Brooklyn Tabernacle - Audio Sermons Feed

What are you going through today? Do what the leper did: bring it to Jesus. Your marital problem, aching heart, financial pressure, assault from the enemy, out-of-control habit, secret that’s eating you up—Jesus has authority over it. And He’s willing to heal it. Stir up fresh faith, and bring your need to Jesus today.

Paul wrote, “Do everything without arguing.” Yet in our pride and anger, we argue with our families, in the church, over politics. “You’re not allowed another opinion," we say. "You’re a devil if you don’t think like me.” Instead, let’s be like Jesus, who never argued. By God’s grace, let’s overlook quarrels and live in the sweetness of unity and peace with other believers.

How do we know what God wants us to do each day? The same way Jesus knew God’s will: from spending time with the Father. Just as the Father sent Jesus, so Jesus has sent us into the world. To do what? Whatever He tells us. May the Lord give us today our daily marching orders for Him.

Jesus ministered nonstop, healing sick people, driving out demons. But notice, “Early in the morning, while it was still dark,” He found a deserted place to pray. Jesus needed balance. So do we. As Christians, we should work, volunteer, serve. But we also need time alone with God. Work and devotion. Service and prayer. May God give us balance today.

We’re not saved to say “Whoa! God helped me! Now it’s back to the same old routine.” No. We can learn from Peter’s mother-in-law who, the minute she was healed by Jesus, began to serve Him and His disciples. If we’ve experienced the gracious touch of Jesus Christ in our lives, let’s reach out and touch others in the name of our Savior. We’ve been saved to serve.

Right now what the church needs is people who perceive the spiritual moment we’re in and know what to do. Like the men of Issachar, who gave themselves to help make David king, believers in America and around the world need to realize, “This is a critical moment. We need to make Jesus King over more people. We’re going to give ourselves to it.” Let’s do it today.

Jesus was so famous so that He barely had time to eat. Why? Not by promoting Himself. Rather, because God was doing something new and powerful through Him. Our churches should be like that—people coming not because of our fancy buildings or fog machines but because God is among us, souls are getting saved, miracles are happening. People will be pick up on it and be blessed.

Satan wants to make us slaves to demonic powers, selfish appetites, sinful habits, darkness, hate, prejudice, lust. But Jesus Christ can break the power of demons, just as he did for a man with an unclean spirit. Oh, thank God that Jesus came to set the captives free! Let’s let Him do that for us today.

Complaining is a big deal. We think it’s minor, but complaining is accusing God of being unkind to us. When Israel did it, God brought judgment on them. Yes, life can be tough. But God has put us where we are. He is working something out! Instead of complaining, let’s believe God, and let’s praise Him. We will see the answer in His perfect timing.

What was it about Jesus that first got people’s attention? It wasn’t a miracle. It was His teaching with authority. A sermon or conversation can be doctrinally correct but can put us to sleep. We need spiritual authority when we speak for the Lord—for witnessing to people, talking to our spouses, trying to turn a relative toward God. May God give us spiritual authority in the name of Jesus.

When we follow Jesus, He doesn’t give us an itinerary. It’s like when He called James and John from their father’s fishing boat: “Follow Me.” No explanation. But those two young men left their father, his boat, and the hired men, and they followed the Lord. When we yield ourselves to His will, even though we don’t know the path ahead, Jesus gives us joy unspeakable and full of glory.

What background in training did the disciples have? They were fishermen. Some Christians today say, “Before we hire this guy, he needs to take this personality test.” Not Jesus. He told Peter and Andrew, “I will make you fishers of men.” It’s not what we have. It’s what God can make of us. All we have to do is follow Jesus. He will use us in ways we can’t imagine.

What’s the number-one thing you need from God today? Jesus taught us to ask Him for it: “Give us today our daily bread.” God did not tell us to frustrate ourselves by asking for things and He wouldn’t listen. No, He said, “Ask, and you shall receive.” What do you want God to do for you? Let’s pray in faith today.

Some churches harp on people, “Repent! You’re a mess!” Other churches teach the opposite: “Just believe. God loves you! You’re going to fulfill your destiny.” But Jesus taught the gospel, which includes both: “Repent and believe the good news!” Let’s be honest and repent of our sin, and then let’s cling to Jesus and trust Him for the abundant life He offers us.

Barren wilderness. Satan attacking. Wild animals. That’s what surrounded Jesus when the Holy Spirit led Him into the desert. But angels ministered to Him. We can be under assault, in the worst circumstance, but if we’ll open our hearts, God will send angels to minister to us—a scripture, comfort from the Holy Spirit, an encouraging friend. The Lord is merciful and compassionate. Let’s look up.

Jesus told us, “Let your light shine before others.” People in our local grocery stores, doctor’s offices, and post offices are longing for answers to life’s problems—and hungry to receive God’s love reflected through our lives in ordinary ways. We don’t need a pulpit, an endorsement, or a degree to tell others about Jesus. We just need to obey.

