Livestream Preaching Times for July 17, 2026

5:30 AM — “The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ”

Text: Philippians 3:7–11

10:00 AM — “The Progress of the Word”

Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

6:00 PM — “The Tragedy of a Mind that Rejects God”

Text: Romans 1:22-23

TikTok: @dewaynedunawayministries

All times CST

THE TREASURE OF TRUST

The human heart is always searching for something in which it can rest. Some trust in wealth, some in wisdom, some in human strength, but all earthly foundations eventually reveal their weakness.

The soul was created for something greater than temporary security. True peace is found when the heart rests completely in the hands of God.

“When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalms 61:2). The believer’s greatest treasure is not found in what he possesses but in the God who possesses him.

1. THE TOTALITY OF TRUST

Trust begins when we recognize that God is worthy of our complete dependence. He sees what we cannot see, knows what we cannot know, and understands what we cannot understand.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Faith does not require that we understand every detail. It requires that we know the One who holds every detail.

Abraham demonstrated this kind of trust when God called him to leave his homeland and follow a promise he had not yet received. He went forward because he believed the faithfulness of God (Hebrews 11:8-10).

Trust moves when circumstances are uncertain because God’s character is certain.

2. THE TESTING OF TRUST

Trust is not proven in moments of ease but in seasons of difficulty. Anyone can speak of faith when the skies are clear, but storms reveal the strength of our confidence in God. Job lost possessions, health, and comfort, yet he declared, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15).

God sometimes allows trials not because He has abandoned us but because He is refining us. Peter compared tested faith to gold refined through fire, showing that trials can produce something precious within the believer (1 Peter 1:6-7).

The testing of trust develops endurance and draws the heart closer to the Lord.

3. THE TRIUMPH OF TRUST

A trusting heart experiences a peace that the world cannot provide. This does not mean the absence of problems, but the presence of God in the middle of them. Isaiah said that the person whose mind is fixed upon the Lord will be kept in perfect peace because he trusts in Him (Isaiah 26:3).

Jesus demonstrated perfect trust when He faced the cross. In the garden, He surrendered His own will to the Father’s purpose, saying, “Not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).

The victory of Christ came through complete surrender, and our victory comes the same way.

4. THE TESTIMONY OF TRUST

A life of trust becomes a testimony to others. People may not always read a Bible, but they can see the evidence of faith in a person who remains faithful during hardship.

Paul and Silas sang praises to God while imprisoned, showing that trust can produce joy even in difficult circumstances (Acts 16:25).

The believer who trusts God becomes a witness that the Lord is faithful. Our confidence points others away from human uncertainty and toward divine stability. A life built upon Christ stands firm when the storms arrive (Matthew 7:24-25).

Let us place our confidence not in ourselves, our possessions, or our circumstances, but in the unchanging God who has promised never to leave us.

The treasure of trust is found when the heart rests in the hands of the One who holds eternity.

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Prayer

Our faithful Father, teach us to trust You completely. When we cannot see the way ahead, remind us that You already know the path.

Strengthen our faith through every trial and help our lives become a testimony of Your goodness. May we rest in Your promises and walk with confidence until we see You face to face.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE DOCTRINE OF HOLINESS

The doctrine of holiness is not an optional subject reserved for a few exceptionally devoted Christians. It is woven throughout the word of God from Genesis to Revelation.

The Lord declared to Israel, “You shall be holy, for I am holy,” and Peter applied that same principle to Christians under the New Covenant (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15-16).

Holiness is not merely avoiding certain sins. It is being set apart for God’s purpose and reflecting His character in daily life.

The Bible teaches that holiness begins with God Himself. He alone is perfectly pure, righteous, and separate from all evil. Because God is holy, those who belong to Him are called to pursue holiness.

Paul reminded the Corinthian believers that they had been washed, sanctified, and justified through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). That sanctification is both a position and a responsibility. We have been set apart by God’s grace, and we are to continue living in a manner worthy of that calling (Ephesians 4:1-3; Colossians 3:12-17; Matthew 5:13-16).

Holiness is not earned through human effort. Salvation is the gift of God’s grace, received through obedient faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-10). And grace never encourages carelessness. “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!” (Romans 6:1-2).

Those who have died with Christ have also been raised to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4). A changed life is the natural result of a changed heart.

The pursuit of holiness reaches every part of life. Jesus said that purity begins in the heart before it appears in outward conduct (Matthew 5:8, 27-28).

Our speech should be wholesome, our thoughts honorable, our actions loving, and our relationships marked by kindness and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:29-32; Philippians 4:8).

Holiness is not confined to the assembly on Sunday. It is demonstrated at home, at work, in our conversations, and in the choices we make when no one else is watching.

Some misunderstand holiness as joyless legalism. The Bible presents a different picture. True holiness produces freedom from the bondage of sin and deeper fellowship with God.

The writer of Hebrews urged believers to “pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). John added that those who walk in the light enjoy fellowship with one another and are continually cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ (1 John 1:7-9).

Holiness is not a burden placed upon the believer. It is the fruit of a life transformed by Christ.

Every Christian should examine his life in the light of God’s word. Are our priorities pleasing to the Lord? Are we growing in love, purity, humility, and obedience?

God has not called His people to resemble the world but to shine as lights in the midst of it (Philippians 2:14-16; Matthew 5:14-16). Let us therefore pursue holiness with gratitude, remembering that the God who calls us is faithful and will strengthen those who seek to honor Him.

