Sermons 2025

Sermons

"Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister (serve to bring up) questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith " (1Tim. 1:4)

  • Sermon - March 22, 2025
    Dr. David Antion
    Gethsemane: Jesus' Prayer, the Cup, and God's Will


    This audio recording presents a sermon focused on Jesus's experience in the Garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion. Pastor David Antion highlights Jesus's unusual distress and his prayer asking if there was another way, referencing the "cup" as a symbol of God's wrath and suffering, contrasting it with the disciples' understanding of the communion cup as representing forgiveness. The sermon explores Jesus's human struggle alongside his submission to God's will, drawing parallels to the Lord's Prayer and instances of answered and unanswered prayers in the Bible. Ultimately, it emphasizes Jesus's willingness to endure suffering for humanity's sins and offers a concluding prayer.


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  • Sermon - March 15, 2025
    Dr. David Antion
    John 11: Jesus Raises Lazarus


    Pastor David Antion providing commentary on a passage from the Gospel of John, specifically chapter 11 concerning Lazarus's illness and death. The sermon interprets the biblical text, explaining details about the setting, the characters' reactions, and the significance of Jesus's actions and statements. The emphasizes themes of faith, resurrection, and the conflict Jesus faced with religious authorities as a result of his miracles, ultimately leading to the plan to kill both Jesus and the resurrected Lazarus. He encourages listeners to believe in Jesus as the resurrection and life, offering a message of hope and eternal life.


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  • Sermon - March 1, 2025
    Dr. David Antion
    Slander, Accusations, and Protecting Your Reputation


    The sermon recording explores the topic of slander, drawing from biblical proverbs and stories. It examines the power of the tongue to both save and destroy, highlighting the importance of truthfulness and caution in speech. Pastor David Antion discusses examples of slander and false accusations against figures like Moses, David, Jesus, and Paul, noting how slander can damage reputations and incite fear. He also explores the nature of gossip, advising listeners to conceal transgressions and be trustworthy. Furthermore, touches on the need to defend oneself against false accusations while also recognizing situations where silence might be more appropriate. Ultimately, urges listeners to protect their reputations, avoid malicious gossip, and seek God's guidance in navigating the complexities of truth, falsehood, and confidentiality.


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  • Sermon - February 22, 2025
    Dr. David Antion
    The Power and Peril of Words: Slander, Gossip, and Truth


    Pastor David Antion explores the biblical prohibition against slander and false witness, emphasizing the importance of protecting one's reputation. He references various Old and New Testament passages to illustrate the destructive nature of gossip, backbiting, and malicious accusations. The sermon also touches on the legal ramifications of slander and libel in modern society, contrasting them with ancient penalties. The recording highlights the power of words to both harm and heal, urging listeners to pursue truthfulness and peace. Additionally, he warns against envy, malice, and other negative emotions that fuel slanderous behavior.


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  • Sermon - February 15, 2025
    Dr. David Antion
    A Good Name: Reputation and Legacy


    Pastor David Antion discusses the importance of one's name and reputation, both in the eyes of others and in God's eyes. It emphasizes that a good name is more valuable than material possessions and should be carefully protected through virtuous actions. The speaker references biblical passages to illustrate how God made a name for Himself through His actions and how Jesus earned a great name through sacrifice, ultimately becoming the name by which people are saved. The sermon advocates defending one's reputation and working to create a legacy of respect and admiration. It also highlights the power and significance of the name of Jesus Christ, urging listeners to reflect on what that name means to them. Pastor David Antion calls for a life that enhances your reputation, both in earthly terms and as a way of being recorded in God's book of life.


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  • Sermon - February 8, 2025
    Dr. David Antion
    Your Name: Building a Godly Reputation


    Pastor David Antion explores the significance of one's name and reputation, suggesting they reflect character and are built over time through actions and integrity. Various figures from history and the Bible are examined to illustrate how their names became synonymous with specific traits or deeds. The importance of safeguarding one's reputation is emphasized, cautioning that it can be easily tarnished by foolish or corrupt behavior. Biblical passages and anecdotes underscore the idea that a good name is more valuable than wealth, and that even God has established a great name through His actions. Ultimately, to live in a way that cultivates a positive and enduring reputation, both in the eyes of others and in God's eyes.


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  • Sermon - February 1, 2025
    Dr. David Antion
    The Humility of Man Before God


    The importance of humility in one's relationship with God and others. Pastor David Antion uses numerous biblical examples, including those of King Josiah and King Hezekiah, to illustrate how humility leads to God's favor and blessing, while pride results in punishment and hardship. The sermon stresses that humility is not simply a feeling but an active choice, involving recognizing one's dependence on God and others, and accepting correction and instruction. He contrasts the humble tax collector's prayer with that of the proud Pharisee, highlighting the spiritual benefits of a humble attitude. Finally, the sermon concludes with a prayer acknowledging God's greatness and seeking His mercy.


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  • Sermon - January 25, 2025
    Dr. David Antion
    The Humility of God and Man


    Focusing on humility, drawing from biblical verses and modern psychological studies. Pastor David Antion defines humility as an attitude of spiritual modesty, contrasting it with arrogance and self-centeredness. He explores humility's benefits, including increased learning capacity, effective leadership, and improved well-being, supported by both religious and secular perspectives. The sermon uses biblical examples, such as Moses and Jesus, to illustrate true humility, concluding with a prayer emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's place in God's creation.


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  • Sermon - January 18, 2025
    Dr. David Antion
    Qualities of an Effective Church Elder


    The sermon discussing the qualifications of an episcopos, or overseer, based on interpretations of 1 Timothy and Titus. The speaker emphasizes numerous character traits deemed essential, including irreproachability, temperance, skillful teaching, gentleness, and freedom from love of money. These qualities, the speaker argues, are not only crucial for leadership roles within the church but also serve as examples for all church members. The sermon concludes with a prayer.


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  • Sermon - January 11, 2025
    Dr. David Antion
    Episcopos, Elders, and Deacons


    This sermon discusses church leaders' qualifications, specifically focusing on the roles of episkopos (overseer/supervisor) and presbyteros (elder). Pastor David Antion examines the etymology and application of these terms in scripture, contrasting them with the role of deacons. He emphasizes the importance of irreproachable character for an episcopos, along with other qualities such as being a husband of one wife (interpreted as not being polygamous), temperate, prudent, respectable, and hospitable.


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  • Sermon - January 4, 2025
    Dr. David Antion
    Reflections on Ministry and Church Leadership



    Pastor David Antion reflecting on the six decades of ministry alongside his wife. He discusses his experiences, including criticisms of his leadership style as being too lenient. A significant portion focuses on interpreting 1 Timothy 3 and related scriptures to differentiate between bishops (episcopós) and deacons (diákonos), emphasizing the bishop's role as a teacher and shepherd rather than an authoritarian figure. The speaker contrasts his approach with more forceful leadership styles he'd observed, advocating for a gentler, more supportive ministry. Finally, he connects the qualities of a good bishop to the example set by Jesus Christ.


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