Sermons from the Cleveland, Ohio congregation

Blind Spots: A Spiritual Analogy

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
November 8, 2025

The human eye, as marvelous as it is, has a “blind spot”—a little spot called the “optic disk” (on the retina), where the optic nerve exits the back of the eye. Because this tiny place has no cones or rods, there is no pathway to relay images to the brain. Physically, God designed our bodies in a way that it doesn’t g...

Can You Spot the Counterfeit?

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
November 1, 2025

Counterfeiting (especially when it comes to money!) has been with humans for many centuries. But that’s still physical, even if anything that has to do with money interests almost everybody! But are there such things as spiritual counterfeits? Where would those come from? And if they exist, can you spot them?

This is the Way

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
October 25, 2025

Our future responsibilities in the Family of God are illustrated in the prophecy of Isaiah 30 with the familiar words of the title of this sermon. Does our daily life reflect the “teacher training” God is showing us now? Is walking this path (“way”) our constant companion?

Character, Competence, and Leadership

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Gabe Ellis
October 25, 2025

The world lacks strong Godly servant leadership. We are preparing now to be effective Kings and Priest in the Kingdom of God. What does the Bible say about leadership? What are the qualities of leadership we need? How can we identify poor leadership? Who is the model we should imitate to develop Godly leadership qualities?

To Reconcile the Entire World

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
October 4, 2025

To move from the Feast of Trumpets to the Feast of Tabernacles runs through the Day of Atonement on the calendar. The spiritual symbolism is even more important. The binding of Satan gives meaning to the events foretold by Trumpets and makes possible the millennial conditions pictured by the Feast of Tabernacles.

Where Does Our Hope Lie?

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
September 13, 2025

When tragedies, brutal acts of violence or times when sanity itself seems to have vanished from the world surround us, what do we as Christians do? With the gift of God’s spirit, is it clear to us where we turn for hope? If not, why not? God’s word is very clear: only He can open human eyes to His understanding. Do ...

Our Spiritual Citizenship: How we should conduct ourselves in times of tragedy?

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Gabe Ellis
September 13, 2025

We live in a time when brutal acts of violence circulate the media in moments from thousands of different points of view. When tragedy strikes, how should we respond as Christians? What is our duty as future citizens in the family of God? During these distressing times, we need to have specific scriptures we turn to that ground us in...

Annual Festivals—A Fundamental Difference

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
September 6, 2025

One of the 20 “Fundamental Beliefs” of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association (#13) is our belief that the annual festivals given to ancient Israel are still commanded observances for those called by God. Yet most in our world who identify themselves as Christians don’t keep them. Few could even name them, and virtually none know what they mean. Why is that,...

The Seven “Cs” of Character

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
August 30, 2025

The word “character” never appears in the Bible (in the Authorized Version). But the topic is everywhere! Beginning our study with the admonition to “Let this mind be in you…” (Philippians 2:5), let’s look at seven characteristics of character that all start with the letter “C.”

For You See Your Calling, Brethren

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
August 23, 2025

Those words introduce a familiar passage from Chapter One of Paul’s first letter to the Christians in Corinth. As written, those memorable words are a simple statement of fact. But how might it help our personal Bible study, prayer and meditation if we reworked them into a question we ask ourselves?

How Goes the Battle?

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
August 9, 2025

Being a servant of God, imitating the example of Jesus Christ, is a challenge in our world. The apostle Paul made comparisons to running races, and even to fighting against evil in his first letter to the Corinthians. How’s that battle going in your life?

Spiritual Shipwrecks

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Bill Johnson
July 26, 2025

We will have shipwrecks in our lives. They come in many forms. As Christians we need to trust in God and the Power of God to guide us through the Waters in life. Using the Metaphor of our spiritual life as a ship traveling in the sea of life. Some ships follow the course - for us that would be...

Circles and Cycles of Life

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
July 12, 2025

A modern popular animated film has a song about the “circle of life.” We all know that human lives have what we could call a “Cycle of Life.” But that’s all on the physical level, whether animal or human. Is there a spiritual “Cycle of Life” that doesn’t lead to the end of life? If so, wouldn’t that truly be a cycle ...

A Heart Loyal to God

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Gabe Ellis
July 12, 2025

There is an overlooked character quality in the bible often used in relation to the kings. No surprise, God expects us to develop this quality in preparation to be effective kings in His Kingdom.

The True Source of Our National Blessings

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
July 5, 2025

Why has this nation seemingly been given such astonishing wealth, favor and blessings? Is it due to our own "exceptionalism?" Is it because the "Founding Fathers" of the United States looked to God for daily guidance in their lives, seeking His will? Or is it something else altogether? Could it be because God made faithful promises...