Standing Firm Series, Part 2: “Hope in Extended Trials”

November 3, 2025 By Alesha Williams

Sunday, November 3, 2025

Sermon Recap

When life stretches longer than we expected—when the waiting feels endless and the answers don’t come easily, God still calls us to stand firm. This message preached by Pastor Williams titled, “Hope in Extended Trials,” reminds us through the story of Joseph that delay does not mean denial. God’s purposes are still unfolding, even in seasons of silence.

1. From Comfort to Waiting

Joseph’s life shifted overnight from favored son to forgotten slave. Each stage of his waiting (the pit, Potiphar’s house, and the prison) refined his faith and strengthened his dependence on God. Our own seasons of waiting serve a similar purpose, they strip away self-reliance so we can fully trust God’s timing.

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial…” — James 1:12

2. Challenges Along the Journey

Trials expose our hearts. Joseph faced betrayal, false accusation, and disappointment. Yet in every challenge, he chose faith over frustration. He didn’t allow bitterness to shape him; he let obedience lead him.

3. Continuing to Maintain Faith

Even when forgotten, Joseph practiced habits that sustained his hope:

Integrity: He honored God in private and public.
Service: He used his gifts to bless others, even while confined.
Spiritual awareness: He stayed sensitive to God’s voice and presence.
Perseverance: He believed that every step (even painful ones) was part of God’s plan.

4. Comparison: Learning from Joseph’s Example

When we compare our situation to Joseph’s, we find guidance:

Maintain integrity even when no one is watching.
Continue serving even when recognition is missing.
Stay spiritually attuned—trusting God’s unseen work.

5. Consideration: The Genesis 50 Perspective

In the end, Joseph could look back and say, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20)
What others intended for harm, God transformed into purpose. The same God who redeemed Joseph’s story is writing yours, even in the waiting.

Journal Reflection Questions

What “waiting season” are you in right now, and how might God be refining your faith through it?
Which of Joseph’s practical habits—integrity, service, spiritual awareness, or perseverance—do you most need to strengthen?
Looking back, can you see a time when something painful later revealed God’s purpose? How can that memory anchor you today?

Standing Firm Series, Part 1: “The God of All Comfort”

October 27, 2025 By Alesha Williams

Sunday, October 26, 2025

Sermon Recap

Life isn’t always calm seas and sunny skies. Sometimes, the winds whip, the waves rise, and the storm feels endless. Yet even then, we have a God who doesn’t just watch from a distance—He comes alongside us.

That’s exactly what “comfort” means in the Greek word paraklesis—to come alongside.

In Part 1 of Pastor Williams’ new series, “Standing Firm: Finding Strength and Hope in Life’s Storms,” we’re reminded that God is not only present in our pain; He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).

1. The Reality of Storms

Storms are part of life. They don’t mean God has left us—they mean we have an opportunity to experience His strength. Faith isn’t the absence of trouble; it’s confidence in His presence through it.

2. The Revealing Character of God

Our hardships often uncover something remarkable: God’s heart as Comforter. He doesn’t lecture us; He lifts us. Every time He comforts us, He’s also preparing us to comfort someone else.

3. Real Confidence in the Storm (Psalm 46:1-7)

David understood storms too. His confidence came from knowing who God is:

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…”

Even when the earth gives way, we can stand firm because the God who steadies creation steadies us.

4. Renewed Strength in Weakness (Isaiah 40:31; 41:10)

When our strength runs out, His begins.

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength… they will soar on wings like eagles.”

God promises, “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you.” His comfort doesn’t just soothe—it revives.

5. Our Response — Receiving and Resting

How do we access this divine comfort?

Be honest about our need for it.
Turn toward God, not away from Him.
Receive His comfort through His Word, His people, and His presence.

When we rest in His care, peace replaces panic.

6. Resting in God’s Comfort

The same God who comforts us in our pain uses our stories to comfort others. Our storms become someone else’s shelter when we share what He’s done.

Takeaway: Standing firm doesn’t mean standing alone. It means standing with the God who stands beside you—comforting, strengthening, and renewing you every step of the way.

✍🏽 Journal Questions

What storm in your life might God be using to reveal more of His character?
When have you most clearly experienced God’s comfort, and how did it change you?
Who in your life could benefit from the comfort you’ve already received?

