• #105: The Waters of Salvation: Finding the Life Within
    Jun 22 2025

    • Email: hpaulsilas@hotmail.com
    • https://apostolicinternational.com/
    • Statement of beliefs: https://apostolicinternational.com/statement-of-beliefs
    • The sermon: https://apostolicinternational.com/sermons/THE_WATERS_OF_SALVATION_FINDING_THE_LIFE_WITHIN.pdf
    • The sermon “The Waters of Salvation: Finding the Life Within” explores the deep biblical significance of water as a symbol and medium of spiritual renewal, cleansing, and divine transformation. Water, covering most of the earth, represents more than physical life—it mirrors the mysteries of salvation found in Jesus Christ. Just as creation began when the Spirit moved upon the waters in Genesis, so spiritual rebirth begins with the waters of baptism, as Jesus affirmed to Nicodemus in John 3:5. Baptism isn’t just symbolic; it is a sacred entry into the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The Ethiopian eunuch's eager question in Acts 8:36, “What doth hinder me to be baptized?” reflects how water becomes a moment of divine opportunity—an open invitation to eternal life. Biblical stories such as Naaman’s healing in the Jordan, the parting of the Red Sea, Jonah’s deliverance, and Noah’s preservation all reinforce water’s role as a medium of both judgment and grace. In each account, water responds to God’s command and becomes a vessel of salvation for those who obey. Romans 6:4 teaches that baptism unites us with Christ’s death so we may rise in new life, while Galatians 3:27 reveals that the baptized are clothed in Christ. This divine transformation is not achieved by human effort but by faith and the power of Jesus’ resurrection. The call to baptism is urgent; nothing should hinder one from responding. As Peter declared in 1 Peter 3:20-21, baptism saves—not by washing the body, but by appealing to God with a clean conscience. The waters are ready, holy, and responsive. To step into them is to enter into Christ, receive His Spirit, and begin a victorious, transformed life. Today, the waters still call—offering salvation to all who believe and obey.

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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • #104: The Unfathomable Love of Christ: a Love that Defies Comprehension
    Jun 22 2025

    • Email: hpaulsilas@hotmail.com
    • https://apostolicinternational.com/
    • Statement of beliefs: https://apostolicinternational.com/statement-of-beliefs
    • The sermon: https://apostolicinternational.com/sermons/THE_UNFATHOMABLE_LOVE_OF_CHRIST_A_LOVE_THAT_DEFIES_COMPREHENSION.pdf
    • The love of Christ is beyond human comprehension, as expressed in Ephesians 3:17–19. Paul prays that believers might grasp its breadth, length, depth, and height—even though it surpasses knowledge. Christ’s love is not a concept to merely understand intellectually; it is a divine reality meant to be experienced. The breadth of His love embraces all people—regardless of race, status, or past—reaching out to sinners, outcasts, and even enemies. It is a love that welcomes the prodigal, seeks the lost, and forgives the undeserving. The length of Christ’s love endures forever; it existed before time and stretches into eternity. He loved us even when we were unfaithful and continues to draw us with unchanging mercy. From Peter’s restoration to Israel’s repeated forgiveness, His enduring love remains steadfast and unconditional. The depth of His love is revealed in the extent of His suffering. Christ descended into human brokenness—leaving heavenly glory to take on suffering, shame, and even death—for our redemption. He bore the wrath of God on the cross and entered the grave to lift us out of sin’s depths. But His love does not stop there; it lifts us up to heavenly places. Though we were once dead in sin, He has raised us with Him, made us part of God’s family, and given us a place in His eternal kingdom. This love transforms our destiny—turning slaves into sons, strangers into heirs, and sinners into saints. Such a love compels a response. We love because He first loved us, and that love should shape our entire lives—how we worship God, treat others, and live each day. Rooted and grounded in His love, we become living witnesses of His grace, drawing others to the One whose love truly defies comprehension.