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Prayer

Holy Father, thank You for calling us to belong to You. Help us to pursue holiness in our thoughts, words, and actions each day.

Forgive us when we fail, strengthen us through Your Spirit, and guide us by Your word so that our lives will honor Jesus Christ.

May we walk in the light, grow in Your grace, and reflect Your holiness until the day we stand in Your presence.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE UNWILLING SPIRIT

There is a great difference between weakness and unwillingness. A weak believer may stumble and yet long to please the Lord. An unwilling spirit, however, quietly resists the work of God.

The Bible reveals that the Lord is not merely seeking outward obedience. He desires hearts that gladly yield to His will. David prayed, “Uphold me by Your generous Spirit,” recognizing that only God could produce a willing heart (Psalms 51:10-12). Wherever Christ reigns, surrender becomes the natural desire of the inner man.

Much spiritual frustration is not caused by a lack of knowledge but by a reluctance to let the Lord have complete control. We may gladly receive His promises while resisting His authority. Jesus asked, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

The issue is not simply whether we believe the truth. The issue is whether the truth has gained possession of us. God’s word is meant to transform the whole person, not merely inform the mind (Romans 12:1-2; James 1:22-25).

The Holy Spirit patiently exposes every area where self still occupies the throne. This work is seldom comfortable. Our ambitions, opinions, fears, and cherished plans are brought into the light.

The Lord wounds only that He may heal. He removes what hinders so that the life of Christ may become increasingly visible in us (Hebrews 12:5-11; Galatians 2:20).

The unwilling spirit clings to self. The willing spirit opens every door and says, “Have Your way, Lord.”

This surrender is not accomplished by human determination alone. Peter was sincere when he promised unwavering loyalty, yet within hours he denied the Lord three times (Matthew 26:33-35, 69-75). His confidence in himself had to be broken before he could become truly useful.

After his restoration, Peter no longer trusted his own strength but depended upon the grace of God (John 21:15-19; 1 Peter 5:5-7). The Lord delights to use those who have learned that His strength is made perfect in weakness.

When Christ has His rightful place within us, obedience ceases to be a burden. Love makes surrender joyful. “His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).

The believer who walks closely with the Lord finds increasing delight in doing His will because the life of Christ is shaping every desire. The unwilling spirit gradually gives way to a willing heart as we behold the glory of the Lord and are transformed into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).

Let us ask the Lord to search us honestly. If there is any hidden resistance, any reservation, or any area where self still insists upon its own way, let us lay it before Him. God is not seeking reluctant servants but joyful sons and daughters who trust Him completely.

As we yield ourselves to Christ, His life becomes our life, His peace becomes our peace, and His victory becomes our victory (Colossians 3:1-4; Ephesians 3:16-21).

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Prayer

Our gracious Father, search our hearts and reveal every trace of an unwilling spirit within us. Forgive us for the times we have resisted Your will and trusted in ourselves. Fill us with a joyful desire to follow Christ in every area of life.

May Your Spirit strengthen our inner man so that the life of Your Son is clearly seen in us. Help us to delight in Your will and remain faithful until we see You face to face.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE MINISTRY OF JESUS ON OUR BEHALF

Jesus did not come merely to set an example or leave behind wise teachings. He came to accomplish a work that only He could do, and that work continues even now.

From the moment we trust Him until the day we stand in His presence, Christ ministers on our behalf. His work is complete at the cross, but His care for His people never ceases. Every believer lives under the gracious ministry of a living Savior who is actively working for our good (Hebrews 7:25).

First, His saving ministry redeemed us. We were guilty, separated from God, and unable to save ourselves. Jesus took our place, bore our sins on the cross, and paid the price our sin demanded. Through His death and resurrection, He purchased our redemption with His own blood (Ephesians 1:7).

Salvation is not something we earn. It is a gift of God’s grace received through faith in Christ. Because He redeemed us, our past no longer condemns us, and our future is filled with hope (Romans 8:1).

Second, His sanctifying ministry remakes us. Jesus loves us too much to leave us as we are. Through His Word and the work of the Holy Spirit, He patiently shapes us into His image. Day by day He chips away at pride, selfishness, and unbelief, replacing them with humility, love, and faith.

The Christian life is a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ. Though we often see our failures, God is faithfully completing the work He began in us (Philippians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 3:18).

Finally, His sustaining ministry retains us. The same Savior who redeemed us and is remaking us also keeps us. Jesus continually intercedes for His people before the Father, strengthening us in trials, restoring us when we stumble, and holding us securely in His hand (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:34).

Our confidence is not in our ability to hold on to Him, but in His faithfulness to hold on to us. What Christ redeems, He remakes. What He remakes, He faithfully retains until the day we see Him face to face (John 10:27-29).

BDD

THE PATH OF FAITHFULNESS

The Christian life is not a momentary journey but a lifelong walk with God. Many begin with enthusiasm, but Christ desires a faith that remains steady through every season.

A ship is not proven by how beautifully it rests in the harbor, but by how faithfully it travels through the waves. In the same way, the believer is not measured only by moments of great devotion but by a consistent walk with God.

Jesus said, “He who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13). Faithfulness is the mark of a heart that truly belongs to Christ.

1. THE FOUNDATION OF FAITHFULNESS

Every strong life must be built upon a firm foundation. A building cannot stand without a proper base, and a soul cannot remain faithful without being established upon God’s word.

Jesus compared the person who hears His teachings and obeys them to a wise man who built his house upon the rock (Matthew 7:24-25).

