth in love, salvation in Christ, and what it really means to be "one nation under God." If this message blessed you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today.