Connecting the Dots! Faith. Identity. Mission

The Dark Mirror

Difficult Passages: Judges 19 — When Everyone Does What Is Right in Their Own Eyes Judges 19 is one of the darkest and most disturbing chapters in the entire Bible. Filled with betrayal, violence, abuse, and moral collapse, many wonder why God would preserve such a story in Scripture. In this message, Pastor Gio explores why this difficult passage is not included to glorify evil, but to expose it. Judges 19 paints a sobering picture of what happens when people reject God’s authority and everyone does what is right in their own eyes. The chapter serves as a mirror, warning God’s people of the danger of slowly drifting away from Him until they resemble the very evil they once condemned. Most importantly, this sermon points beyond the darkness of Judges 19 to the hope of the gospel. The depravity revealed in this chapter ultimately reminds us why Jesus came, what He carried at the cross, and why daily surrender to Christ is our only hope. Key Scriptures: Judges 19; Genesis 19; Romans 1; 2 Thessalonians 2; 2 Timothy 3:16–17

Where Does the Tithe Actually Go?

Every year, believers in North America return over $1.2 billion to their churches in pure faith. But where does it actually go? This episode traces the tithe from the offering plate outward, starting with the theology of the storehouse in Malachi 3 and the pioneers' decision to make the local conference its modern equivalent. We follow the dollar through the church's structure, uncover the "reservoir" design that has prosperous conferences quietly supporting smaller rural ones, and explore what the global portion funds: missions, education, risk management, and religious liberty. By the end, the question turns inward. If God can sustain a worldwide movement with the surrendered ten percent, what could He do with the remaining ninety?

Preparing a People for the Lord Guest Speaker: Pastor Nathan Shires

How do we prepare our hearts for the soon return of Jesus? In this message, Pastor Nathan Shires explores God’s call to revival through the ministry of John the Baptist, the experience of the disciples at Pentecost, and the story of Esther. He reminds us that genuine revival begins not with changing others, but with personal repentance, surrender, and a renewed relationship with Christ. As the world grows increasingly uncertain and the signs of Christ’s return become more evident, believers are challenged to move beyond routine religion and seek a deeper experience with Jesus. The question is not merely whether our church needs revival, but whether we are willing to pray, “Lord, revive me.” This sermon is a heartfelt appeal to return to the foot of the cross, seek God through earnest prayer, and allow the Holy Spirit to prepare us for Christ’s soon coming. Key Themes: * Revival and personal repentance * John the Baptist’s preparation message * Esther and God’s purpose for our lives * The power of prayer and surrender * Pentecost and the Holy Spirit * Preparing for the return of Jesus Join us as we consider God’s invitation to experience true revival and become a people prepared for the Lord.

The First Trillionaire: What Elon Musk’s Sadness Teaches Us About Money, Stewardship, and Eternity

Elon Musk recently became the world’s first trillionaire, a milestone that seems almost impossible to comprehend. Yet shortly afterward, he posted a simple statement: “Whoever claimed money can’t buy happiness really knew what they were talking about.” That confession raises a profound question: If unlimited wealth cannot satisfy the human heart, what can? In this episode, we explore the biblical perspective on wealth, happiness, and stewardship. Drawing lessons from Solomon’s search for meaning, the Tower of Babel, the teachings of Jesus, and the reality of the investigative judgment, we examine why earthly riches can never fill a spiritual void. We also tackle practical questions Christians wrestle with today: • Can wealth become an idol? • Is it wrong to build wealth or leave an inheritance? • How do we avoid covetousness while caring for the poor? • Does planning for retirement show a lack of faith in Christ’s soon return? • What does biblical stewardship look like in everyday life? From 1 Timothy 5:8 to Proverbs 13:22, this conversation highlights God’s call to faithfully manage the resources He has entrusted to us—not for self-glory, but for His kingdom. Because in the end, the question is not how much money we accumulate, but whether we are found faithful with what God has placed in our hands. Key Texts: Ecclesiastes 9, 1 Timothy 5:8, Proverbs 13:22, Matthew 25, Genesis 11 Question for Reflection: If Christ returned today, would He find you rich in faith and faithful in stewardship?

Connecting the Dots! Faith. Identity. Mission

In this message, Pastor Richard Piñero explores the story of Esther and the powerful reminder that God is always working, even when the pieces of life do not seem to fit. Using Esther 4:14 as the foundation, this sermon challenges us to consider whether God has placed us exactly where we are “for such a time as this.” Like Esther, we may not always understand our circumstances, but we are called to pray, trust, act in faith, and recognize that God can use us right where we are. This message is a call to wake up, stand faithfully, and be the salt and light God has already called us to be as He prepares a people for His coming kingdom.