The foundation of faithfulness is not human strength but trust in God. Jeremiah declared that the person who trusts in the Lord is like a tree planted by the waters, whose roots are secure even when heat and drought come (Jeremiah 17:7-8).

When our confidence rests in God, circumstances may change, but our foundation remains secure.

2. THE FIGHT OF FAITHFULNESS

Faithfulness does not mean the absence of difficulty. The faithful servant will encounter opposition, temptation, and trials.

Paul reminded Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith” and lay hold on eternal life (1 Timothy 6:12). The Christian journey requires courage because we are surrounded by forces that seek to pull our hearts away from God.

The believer does not fight alone. The Lord provides strength through His Spirit, His word, and the encouragement of His people. Paul testified that he could endure all things through Christ who strengthened him (Philippians 4:13).

The battle may be real, but the grace of God is greater.

3. THE FRUIT OF FAITHFULNESS

A faithful life always produces fruit. A good tree produces good fruit, revealing that what is within the heart eventually becomes visible in the life (Matthew 7:17-20).

Faithfulness produces patience, love, kindness, obedience, and spiritual maturity (Galatians 5:22-23).

The fruit of faithfulness is not only a blessing for ourselves but for those around us. A faithful Christian becomes a source of encouragement in the home, the church, and the community.

Like a lamp shining in darkness, a devoted life points others toward God (Matthew 5:14-16).

4. THE FUTURE OF FAITHFULNESS

The greatest encouragement for faithfulness is knowing that God sees and rewards those who remain devoted to Him. Many acts of obedience may never be recognized on earth, but nothing done for the Lord is forgotten.

God is not unjust to forget the work and labor of love shown in His name (Hebrews 6:10).

At the end of the journey, the faithful will receive a crown of life promised by the Lord (James 1:12). The goal is not merely to begin well but to finish well. The greatest victory is not earthly success but standing before Christ with a faithful heart.

Let us therefore build upon God’s truth, battle with His strength, bear the fruit of His Spirit, and look toward the future He has promised.

The path of faithfulness may not always be easy, but it is always blessed.

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Prayer

Our Father in heaven, strengthen us to walk faithfully before You. Build our lives upon Your truth, give us courage in every trial, and produce in us the fruit that honors Your name.

Help us to remain steadfast until the end, trusting in the promise that those who are faithful will receive the crown of life.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE MAN WHO COULD NOT WALK BUT LEARNED TO LEAP

“Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’” (Acts 3:6).

INTRODUCTION

The man at the gate called Beautiful had been carried there every day for years. He was surrounded by beauty, but he himself was broken. He sat at the entrance of the temple, near worship, near prayer, and near the people of God, yet he could not enter on his own.

Many people are like this man. They are close to religious things, close to the blessings of God, and close to the people of faith, but something keeps them from walking in the fullness of what God desires.

The miracle of Acts 3 is not merely about a man receiving his legs. It is about a man receiving a new life through the name of Jesus.

I. HIS CONDITION WAS HOPELESS WITHOUT CHRIST

“And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple…” (Acts 3:2-3)

This man had never walked. His condition was not temporary. It was not a weakness that could be overcome with determination. He was helpless from birth.

Every day he was carried to the same place, depending on others for survival.

Sin has left humanity in a similar condition. We are unable to save ourselves. We may improve our lives, change our habits, and reform our actions, but only Jesus can make us spiritually alive.

“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” (Ephesians 2:1)

The greatest problem of humanity is not what we lack materially. It is that we are separated from God spiritually.

II. HIS EXPECTATION WAS LESS THAN GOD’S OFFER

Acts 3:3-5

“Who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.”

The man asked for money, but God had something greater planned.

He wanted silver, but he received strength.

He wanted temporary relief, but he received transformation.

He wanted help for one day, but God gave him a new future.

Many people come to God only seeking His gifts, but God desires to give them Himself.

Jesus told the woman at the well:

“Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.” (John 4:13-14)

God is not merely interested in making our circumstances better. He wants to make us new.

III. HIS RESTORATION CAME THROUGH THE NAME OF JESUS

Acts 3:6-8

“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

Peter did not point to himself.

Peter did not point to his ability.

Peter pointed to Jesus.

The power was not in Peter’s hands. The power was in Christ’s name.

The name of Jesus represents His authority, His character, and His victory.

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

The man was healed because Jesus was alive. The One who had been crucified was now reigning.

The same Christ who healed a lame man can heal the broken heart, restore the fallen soul, and raise the spiritually dead.

IV. HIS RESPONSE WAS A LIFE OF WORSHIP

Acts 3:8-9

“So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God.”

Notice where he went after receiving his blessing.

He did not walk away from God.

He walked toward God.

The first steps of his new life were steps of worship.

A true encounter with Jesus always changes the direction of a person’s life.

The man who had spent years outside the temple was now entering the temple.

The one who had been carried by others was now walking by the power of God.

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

V. HIS TESTIMONY POINTED OTHERS TO CHRIST

Acts 3:9-10

“And they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement…”

Everyone knew his past.

Everyone knew his condition.

Everyone knew he could not walk.

That is what made the miracle powerful.

God often uses transformed lives as a testimony of His grace. The world may question our words, but it cannot easily deny a changed life.

Peter later explained the miracle:

“His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong.” (Acts 3:16)

The man was not the message.

Jesus was the message.

CONCLUSION

The lame man at the gate Beautiful teaches us that Jesus does not merely give us what we ask for. He gives us what we truly need.