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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • #103: The Indivisible Inheritance: the Blessing of the One God
    Jun 21 2025

    • Email: hpaulsilas@hotmail.com
    • https://apostolicinternational.com/
    • Statement of beliefs: https://apostolicinternational.com/statement-of-beliefs
    • The sermon: https://apostolicinternational.com/sermons/THE_INDIVISIBLE_INHERITANCE_THE_BLESSING_OF_THE_ONE_GOD.pdf
    • This sermon explores the living reality and power of God’s indivisible oneness. Ephesians 4:6 reminds us that there is “One God and Father of all,” whose presence, authority, and love encompass all creation. This truth is not an abstract doctrine but a foundational reality that shapes the biblical narrative and our spiritual identity. The Exodus illustrates that deliverance, healing, and redemption come only from the One God. Surrounded by Egyptian polytheism, Israel discovered that no idol could rescue them—only the indivisible God who heals and delivers. Their worship of the golden calf was not merely idolatry but a tragic return to fragmented bondage. The choice, then and now, remains: to follow the One God who saves or to cling to powerless substitutes. Ruth’s story highlights a personal embrace of this oneness. By leaving her Moabite gods and pledging allegiance to the God of Israel, she not only found a new identity but was grafted into God’s redemptive plan. Her life exemplifies how embracing the One God transforms destinies. The parable of the Prodigal Son underscores that we have only one true Father. The son’s journey away from home proves futile, but his return is met with immediate restoration. No other “father” could restore him—only the One. Jesus’ encounters with demons further affirm His singular authority. Demons recognized Him as the “Holy One of God” and submitted instantly to His word. While humans debated and doubted, demons never questioned His identity. Yet God never allowed demons to proclaim His name; He appoints redeemed and holy humans to bear witness to His nature. The sermon calls us to fully embrace the One God—rejecting every false source of power or identity—and to walk confidently as those sealed by His singular authority, love, and promise.

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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • #102: Embracing the Divine Mandate to Share Christ
    Jun 21 2025

    • Email: hpaulsilas@hotmail.com
    • https://apostolicinternational.com/
    • Statement of beliefs: https://apostolicinternational.com/statement-of-beliefs
    • The sermon: https://apostolicinternational.com/sermons/EMBRACING_THE_DIVINE_MANDATE_TO_SHARE_CHRIST.pdf
    • This sermon explores the divine mandate given in Matthew 28:19, emphasizing that sharing Christ is not a suggestion but a central calling for every believer. Evangelism is a lifestyle rooted in our relationship with Jesus, expressed through four interconnected pillars: speaking about Christ, living out the Gospel, praying for others, and discipling new believers. Personal testimony plays a crucial role in witnessing. Like the Apostle Paul, whose dramatic transformation became the foundation of his evangelism, and the Samaritan woman, who joyfully shared her encounter with Jesus, believers are called to tell their own stories with humility and authenticity. Real-life transformation resonates more than rehearsed presentations. Equally essential is living a life that reflects Christ’s love and character. Our actions—kindness, integrity, sacrifice, and compassion—are daily sermons that confirm the message we speak. The early church modeled this powerfully in Acts, drawing others to Christ through unity and generosity. Prayer, often overlooked, is the spiritual foundation of evangelism. As seen in Cornelius’ story and the prayers of the early church, intercession prepares hearts, invites divine encounters, and fuels the believer’s endurance and love. Without prayer, evangelism becomes mere effort; with it, it becomes Spirit-empowered mission. The final pillar is discipleship—walking with new believers beyond conversion. Jesus' command includes teaching them to obey all He taught, ensuring they grow into mature, rooted followers. Paul’s ministry was marked by this commitment, as he taught, mentored, and supported young believers through trials. Discipleship requires patience, authenticity, and presence. Altogether, these four pillars—talking, living, praying, and shepherding—form a holistic, Spirit-led witness that glorifies God and advances His kingdom. Evangelism is not an occasional act but a daily expression of love, obedience, and partnership with God in His redemptive plan for the world. We are all called to embrace it faithfully.

