07OCT

Special Service / October 7, 2026

Wednesday Morning Campmeeting

Sermon

The Foundation, the Focus, and the Fame of the Church

Bro. Joe Holden · October 7, 2026 Wednesday Morning Campmeeting Main texts: Matthew 16:13–18; Matthew 28:18–20; Mark 16:15–18 (KJV) “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” — Matthew 16:18 Introduction: Be encouraged about Christ’s church The church is more than an organization or a building. It is the living body of Christ, established by Jesus and sustained by His power. Its future does not depend upon the strength or reputation of any individual. Bro. Joe identifies three things that should characterize the church: its foundation in Jesus Christ, its focus upon God’s Word, and its “fame”—the distinguishing evidence of God working among His people.

Read Matthew 16:13–18 in the KJV
  1. 01

    The foundation: Build your life upon Jesus Christ

    • Jesus founded the church. Because it rests upon Him, neither outside opposition nor the enemy’s attempts to undermine it can overturn His promise.
    • Christ’s resurrection gives the church a living foundation. He arose from the grave, ascended to the Father, and continues making intercession for His people.
    • Difficult years, painful circumstances, and disappointing people do not change who Jesus is. He still saves, delivers, and sets people free.
    • Build your confidence upon Christ rather than human personalities. The foundation remains secure even when your circumstances feel uncertain.

    Scriptures: Matthew 16:13–18; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Hebrews 7:25.

  2. 02

    The focus: Let the whole Word of God govern your life

    • The church’s focus should not be sensational news, promises of earthly wealth, or popular religious personalities. Its authority comes from the Lord and His Word.
    • Jesus commanded His followers to teach people to observe everything He commanded. Sound doctrine requires the whole counsel of Scripture, not isolated verses used to support a preferred opinion.
    • Beliefs, conduct, and personal convictions should have a biblical foundation. God’s Word must shape the heart and the outward life.
    • Appreciate faithful spiritual examples, but know Christ and His Word for yourself. A faith sustained only by emotion or family tradition will not provide the stability that personal obedience brings.

    Scriptures: Matthew 28:18–20; Isaiah 40:8; Psalms 119:11, Psalms 119:89; 1 Corinthians 11:1.

  3. 03

    The fame: Make room for the power of God

    • By “fame,” Bro. Joe means the distinguishing signs of God’s presence—not the promotion of a preacher or a church’s reputation.
    • Jesus connected the preaching of the gospel with signs following believers. Bro. Joe urges the church to continue believing in salvation, deliverance, the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and divine healing.
    • The authority belongs to Jesus. Genuine spiritual power does not come from a minister’s name, human excitement, or manufactured displays.
    • Faith does not mean tempting God. Bro. Joe explicitly rejects deliberately handling snakes or drinking poison. He also acknowledges that not everyone he has prayed for has been healed, while recounting instances he believes demonstrate God’s healing power.

    Scriptures: Mark 16:15–18; Acts 28:3–6.

    Closing challenge: Let God work in His church

    Bro. Joe closes with testimonies of what he recounts as God’s healing and intervention. One concerns a child doctors did not expect to survive; he describes the family receiving encouragement that God had heard their prayers and later sending him pictures of the little girl.

    The message moves into an invitation for those needing God’s help to come forward for prayer. Keep your confidence in Christ, bring your life under His Word, and remain open to the genuine working of the Holy Ghost. The church belongs to Jesus, and its power comes from Him.

Sermon

The King’s Business Requires Haste

Bro. Mark Brock · October 7, 2026 Wednesday Morning Campmeeting Main texts: 1 Samuel 21:8; Luke 12:35–40 (KJV) “Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” — Luke 12:40 Introduction: Respond when God calls Bro. Mark takes his title from the phrase in 1 Samuel 21:8 concerning the urgency of the king’s business, then develops the message from Jesus’ teaching in Luke 12. God’s work deserves a prompt response. When the Lord burdens us to pray, witness, invite someone to church, or obey Him in a service, postponement can allow that opportunity to pass. Christ’s promised return gives urgency to both our preparation and our service.

Read Luke 12:35–40 in the KJV
  1. 01

    Be ready to move when God speaks

    • Jesus told His servants to have their loins girded. Bro. Mark explains this as gathering up a long garment so it would not hinder work, travel, or battle.
    • Spiritually, we must refuse the things that entangle us, slow our obedience, or keep us from doing what God requires.
    • Israel ate the Passover with their loins girded, shoes on their feet, and staffs in their hands. They were to receive strength while remaining ready to leave.
    • Prepare yourself to obey the Lord promptly. Do not continually place His business behind everything else you want to finish.

    Scriptures: Luke 12:35; Exodus 12:11.

  2. 02

    Keep your light burning while you wait

    • A burning light illustrates persevering faith. Waiting for the Lord is not a reason to grow careless or spiritually cold.
    • The darkness and uncertainty of the world should not persuade believers to surrender their convictions or follow false doctrine.
    • Bro. Mark recalls the wise and foolish virgins to emphasize the importance of being prepared when the bridegroom comes.
    • Preserve the faith in your own life. Appreciate those who have gone before you, but accept your responsibility to live God’s Word now.

    Scriptures: Luke 12:35; Matthew 25:1–13.

  3. 03

    Wait with expectation—and keep serving

    • The servants in Jesus’ parable did not know when their master would return, but they knew he was coming. Their responsibility was to remain ready.
    • Bro. Mark distinguishes waiting with expectation from waiting upon someone through service. The church should do both: look for Christ’s return and remain busy in His work.
    • Readiness includes responding to God and making things right now. Do not postpone prayer, obedience, or reconciliation while assuming another opportunity is guaranteed.
    • Christ’s return offers hope amid suffering. Bro. Mark describes visiting a seriously ill church member and encouraging himself with the promise that Jesus will change His people and gather them to Himself.

    Scriptures: Luke 12:36, Luke 12:38–40; Luke 19:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51–52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17.

  4. 04

    Labor faithfully with God’s promised rest before you

    • Jesus describes the returning master blessing his watchful servants, seating them at the table, and serving them. Bro. Mark draws attention to the rest awaiting faithful servants.
    • Present burdens and discouragement are not reasons to abandon your place of service. Continue praying, helping others, witnessing, and supporting the work of God.
    • Hebrews promises a rest for God’s people. Our present labor should be strengthened by what the Lord has prepared for us.
    • The church looks forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb. The ultimate focus is not the bride’s importance, but the glory of Jesus Christ, who redeemed her.

    Scriptures: Luke 12:37; Hebrews 4:9–11; Revelation 19:7–9.

    Closing challenge: Get ready now

    Bro. Mark closes by urging the church to examine its priorities and renew its spiritual readiness. Do not allow the demands of this world to crowd out your response to God. Keep your life prepared, your light burning, and your heart looking for Jesus.

    The congregation is invited to stand, worship, and pray. We do not know the hour of Christ’s return, but we can be ready when He comes. The King’s business requires haste—respond to Him today.