He needed more than money.

He needed more than temporary assistance.

He needed the power of the risen Christ.

The same Jesus who made the lame man walk is able to raise sinners from death, restore broken lives, and give people a reason to leap with joy.

The question is not whether Jesus has power.

The question is whether we will trust His name.

He is still the One who makes the helpless stand, the broken whole, and the hopeless rejoice.

Livestream Preaching Times for July 16, 2026

5:30 AM — “A Man Blameless Before God”

Text: Job 1:1-5

8:00 AM — “The Gospel of God”

Text: Romans 1:1-7

3:00 PM — “Let There Be Light”

Text: Genesis 1:1-5

6:00 PM — “The Lamb Opens the Scroll”

Text: Revelation 6:1-17

TikTok: @dewaynedunawayministries

All times CST

THE GRAVE THAT COULD NOT HOLD HIM

“Whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it” (Acts 2:24).

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith.

The grave received many people before Jesus and has held many people since, but there was one grave that could not keep its prisoner.

Jesus entered the tomb bearing the weight of our sins, but He came forth in victory over sin, death, and the power of the grave.

The resurrection was not merely a miracle. It was God’s declaration that Jesus is truly the Son of God and that His sacrifice was accepted.

Paul wrote that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is empty and we are still in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:17), but because He lives, we have hope beyond the grave.

The resurrection proves that death is not the winner, that evil does not have the ultimate victory, and that God’s promises cannot fail.

The same Christ who walked out of the tomb offers new life to all who come to Him.

He calls us away from the old life of sin and into a life transformed by His power (Romans 6:4).

The empty tomb stands as a message to every searching heart: Jesus is alive, Jesus is Lord, and because He lives, those who belong to Him have a hope that cannot be destroyed.

BDD

OUT OF THE WHIRLWIND

The book of Job reaches its turning point in a most unexpected way. After long speeches, unanswered questions, and human attempts to explain suffering, “the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind” (Job 38:1).

God did not begin by explaining every tragedy that had come upon Job. Instead, He directed Job’s attention to the greatness of the Creator.

The whirlwind became a classroom in which the Lord reminded a suffering man of truths that had always existed but had not always been considered.

Human beings naturally seek explanations. When sorrow enters our lives, we ask why.

The Bible repeatedly teaches that our understanding is limited while God’s wisdom is infinite. Through a series of questions, the Lord asked Job where he had been when the foundations of the earth were laid and whether he could command the morning or number the clouds (Job 38:4-12, 34-38).

None of these questions were intended to humiliate Job. They were intended to restore perspective.

If we cannot govern creation, we should be cautious before assuming we can fully understand God’s providence.

The whirlwind also reveals something about the character of God. He was not absent during Job’s suffering. He had heard every word, observed every tear, and knew every accusation that had been made.

Then He chose the proper time to speak. “To everything there is a season,” Solomon wrote, and God’s timing is often different from ours (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Peter later reminded Christians to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, casting all their care upon Him because He cares for them (1 Peter 5:6-7; Psalms 55:22).

One of the remarkable features of God’s reply is what it does not contain. The Lord never informed Job about Satan’s challenge recorded in the opening chapters.

Job never learned that conversation while he lived.

Nevertheless, he learned something even greater. He learned that confidence in God does not depend upon possessing every answer. Faith rests upon the character of God rather than upon complete knowledge.

As Isaiah declared, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord (Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 11:33-36).

The climax of the book is found not merely in Job’s restored fortunes but in his transformed understanding.

He confessed, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:5-6). The greatest blessing was not the return of possessions but a deeper knowledge of the Lord.

Trials often accomplish what comfort cannot. James encouraged believers to let perseverance complete its work so they may become mature and lacking nothing (James 1:2-4).

The Lord still speaks today, not through whirlwinds but through His word.

When confusion clouds our minds, the Bible directs our attention away from our limited understanding and back to the wisdom of the One who made heaven and earth.

We may not receive an explanation for every hardship, but we are given something better. We are assured that God is righteous, faithful, and worthy of our trust.

The One who spoke out of the whirlwind also sent His Son to reveal His love, and through Christ we know that neither suffering nor death can victorious against the faithful child of God (John 16:33; Romans 8:28, 31-39; Hebrews 1:1-3).

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Prayer

Heavenly Father, when the storms of life surround us, help us to remember that You are still upon Your throne.

Teach us to trust Your wisdom when we cannot trace Your purpose. Give us humble hearts that listen to Your word, steadfast faith that endures every trial, and confidence that You are working all things according to Your perfect will.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

BDD

THE QUESTION THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING

“And he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’” (Acts 16:30).

There is no greater question a person can ask than the question asked by the Philippian jailer.

People spend their lives searching for answers about success, happiness, relationships, and purpose, but the greatest need of every soul is salvation.

The jailer had seen the power of God when the prison doors opened, but he also recognized his own spiritual need.

He did not ask how to become a better person or how to improve his circumstances.

He asked how to be saved.

The answer was centered in Jesus Christ, because salvation is found not in human effort, religious tradition, or personal goodness, but in the grace of God revealed through His Son.

Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), and He gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins (1 Peter 2:24).

Every person must eventually face this question: What will we do with Jesus?

The world offers many paths, but Christ declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

The most important decision you will ever make is not about what you will accomplish in this life, but whether you will belong to Christ for eternity.

BDD

THE UNSEEN WAR

Battles fill the pages of history, but there are real battles that never appear in the records of men. Kingdoms rise and fall before our eyes, yet behind the curtain of human events another conflict rages.

