2023 Sermons
From an in-depth study of Samuel, to a discussion of modern-day Israel, 2023 reached far past and present
Change Your Words, Change Your World
December 31, 2023 • Pastor Tom Arnould • Hebrews 11:1, Proverbs 18:21
Wednesday night I felt called by God to do a message on words. I dug on my computer that night and managed to find a sermon outline I had made in 2006. I had so many positive comments in response to this message, and I felt it would be good to review this message as a complete church family today. The simple fact is that changing your words you speak over your life is often all you need to massively change your world. The things in your life you are unsatisfied with could be the result of the words you are speaking. Understanding what the Bible has to say about words is crucial for the Christian's life.
Framing Your World with God's Word
December 27, 2023 • Pastor Tom Arnould • Proverbs 18:21
I would like to share out of the book of Proverbs 18:21. It says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Whether you realize it or not, you got saved because of the power of words. The tongue produces not only words, but also makes an impact and brings about what we speak. Some people may want to exclude some details and say only life is in the power of the tongue, but the Bible is clear that where the tongue can bring about life it can also cause destruction.
Be a Shepherd
December 24, 2023 • Pastor Tom Arnould • Luke 2:8–20
The shepherds are a central element of the Christmas story. They came from the fields hoping to see Christ through earnest desire of seeking God, and were rewarded for their effort. But in addition to coming and seeing, they went out and told others about what they said seen, proclaiming Christ. The believer should desire to be like a shepherd in these two regards: we should seek Christ, and speak Christ to others.
The Christmas Story
December 20, 2023 • Pastor Tom Arnould • Luke 1—2
It is important to not let the familiar Christmas story become dull to one and fail to hear the great insights contained. Tonight, I'd like to talk over some points of interest and obtain biblical truths from the iconic moments known by billions around the world. In this story we observe a variety of attributes of God displayed, his providence in organizing the events, and his bringing of the shepherds to be among the first to take in the Christ child. A truly amazing story that would change the world forever.
Gold, Frankincense, & Myrrh
December 17, 2023 • Pastor Tom Arnould • Matthew 2
In the Christmas story, one of the most memorable and iconic group of individuals are the wise men. Despite not living among the people of God or following the law, they were led out of their own scholarly studies of the stars toward the Christ. From the moment Jesus came to this earth, it was obvious that he came to Jews and Gentiles alike. A tremendous attribute these three displayed was their generosity toward a baby they did not even know. Their generosity was blessed by God and is an example to live by.
An Attitude Adjustment
December 10, 2023 • Pastor Tom Arnould • Ephesians 4:23
I want to speak about an attitude adjustment. I think all of us know what that term means: it refers to the need to adjust one's outlook or response toward various life events. Just as one can go to a chiropractor and have their back adjusted, it is possible to receive an attitude adjustment from the right source. We are in the holiday season, and much of what you can receive out of these times is determined by a good attitude.
The Star of Christmas
December 6, 2023 • Pastor Tom Arnould • Matthew 1—2
I would like to go through the Christmas story with you. It is important to renew in our minds the original account and remember the tremendous meaning in God sending his son to the world. The biblical account of the birth of Christ is full of tremendous stories of God's orchestration of events to fulfill prophecy and protect Christ from the hands of the enemy, such as Herod. From the very moment Jesus entered this world, it was clear that God was and would remain involved in the earthly life of his only begotten son.
Whose Land Is It?
December 3, 2023 • Pastor Tom Arnould • Psalm 122:6
The Bible teaches that the nation of Israel has and will play a pivotal role in many of the most significant events that God will bring about. As God's people, there has been no shortage of enemies which have arisen against Israel over the years. It is my belief that a Christian should stand with Israel, God's people, following the biblical principle that those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed. The biblical promises to Abraham that the land of Israel shall be his and his descendants forever remain true today as they did when God uttered them.
