SEALED BEFORE THE STORM

The opening verses of Revelation 7 provide a pause between the sixth and seventh seals. The question at the end of chapter 6 is, “Who is able to stand?” (Revelation 6:17).

Before the next judgments unfold, God answers that question by showing that He knows and preserves His people. Revelation 7 is not first about wrath. It is about assurance. Before the winds blow, God marks His servants as His own.

John sees four angels holding back the four winds of the earth so that no harm comes to the land, sea, or trees (Revelation 7:1).

Another angel appears with the seal of the living God and commands that the earth not be harmed until God’s servants are sealed on their foreheads (Revelation 7:2-3).

Judgment does not move ahead until God permits it. He rules over the nations (Psalm 22:28). His throne is established in heaven and His kingdom rules over all (Psalm 103:19). Nebuchadnezzar learned that no one can restrain God’s hand or question His purposes (Daniel 4:35).

Even in judgment, God remains in complete control.

The seal identifies those who belong to God. In Ezekiel’s vision, a mark was placed upon the faithful before judgment came upon Jerusalem (Ezekiel 9:4-6). During the Passover, God distinguished His people by the blood upon their houses (Exodus 12:13).

In the same way, the servants in Revelation are marked as God’s own. The Lord knows those who are His (2 Timothy 2:19). Jesus said, “I know My sheep” (John 10:14), and again, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them” (John 10:27).

Those who belong to Christ are sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). God does not forget His people in times of trouble.

John then hears the number of those who are sealed, one hundred forty-four thousand from the tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:4-8). The number signifies completeness and fullness. God knows every one of His people. Not one servant is overlooked.

Jesus promised that He would lose none of those given to Him by the Father (John 6:39). Paul taught the faithful that God has always preserved a remnant according to grace (Romans 11:5). Their names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20), and they are engraved upon His hands (Isaiah 49:16).

For the first readers, this vision brought comfort. Difficult days were coming. Jesus had foretold great tribulation surrounding the fall of Jerusalem and promised deliverance for His elect (Matthew 24:21-22).

Before those events unfolded, God assured His faithful people that they belonged to Him. He would not confuse the righteous with the wicked.

The same truth comforts Christians today. Nations rise and fall. Trials come and go. Yet Christ still knows His sheep. Before the storm begins, He knows His people. While the storm rages, He remains with them. When the storm has passed, He will bring them safely home (Romans 8:38-39).

BDD

DO NOT DRIFT AWAY

A ship does not drift because someone steers it in the wrong direction. It drifts because no one is paying attention. The tides slowly carry it away from its harbor.

The same is true in the Christian life. Few people abandon Christ all at once. More often, they slowly drift by neglecting God’s word, prayer, worship, and faithful obedience. For this reason the writer of Hebrews begins with a solemn warning: “We must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away” (Hebrews 2:1).

The Danger

The warning begins with the words, “We must.” Spiritual vigilance is not optional. The Christian must give careful attention to the message revealed through Christ. Faith comes by hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17), and we are to be doers of the word rather than hearers only (James 1:22).

The blessed man delights in God’s law day and night (Psalm 1:1-3). Jesus taught that the wise man builds his house by hearing His sayings and putting them into practice (Matthew 7:24-27).

When we neglect these things, drifting is inevitable. Satan does not always push people away from Christ. Sometimes he simply persuades them to stop paying attention.

The Disobedience

The writer reminds his readers that every violation of the law given through angels received a just punishment (Hebrews 2:2). If God held Israel accountable under the old covenant, we should not expect to escape when we neglect the greater revelation that has come through His Son.

Jesus is greater than the prophets (Hebrews 1:1-2), greater than the angels (Hebrews 1:4-14), and His covenant is better than the one given through Moses (Hebrews 8:6). To neglect such a salvation is a serious matter.

Jesus asked, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). The danger is not merely rejecting Christ but ignoring Him.

The Deliverance

The salvation offered through Christ is described as “so great” (Hebrews 2:3). It is great because it was first spoken by the Lord Himself (Mark 1:14-15), confirmed by those who heard Him (Acts 2:22-24), and witnessed by God through signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 2:3-4; Mark 16:20).

This salvation was purchased by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 1:7), offers forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), reconciles us to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-21), and gives the hope of eternal life (Titus 1:2). There is no greater gift God could have given, and there is no greater tragedy than to neglect it.

The writer does not warn against one dramatic act of rebellion. He warns against a slow, careless drift. Every Christian should regularly examine his heart, hold fast to God’s word, and keep his eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2).

The safest believer is not the one who thinks he cannot fall, but the one who daily draws near to Christ and gives earnest heed to what he has heard.

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Prayer

Father, keep us from drifting away from Your Son. Give us hearts that love Your word, ears that are eager to hear it, and lives that faithfully obey it. Help us never to neglect the great salvation You have provided through Jesus Christ. In His name we pray. Amen.

BDD

NO OTHER GOSPEL

The churches of Galatia had not abandoned Christ by rejecting Him outright. They were in danger of leaving Him by accepting a different message. False teachers had persuaded many that faith in Christ was not enough and that obedience to the Law of Moses was necessary for salvation.

Paul responded with urgency because the gospel was at stake. Whenever men add to or take away from the gospel of Christ, they no longer preach the gospel at all.

Desertion

“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel” (Galatians 1:6). To leave the gospel is to leave Christ Himself. The gospel calls sinners by God’s grace (2 Thessalonians 2:14), reveals the righteousness of God (Romans 1:16-17), and brings salvation to those who believe (1 Corinthians 15:1-2).

Any message that replaces God’s grace with human merit or human tradition is a departure from the truth. We are warned not to go beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6) and not to compromise the message of redemption through Christ Jesus.