Daniel was granted a rare glimpse into that hidden world. As he mourned, fasted, and sought the face of God, heaven opened just enough for him to understand that his prayers had entered a battlefield.

An angelic messenger declared that the answer had been sent from the very first day, yet the prince of Persia resisted him for twenty-one days until Michael, one of the chief princes, came to assist.

The messenger also foretold the coming of the prince of Greece, showing that the conflict would continue as the kingdoms of this world marched across history (Daniel 10:10-21).

How little we know of what transpires beyond our sight.

We often imagine that what we see is all that exists, but the child of God lives in two worlds at once.

Her feet tread the dust of earth while her life is bound up with the realities of heaven.

The Christian does not wrestle merely with difficult circumstances, hostile people, or political powers. The Bible says “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age” (Ephesians 6:12).

Behind visible opposition there is often invisible hostility.

This passage is not given to make us fear the powers of darkness. It is given to magnify the sovereignty of God.

Notice that the evil powers could delay the messenger, but they could not defeat God’s purpose. The answer was hindered, not canceled.

Heaven was never in danger of losing the conflict.

The Lord who rules over angels also rules over kings.

Persia could boast of its armies, Greece would one day conquer nations, but neither earthly empires nor spiritual adversaries could overturn the decree of Almighty God. Every delay in God’s providence is governed by divine wisdom.

There is also comfort for the praying believer. Daniel must have wondered whether heaven had heard him. Twenty-one days passed with no visible answer.

The angel declared, “From the first day that you set your heart to understand, your words were heard” (Daniel 10:12).

What encouragement for weary saints.

Many prayers appear to vanish into silence, but not one sincere cry escapes the ears of God. The answer may travel through storms we cannot see, but it will arrive at the appointed hour.

God’s clock is never late, though it seldom moves according to ours.

Michael’s appearance reminds us that God has not left His people defenseless. The armies of heaven are not idle spectators. Though we cannot see them, the Lord commands hosts beyond numbering.

This should not lead us to become fascinated with angels, but with the God who sends them. Our confidence rests not in Michael but in the Lord of Michael.

Angels are servants. Christ is King. They obey His voice, fulfill His commands, and minister according to His perfect will (Hebrews 1:14).

The mention of the prince of Persia and the prince of Greece also teaches us that Satan seeks influence over nations as well as individuals.

The conflict extends beyond personal temptation.

Empires, governments, cultures, and movements are all arenas in which spiritual forces seek to advance either truth or deception.

Every kingdom of men has an expiration date. Persia passed away. Greece yielded to Rome. Rome itself crumbled into dust.

Only the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ shall endure forever (Daniel 2:44).

How then should the Christian live? Not in terror, but in steadfast faith.

We are never commanded to fear demons. We are commanded to resist the devil, stand firm in the armor of God, pray always, and trust our victorious Savior (James 4:7; Ephesians 6:13–18).

The battle is real, but so is the triumph of Christ. At the cross He disarmed principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them through His sacrifice (Colossians 2:15).

The decisive victory has already been won, though the final celebration awaits His return.

Believer, do not lose heart when prayers seem delayed or trials seem prolonged. The King upon the throne has never surrendered a single battle.

What appears to be silence may simply be the hidden movement of divine providence.

Continue to pray.

Continue to trust.

Continue to stand.

The God who strengthened Daniel still governs heaven and earth, and every unseen conflict moves steadily toward the day when all darkness will flee before the everlasting light of Jesus Christ.

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Prayer

Heavenly Father, strengthen our faith when we cannot see what You are doing. Remind us that our prayers are heard, even when the answer seems delayed.

Clothe us with the whole armor of God, keep us steadfast against every attack of the evil one, and fix our eyes upon the Lord Jesus Christ, who has already won the victory through His cross and resurrection.

Teach us to walk by faith and not by sight until the day Your eternal kingdom is fully revealed.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

Throughout God’s word, God is revealed as the Shepherd of His people. David declared, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalms 23:1).

The fullness of this truth is found in Jesus Christ, who came as the Good Shepherd to seek the lost, care for the helpless, and lay down His life for His sheep.

The shepherd does not merely lead from a distance. He knows His sheep, loves His sheep, and watches over His sheep with faithful care.

GUIDES THE LOST

The Good Shepherd guides those who have wandered away. Jesus came into a world that had lost its way because of sin, and He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).

Like sheep, humanity often follows its own desires and turns away from the path of righteousness (Isaiah 53:6).

Christ does not abandon those who have strayed. He calls them back to Himself.

His voice leads us through the confusion of this world. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).

As we listen to His word and follow His direction, He leads us into paths of righteousness and truth. The Shepherd who found us continues to guide us every step of the journey.

GUARDS THE LAMB

The Good Shepherd not only guides His sheep, but He guards them. Jesus promised that His sheep are secure in His care, saying, “No one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28).

The believer’s confidence is not found in personal strength but in the mighty hand of the Shepherd who watches over His flock.

The sheep may face valleys, dangers, and enemies, but the Shepherd remains near. David could walk through the valley of the shadow of death because he knew the Lord was with him (Psalms 23:4).

The presence of the Shepherd brings peace in the midst of life’s storms because His care is greater than every threat.

GIVES LIFE

The greatest expression of the Shepherd’s love is that He gives His life for the sheep. Jesus did not come merely to teach or inspire. He came to redeem.