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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • #101: The Seal of God: a Divine Mark of Ownership, Authority, and Assurance
    Jun 21 2025

    • Email: hpaulsilas@hotmail.com
    • https://apostolicinternational.com/
    • Statement of beliefs: https://apostolicinternational.com/statement-of-beliefs
    • The sermon: https://apostolicinternational.com/sermons/THE_SEAL_OF_GOD_A_DIVINE_MARK_OF_OWNERSHIP_AUTHORITY_AND_ASSURANCE.pdf
    • This sermon explores the meaning and power of the Seal of God—a divine mark that establishes a believer’s identity, ownership, protection, and eternal inheritance in Christ. Just as ancient kings used seals to declare authority and finalize royal decrees, God seals His people with the Holy Spirit, signifying His unchangeable ownership and sovereign authority over their lives. This divine seal is more than symbolic—it is God’s own signature, an unbreakable declaration that we belong to Him.

      The seal affirms our authenticity as true children of God in a world full of spiritual counterfeits. Like a notarized legal document, it marks believers as genuine, set apart, and protected. Revelation 7:3 speaks of God's servants being sealed on their foreheads, representing divine ownership and exemption from judgment. This sealing is also deeply personal, like a fingerprint—God’s unique imprint on each soul that cannot be replicated or removed.

      Moreover, the seal offers divine protection. Just as Daniel was protected by the king’s seal in the lion’s den (Daniel 6:17), believers are spiritually guarded by God’s authority. The seal is a divine “Do Not Disturb” sign against the enemy’s attacks, securing us through life’s darkest moments and trials.

      The sermon also highlights that God’s seal serves as a guarantee of our future inheritance. According to Ephesians 1:14, the Holy Spirit is the earnest—or down payment—of our salvation, assuring us that God’s promises will be fulfilled. Revelation 22:4 confirms that God’s name will be written on our foreheads, marking us forever as His.

      Ultimately, the Seal of God is His divine signature—proof that we are His possession, secure under His sovereignty, and destined for eternal glory. It should inspire believers to walk boldly, knowing they are marked, protected, and promised an everlasting inheritance.

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • #100: A Legacy of Faithfulness: Lessons from the Life of Barzillai the Gileadite
    Jun 9 2025

    • Email: hpaulsilas@hotmail.com
    • https://apostolicinternational.com/
    • Statement of beliefs: https://apostolicinternational.com/statement-of-beliefs
    • The sermon: https://apostolicinternational.com/sermons/A_LEGACY_OF_FAITHFULNESS_LESSONS_FROM_THE_LIFE_OF_BARZILLAI_THE_GILEADITE.pdf
    • This sermon focuses on Barzillai the Gileadite, an 80-year-old man whose short biblical mention reveals a powerful legacy of faith, humility, and trust in God. During King David’s exile amid Absalom’s rebellion, Barzillai used his wealth and influence not for personal gain, but to serve the fleeing king with loyalty and generosity. His quiet faithfulness in a time of national crisis reveals that true greatness in God’s kingdom is found not in recognition, but in sacrificial service.

      After David’s victory, he offered Barzillai royal comfort in Jerusalem. Barzillai humbly declined, recognizing his season in life. He trusted God’s sovereignty, content to remain in his place and let the next generation carry forward. This response models wisdom and humility—he saw that his faithfulness was not about position, but purpose.

      Barzillai's story reminds us that aging is not a retreat from faith, but an opportunity to deepen trust in God. Like Moses, Anna, and Abraham, those in later years can still serve mightily. His humility teaches us to rely not on earthly titles, but on God’s grace. Paul echoes this truth in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

      Barzillai’s legacy extended beyond his life—his descendants were blessed and remained influential. This reflects a vital principle: seeds of faithfulness sown today yield blessings for future generations. Faithful obedience, even in hidden or small acts, contributes to God's eternal purposes.