Distortion

Paul quickly explains that there is not another genuine gospel, “but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:7). A distorted gospel may use biblical language while teaching unbiblical doctrine. Satan has always mixed truth with error (Genesis 3:1-5).

Jesus warned of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). Peter warned of false teachers who would secretly bring in destructive heresies (2 Peter 2:1). The only safeguard against error is to compare every teaching with the word of God, as the Bereans did (Acts 17:11). The gospel revealed by Christ is complete, and it does not need revision or improvement (Jude 3).

Devotion

Paul declares that even if he himself, another apostle, or an angel from heaven preached a different gospel, that messenger was to be accursed (Galatians 1:8-9). Truth is not determined by the reputation of the messenger but by the faithfulness of the message.

Paul then asks, “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men?” (Galatians 1:10). Faithful servants of Christ seek God’s approval above human applause. As Peter and the other apostles said, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Preachers are stewards of God’s mysteries (1 Corinthians 4:1-2), and it is required that stewards be found faithful.

The church today faces the same temptation as the Galatians. Some add human traditions to the gospel. Others remove the demands of repentance, faithfulness, and holy living. Still others reshape the gospel to fit the spirit of the age.

But there is still only one gospel.

It is the gospel preached by the apostles, centered in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Our task is not to improve it, modernize it, or soften it. Our task is to believe it, obey it, defend it, and proclaim it.

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Prayer

Father, help us to love the truth more than the praise of men. Give us wisdom to recognize error and courage to stand firmly for the gospel You have revealed through Your Son.

May we never add to it or take away from it, but faithfully proclaim it until Christ returns.

In His name we pray. Amen.

BDD

SACRIFICE

The word sacrifice has always carried the idea of surrender. It speaks of giving something valuable because a greater purpose is before us.

The world often admires those who gain, but heaven honors those who give. The greatest stories of courage are not written by those who protected themselves at every cost, but by those who willingly laid something down for the sake of another.

The heart of Christianity is built upon the greatest sacrifice ever offered, when Jesus Christ gave Himself for the salvation of mankind (John 15:13).

The pattern of sacrifice is revealed in the character of God Himself. From the beginning, God showed that redemption would require the giving of life. The sacrifices offered under the Old Covenant pointed forward to the perfect sacrifice of Christ, who would take away sin completely (Hebrews 10:10-12).

Jesus did not come reluctantly. He willingly offered Himself. He declared, “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself” (John 10:18). The cross was not an accident of history. It was the loving purpose of God to bring sinners back into fellowship with Him.

Every genuine sacrifice carries a cost. A gift that costs nothing requires little faith. David understood this when he refused to offer to God something that cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24). True devotion always involves surrender.

Following Christ also requires sacrifice. Jesus taught that anyone who desires to come after Him must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). This does not mean that God desires to take away our joy. It means He desires to remove the selfishness that prevents us from experiencing the fullness of His life.

The sacrifice may involve our time, our possessions, our ambitions, or our desires. The question is not whether we will surrender something, but whether we will surrender everything that keeps us from wholehearted devotion to Christ.

God never wastes a sacrifice made in faith. What is surrendered into His hands is transformed for His glory. The widow who gave two small coins appeared to offer little, but Jesus declared that she had given more than all the others because her gift came from a heart of trust (Mark 12:41-44).

Paul described his own life as a sacrifice poured out in service to Christ. He urged believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is their reasonable service (Romans 12:1). The Christian life is not merely about receiving blessings. It is about becoming a blessing.

The greatest reward of sacrifice is not found in what we give up but in what we gain. Moses chose to suffer with God’s people rather than enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin because he looked toward a greater reward (Hebrews 11:24-26). The surrendered life discovers treasures that cannot be measured by earthly standards.

Let us remember that sacrifice is not the loss of everything. In the hands of God, sacrifice becomes the pathway to true life. The seed must be planted before the harvest can come. The cross came before the resurrection. The surrender of Christ became the salvation of the world.

May we follow our Savior with willing hearts, knowing that whatever is placed into God’s hands is never wasted.

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Prayer

Our gracious Father, teach us the beauty of sacrifice. Help us to follow Jesus with hearts that are willing to surrender all that hinders our devotion to You.

May we not cling to temporary things but gladly give ourselves for Your kingdom and for the good of others. Thank You for the sacrifice of Christ, through whom we have life and hope.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

Livestream Preaching Times for Thursday, July 23, 2026

5:30 AM

“The Gospel that Saves”

(1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

12:00 Noon

“No Other Gospel”

(Galatians 1:6-10)

2:00 PM

“Do Not Drift Away”

(Hebrews 2:1-4)

6:00 pm

“Sealed Before the Storm”

(Revelation 7:1-8)

TikTok: @dewaynedunawayministries

All times CST

BROTHER LAWRENCE AND THE PRESENCE OF GOD

“Brother Lawrence” spent much of his life doing ordinary tasks in a monastery kitchen. He peeled potatoes, washed dishes, and served others in ways that seemed insignificant.

And he discovered something many people never learn. Every task can become an act of worship when it is done with a heart that loves God. He wrote that the time of business did not differ from the time of prayer because he sought God’s presence in both.

The Bible teaches the same truth. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23). God is not impressed merely by public acts of service. He delights in hearts that remember Him while carrying out the ordinary responsibilities of life. The one who prays in the sanctuary should also honor God in the kitchen, the office, the factory, and the home.

It is easy to think we will be closer to God when life slows down or when we have more time to pray. But the Lord invites us to walk with Him in the middle of everyday life. We can whisper a prayer while driving, thank Him while folding laundry, praise Him while working, and seek His wisdom in every conversation. A life lived consciously before God becomes a continual offering of praise.

