What Real Faith Actually Means

Why the Modern Church Fears Speaking Biblical Truth

May 31, 2026 Rarely does a single life capture the full weight of Christian conviction, but Stephen's story does exactly that. This teaching digs into Acts 6:8-14 and what it really means to be prepared, genuinely prepared, to defend your faith in a world that increasingly pushes back against it. Stephen, described as "full of grace and power," performed miracles and debated religious leaders who ultimately couldn't counter his Spirit-filled arguments. So instead, they fabricated charges of blasphemy against Moses and God. (The irony here is striking: his accusers had elevated Moses almost to divine status, letting tradition completely overshadow living faith.) What does it actually look like to sanctify Christ as Lord in your heart? Larry draws on Matthew 7, 2 Corinthians 5, and a memorable encounter with apologist Votie Bauckham in 2004 to unpack what faithful, bold witness requires today. Wisely, Larry distinguishes knowledge from wisdom, reminding us that wisdom is the practical ability to apply biblical truth with grace. Stephen had both. His commitment cost him his life, yet his faithfulness helped spark Paul's conversion. Every believer carries spiritual gifts and a real responsibility to use them.

From Ancient Persecution to Modern Witness

May 24, 2026 When Bold Faith Costs Everything Rarely does a Bible study connect ancient persecution to a modern news story so powerfully. This sermon explores Acts chapter six and the life of Stephen, drawing a striking parallel between the early church's boldest deacon and the shooting death of Charlie Kirk, a Christian political commentator who faced violence for speaking biblical truth. The connection is jarring and thought-provoking, and it brings the timeless cost of faithful witness into sharp focus. What does it actually look like to be full of the Holy Spirit in everyday life? Stephen wasn't perfect, but he habitually submitted to God, resulting in grace, power, and wisdom others could clearly recognize. The early church grew rapidly after Pentecost, thousands converting while facing real persecution, and Stephen stood at the center of that bold movement. Drawing from Philippians 2:12-13, Larry explains that God provides both the desire and ability to walk in submission. Humility isn't optional here. Pride, he warns, directly invites God's opposition. Because when believers stop chasing their own agenda and genuinely seek God's kingdom first, something transformative happens in families, communities, and beyond.

What Real Faith Actually Means

May 24, 2026

SS: Why Christians Need Creeds and Deep Theology

May 17, 2026

The Early Church's Power

May 17, 2026 When Conflict Reveals Character: The Early Church's Surprising Strength Rarely does a church conflict become the very thing that makes it stronger. In this episode, the speaker walks through one of the most instructive moments in Acts 6:1-7, where tension between Hellenistic and Hebrew Jewish believers over widow food distribution threatened to fracture a rapidly growing movement. What did the apostles do when conflict threatened to derail everything they had built? Wisely, they delegated. By appointing seven men to handle practical administration, the apostles freed themselves to focus on prayer and studying Scripture. (This principle still challenges pastors today who get buried in administrative demands.) Even temple priests who once opposed the gospel eventually converted, demonstrating the undeniable power of a unified church. Larry draws on thirty years of ministry experience to argue that dysfunctional people, genuinely submitted to the Holy Spirit, become an extraordinary force for the gospel. He illustrates this through his uncle's marriage, transformed from near-divorce to an exemplary relationship through Christian counsel and mutual submission to God. Because conflicts truly do reveal priorities and character, this Sermon offers something genuinely practical for anyone navigating tension in their church or home.