At the cross, the Good Shepherd laid down His life so that His sheep could receive forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life (1 Peter 2:24-25).

The Shepherd who died for His sheep also rose again and continues to care for them. He provides spiritual nourishment, restores the weary soul, and leads His people toward the eternal home He has prepared (John 14:1-3).

One day, the Chief Shepherd will appear and reward those who have faithfully followed Him (1 Peter 5:4).

Until that day, we rest in the care of the One who guides the lost, guards the lamb, and gives life.

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Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd. Help us to hear His voice, follow His guidance, and trust His protection. When we wander, bring us back. When we are weary, strengthen us.

May we always rest in the love of the Shepherd who gave His life for us and leads us toward eternal glory.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE GREAT PHYSICIAN

“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance’” (Luke 5:31-32).

The greatest sickness known to humanity is not found in the body but in the soul. Sin has wounded every person and separated mankind from the presence of God (Romans 3:23).

The good news of the gospel is that God has not left us without a remedy. Jesus Christ came as the Great Physician, not to ignore our condition but to heal us completely.

He does not merely treat symptoms. He restores the heart, cleanses the conscience, and brings sinners back into fellowship with God.

DIAGNOSES THE DISEASE

Before a physician can provide healing, the disease must be recognized. Jesus came exposing the true condition of humanity.

The Pharisees believed they were spiritually healthy, but they failed to recognize their need for a Savior. Christ revealed that pride, self-righteousness, and unbelief were symptoms of a deeper sickness within.

The word of God acts as a mirror, revealing what is hidden within us (James 1:23-25). The Lord knows every wound, every weakness, and every hidden sin. Nothing is concealed from His eyes (Hebrews 4:13).

But His diagnosis is not meant to destroy us but to lead us toward repentance and restoration.

DELIVERS THE DISEASED

The Great Physician does not merely reveal our sickness. He provides healing.

Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Through His sacrifice on the cross, He offers forgiveness to those who turn to Him in faith and obedience. Isaiah declared that by His wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:5).

The healing Christ provides is deeper than physical relief. He delivers us from the guilt and power of sin. He gives a new heart, a renewed mind, and a transformed life (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The sinner who comes to Him does not remain condemned but receives mercy, grace, and the hope of eternal life.

DEVELOPS THE DISCIPLE

A great physician does more than rescue a patient from danger. He restores the patient to strength and usefulness.

Christ does not save us merely from something. He saves us for something. Those who have been healed by His grace are called to follow Him, grow in holiness, and serve His kingdom.

Jesus told His disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). The healing process continues as we walk with Him each day.

Through His word, His Spirit, and His grace, He continues shaping us into His image (Romans 8:29).

The Great Physician who found us in our brokenness continues His work until we are perfected in His presence.

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Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ, the Great Physician, to heal our sin-sick souls. Help us to recognize our need for Him, receive the healing of His grace, and faithfully follow Him as devoted disciples. Continue Your work within us until our lives reflect the beauty of Christ.

In His name, Amen.

BDD

Livestream Preaching Schedule for Wednesday, July 15, 2026

5:30 am

Walking After the Spirit

(Romans 8:1-4)

10:00 am

The Unseen Battle

(Daniel 10:12-13)

2:00 pm

The Spiritual Mind

(Romans 8:4-8)

TikTok: @dewaynedunawayministries

All Times CST

THE UNSHAKABLE FOUNDATION

The Bible repeatedly describes God as the Rock of His people. Moses proclaimed, “He is the Rock, His work is perfect” (Deuteronomy 32:4).

David rejoiced, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer” (Psalms 18:2).

These glorious images find their fullest expression in Jesus Christ, who is the eternal foundation upon which every believer must build (1 Corinthians 10:4).

The world shifts beneath our feet, kingdoms rise and fall, and human strength fades, but Christ remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. Those who trust in Him stand upon a foundation that can never be shaken.

BUILDING UPON CHRIST

Jesus declared that the wise man hears His words and obeys them, building his house upon the rock (Matthew 7:24-25).

A life anchored in Christ is not established upon emotion, popular opinion, or religious tradition. It is established upon the truth of God’s word.

The rains may descend, the floods may rise, and the winds may beat against the house, but the believer who has built upon Christ remains secure because his confidence rests in the One who cannot fail.

REFUGE IN THE ROCK

Throughout his life, David fled to the Lord as his refuge in times of fear and trouble (Psalms 61:2-3).

The same refuge is found today in Jesus Christ. He welcomes the weary, strengthens the weak, forgives the guilty, and comforts the brokenhearted.

In Him we find safety from the condemnation of sin, grace for every trial, and peace that surpasses human understanding. Our Shepherd faithfully keeps His sheep, and no one can snatch them from His hand as they continue following Him (John 10:27-29).

CONFIDENCE THAT ENDURES

Believers are called “living stones” because they have been joined to Christ, the chief cornerstone of God’s spiritual house (1 Peter 2:4-6). Our assurance is not rooted in personal achievement but in the faithfulness of the Savior who has redeemed us.

As we continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast (Colossians 1:23), we grow in confidence because the foundation beneath us is eternal.

Everything built by human hands will one day pass away, but those whose lives are established upon Christ will stand forever in His glorious kingdom.

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Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us an unshakable foundation in Your Son. Teach us to build every part of our lives upon His word. When trials come, keep us steadfast in faith.

