Berea Baptist Church of Durham NC Podcast

Relentless Revelation: worship service 11/09/22

Phillip Mumford

Psalm 74. & Revelation 19

Worship Service 10/16/22

Sum Faith: Exponential Grace and Gratitude

Phillip D. Mumford

Luke 7: 36-50

We Are Called the Bittersweet Gospel

Psalm 101: 1-5

Revelation 10: 5-11

Dr. Wortham explores Revelation 10 and reminds us that the gospel can be bitter or sweet, depending upon your understanding and relationship with Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to share the gospel with the world, and the tenth chapter of Revelation reminds us of that reality. 

Sometimes Helpless, Never Hopeless

The fifth and sixth trumpet blasts of the ninth chapter of Revelation informs us that there will be torment, specifically caused by locust enabled with a scorpion's sting. The suffering is so intense that people seek death, yet it eludes them. Unless one has God's seal on the forehead, then the torment is inevitable. Do you have the God's seal upon your heart?

When the locusts of your life swarm in and you pause, paralyzed by the piercing poison of the scorpion’s sting and you stand stunned or collapse because of the unrelenting reality of life and its weight seems overwhelming, REMEMBER: you are never hopeless, you are never without hope. Why?
Jesus is not never nor rarely—not just sometimes or often,
Jesus IS ALWAYS with you to the end of the age.
Jesus will NEVER forsake you.
He is the pruner who prunes the unbearable fruit.
Jesus is the finisher of our faith, proclaiming it is finished;
Jesus is the swallower of death and gives us the victory; and ultimately, Jesus is the annihilator of evil….yet we wait in eager anticipation of the glorious kingdom to come as we continue marching to Zion, beautiful beautiful Zion, the beautiful city of God!

God Always Gives Us Warnings!

After instrumental and exclamatory show and tell using a trombone in the children's story, Dr. Wortham examines the warning signs found in chapter 8 of Revelation. Dr Wortham strongly suggests that God provides comprehensive warnings and extends an invitation of redemption and transformation to all willing to accept the gift of salvation only found in Jesus Christ.

Sometimes Helpless, Never Hopeless

Highlighting the countless multitude of "every nation, tribe, people, and language" surrounding the heavenly throne found in Revelation 7, Mumford looks back to the prophet Jonah who reluctantly carried the good news of God's mercy to folk beyond his compassion. In spite of sea storms, fish swallows, and seaweed wrapped around his head, Jonah preached to the Ninevites. Are there persons in our lives to whom we wish not share God's grace, mercy, and compassion? 

Disruptive Events Pave the Way for Redemption

Dr. Wortham unpacks chapter 6 Revelation by reflecting on the life of Job, Jesus, and us: our current context and our collective future in the midst of our constant tribulations. Put simply, Our Redeemer Lives!

Can Anyone Open This?

In Revelation 5 John weeps for it seems that no one can open the scroll. Yet the Root of Jesse, the Lion of Judah, the Lamb of God--Jesus--is the only one with the power and authority to unroll the scroll. After reading the familiar text from Isaiah 11, Mumford moves to Luke 4 where Jesus unrolls the Isaiah scroll and announces to his hearers the fulfillment of the messianic message stands in their midst.

In Christ Alone. By Grace and Faith alone. Good News: we are never alone.

The Prophetic Countdown to Jesus’ Return Has Begun

Without suggesting set dates or times, Dr. Wortham reminds us that the countdown to Christ's Return has begun. By examining Daniel 9 and 2 Peter 3:3-4, 8-10, Dr. Wortham exclaims the promise that Jesus will come again. Let's Be Ready!