“Divine Protection In Spiritual Warfare”

October 12, 2025 By Alesha Williams

Sermon date: October 12, 2025

Sermon Title: “Divine Protection in Spiritual Warfare”

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 54:17 — “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.

Sermon Recap

Pastor Williams instructed us that God’s Word reminds us that although weapons will be formed against us, they will not succeed. Our protection in spiritual warfare is rooted not in our strength but in the promises of God. From Deuteronomy 31:6, we are encouraged to “be strong and courageous,” while Romans 8:28 and 8:31 assure us that God works all things together for good and that no one can stand against those whom He has chosen.

Sermon Points

Point 1 – Realizing the Theological Foundation:
Our defense begins with understanding who God is and who we are in Him. Confidence and peace flow from the truth that God is sovereign, faithful, and ever-present.

Point 2 – Recognizing Spiritual Attacks:
The enemy’s common tactics (doubt, discouragement, despair, division, and isolation) seek to weaken faith. Recognizing these strategies helps us respond with prayer and Scripture instead of fear.

Point 3 – Remembering the Practical Applications:
We live in victory when we walk in God’s promises:

Stand on God’s Word – Speak and believe His truth daily.
Engage in spiritual disciplines – Pray, worship, fast, and study the Word.
Put on the full armor of God – Guard your mind, heart, and spirit with faith and righteousness.

Point 4 – Remember There Will Be Weapons:
Spiritual warfare doesn’t mean the absence of trials—it means victory through divine protection. God’s covering is seen in guidance during difficulty, comfort through prayer, and unexpected help that reminds us He is always present. No accusation or attack can overturn the heritage of righteousness that belongs to the servants of the Lord.

✍🏽 Journaling / Reflection Questions

What “weapons” have recently formed against you, and how have you seen God’s protection at work?
How can you recognize when discouragement or isolation are spiritual attacks rather than ordinary emotions?
Which spiritual discipline has been hardest for you to maintain, and what steps can help you strengthen it?
When have you experienced divine protection through unexpected help or guidance?
How does knowing your righteousness is from God give you courage in daily battles?

“Standing on the Promises of God”

October 5, 2025 By Alesha Williams

Sermon date: October 5, 2025

What a powerful reminder we received from Pastor Williams in this week’s message titled, “Standing on the Promises of God.”

Our focus scripture, 2 Peter 1:3–4, reminds us that God’s divine power has already given us everything we need for life and godliness. Through knowing Him, we have access to “precious and magnificent promises” that strengthen us, sustain us, and set us apart from the world around us.

Pastor shared six (6) key points to help us build a faith that truly stands on God’s promises:

Faith as Our Foundation in Uncertain Times
Focus on the Precious Promises in 2 Peter 1:3–4
Firmly Standing on Faith: Our Response to God’s Promises
Fine Examples of Faith: Biblical, Historical, and Personal Testimonies
Forging Ahead with Practical Steps to Strengthen Our Faith
Finally, Living Confidently on the Foundation of Faith

Each point reminded us that faith isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we live out. When we choose to trust God, we discover that His promises aren’t just comforting words, they’re living truths that sustain us through real-life storms.

Pastor pointed to so many beautiful examples: Elijah being fed by ravens, the widow whose jar of oil never ran out, the Israelites receiving manna every morning, and Paul learning to be content in every circumstance. We also heard about modern believers like George Müller and Corrie ten Boom, whose stories remind us that God still provides, protects, and performs miracles today. And if we’re honest, many of us could add our own testimonies, those moments when God showed up right on time, sent help through a friend, made provision we didn’t expect, or gave us peace when we couldn’t find it anywhere else.

Pastor didn’t just leave us with inspiration; he gave us practical steps too. To stand firm in faith, we should:

Know the promises God has made, get familiar with His Word.
Remember past faithfulness, keep a record of answered prayers.
Surround ourselves with faith-filled people who speak life.
Act on faith, even when the path isn’t clear.
Praise in advance, thanking God before the blessing arrives.

When we live this way, we begin to see that God’s promises aren’t distant or abstract, they’re personal. They meet us where we are and lead us where we need to go.

So let’s keep standing, trusting, and believing that what God has spoken, He will perform. 💪🏽✨

Take a few minutes this week to reflect or journal:

Which of God’s promises has carried me through a difficult season?
Where in my life am I still struggling to fully trust His timing?
Who in my circle demonstrates faith under pressure — and what can I learn from them?
What’s one way I can “praise in advance” this week?
How can I remind myself daily that God is faithful?