The Land of Israel
November 29, 2023 • Pastor Tom Arnould • Genesis 12:1–3
Recent events have brought into the public consciousness the discussion of who has the right to the land of Israel. The answer, in fact, can be found in the Bible, in God's original promises to Abraham. God stated that Abraham's descendants would inherit the land, and we see through the kingdom of Israel that followed that God fulfilled those promises. It is my belief that the modern day nation of Israel is yet another step in the fulfillment of this promise. We can find in the Old Testament numerous passages detailing who has the right to the Holy Lands.
Supernatural vs. Superficial
November 26, 2023 • Pastor Tom Arnould • John 4
The title of my message is very simple. Do we want a supernatural church, or a superficial church? Do we go after the gold, or after wood, hay, and stubble? There is a temptation for the Christian church to pursue all that is fleeting, the distractions of this world. Scripture teaches that we must not only avoid these superficialities, but yearn for the touch of the supernatural. Only God's spirit can bring about the presence of the supernatural. We must learn to hear God's voice to be led into this supernatural.
The Importance of Staying Focused
November 19, 2023 • Pastor Tom Arnould • 1 John 2:4–6
I want to talk to you about the importance of staying focused. There's a lot of things out there that can be distractions to us and pull us in a variety of directions. One time I was in prayer during a period of discouragement in my life. I felt I heard the Lord say to me, "Distracted people are discouraged people." I felt I was being reminded by God that whenever I take my eyes off of him, I am opening myself up to discouragement.
Keys to Christian Growth
November 15, 2023 • Pastor Tom Arnould • Philippians 3:10
I'd like to share with you the concept of the Christian life. It is not to stay stagnant after accepting Christ, but instead, the Bible describes the process of getting to know Christ closer and closer, with the Amplified version even saying we ought to become "more deeply and intimately acquainted with him." Your desire should be for a progressive growth in your relationship with Christ. It is not a simple saved-not saved question: God desires for us to grow to a rich understanding of him, with endless depth to be enjoyed in His Word.
How the Holy Spirit Helps
November 12, 2023 • Pastor Tom Arnould • John 14—16
I'd like to speak to you about the Holy Spirit and his role as a helper. We have all been in a situation where we needed someone to help us. There is nothing more disappointing than finding ourselves without a proper helper, and nothing more relieving than being assisted by one. The Holy Spirit was given to believers for the purpose of helping us. While Jesus ascended to heaven, and the Father still resides there, the Holy Spirit was sent to us in order that we might not be without help during the Church Age. We must take care to listen closely to the Spirit's voice and allow him to help us.
What in the World Is Going On?
November 5, 2023 • Pastor Tom Arnould • Revelation 12
Let's go to Revelation 12 today. I'd like to talk to you about a message and the phrase it is titled after, "What in the World Is Going On?". Just as soon as things begin to calm down, another major event always seems to break out. Whether COVID-19, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, or the Ukrainian-Russian conflict, the past few years have been packed of historic moments in the world. The Scriptures offer an explanation for why things seem to as they are in the world. The events that are occurring are compared to by the Bible as birth pangs that are preceding the return of Christ himself. Therefore, we must stay faithful.
Suddenly
November 1, 2023 • Pastor Tom Arnould • Acts 2:1–4, Acts 12:5, Acts 16:25
What would you say are some of the most major events that happened in the United States in this past year? I believe that one of the most significant, not only in the Christian world but in general, is the Asbury Revival. If you are not aware, there was a massive spontaneous revival that broke out at a private university in Kentucky known as Asbury University. The flame started there then spread to several other college campuses in a truly organic way, evidencing the Holy Spirit's involvement in this movement. I believe that this revival is a perfect example of the Holy Spirit's tendency toward acting "suddenly." He will not always wait for us to be ready and let him know we are ready for a move: He redraws plans as is best for the will of God. Link to purchase the Asbury Revival documentary shown: https://securegiving.cbn.com/asburyawakeningdvd