Brother Lawrence believed that the holiest place on earth is wherever a believer is consciously walking with Christ. Let us not wait for extraordinary moments. Let us seek His presence in the ordinary until every moment becomes sacred.

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Prayer

Father, teach me to live every moment in Your presence. Help me to honor You not only in worship services but also in the ordinary duties of daily life. May every word, every task, and every thought be offered to You through Jesus Christ. Amen.

BDD

THE FEASTS OF ISRAEL FOR CHRISTIANS: A REVIEW FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE CHRISTIANS MUST KEEP THE FEASTS

In recent years, many sincere Christians have become interested in the feasts of Israel. Some simply want to understand the Old Testament better. Others have gone further and concluded that believers today are obligated to observe Passover, Tabernacles, the Day of Atonement, and the other festivals given to Israel.

If you fall into that second group, Dr. Eitan Bar’s The Feasts of Israel for Christians is worth reading because it presents a much healthier perspective than many books promoting mandatory feast keeping.

One of the greatest strengths of Bar’s book is that he consistently points the reader to Jesus Christ. The feasts are not presented as an end in themselves but as signposts directing us to the Messiah. Passover finds its fulfillment in Christ our Passover Lamb. Firstfruits points to His resurrection. Pentecost reminds us of the coming of the Holy Spirit.

The remaining feasts likewise anticipate God’s redemptive work. This Christ-centered emphasis reflects the teaching of the New Testament, where the shadows give way to the substance found in Christ (Colossians 2:16-17).

Another commendable feature is Bar’s respect for the Jewish background of the Bible without insisting that Christians become culturally Jewish. The New Testament never asks Gentile believers to adopt Israel’s covenant identity.

In fact, when the apostles met in Jerusalem to determine whether Gentiles should be required to keep the Law of Moses, they deliberately refused to place that burden upon them (Acts 15:1-29). This is an important distinction that many modern movements overlook.

Perhaps the most valuable contribution of the book is what it does not say. Bar never argues that observing the feasts makes one more spiritual. He does not suggest that churches are incomplete if they do not celebrate the biblical festivals. He does not teach that Christians who worship on Sunday instead of celebrating Israel’s calendar are living in disobedience.

Instead, he presents the feasts as beautiful pictures of God’s plan of redemption. They enrich our understanding of Christ without becoming a measure of our faithfulness.

This approach harmonizes well with the apostle Paul’s instruction. Paul warned believers not to allow anyone to judge them regarding festivals, new moons, or Sabbaths because these were shadows pointing to Christ (Colossians 2:16-17).

He also taught that one believer may esteem one day above another while another esteems every day alike, and each should be fully convinced in his own mind without condemning the other (Romans 14:5-6). Those passages are difficult to reconcile with the claim that feast keeping is a binding obligation for every Christian.

That does not mean the feasts have no value today. They are rich with biblical truth. Studying them deepens our appreciation of God’s unfolding plan of redemption. Churches may choose to teach about Passover or explain the symbolism of Tabernacles. The problem arises only when appreciation becomes obligation and freedom becomes law.

There is also an important theological principle at stake. The feasts belonged to the covenant God made with Israel through Moses. The New Testament teaches that believers are under the New Covenant established through the blood of Christ (Hebrews 8:6-13).

We honor the Old Testament by understanding it through the lens of its fulfillment in Jesus, not by attempting to place ourselves back under the covenant to which those ceremonies belonged.

No book is perfect, and readers may disagree with some of Bar’s prophetic interpretations, especially regarding the future significance of the fall feasts. Those discussions, however, are secondary to his central message. His primary concern is that Christians see Christ as the fulfillment of the feasts rather than viewing the feasts as continuing obligations.

For believers wrestling with claims that Christians must observe the feasts to be fully obedient, this book offers a refreshing corrective. It encourages appreciation without legalism, learning without bondage, and reverence for Israel’s Scriptures without confusing the Old Covenant with the New.

The feasts remain a marvelous testimony to God’s wisdom, but their greatest purpose is fulfilled when they lead us to the One of whom they always spoke. In Christ the shadows have found their substance, and in Him the believer possesses everything the feasts anticipated.

BDD

FAITHFUL TO THE FINISH

As Paul neared the end of his life, he did not speak with regret or fear but with confidence and hope. Looking back over decades of faithful service, he knew his race was almost complete and that a heavenly reward awaited him.

His words challenge every believer to live with eternity in view. The Christian life is not a sprint but a marathon that requires perseverance, commitment, and unwavering devotion to Christ. Paul’s testimony reminds us that finishing well is more important than starting well.

In these verses we discover three marks of a believer who is faithful to the finish: Sacrifice, Steadfastness, and Satisfaction.

1. SACRIFICE

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand” (2 Timothy 4:6). Paul viewed his life as an offering poured out for the glory of God. He had willingly given his time, strength, comfort, and even his life in service to Christ.

Faithfulness always involves sacrifice. Following Jesus requires us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and place His will above our own. A life surrendered to God is never wasted because every sacrifice made for Christ is noticed by Him.

2. STEADFASTNESS

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Paul was not claiming perfection but perseverance. Through imprisonments, beatings, hardships, disappointments, and opposition, he remained faithful to the gospel. He neither abandoned the truth nor turned away from his calling.

Every believer will face obstacles, but God calls us to remain steadfast until the end. Victory belongs not to those who never struggle, but to those who continue trusting Christ through every trial.

3. SATISFACTION

“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8). Paul’s confidence rested not in his accomplishments but in the promise of Christ. He looked beyond the prison cell to the throne of God and beyond earthly suffering to eternal reward.

The greatest satisfaction for every believer is not found in earthly success but in hearing the Lord say, “Well done.” Those who faithfully love Christ and long for His return can live with joyful anticipation of the reward He has prepared.