Promises from Scriptures

During tough times, focusing on specific promises from Scripture can provide comfort and strength. Here are some key promises to keep:
1. God’s Presence
   – Promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

     (Hebrews 13:5)

   – Focus: God is always with you, even in your darkest moments.
1. Peace in Troubling Times
   – Promise: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.”

     (John 14:27)

   – Focus: God offers a peace that transcends understanding, even amid turmoil.
1. Strength in Weakness
   – Promise: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

     (Philippians 4:13)

   – Focus: In your weakness, Christ provides the strength you need to persevere.
1. Hope and a Future
– Promise: “For I know the plans I have for you, declare the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

(Jeremiah 29:11)

– Focus: Trust that God has a purpose and plan for your life, even when things seem bleak.
1. Comfort in Sorrow
   – Promise: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

     (Matthew 5:4)

   – Focus: God promises to comfort you in your grief and sorrow.
1. Help in Times of Trouble
   – Promise: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

     (Psalm 46:1)

   – Focus: You can turn to God for refuge and assistance in your struggles.
1. Restoration and Renewal
   – Promise: “He will restore the years that the locust has eaten.”

     (Joel 2:25)

   – Focus: God has the power to restore and renew what has been lost.
1. Victory Over Fear
– Promise: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

(2 Timothy 1:7)

– Focus: You have the power to overcome fear through God’s strength.
1. Unfailing Love
     – Promise: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end.”

     (Lamentations 3:22-23)

   – Focus: God’s love and mercy are constant, providing hope each day.
1. Eternal Life
     – Promise: “And this is the promise that He made to us – eternal life.”

     (1 John 2:25)

     – Focus: No matter the trials of this life, you have the promise of eternal life with Him.

Conclusion

In challenging times, meditate on these promises, write them down, or share them with others. Let them remind you of God’s unwavering faithfulness and love.

“The Danger Of Not Knowing God”

September 29, 2025 By Alesha Williams

Sermon Summary from Sunday, September 28, 2025

In Exodus 5:2, Pharaoh defiantly asked, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and besides, I will not let Israel go.” Pastor Williams reminded us that Pharaoh’s words reveal not just ignorance, but a willful rejection of God’s authority. His refusal to know God brought devastation, and the same danger exists today when we fill our lives with knowledge of many things but remain ignorant of the One who matters most.

Pastor Williams’ sermon walked us through five powerful points:

Catastrophic Consequences
Pharaoh’s rebellion shows that not knowing God is never neutral—it is destructive. From Pharaoh’s plagues to the rich fool in Luke 12 to Paul’s warning in Romans 1, Scripture reveals that ignoring God always leads to loss and ruin.
Contemporary Examples of Modern Knowledge Without God
We live in an Information Age where people know sports stats, song lyrics, and trivia—but spend little time in prayer or God’s Word. Our culture treats God as irrelevant, echoing Pharaoh’s question: “Who is the Lord that I should obey Him?”
The Contrast of Knowing About vs. Knowing God
There’s a difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge. Knowing about God can puff us up, but truly knowing Him transforms our lives. Jesus warned in Matthew 7:22–23 that many will claim His name, yet hear Him say, “I never knew you.”
Consider the Transformative Power of Knowing God (Testimonies)
True relationship with God changes everything. Paul counted all else as loss for Christ, Augustine found rest only in God, and countless modern testimonies bear witness to freedom, peace, and restored lives that flow from truly knowing the Lord.
Conclusion: From Knowledge to Relationship
Pharaoh’s ignorance led to devastation, but we are invited to something greater—an intimate, saving relationship with God. In the end, it won’t matter what earthly knowledge we’ve accumulated; what will matter is whether we can say with confidence: “I know the LORD, and I have followed His voice.”

Journaling & Introspective Questions

Pharaoh asked, “Who is the Lord that I should obey Him?” How do I sometimes ask this same question in my actions or attitudes?
What consequences have I seen in my own life or others’ lives when God is ignored?
What “modern knowledge” tends to crowd out my time with God?
Do I see areas where I only know about God rather than truly know Him?
How has truly knowing God, not just facts about Him, brought transformation in my life?
What one step can I take this week to move from surface-level knowledge to a deeper relationship with Him?

