Duane Sheriff Ministries

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Who is My Neighbor?

Who is my Neighbor? | Part 1

July 21, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Psalm 104:14, Luke 10:25–35, Psalm 104:15, Matthew 20:2, 2 Peter 3:8

Brother Duane teaches a profound message about the parable of the Good Samaritan, revealing its deeper meaning as a representation of God's redemptive plan for humanity. In Luke 10, Jesus masterfully presents the entire gospel story in just a few verses (Luke 10:25-37). The parable reveals how the man who fell among thieves represents Adam and all of humanity, stripped of righteousness and left spiritually half-dead due to sin. The priest and Levite, representing the law, cannot save the man, just as the law cannot save us from our fallen state. The Good Samaritan is Jesus, who comes on a journey to rescue us. He binds our wounds, pours in oil and wine (representing the Holy Spirit), and takes us to the inn (the church) for care. The two pennies given to the innkeeper symbolize the approximately 2,000 years between Christ's first and second coming, with the promise of His return. Remember to stay focused on the return of Jesus and do not be swayed by fear or false predictions. Be filled with both the "oil" (new birth) and "wine" (empowerment) of the Holy Spirit to prepare for challenging times ahead. Strengthen your heart with God's Word (Psalm 104:15), and be prepared to stand firm in faith. Believers are to be neighbors to those in need, just as Christ is our neighbor, and to rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance in these last days.

Who is My Neighbor? | Part 2

July 28, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Luke 10:25–36, John 14:21–24, John 8:31–32, John 14:15, Psalm 104:14–15

In this message, Brother Duane teaches the importance of staying rooted in God's Word and being loyal to Jesus in the world of deception. He emphasizes that true love for Jesus is demonstrated through obedience to His teachings, as stated in John 14:15: "If you love me, keep my commandments." Using the parable of the Good Samaritan as an illustration, he reveals how Jesus is our neighbor, the one we must love to inherit eternal life. He explains that just as the Good Samaritan poured oil and wine into the wounded man's injuries, we need the oil of salvation, the wine of the Holy Spirit, and the bread of God's Word. Many Christians today are easily deceived and lack the discernment that comes from studying Scripture. Hebrews 5:14 speaks of mature believers who have "their senses trained to discern good and evil" through the constant use of God's Word. There is a growing hostility towards Christians in society, but we should be reminded of Jesus' words in John 15:20: "If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." Duane encourages believers to recommit themselves to Jesus, His Word, and His truth to stand firm in their faith, even when facing opposition from the world. John 8:31-32 states: "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." In these deceptive days, it is critical to cultivate a disciplined habit of studying Scripture to sharpen our spiritual discernment and deepen our faith.