Paul finished his race with confidence because he had lived for the One who never fails. His example calls us to offer our lives as a sacrifice, remain steadfast in the faith, and keep our eyes on the eternal satisfaction that awaits God’s people.

May we not simply begin the Christian life with enthusiasm, but finish it with faithfulness, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.

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Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us to be faithful to the finish.

Give us willing hearts to sacrifice for Your glory, steadfast spirits to endure every trial, and eyes fixed on the eternal reward You have promised.

Keep us faithful to Your Word and devoted to Your Son until the day we stand before You.

May our lives bring honor to Christ, and may we finish our race with joy.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE EARLY CHURCH AND HOUSE CHURCHES

It is often said that the early church met in homes for the first four hundred years of its existence. While that statement contains an element of truth, it needs careful qualification. The New Testament demonstrates that the earliest Christians commonly assembled in private homes. But it does not teach that homes were the only acceptable place for congregational meetings, nor does history support the claim that house churches remained the exclusive pattern for four centuries. A balanced examination of the biblical and historical evidence is needed.

The New Testament provides several examples of congregations meeting in homes. Paul greeted “the church that is in their house” (Romans 16:5). Similar references are found in 1 Corinthians 16:19, Colossians 4:15, and Philemon 2. These passages show that Christians frequently assembled in the homes of believers. This arrangement was practical. The church was young, often persecuted, and lacked the resources and legal standing to construct dedicated places of worship.

At the same time, the New Testament reveals that Christians were not restricted to homes. In Jerusalem, the disciples continued daily in the temple while also breaking bread from house to house (Acts 2:46). When larger crowds gathered, other locations were used. Paul taught daily in the school of Tyrannus in Ephesus for an extended period (Acts 19:9-10). These examples demonstrate that the meeting place itself was never presented as a matter of divine law. The emphasis was always upon the people rather than the building.

The historical evidence confirms this understanding. During the first three centuries, house churches were unquestionably the most common setting for Christian assemblies. Periodic persecution made private homes a wise and often necessary choice. As congregations increased in size and stability, however, some homes were remodeled specifically for the church gatherings. Archaeologists have uncovered such a structure at Dura-Europos in Syria, dating to about A.D. 240. It included an enlarged meeting room and a baptistry, illustrating that Christians were already adapting buildings for congregational use before Constantine legalized Christianity.

The legalization of Christianity under Constantine in A.D. 313 dramatically changed the circumstances of the church. Christians could now own property openly and construct buildings designed for public worship. Throughout the fourth century, basilicas and other church buildings became increasingly common across the Roman Empire. By the end of that century, dedicated church buildings had become the normal meeting places in many regions.

Some modern advocates of the house church movement argue that meeting in homes is the only biblical model for the church. The evidence does not sustain that conclusion. The New Testament records where Christians met, but it does not bind those locations as perpetual law. Whether believers assembled in a home, a rented school, the temple courts, or a purpose-built structure, the essential elements of assembling remained the same. The church is the people of God, not the place in which they gather.

Others have gone to the opposite extreme by treating church buildings as sacred structures in themselves. The New Testament likewise rejects this idea. Christians are God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:19-22). A building is simply a tool that serves the needs of the congregation. It possesses no inherent holiness apart from its use in serving God.

The biblical and historical evidence therefore leads to a balanced conclusion. The earliest Christians ordinarily met in homes because circumstances made that arrangement practical and necessary. They also assembled in other suitable locations whenever opportunities arose. As conditions changed, the church naturally made use of dedicated buildings. The meeting place was never the issue. Faithfulness to the teaching of Christ was. Christians should avoid making laws where God has made none, remembering that the church is defined not by its address but by its allegiance to the Lord.

BDD

ONE BODY, ONE SPIRIT

The church of Jesus Christ is not built upon human traditions, personalities, or preferences. It is built upon the unity that comes from God Himself.

In Ephesians 4:4-7, the apostle Paul reminds believers that although we come from different backgrounds and have different gifts, we share one great spiritual foundation.

There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father.

Christian unity is not something we create through compromise, but something Christ has already provided through His work. We are called to preserve and display the unity we have received.

This passage reveals three great truths about the people of God: our unity, our identity, and our diversity.

UNITY

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4). The church is one because Christ has made us one. The body of Christ is not divided into separate groups competing against one another, but is a living spiritual family joined together by the same Spirit.

Our unity is found in our shared relationship with Jesus Christ. Though believers may differ in opinions, backgrounds, and experiences, we are united by the same Savior and the same hope. The world should see in the church a reflection of Christ’s love and oneness.

IDENTITY

“There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:5-6). Paul reminds us that our identity is not found in earthly distinctions but in our relationship with God.

We belong to one Lord, Jesus Christ.

We confess one faith, the truth of the gospel.

We have been brought into one family by the Father who reigns over all things.

The true believer’s identity is not found in a denomination, a culture, or a personal achievement, but in being a child of God through Jesus Christ.

DIVERSITY

“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7). While the church is one, Christ does not make us identical. He gives different gifts, abilities, and opportunities to each believer.

Unity does not mean uniformity. The same Lord who creates one body equips that body with many members who serve different purposes. Every believer has received grace from Christ and has a role to fulfill in His kingdom.

The church is strongest when each person uses what God has given them for the glory of Christ and the good of others.

The church of Jesus Christ is called to live as one because we belong to one Lord. Our unity comes from the Spirit, our identity comes from Christ, and our gifts come from His grace.

In a world filled with division, the people of God are called to demonstrate the beauty of a united body serving under the headship of Jesus Christ.