New Members Growth Class

September 21, 2025 By Alesha Williams

Date & Time: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Location: Conference Call – Dial 903-705-1352

Name: New Members Growth Class
Start: 2025-12-02T18:00:00-06:00
End: 2025-12-02T19:00:00-06:00
Location: Conference Call

Description:
Join us for the New Members Growth Class, a twice-monthly Bible study designed to help new members grow in faith and understanding of foundational Christian principles such as salvation, the church, the Trinity, and more.

Class Reminders:

Keep your phone on mute unless speaking, then return to mute.
Non-new members, please allow space for new members to share and ask questions.
Avoid overtalking so everyone can be heard.
New members, please read the lesson beforehand and text any questions to Pastor or bring them to class.
We will go through the material at a pace that ensures understanding.

🕊️ Praying for your growth as you study and engage!

New Members Growth Class

September 21, 2025 By Alesha Williams

Date & Time: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Location: Conference Call – Dial 903-705-1352

Description:
Join us for the New Members Growth Class, a twice-monthly Bible study designed to help new members grow in faith and understanding of foundational Christian principles such as salvation, the church, the Trinity, and more.

Class Reminders:

Keep your phone on mute unless speaking, then return to mute.
Non-new members, please allow space for new members to share and ask questions.
Avoid overtalking so everyone can be heard.
New members, please read the lesson beforehand and text any questions to Pastor or bring them to class.
We will go through the material at a pace that ensures understanding.

🕊️ Praying for your growth as you study and engage!

New Members Growth Class

September 21, 2025 By Alesha Williams

Date & Time: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Location: Conference Call – Dial 903-705-1352

Description:
Join us for the New Members Growth Class, a twice-monthly Bible study designed to help new members grow in faith and understanding of foundational Christian principles such as salvation, the church, the Trinity, and more.

Class Reminders:

Keep your phone on mute unless speaking, then return to mute.
Non-new members, please allow space for new members to share and ask questions.
Avoid overtalking so everyone can be heard.
New members, please read the lesson beforehand and text any questions to Pastor or bring them to class.
We will go through the material at a pace that ensures understanding.

🕊️ Praying for your growth as you study and engage!

New Members Growth Class

September 21, 2025 By Alesha Williams

Date & Time: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Location: Conference Call – Dial 903-705-1352

Description:
Join us for the New Members Growth Class, a twice-monthly Bible study designed to help new members grow in faith and understanding of foundational Christian principles such as salvation, the church, the Trinity, and more.

Class Reminders:

Keep your phone on mute unless speaking, then return to mute.
Non-new members, please allow space for new members to share and ask questions.
Avoid overtalking so everyone can be heard.
New members, please read the lesson beforehand and text any questions to Pastor or bring them to class.
We will go through the material at a pace that ensures understanding.

🕊️ Praying for your growth as you study and engage!

New Members Growth Class

September 21, 2025 By Alesha Williams

Date & Time: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Location: Conference Call – Dial 903-705-1352

Description:
Join us for the New Members Growth Class, a twice-monthly Bible study designed to help new members grow in faith and understanding of foundational Christian principles such as salvation, the church, the Trinity, and more.

Class Reminders:

Keep your phone on mute unless speaking, then return to mute.
Non-new members, please allow space for new members to share and ask questions.
Avoid overtalking so everyone can be heard.
New members, please read the lesson beforehand and text any questions to Pastor or bring them to class.
We will go through the material at a pace that ensures understanding.

1. From Comfort to Waiting

2. Challenges Along the Journey

3. Continuing to Maintain Faith

4. Comparison: Learning from Joseph’s Example

5. Consideration: The Genesis 50 Perspective

Journal Reflection Questions

1. The Reality of Storms

2. The Revealing Character of God

3. Real Confidence in the Storm (Psalm 46:1-7)

4. Renewed Strength in Weakness (Isaiah 40:31; 41:10)

5. Our Response — Receiving and Resting

6. Resting in God’s Comfort

Takeaway: Standing firm doesn’t mean standing alone. It means standing with the God who stands beside you—comforting, strengthening, and renewing you every step of the way.