When Jesus was baptized by John, the Holy Spirit descended on Him like a dove. Even Jesus needed the unction of the Holy Spirit to perform miracles and preach sermons. How much more, then, do we need the Spirit in order to obey God and love others and grow in Christ? Let’s be seeking the Holy Spirit more and more.

John baptized people with water. But Jesus came to baptize us with the Holy Spirit. This is where the power and change in Christianity are found. Water baptism is about repentance, but it doesn’t empower us to change. But when we’re baptized in the Spirit, Christ within us gives us the power to be steadfast and bold for Christ. What good news.

You know what the hardest thing is when sharing Jesus with others? It’s not figuring out how to dazzle people or be clever. It’s getting out of the way so that Jesus gets all the attention. John the Baptist said, “I’m not even worthy to untie Jesus’ sandals.” He was just an arrow pointing people to Jesus. That’s all any of us can be.

When life is tough, we want solutions. But the apostle Paul prayed that God would give us something else: the power to endure trials with patience. Jesus lived as a suffering servant—and this is the example we are to follow. We don’t have to react to suffering in our typical ways. Jesus within us will give us power to endure with patience.

“Repent! Make things right!” That’s what John the Baptist preached to prepare the way for Jesus. Today the word “Repent” is unusual in the church. But we can’t experience the joy of Jesus until we’ve repented of sin. The good news begins with the bad news that we’re in trouble. But the good news is that Jesus came for people in trouble, like you and me.

You want bad news? Turn on the television. But aren’t you happy that the gospel of Jesus is Christ is good news? When the gospel begins to work in us, our lives are changed—past, present, and future. That’s triple good news! Let’s praise Jesus Christ today for what He came to do for you and me.

Are you weary? Burdened? Trudging along, worn out, carrying a load of misery, guilt, or fear? Jesus is inviting you, “Come to me.” The promise is for “all”—people of every gender, race, or status. Let’s leave our own opinions and goals and self-seeking, and let’s come to Jesus. He will give us rest.

Do you call other believers “brother” and “sister”? That pleases God. But we can’t just call each other “Brother This” and “Sister That.” We need to care about each other. When Jesus returns, we’ll be with our brothers and sisters in Christ forever. Let’s start having fellowship now, looking for ways to encourage each other, pray for each other, rejoice together. God put us in a family. Let’s enjoy it.

The writer of Hebrews prayed that God would equip us with everything good. Why? To do His will. “No, I want to be on The Voice,” we say. “I want to win the lottery.” But God doesn’t equip us to chase our dreams. He equips us to do His will. Let’s ask the Lord for both the desire and the ability to do what is pleasing to Him. Then we’ll have joy unspeakable

Do you need peace today? Maybe you’re agitated and worried. You’re operating with inner friction and turmoil because someone has let you down, you’re under pressure, your children are into bad things. But God is a God of peace. Let’s ask God to fill us with His Spirit and produce His fruit in us—the fruit of peace.

It’s miserable to have an unclear conscience. When that “umpire” inside us is nagging at us, calling out “Strike!” we can’t enjoy anything. But praise God, the blood of Jesus cleanses us! If we confess our sin, we can have clear consciences. Oh, thank God for His mercy.

The news today is filtered to fit various agendas. But God always tells things exactly like they are. In 1 Peter He gives us news that is cause for rejoicing—we are chosen, we have a living hope, we have an inheritance in heaven! But He tells us the honest truth: the joyous gifts are mixed with suffering. Why? God is strengthening our faith. That’s good news! Let’s keep believing God.

Everybody needs someone praying for them. That’s why the author of Hebrews wrote, “Pray for us.” God uses prayer as a channel to dispense grace, blessings, strength, love, encouragement, guidance, consolation. What would happen if we all started praying for each other? Let’s pray for someone we love today, and let’s ask others to pray for us.

Hebrews describes a healthy local church: the leadership is like Jesus, who washed the disciples’ feet, and the members submit to the leader because they know God put that person there. Is the leader perfect? No. But we respect the authority of a leader who is watching out for our souls, preaching the Word, and declaring Jesus. Let’s serve the Lord together in peace and harmony.

A lot of people don’t like to submit to leaders. Are there bad leaders? Absolutely. But a true shepherd is not after people’s money or bragging about their church. A true shepherd watches over people’s souls. Let’s make sure that we’re worshiping where we can cooperate biblically with those who are over us in the Lord, and then let’s honor our leaders.

Sometimes the secret to answered prayer is just praising God. At times God says, “Don’t ask me for anything. Just stand still and praise me. Watch what I will do.” Let’s not be discouraged or afraid. Let’s stand in faith, praising God like King Jehoshaphat and the army of Israel did. The battle is not ours but God’s! The Lord will give the victory.