      The sermon calls believers of all ages to serve faithfully, trust God fully, and walk humbly. Barzillai’s life proves that greatness in God’s eyes is measured by faithfulness. His story urges us to live purposefully in every season, trusting that our legacy, like his, can echo through eternity. May we be found faithful. Amen.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • #99: The Power of the Marks: the Significance of Jesus' Wounds
    May 11 2025

    • Email: hpaulsilas@hotmail.com
    • https://apostolicinternational.com/
    • Statement of beliefs: https://apostolicinternational.com/statement-of-beliefs
    • The sermon: https://apostolicinternational.com/sermons/THE_POWER_OF_THE_MARKS_THE_SIGNIFICANCE_OF_JESUS_WOUNDS.pdf
    • This sermon explores the profound significance of Jesus' wounds after His resurrection. When Jesus appeared to His disciples, He displayed the marks of His crucifixion to Thomas, transforming disbelief into faith (John 20:27). These marks were not hidden; they were a testimony of His victory over sin and death. They are not symbols of shame but of love, sacrifice, and divine mercy.

      Throughout Scripture, marks hold deep meanings. The mark of Cain (Genesis 4:15) was both a symbol of judgment and mercy. It protected Cain despite his sin, illustrating God’s patient compassion. Jesus’ marks, in contrast, are the ultimate sign of divine love and sacrifice, where judgment was poured on Him instead of us. His scars are the eternal proof of God’s love—forever visible in His body.

      The sermon also connects Jesus’ wounds to the covenantal mark of circumcision (Genesis 17:11) and the servant’s ear piercing (Exodus 21:5-6). Circumcision represented a commitment to God’s covenant, while the pierced ear symbolized voluntary servitude. Jesus' scars embody both—His marks are a sign of the new covenant and of His willing servanthood, bearing our sins out of love.

      In contrast, the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:16-18) represents forced allegiance to evil, while Jesus’ scars are voluntary symbols of hope and victory. His wounds are eternal, visible in heaven (Revelation 5:6), testifying to God’s love for humanity. They are not just relics of suffering but the crown of His eternal glory.

      For believers, these marks challenge us to reflect Christ’s love, humility, and sacrifice. They call us to bear the spiritual marks of Christ in our lives, becoming living testimonies of His transforming grace. The marks of Jesus are the eternal proof of divine mercy, victory, and unchanging love.

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    57 mins
  • #98: The Holy Spirit is Our Rest
    May 4 2025

    • Email: hpaulsilas@hotmail.com
    • https://apostolicinternational.com/
    • Statement of beliefs: https://apostolicinternational.com/statement-of-beliefs
    • The sermon: https://apostolicinternational.com/sermons/THE_HOLY_SPIRIT_IS_OUR_REST.pdf
    • This sermon explores the deep rest Jesus offers to all who are weary and burdened, focusing on His invitation in Matthew 11:28. Using the image of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet (John 13), it illustrates how the Creator lovingly ministers to our tiredness, both physically and spiritually. Our feet, often symbolizing our weariness, are met with Jesus' hands of grace—offering rest, not just relief.

      God introduced the principle of rest in Genesis 2:2–3 through the Sabbath, not out of fatigue, but to model a rhythm of reflection, communion, and restoration. Sin disrupted this divine rest (John 5:17), but Jesus came to restore it, offering Himself as the way back. Rest is closely tied to humility—seen in Abraham’s hospitality (Genesis 18), Moses’ meekness (Numbers 12), and ultimately in Jesus, who calls us to learn from His gentleness (Matthew 11:29).

      The sermon urges us to reflect on how we receive this rest. Like Peter, we may resist Jesus’ act of washing, not realizing it is necessary to be part of Him (John 13:8). We must also ask ourselves: do we make room for Jesus to rest in us, or are we so distracted by life’s cares (Matthew 13:22) that we crowd Him out?

      The Holy Spirit is central to this rest. As our Comforter, the Spirit invites us into a renewed Sabbath—a place of spiritual alignment and peace. When we are filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), we return to the restful state God intended. In this rest, burdens are lifted, and our lives reflect His grace.

      Ultimately, the Holy Spirit is our rest—guiding us to humility, healing, and peace. Jesus invites us to come, be cleansed, and then extend that rest to others. Amen.

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    1 hr and 16 mins