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Prayer

Father, thank You for making us part of the body of Christ. Help us to walk in unity with our brothers and sisters, remembering that we share one Lord, one faith, and one hope.

Teach us to value the gifts You have given each believer and use them faithfully for Your kingdom.

May our lives reflect the love and unity of Jesus Christ so that the world may see His glory through His church.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE FAITHFUL AND TRUE

Revelation begins with a powerful reminder that Jesus Christ is not only the risen King but the faithful and true Lord who walks with His people in every circumstance. John writes from the lonely island of Patmos, not because he had failed, but because he had remained faithful to the testimony of Jesus Christ.

In his suffering, isolation, and uncertainty, John discovered that earthly circumstances could not separate him from the presence of Christ.

The same Lord who stood with John still stands with His people today. Revelation 1:9-11 teaches us three truths about our faithful Savior: He gives us patience in suffering, His presence in solitude, and a proclamation to share with the world.

Patience - John describes himself as “your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:9). The Christian journey has never been promised to be free from hardship. Faithfulness to Christ may bring opposition, rejection, and trials, but the Lord gives His people the patience to endure.

John was on Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, yet he was not defeated. He understood that suffering for Christ was not a sign of God’s absence but an opportunity to experience God’s strength.

The faithful believer learns to wait on God, trust His purposes, and remain steadfast because Christ is faithful even when life is difficult.

Presence - John says, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice as of a trumpet” (Revelation 1:10). Though John was separated from friends, churches, and familiar surroundings, he was never separated from Christ. The Lord came to him in his loneliness and revealed His glory.

Many times we measure God’s nearness by our circumstances, but God’s presence is not limited by our location or situation. The same Christ who met John on a prison island meets His people in their struggles today.

When the world grows quiet, the voice of Christ remains powerful. When earthly comforts disappear, His presence remains.

Proclamation - The voice of Christ commanded John, “Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches” (Revelation 1:11). The revelation John received was not meant to be kept private. The Lord gave him a message to deliver.

Those who encounter the faithfulness of Christ are called to proclaim His truth to others. God comforts us so that we may encourage others. God reveals His Word so that we may share it. The faithful follower of Jesus does not only receive the message of Christ but becomes a messenger for Christ.

The faithful and true Jesus Christ remains the same in every generation. He gives patience when we face trials, provides His presence when we feel alone, and gives us a proclamation when the world needs hope.

John’s circumstances changed, but Christ’s faithfulness never changed. The same Savior who stood with John on Patmos stands with us today.

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Prayer

Faithful and true Lord Jesus, thank You for being with us in every trial and every season of life.

Give us the patience to endure hardship, the awareness of Your presence when we feel alone, and the courage to proclaim Your truth to others. Help us remain faithful to You because You have always been faithful to us.

May our lives be a testimony of Your grace and glory.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

DENOMINATIONS, UNITY, AND THE BODY OF CHRIST

Few subjects have generated more discussion among thoughtful Christians than the question of denominations. Throughout church history, sincere believers have wrestled with whether the divisions that exist among Christians today reflect the will of Christ.

Among those who challenged the modern denominational system most forcefully were Watchman Nee and Witness Lee. Their desire was not merely to criticize existing churches but to recover what they believed was the simplicity and unity of the New Testament church.

While there is much to admire in their vision, there are also areas where a more balanced understanding of God’s word helps us pursue the same goal without reaching unnecessary conclusions.

Nee and Lee began with the conviction that the church belongs to Jesus Christ alone. They observed that the New Testament consistently speaks of “the church in Jerusalem,” “the church in Corinth,” “the church in Ephesus,” and other local congregations identified only by their location.

They concluded that God intended one church in each city rather than multiple organizations distinguished by different names, traditions, or doctrines. They believed denominational titles such as Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, and others unnecessarily divided the body of Christ and encouraged believers to identify with a movement rather than with the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:10-13).

From this conviction came their teaching that every genuine Christian in a city should simply meet together as the church in that place. Fellowship, they argued, should not be based upon denominational affiliation but upon faith in Christ.

They also emphasized the priesthood of all believers, encouraging every Christian to exercise his or her spiritual gifts rather than depending upon a professional clergy. In many ways, their burden was a call back to the simplicity of New Testament Christianity and a reminder that Christ alone is the Head of His church (Ephesians 4:4-6; Colossians 1:18).

Their concerns were not without biblical support. Jesus prayed that His followers would be one so that the world might believe the Father had sent Him (John 17:20-23). Paul pleaded with the Corinthians that there be no divisions among them and rebuked the party spirit that exalted human leaders (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). He taught the Ephesians that there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all (Ephesians 4:4-6).

These passages make it impossible for thoughtful Christians to become comfortable with unnecessary division.

However, the conclusion that every city must have only one visible congregation goes beyond what the New Testament actually states. The Bible identifies churches by locality, but it never explicitly commands that all believers in a city must assemble as one organizational body.

In fact, the New Testament speaks repeatedly of churches meeting in various homes (Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 2). In large cities such as Jerusalem and Rome, it is difficult to imagine every believer gathering regularly in one place. The emphasis appears to be not organizational uniformity but spiritual unity.

Likewise, while denominationalism has often produced division and pride, the mere existence of different congregations does not necessarily violate God’s will. The real issue is not the name on the building but the attitude within the heart. A congregation may reject every denominational label and still become sectarian if it believes it alone represents the true church.

Conversely, believers in different fellowships may genuinely recognize one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, cooperate in the gospel, and demonstrate the unity for which Jesus prayed.

The New Testament consistently calls believers to receive one another because Christ has received them (Romans 15:7). We are commanded to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, not to manufacture unity through organizational mergers (Ephesians 4:3).

Unity is created by the Holy Spirit through our common life in Christ. Our responsibility is to preserve it through humility, gentleness, patience, and love.