Jesus didn’t die so we could have organized religion. He died so we could belong to Him. So let’s not just go to church on Sundays. Instead, let’s do what Hebrews tells us to: profess Jesus’ name openly, do good, and share with others. We can praise the Lord today, and we can do good to someone today, and we can share with someone today. As we do, our Father will look down on us and say, “Well done.”

Jesus has done so much for us! His blood has totally covered our sins. Now we don’t need incense. We don’t need rituals. Because of this, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise. Not just on Sundays but in the subway, on a bus, in a car, in the shower, in the morning, in the evening, on the street. Jesus deserves our praise.

Did your parents ever say to you, “Why don’t you listen?!” God says that to us too: “If my people would only listen to me!” (Psalm 81:13). Too often we’re distracted, and we miss God's voice. But if we will listen, the Lord will guide us, protect us, delight in us, and bless us abundantly. When the Lord whispers to our hearts, it changes everything. Let’s listen to Him today.

What makes God happy? According to Hebrews 13:16, God is pleased when we “do good” and “share with others.” We can do good, even to our enemies. And we can share with others, buying someone lunch or helping with a need. The more we do it, the more we’ll enjoy it, and God will be happy with our sacrifice to Him.

A lot of us praise God only in church. But Hebrews says that we should “continually” offer God a sacrifice of praise. Jesus gives us grace, blesses us, protects us 24/7, but we can praise Him only on Sunday for seventeen minutes? Let’s freely, openly, unashamedly praise Jesus today. He’s worthy of our praise.

How many Christians are “looking for the city that is to come”? Yes, we live in this world—we rent, we buy, we vote. But this world is not our home. Let’s not get entrenched here on earth, because everything we have will pass away in a millisecond. Let’s be looking for the city that Jesus is preparing for us in heaven.

Many denominational traditions make themselves the portal of salvation. “Join us. Go to our church. That’s where it’s at.” But true Christianity is not anywhere but outside the city gate, at the cross of Christ. Have we met Jesus there, or are we religious? Let’s go to Him, outside the gate, willing to bear the disgrace He bore for us.

Many religious groups say, “We are the way.” But Jesus isn’t found in any religious system. We have to experience Jesus personally, “outside the city gate” (Hebrews 13:12), where He died when He was totally rejected by the Jewish religious system. Praise God for the life we have in Jesus Christ alone.

Do you struggle with imperfections in your walk with the Lord? Paul likens the Christian life to a race, showing us the way to maturity in Jesus. As we focus on Jesus, God will help us drop the things that weigh us down. We will run in a way that will make us more and more like Christ, until we gain the ultimate prize: seeing Him face to face.

Christianity has nothing to do with pomp and ceremony. In the Old Testament, the worshipers had an altar of sacrifice. But in the New Testament, our altar is the old rugged cross. And the only one who can partake of this altar is the one who accepts Jesus as his or her Savior. Let’s rejoice in Him today.

Strange teachings have been around for a long time. That’s why the writer of Hebrews told us not to be “carried away” by teaching that’s not in the Bible. Supposed miracles or ceremonial rules don’t matter. We go by the Word of God. It’s not religious practices that strengthen our hearts—it’s the grace of God, which cleanses us from all our sin.

People can be moody. But Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What Jesus has always been—loving, patient, forgiving—He will be today and for eternity. Let’s learn from Scripture how Jesus was yesterday so that we can count on Him always. Thank God for Jesus Christ and His unchanging love for us.

Faith rubs off on other people. When a godly leader follows Jesus, it can make us say, “I want to imitate how he carries himself, how happy she is in Jesus, how he has faith in hard times.” Let’s thank God for positive spiritual influences in our lives. Let’s also be conscious that we too will impact people today. Let’s influence them for Jesus.

Where would we be without anointed men and women of God who have spoken the Word into our lives? Hebrews tells us to remember them. Many leaders today are not teaching God’s Word but talking about dreams, psychology, or positive thinking. Let’s thank God for anyone who gave us His Word, and let’s pray that God will raise up more like them.

When does Satan tempt us? Often when we’re at our best. “You’ve got it made,” he says. “You’re in the union. You have a pension. People love you.” But the minute we take our eyes off God and start depending on His blessings, we sin. People, money, houses—these are not our security. God alone is our source of security.

Where do you need help? In your emotions? Your finances? An attack from the enemy? God is your helper. Not just was your helper or will be your helper. God is your helper today. Because of that, you can say with confidence, “I will not be afraid.” No matter what’s against you today, you’re not alone. The Lord is your helper. Praise His name.

Some people are always complaining—they’re never happy. But the Lord wants us to be content with what we have, whether it’s a little or a lot. Our money could forsake us; so could family or friends. But God will never leave or forsake us. Let’s be content and make the Lord happy with our testimony for Him.

Sex and money—so many people idolize these things. Even churches today wink at sexual immorality, and Christians become consumed with riches. But Hebrews tells us to avoid both sexual immorality and the love of money. May God help us to love Him first. Let’s choose Jesus today and stay close to Him.