Sermons from the Cleveland, Ohio congregation

How Is the Quarantine Affecting You?

Given by Doug Johnson
May 9, 2020

Split-Sermon As with most things dealing with human beings, our recent self-isolation from the novel coronavirus affects us all. Is that good or bad? Or both? Are there any spiritual analogies we ought to know about? Let’s take a look…

Are You Prepared?

Given by Matt Pavlik
May 2, 2020

Split-Sermon Unexpected events can lead to panic if we are caught unprepared. Jesus Christ instructed His disciples to be ready for His return. What does mean to be prepared? And, how do Christians make sure that they are prepared, so they the are truly ready for what is coming.

What Are You Doing Here, Elijah?

Given by Doug Johnson
May 2, 2020

Split-Sermon We're told in the book of James that Elijah was a man "with a nature like ours" (James 5:17). Yet even he had his moments of weakness. What do we need to take from his experiences (strong and weak) to strengthen our faith?

The Strangest Interval

Given by Doug Johnson
April 24, 2020

There are always gaps, or intervals, between holy day seasons. We’re in one now—perhaps the “strangest” interval ever! The early New Testament church had a “strange interval” too, the year Christ died and was resurrected—the same year the Church of God began on Pentecost. What did they go through, and what did they learn? What will we glean in spiritual lessons from ...

After It’s Over…Then What?

Given by Doug Johnson
April 18, 2020

What will our world look like, “post-COVID-19?” What will the Church of God look like? Where do you and I fit in the whole scenario? What should we do about it all?

Defeating the Master of Distraction

Given by Doug Johnson
April 10, 2020

This current world health crisis tends to consume a person’s time and attention, whether healthy or sick. How should we view it? Are there spiritual “viruses” lurking in the world too? How do we spot them? What (or who) is their source? How do we combat this spiritual challenge, this spiritual distraction?

A Passover Meme for 2020

Given by Doug Johnson
April 3, 2020

The strangeness of events in our world has even changed our observance of God’s festivals this spring. How must we, as those God has called out of this world, approach this special season of the year? What should our focus be? What must we look for in our “pre-Passover” examination?

The Most Important Knowledge

Given by Doug Johnson
March 7, 2020

Split-Sermon If you had been Jewish, living in Germany in the 1930s, there was knowledge, that if acted upon, could have saved your life. If we are God's "called out ones" living now, there is also knowledge He has given us that will save our lives...if we act on it!

Don't Judge Me…?

Given by Matt Pavlik
March 7, 2020

Split-Sermon Why is the phrase, "Don't judge me" so prevalent? What does it really mean? Should a Christian say it? What is the proper view of judgment for a Christian? The Bible gives instructions on the proper attitude and use of judgment.

Understanding Elisha and the She-Bears

Given by Hal Henderson
February 21, 2020

Is this tragic event the action of a harsh and vindictive God of the Old Testament or of a thin-skinned, angry prophet? How are we to understand this event? Does it hold lessons for us today, more than 2,800 years later?

Are You a Saint?

Given by Doug Johnson
February 15, 2020

The word "saint" conjures images of somebody who is "too perfect" and perhaps a little boring for most normal humans! Is that what it means to God, from the pages of His word?

Have You “Taken Delivery” (Jude 1:3)

Given by Doug Johnson
February 8, 2020

In his short letter near the end of the New Testament, Jude tells the brethren that he "found it necessary" to exhort them to "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3). He said in the same verse that he had been diligent to speak often to them of...

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb

Given by Doug Johnson
January 18, 2020

That's quoting directly from Revelation 19:9. But what do we know about it? When is it? Where is it? Who's invited? What the most important thing to know about it? It ties directly to Jesus Christ's return, or His second coming to this earth. Take a good, close look - and see what the Bible says (and doesn't say) about a...

A Life of Obedience

Given by Doug Johnson
January 10, 2020

Why do we obey God? “Because that’s what is right according to the Bible!” we might answer. True! But how and why do we obey Him? That goes a bit deeper! Take a look at obedience on three levels, each with greater depth of understanding. Which one motivates us?

What Does the Church Do for Us…And Vice Versa?

Given by Doug Johnson
January 3, 2020

The Church of God is a spiritual entity. It has to be organized, but at its core is “home” to those God has called. What does the church “do” for the members? What are the members expected to do themselves?