This balanced approach allows us to appreciate the burden of Nee and Lee without adopting every conclusion they reached. Their longing for the visible unity of God’s people was commendable. Their emphasis on Christ as the only Head of the church was thoroughly biblical. Their desire to eliminate party spirit deserves careful consideration.

At the same time, true unity cannot be achieved simply by abandoning denominational labels or insisting upon one congregation in every city. Unity grows whenever believers exalt Christ above themselves, submit to God’s word, love one another sincerely, and recognize all who belong to the Lord as members of His one body.

The church of Jesus Christ is larger than any denomination, fellowship, movement, or tradition. It includes every person who has been redeemed by the blood of Christ and born of the Spirit of God.

While local congregations will continue to differ in leadership, worship style, and secondary convictions, every believer should strive to live in a way that reflects the unity already established by Christ. The goal is not organizational sameness but spiritual oneness.

When Christ becomes greater than our labels, and His kingdom becomes more important than our traditions, we move much closer to the unity He prayed for and the witness the world desperately needs.

BDD

Livestream Preaching Times for Wednesday, July 22, 2026

5:30 AM

“The Faithful and True”

(Revelation 1:9-11)

10:00 AM

“One Body, One Spirit”

(Ephesians 4:4-7)

2:00 PM

“Faithful to the Finish”

(2 Timothy 4:6-8)

TikTok: @dewaynedunawayministries

All times CST

THE DARK END OF THE STREET

Sometimes in life, people like to hide.

There are corners of the heart where memories are buried, wounds are covered, and secrets are kept away from the eyes of others.

The phrase “the dark end of the street” brings to mind a place of loneliness, regret, and hidden struggles. Many people walk through life carrying burdens that others never see.

So the beautiful message of God’s word is that there is no darkness deep enough to hide from the presence of God. The psalmist declared, “If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall fall on me,’ even the night shall be light about me” (Psalms 139:11-12).

1. THE HIDING PLACES OF SIN

Sin often leads people into darkness. It promises freedom but creates chains. It offers pleasure but eventually brings pain. Many people attempt to hide their failures from others, but nothing is hidden from the eyes of the Lord. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that all things are naked and open before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:13).

Adam and Eve tried to hide from God after their disobedience in the garden, but the Lord came seeking them (Genesis 3:8-9). Their story reveals a truth that continues throughout humanity: we may hide from people, but we cannot hide from God.

The dark places of life are often where shame grows. The enemy whispers that our failures define us and that restoration is impossible. But Christ came into the darkness to bring forgiveness and healing. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5).

2. THE SEARCHING LIGHT OF GOD

God does not avoid the dark places. He enters them. Jesus did not come only for those who appeared righteous and successful. He came for sinners, the broken, and the forgotten. He reached out to those others rejected and brought hope to those who had nowhere else to turn.

The woman at the well carried a painful past and a wounded reputation, yet Jesus met her in her place of shame and offered her living water (John 4:7-14). Zacchaeus was despised by society because of his profession, but Jesus entered his home and transformed his life (Luke 19:1-10).

The grace of God is like a lamp carried into a dark room. It does not simply expose what is wrong. It reveals the way out. The Lord does not uncover our sin to destroy us but to lead us toward repentance and restoration.

3. THE JOURNEY INTO THE LIGHT

God’s purpose is not for us to remain forever on the dark end of the street. He calls us to leave the shadows and walk in His light. Paul urged believers to walk as children of light, because the fruit of the Spirit is found in goodness, righteousness, and truth (Ephesians 5:8-9).

Walking in the light does not mean we never struggle. It means we no longer hide from God. We bring our weaknesses, failures, and fears before Him, trusting His grace. John wrote that if we walk in the light as Christ is in the light, we have fellowship with God and cleansing from sin (1 John 1:7).

The world has many dark streets: addiction, bitterness, loneliness, guilt, and despair. But no street is too dark for the Savior. The One who walked toward the cross carried the burden of humanity’s sin so that we could walk toward the hope of resurrection.

The darkest night always gives way to morning. The sinner who turns to Christ discovers that the end of the street is not a dead end. It is the beginning of a new path filled with mercy, grace, and eternal hope.

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Prayer

Our Father, thank You for entering the dark places of our lives with Your saving light. Help us stop hiding our struggles and bring everything before You.

Forgive our sins, heal our wounds, and guide us into the fullness of life found in Jesus Christ. May we walk faithfully in Your light and become a reflection of Your grace to others.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

ACCEPTING CHRIST

Every person must eventually answer the greatest question of life: What will I do with Jesus Christ? Many know about Him, admire His teachings, or respect His character, yet the Bible calls us to something greater than mere knowledge.

God invites us into a personal relationship with His Son through faith. Jesus declared, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life” (John 3:36). To accept Christ is to receive Him as Lord and Savior, trusting Him alone for forgiveness, new life, and eternal hope.

1. THE INVITATION OF CHRIST

The invitation of Jesus is extended to all people. He does not call only the righteous, the strong, or the worthy. He calls sinners, the weary, and the broken. Our Lord said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). No one is beyond His grace, and no one is excluded from His call.

The Lord stands ready to receive all who come to Him in faith. “Whoever comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37). His invitation is filled with mercy because His desire is to save rather than condemn. God demonstrated His love by sending His Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

2. THE RESPONSE TO CHRIST

Accepting Christ is more than agreeing with certain facts about Him. It is a response of faith that surrenders the heart to His authority. The Bible teaches, “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12). Faith receives what God freely offers through His Son.

This response includes repentance as we turn from sin and place our trust in Christ. Peter proclaimed, “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19). To receive Christ is to leave behind the old way of life and begin following Him with a willing heart.