✍🏽 Journal Questions

Sermon date: October 12, 2025

Sermon Title: “Divine Protection in Spiritual Warfare”

Sermon Recap

Sermon Points

✍🏽 Journaling / Reflection Questions

Take a few minutes this week to reflect or journal:

Which of God’s promises has carried me through a difficult season?

Where in my life am I still struggling to fully trust His timing?

Who in my circle demonstrates faith under pressure — and what can I learn from them?

What’s one way I can “praise in advance” this week?

How can I remind myself daily that God is faithful?

Promises from Scriptures

During tough times, focusing on specific promises from Scripture can provide comfort and strength. Here are some key promises to keep:

God’s Presence

– Promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

(Hebrews 13:5)

– Focus: God is always with you, even in your darkest moments.

Peace in Troubling Times

– Promise: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.”

(John 14:27)

– Focus: God offers a peace that transcends understanding, even amid turmoil.

Strength in Weakness

– Promise: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

(Philippians 4:13)

– Focus: In your weakness, Christ provides the strength you need to persevere.

Hope and a Future

– Promise: “For I know the plans I have for you, declare the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

(Jeremiah 29:11)

– Focus: Trust that God has a purpose and plan for your life, even when things seem bleak.

Comfort in Sorrow

– Promise: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

(Matthew 5:4)

– Focus: God promises to comfort you in your grief and sorrow.

Help in Times of Trouble

– Promise: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

(Psalm 46:1)

– Focus: You can turn to God for refuge and assistance in your struggles.

Restoration and Renewal

– Promise: “He will restore the years that the locust has eaten.”

(Joel 2:25)

– Focus: God has the power to restore and renew what has been lost.

Victory Over Fear

– Promise: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

(2 Timothy 1:7)

– Focus: You have the power to overcome fear through God’s strength.

Unfailing Love

– Promise: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end.”

(Lamentations 3:22-23)

– Focus: God’s love and mercy are constant, providing hope each day.

Eternal Life

– Promise: “And this is the promise that He made to us – eternal life.”

(1 John 2:25)

– Focus: No matter the trials of this life, you have the promise of eternal life with Him.

Conclusion

In challenging times, meditate on these promises, write them down, or share them with others. Let them remind you of God’s unwavering faithfulness and love.

Date & Time: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 – 6:00 PM Location: Conference Call – Dial 903-705-1352

Description: Join us for the New Members Growth Class, a twice-monthly Bible study designed to help new members grow in faith and understanding of foundational Christian principles such as salvation, the church, the Trinity, and more.

Class Reminders:

Keep your phone on mute unless speaking, then return to mute.

Non-new members, please allow space for new members to share and ask questions.

Avoid overtalking so everyone can be heard.

New members, please read the lesson beforehand and text any questions to Pastor or bring them to class.

We will go through the material at a pace that ensures understanding.

🕊️ Praying for your growth as you study and engage!

Date & Time: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 – 6:00 PM Location: Conference Call – Dial 903-705-1352

Description: Join us for the New Members Growth Class, a twice-monthly Bible study designed to help new members grow in faith and understanding of foundational Christian principles such as salvation, the church, the Trinity, and more.

Date & Time: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Location: Conference Call – Dial 903-705-1352

Description:
Join us for the New Members Growth Class, a twice-monthly Bible study designed to help new members grow in faith and understanding of foundational Christian principles such as salvation, the church, the Trinity, and more.

Date & Time: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Location: Conference Call – Dial 903-705-1352

Description:
Join us for the New Members Growth Class, a twice-monthly Bible study designed to help new members grow in faith and understanding of foundational Christian principles such as salvation, the church, the Trinity, and more.

Date & Time: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Location: Conference Call – Dial 903-705-1352

Description:
Join us for the New Members Growth Class, a twice-monthly Bible study designed to help new members grow in faith and understanding of foundational Christian principles such as salvation, the church, the Trinity, and more.

Date & Time: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Location: Conference Call – Dial 903-705-1352

Description:
Join us for the New Members Growth Class, a twice-monthly Bible study designed to help new members grow in faith and understanding of foundational Christian principles such as salvation, the church, the Trinity, and more.

Date & Time: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Location: Conference Call – Dial 903-705-1352

Description:
Join us for the New Members Growth Class, a twice-monthly Bible study designed to help new members grow in faith and understanding of foundational Christian principles such as salvation, the church, the Trinity, and more.