Here I Stand… God Help Me!

Living Stones Churches

Here I Stand… God Help Me!

October 27, 2024 • Mark South • Revelation 7

In this enlightening sermon, Pastor Mark explores profound themes from Revelation 7, focusing on the vision of a multitude from all nations and the symbolic significance of the 144,000. He discusses the spiritual protection of those sealed by God and the unity of believers singing 'Salvation belongs to God' before His throne. Emphasizing the humility required to stand before a holy God, Pastor Mark draws parallels to Reformation Sunday, celebrating Martin Luther's legacy. He also reflects on Jesus as the eternal pastor, who shepherds souls to a life free from sorrow. The sermon underscores God's grace, mercy, and the eternal life promised through Jesus Christ.

03:01 A Special Day of Worship

04:46 Reformation Sunday and Martin Luther

07:31 The Question of Standing Before God

12:18 The Vision of the Four Angels

17:07 The Sealing of God's Servants

21:29 Understanding the 144,000

26:13 Jesus Aligns with the Broken

28:46 The Sealing of God's People

30:51 Standing Before the Throne

35:07 The Blood of the Lamb

40:15 Eternal Life with the Shepherd

Faith in the Face of a Caricature

November 24, 2024 • Mark South • Revelation 13

In this sermon, Pastor Mark delves into Revelation chapter 13, describing the emergence of two beasts symbolizing counterfeit power and authority empowered by the dragon (Satan). The passage exemplifies the contrast between the deceptive kingdom of the world and the true kingdom of God. Pastor Mark describes how worldly powers, such as Rome in the text, appear invincible and self-sufficient, often leading believers to marvel at and potentially worship these earthly systems. He highlights four counterfeits presented by the beasts: counterfeit power, counterfeit sovereignty, counterfeit preachers, and counterfeit belonging. Emphasizing the need for discernment, Pastor Mark urges believers to see through these deceptions, hold strong to their faith, and reject the allure of worldly powers. The sermon culminates in a call to choose the true mark of God over the mark of the beast, representing a life of faith and endurance despite societal pressures. 08:00 The Real vs. The Counterfeit 20:49 The Power of Rome 29:37 The Influence of Worldly Communities 31:58 Counterfeit Power and Sovereignty 34:04 True Sovereignty of God 42:29 The Second Beast and False Trinity 46:35 The Deception of False Signs 51:57 The Meaning of 666 56:20 Choosing Your Mark

The Son, the Woman, and the Dragon

November 17, 2024 • John Wolfe • Genesis 12

In this sermon, Pastor John explores the apocalyptic imagery and themes of Revelation 12. He begins by reading and discussing the passage about the woman, the dragon, and the male child who is to rule all nations. Pastor John explains the significance of these symbols, connecting them to the faithful people of God throughout history and the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of understanding Revelation as a source of spiritual perspective and encouragement, particularly for those enduring suffering and persecution. The sermon underscores the victory of Christ over Satan and the assurance of God's purpose in our trials, urging believers to find strength and rest in the completed work of Jesus on the cross. 02:53 Understanding the Book of Revelation 05:34 The Woman, the Dragon, and the Male Child 18:49 The Cosmic Battle and Satan's Defeat 24:35 The Church's Suffering and Satan's Wrath 35:58 Encouragement and Final Prayer

The Bittersweet Life

November 10, 2024 • Mark South • Revelation 10—11

This sermon by Pastor Mark delves into chapters 10 and 11 of the Book of Revelation, exploring the vivid imagery and prophetic visions experienced by John. The text depicts a mighty angel with a small scroll, symbolizing God's Word, which is sweet to the taste but bitter in the stomach—representing the joy of receiving God's message and the hardship of living it out. The sermon emphasizes that the Christian walk is inherently bittersweet, filled with both the sweetness of God's promises and the bitterness of real-world challenges. The church is encouraged to embrace the invincibility of God's temple, the unbreakable nature of the Gospel, and the ultimate reward of eternal presence with God. Pastor Mark stresses the importance of persevering through trials with the assurance that God reigns supreme and will fulfill His promises. 06:04 Bittersweet Nature of Faith 08:40 The Scroll and the Seven Thunders 16:31 The Mystery of God and the Scroll 23:38 The Bitterness of Faithfulness 25:02 Embracing the Sweetness of God's Word 26:20 The Two Witnesses: A Symbol of the Church 28:55 The Invincibility of God's People 30:40 The Power of the Holy Spirit 32:43 The Bitterness of Witnessing in an Unrepentant World 36:41 The Invincibility of the Gospel 41:37 The Sweetness of the Reward