3. THE BLESSINGS OF CHRIST

Those who receive Christ receive far more than forgiveness alone. They become children of God, are reconciled to the Father, and receive the gift of eternal life (Romans 5:1, John 10:28). The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within them, producing a new heart and a new desire to obey God (Romans 8:9).

Christ also gives purpose for the present and hope for the future. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The old life passes away, and a new life begins. Though believers still face trials, they walk with the assurance that Christ will never leave them nor forsake them (Hebrews 13:5).

Jesus willingly came into the world to accomplish the work of redemption, laying down His life for our sins and rising again in victory (Philippians 2:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Let us not delay our response to Christ. Let us receive Him with faith, follow Him with obedience, and rejoice in the salvation He freely gives. The Savior still calls today, and all who come to Him will find grace, forgiveness, and everlasting life.

____________

Prayer

Our Father, thank You for sending Your Son to save us from our sins. We praise You for Your grace that welcomes all who come to Christ in faith.

Help us to trust Him completely, turn from sin, and follow Him faithfully each day. May our lives reflect the new life we have received through Him, and may we boldly share His invitation with others.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

LISTEN

In a world filled with countless voices, one of the rarest virtues is the ability to truly listen. People are eager to speak, eager to defend their opinions, and eager to make their thoughts known.

Wisdom often begins not with speaking but with hearing. “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). A listening heart is a humble heart, and humility is the doorway through which God’s wisdom enters.

1. THE CALL TO LISTEN

God has always called His people to listen. Throughout the Bible, the Lord repeatedly spoke the words, “Hear, O Israel,” reminding His people that obedience begins with hearing His voice (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). Before we can walk in God’s ways, we must first pay attention to God’s word.

Jesus often said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15). These words were not simply a call to hear sounds with physical ears. They were a call to receive truth with a willing heart. Many heard the teachings of Christ, but only those who received them were transformed by them.

2. THE CHARACTER OF LISTENING

True listening requires more than silence. A person can be quiet and still have a closed heart. Biblical listening involves humility, patience, and a willingness to be changed. The proud person listens only to confirm what he already believes, but the humble person listens because he desires truth.

Solomon understood this when he asked God for “an understanding heart” so he could judge wisely and discern between good and evil (1 Kings 3:9). Wisdom grows in the soul that is willing to receive instruction. “The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise” (Proverbs 15:31).

3. THE CONSEQUENCE OF LISTENING

What we listen to shapes who we become. The voices we allow into our hearts influence our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Jesus taught that the wise person hears His words and puts them into practice, becoming like a house built upon a rock (Matthew 7:24-25).

When we listen to God’s word, we discover direction for our steps, comfort in our struggles, and correction when we wander. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105). The voice of God leads us safely when the voices of the world create confusion.

The greatest example of listening is found in Jesus Himself. He lived in complete fellowship with the Father, seeking His will above all else. He said, “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge” (John 5:30). The Son listened perfectly, obeyed completely, and showed us the beauty of surrender.

Let us become people who listen carefully. Let us listen to God before we listen to the world. Let us listen to wisdom before we speak foolishly. Let us listen with compassion before we answer with judgment. A heart that listens is a heart prepared for the work of God.

______________

Prayer

Our Father, give us ears to hear Your voice and hearts ready to obey Your word. Remove the pride that keeps us from receiving correction and the distractions that keep us from hearing You clearly.

Teach us to listen with patience, love, and humility. May our lives be guided by Your truth and shaped by the voice of Christ.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

JUSTICE

Justice is one of the great pillars upon which God has built His moral government. A world without justice would be a place where the weak are forgotten, the wicked prosper without restraint, where truth is treated as though it has no value.

But the God of heaven is not indifferent to the cries of the oppressed or the actions of the guilty. “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; mercy and truth go before Your face” (Psalms 89:14).

The Lord is both loving and righteous, and He will never abandon what is right.

1. THE CHARACTER OF JUSTICE

True justice begins with the character of God Himself. Human judgments may be mistaken, influenced by pride, prejudice, or incomplete knowledge. But God’s judgment is perfect because He sees what no human eye can see.

The Lord knows every motive, every secret, and every hidden action. Abraham asked, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25). The answer is certain. The Lord cannot act contrary to His own righteous nature.

Because God is just, His people are called to pursue justice. The prophet Micah declared that the Lord requires us to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8).

Justice is not merely a matter of laws and courts. It is a matter of the heart, revealed in how we treat our neighbors, our families, and those who have no power to repay us.

2. THE CORRUPTION OF JUSTICE

Sin has damaged every human institution. Even things designed for good can be twisted by selfish hearts. The Bible warns about those who call evil good and good evil, who take away justice from the innocent and turn aside the needy (Isaiah 5:20-23). When people reject God’s wisdom, justice becomes vulnerable to human pride.

The greatest danger is when a person demands justice for others but ignores his own need for mercy. Jesus warned those who focused on the faults of others while overlooking their own failures (Matthew 7:1-5).

Before we stand as judges, we must first stand humbly before God. The same righteousness we desire from others must begin with repentance in our own hearts.

3. THE CROSS OF JUSTICE

The cross of Jesus Christ reveals the perfect harmony of God’s justice and mercy. God did not ignore sin, pretend it was harmless, or simply overlook rebellion. Instead, the Son of God bore the penalty of sin so that forgiveness could be offered to sinners.

Paul wrote that God demonstrated His righteousness through Christ, showing that He is both just and the One who justifies those who believe (Romans 3:23-26).

At Calvary, justice was satisfied and mercy was displayed. The guilty can be forgiven because the innocent Savior took our place. The cross teaches us that God does not excuse evil, but He provides a way for sinners to be redeemed.