May we continually find refuge in Christ, grow stronger in our trust, and remain faithful until the day we stand before You in glory.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

BDD

THE TYRANNY OF COMMAND, EXAMPLE, AND NECESSARY INFERENCE

There is something profoundly ironic about the doctrine of command, example, and necessary inference. It claims to restore biblical authority, yet it ultimately enthrones human judgment.

The Bible is no longer allowed to speak for itself. Instead, every text must pass through the filter of a man-made system that asks not merely, “What has God said?” but, “What can we deduce?”

The result is that deductions become doctrines, opinions become laws, and human conclusions are invested with divine authority.

God has never asked His people to live by another man’s inferences. He has called us to live by His revealed word. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever” (Deuteronomy 29:29).

Heaven has drawn a bright line between revelation and speculation. Faith rests upon revelation, not upon the ingenuity of the interpreter.

Advocates of command, example, and necessary inference insist that their conclusions are “necessary.”

Necessary according to whom?

The Holy Spirit has inspired the text, but He has not inspired the deductions of modern readers. One man’s necessary inference becomes another man’s impossible conclusion.

One congregation divides from another because they disagree over what is supposedly “necessary.” If the inference were truly necessary, why do equally sincere and capable students of the Bible continually reach different conclusions?

History exposes the weakness of the system. Those who have championed it have repeatedly fractured over orphan homes, missionary societies, located preachers, church kitchens, multiple communion cups, Bible classes, and countless other controversies.

Each side confidently claimed biblical authority. Each side insisted its inference was unavoidable. Both cannot be right.

Their divisions did not arise because God’s word was unclear. They arose because human reasoning had been elevated to the throne of authority.

The Bible records many examples, but not every example establishes a universal law. Christians met in homes. They assembled in an upper room. Some traveled by ship. Others walked dusty roads. Paul left his cloak in Troas. The early believers greeted one another with a holy kiss.

Which of these examples are binding? The system itself offers no inspired answer. Someone must decide.

The moment that decision is made, human judgment has entered the process. The interpreter becomes the legislator.

When God intended to bind something upon His people, He knew exactly how to do it. He did not whisper in riddles or conceal His will behind a maze of deductions.

He spoke with clarity.

He declared the gospel plainly.

He revealed the lordship of Christ openly.

He commanded repentance, faith, holiness, love, and perseverance without requiring believers to unravel a web of logical constructions before they could obey.

The apostles never urged the churches to master a hermeneutical formula. They preached Christ. They called sinners to believe the gospel.

They taught the churches “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27), not the whole counsel of human inference.

The Bereans were commended because they searched the Scriptures to see whether Paul’s teaching was true (Acts 17:11).

They examined what had been written, not what someone imagined might be hidden between the lines.

Reason has its place. God expects us to think carefully. We compare passage with passage. We recognize implications that naturally flow from revealed truth.

But there is an immeasurable difference between recognizing an implication and binding that implication upon the conscience of every believer.

The former is an act of study. The latter is an act of legislation.

The church has always been in greatest danger when it has confused the voice of God with the voice of its own reasoning. Every generation has produced teachers who were more certain of their deductions than of God’s declarations.

Such confidence is misplaced. The authority belongs to the text, not to the interpreter. The power resides in what God has spoken, not in what we suppose He must have meant.

Let the power of God’s word drown out the whispers of human systems. Let every creed built upon speculation crumble beneath the weight of divine revelation. Let every chain forged from human deduction fall to the ground.

The Lord has not commanded His people to walk by inference. He has commanded them to walk by faith. And “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17), not by the uncertain conclusions of men.

The safest hermeneutic is also the simplest. Believe what God has plainly revealed. Obey what He has clearly commanded. Rejoice in what He has graciously made known.

Where God has spoken, let us speak with confidence.

Where God has remained silent, let us refuse to manufacture laws that Heaven itself has never proclaimed.

The church needs less confidence in human deduction and far more confidence in the clear, sufficient, and living word of God.

BDD

LIVING THE RIGHT WAY

Every person is living some way. The important question is whether we are living God’s way.

The world measures success by wealth, popularity, and pleasure, but the Bible measures success by faithfulness. Solomon concluded that the whole duty of man is to “fear God and keep His commandments” because every work will be brought into judgment (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

A life that pleases God is never wasted, even if the world fails to recognize it.

Living the right way begins with a heart that is surrendered to Christ. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23).

That kind of life is not built on feelings but on commitment. When we love the Lord, we seek to obey Him because His commandments are for our good (John 14:15; Deuteronomy 10:12-13).

God’s word teaches us how to speak, think, and act. David declared, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105).

Instead of allowing the world to shape our values, we should allow the Bible to renew our minds so we can discern what is good and acceptable before God (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). The right way is not discovered by human wisdom but by listening to the Lord.

A righteous life also bears fruit in the way we treat others. Jesus taught that we should do to others as we would have them do to us (Matthew 7:12).

Paul urged Christians to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, just as God has forgiven us in Christ (Ephesians 4:31-32; Colossians 3:12-14). Kindness is not weakness. It is evidence that Christ is living within us.

No one lives the right way by his own strength. We all have sinned and need God’s grace (Romans 3:23).

Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, forgiveness is offered to those who trust Him. We then continue walking in the light, relying on God’s mercy as we faithfully follow Him (1 John 1:7-9).

The right way is not always the easiest way, but it is always the best way. Jesus said that the narrow way leads to life, while the broad way leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).

Let us choose the path that honors God, trust His promises, and remain faithful until the end, knowing that “the crown of life” awaits those who love Him (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).