The Christian who understands God’s justice should become a person of compassion and integrity. We should defend what is right while remembering that we are recipients of grace. We should speak truth while walking in humility. We should seek justice while extending mercy.

One day, all wrongs will be made right. Every hidden deed will be revealed, every injustice will be answered, and the perfect Judge will bring His righteous judgment upon the earth (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Revelation 20:11-12).

Until that day, let us trust God’s justice, reflect His character, and proclaim the mercy found in Jesus Christ.

_____________

Prayer

Righteous Father, teach us to love what You love and hate what You hate. Give us hearts that seek justice without pride and mercy without compromise.

Help us reflect Your character in our actions and trust Your perfect judgment when we do not understand the ways of the world. May we always look to Jesus Christ, where justice and mercy meet.

In His name, Amen.

BDD

THE WEIGHT OF WORDS

Words are among the smallest things we possess, yet they carry tremendous power. A sentence spoken in a moment can encourage a discouraged heart, restore a broken relationship, or wound a soul deeply.

Though words cannot be seen, their effects can be felt long after they have been spoken. The Bible says that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21).

The wise person learns that speech is not a casual matter but a sacred responsibility before God.

1. THE CONTROL OF WORDS

The first mark of wisdom is learning to control what we say. The tongue is small, but James compared it to a fire that can cause great destruction if it is not governed (James 3:5-6). Many troubles begin not with great actions but with careless words spoken without thought.

Self-control in speech requires a heart that has been surrendered to God. Jesus taught that the mouth speaks from the abundance of the heart (Matthew 12:34). If the heart is filled with anger, pride, or bitterness, those things will eventually find their way into our conversations. But when the heart is filled with Christ, our words become instruments of grace.

2. THE CHARACTER OF WORDS

The words we choose reveal the character we are developing. The follower of Christ is called to speak words that build rather than destroy. Paul instructed believers to let no corrupt communication come from their mouths, but only what is good for edification and encouragement (Ephesians 4:29).

A godly tongue speaks truth with love. It does not flatter falsely, gossip carelessly, or criticize harshly. Instead, it seeks to restore, comfort, and strengthen. Solomon wrote that “a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). The right words at the right time can become a blessing from God.

3. THE CONSEQUENCE OF WORDS

Because words are powerful, they also bring consequences. Jesus warned that people will give account for every careless word spoken (Matthew 12:36-37). This does not mean that God is waiting to condemn us for every imperfect sentence. It means that our speech reveals what is happening within our hearts, and God takes the condition of our hearts seriously.

Our words also influence others spiritually. A parent’s words can shape a child. A friend’s words can strengthen faith. A Christian’s words can either draw people toward Christ or push them away. The world is filled with voices of anger and division. The people of God should offer words of hope, truth, and love.

The believer should remember that every conversation is an opportunity to represent Christ. Before we speak, we should ask whether our words honor God, help others, and reflect the character of our Savior. A surrendered tongue becomes a tool in the hands of God.

_____________

Prayer

Our Father in heaven, teach us to use our words wisely. Forgive us for the times we have spoken carelessly, and help us to guard our tongues with humility and love.

Fill our hearts with the grace of Christ so that our speech may encourage, strengthen, and bring glory to Your name. May our words always reflect the goodness of the One we serve.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

Livestream Preaching Times for Tuesday, July 21, 2026

5:30 AM

“From Chaos to Creation”

(Genesis 1:6-10)

10:00 AM

“A Royal Line of Grace”

(Matthew 1:1-6)

2:00 PM

“Making the Most of Your Time

(Ephesians 5:15-17)

TikTok: @dewaynedunawayministries

All times CST

LONGING FOR THE NEARNESS OF CHRIST

Nothing in this world can fully satisfy the human heart except the conscious presence of Jesus Christ. David expressed this hunger when he wrote, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God” (Psalms 42:1).

The greatest desire of every believer should not merely be answered prayers or earthly blessings, but a deeper experience of the Lord Himself. Eternal life is found in knowing Him, and every true child of God longs to draw nearer to the One who first loved us (John 17:3).

The Lord has already demonstrated His love beyond question. At the cross He reconciled us to God, removing our guilt and bringing us into His family (Romans 5:8-11).

Because of His sacrifice, we are no longer strangers but beloved children who may come boldly before the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:14–16). We do not approach Him with fear of rejection but with confidence that we are welcomed through His righteousness and not our own.

But the Christian life is more than remembering what Christ has done. It is enjoying daily fellowship with the living Savior. Jesus promised, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him” (John 14:23).

The Holy Spirit delights in making Christ real to our hearts, strengthening us, comforting us, and reminding us that we are never alone (Romans 8:15–16; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

As we walk by faith, the Lord refreshes our souls with a special awareness of His presence. These moments cannot be manufactured, but they are precious gifts of grace. They strengthen weary hearts, calm anxious minds, and fill us with joy unspeakable (1 Peter 1:8).

They remind us that our Shepherd still walks beside us and that His goodness and mercy follow us every day (Psalms 23:1–6).

One day our faith will become sight. We will see the King in His beauty, and we shall be like Him because we shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:2).

Every longing for closer fellowship will finally be fulfilled when we stand in His presence forever, where there will be no distance, no sorrow, and no interruption of communion (Revelation 22:3–5).

Until that day, let us seek Him with all our hearts, knowing that He delights to reveal Himself to those who diligently seek Him (Jeremiah 29:13; James 4:8).

___________

Prayer

Father, deepen my love for Your Son. Let my greatest desire be to know Him more fully and to walk in close fellowship with Him each day.

Draw me near when my heart grows cold, strengthen my faith when I cannot see, and keep my eyes fixed upon the day when I shall stand in Your presence forever.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

BDD