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Prayer: Our Father in heaven, thank You for giving us Your word to guide our steps. Help us to choose what is right instead of what is easy. Strengthen us to follow Jesus each day with humble and obedient hearts. Forgive us when we fall, and give us courage to live in a way that brings honor to Your name. May our lives point others to Christ until the day we are with You forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

SERVICE

The world often measures greatness by how many people serve us, but heaven measures greatness by how willingly we serve others.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, though He was the King of glory, took upon Himself the form of a servant. He did not come demanding the honor of men but offering His life for the salvation of sinners.

He declared, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). If we would walk closely with Christ, we must learn the joy of giving ourselves for the good of others.

1. THE CALLING OF SERVICE

Service begins with a divine calling. God does not save us merely from sin, but He saves us for a purpose.

Paul wrote that we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). Every believer has a place in the kingdom of God. Some may serve publicly, others quietly, but no faithful act done for the Lord is insignificant.

The servant does not wait for a perfect opportunity. He recognizes that every moment is an opportunity to glorify God. A kind word, a helping hand, a prayer offered for another, or a sacrifice made in love can become an offering pleasing to the Lord (Hebrews 13:16).

God sees what others overlook.

2. THE CHARACTER OF SERVICE

True service requires the character of humility. It is possible to do good things with the wrong heart, seeking praise rather than pleasing God.

Jesus warned against practicing righteousness merely to be seen by others (Matthew 6:1). The servant of Christ serves because love has taken possession of the heart.

The greatest example of humble service is found at the feet of Jesus. The One who created all things washed the feet of His disciples and taught them that they should follow His example (John 13:12-17).

Service is not beneath the follower of Christ. It is the very pathway by which Christ’s love is displayed.

3. THE CROWN OF SERVICE

Faithful service may go unnoticed by the world, but it is never forgotten by God. The Lord promised that even a cup of cold water given in His name would receive a reward (Matthew 10:42).

Heaven keeps records that earth cannot see.

Paul reached the end of his life with confidence because he knew he had faithfully served the Lord. He wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

The greatest reward of service is not applause from people but the joy of hearing the Savior say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

Let us not wait until we have great abilities or perfect circumstances before we serve God. The Lord delights in hearts that are willing.

A small act of obedience placed into His hands can become a great blessing.

The servant who gives himself to Christ discovers that he receives far more than he gives, for the greatest joy is found in living for the glory of God.

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Prayer: Our gracious Father, teach us the beauty of service. Remove selfishness from our hearts and give us the humility of Jesus. Help us to recognize the opportunities You place before us and to serve others with love and faithfulness. May our lives be poured out for Your glory until the day we see Christ and receive the eternal reward prepared for those who serve Him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE GRAPES OF WRATH

Many people recognize The Grapes of Wrath as a classic novel that later became an equally memorable motion picture. The title itself, however, reaches much deeper than American literature.

It comes from language rooted in the Bible, where God’s judgment is pictured as grapes gathered into a winepress. What was intended to nourish becomes a vivid symbol of justice when people stubbornly reject the Lord.

The movie shows viewers of hardship and injustice, but the Bible teaches us that there is an even greater reality awaiting every soul that refuses His mercy (Isaiah 63:1-6; Revelation 14:14-20).

Throughout the Bible, God is patient. He does not delight in punishing sinners. He repeatedly calls people to repent because He desires them to live (Ezekiel 18:23).

His patience is not endless, however.

Jesus warned that a tree producing no fruit would eventually be cut down, and He called people to bear fruit worthy of repentance (Luke 13:6-9). Those warnings are expressions of divine love, urging men and women to turn before the harvest of judgment arrives.

The imagery of the winepress is sobering. Revelation describes the grapes of the earth being gathered because they have become fully ripe. Then they are thrown into “the great winepress of the wrath of God” (Revelation 14:19-20).

This is not a picture of uncontrolled anger. It is the righteous judgment of a holy God who has offered grace through His Son.

Every opportunity to repent has been extended.

Every invitation has been sincere.

When judgment comes, no one will be able to accuse the Lord of being unfair (Romans 2:5-11; Acts 17:30-31; Matthew 7:13-14).

The good news is that no one must become part of those grapes of wrath. Jesus Christ bore God’s judgment on the cross so that those who believe and obey Him might receive forgiveness and eternal life (John 3:16-18; Romans 5:8-9).

Peter declared that repentance and baptism are connected with the forgiveness of sins, and Paul proclaimed that we are united with Christ through obedient faith (John 3:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 1:5).

God’s wrath is real, but so is His mercy. The same Lord who warns also invites.

As Christians, we should never rejoice at the thought of judgment. Instead, we should be moved with compassion for those who do not know Christ.

Paul wrote that “knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11). The certainty of judgment should motivate us to teach God’s word faithfully, to live holy lives, and to urge our neighbors to seek the Savior while there is still time (2 Peter 3:9-14; Hebrews 9:27-28).

The title The Grapes of Wrath has endured because it speaks to something every generation senses: injustice cannot continue forever.

The Bible explains why.

God is both loving and just.

His grace is available today, but His judgment will come.

Let us receive His mercy with grateful hearts, walk faithfully before Him, and help others escape the coming wrath through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing both Your justice and Your mercy in Your word. Help us never to take Your patience for granted. Give us hearts that repent quickly, live faithfully, and share the gospel with compassion.

May we always trust in Jesus Christ, who bore our sins so that we might have life. Strengthen us to bear good fruit until the day we stand before You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD