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Why should we study Ephesians

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Today we will cover Pastor Sam Merigala's sermon in which he provides a profound exploration of the book of Ephesians, emphasizing its significance for believers and non-believers alike. The sermon begins by asserting the foundational belief that "Where Scripture speaks, God speaks," and since the Bible is considered God-breathed, authoritative, inerrant, sufficient, understandable, necessary, and timeless, it demands that the pastor speak from that Word. This divine utterance through the written Word is central premise of Sam's sermon. Pastor Sam explains that the Bible has a "Christ-centered trajectory" from Genesis to Revelation, which naturally leads to a "global-missions thrust". God's ultimate mission, as revealed in Scripture, is to make worshipers of Christ from every tribe and tongue. Paul, the author of Ephesians, exemplified this by preaching the Word, and his letter to the Ephesians reflects his pastoral heart. The main idea of the ...

Walking with the Holy Spirit : Part 5 & 6

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In this sermon, pastor Sam Merigala delves into profound aspects of Christian living by focusing on the sacred calling of fatherhood. This day many celebrate father's day. The sermon integrates these aspects of fatherhood into the broader theme of "Walking with the Holy Spirit" by asserting that fatherhood is a divine calling. Pastor also covers the keys to maintaining spiritual fervor, and the reality of spiritual warfare, culminating in a powerful call to surrender to the Holy Spirit. A Father's Sacred Calling Pastor Sam Merigala begins by emphasizing fatherhood as a sacred calling, extending beyond merely providing for a family to leading with faith, love, and integrity, especially as it relates to spiritual warfare. He highlights the significant impact fathers have on their children and the lasting legacy they leave behind. According to pastor Sam, fathers are called to be spiritual leaders, guiding their children in faith and wisdom, as their words, actions, and...

Walking with the Holy Spirit: Part 4

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This is the fourth part of pastor Sam Merigala sermon series "Walking with the Holy Spirit," delivered at Grace Gospel Church on June 8, 2025. In this message pastor Sam, expounds on three core aspects of a daily relationship with the Holy Spirit: the transformations that occur, how to maintain spiritual fervor, and the reality of spiritual warfare. Transformations When Walking with the Holy Spirit Pastor Merigala highlights ten significant transformations that Christians can expect when they walk daily with the Holy Spirit. These changes are not merely superficial but indicative of a profound shift in one's life and perspective: Supernatural Peace : The first transformation is the experience of supernatural peace. Many individuals are burdened by constant anxiety, stress, and worry, carrying life's weight independently. However, when one is led by the Holy Spirit, peace becomes their natural state, a default condition. This "peace of God" transcends human ...

Walking with the Holy Spirit: Part 3

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This post is continuations of the sermon series "Walking with the Holy Spirit," which pastor Sam Merigala gave at Grace Gospel Church on 6/1/25. In his sermon pastor Sam discusses about walking with the Holy Spirit involves developing a daily relationship, recognizing His voice, inviting Him into all areas of life, experiencing transformation, and actively maintaining a spiritual passion. One significant aspect Pastor Sam discusses is learning to recognize the Holy Spirit's voice. He outlines several ways this happens. Primarily, His voice is always in alignment with Scripture; the Holy Spirit will never contradict God's written Word . Many people seek guidance while overlooking what God has already revealed in the Bible. John 16:13 states that the Spirit of truth guides into all truth, implying that anything contrary to biblical truth is not from the Holy Spirit. A second way to recognize His leading is through peace, not pressure . Even when making difficult decisi...

Walking With the Holy Spirit: Part 2

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Following last week's sermon "Walking With the Holy Spirit" delivered by Pastor Sam Merigala at Grace Gospel church on May 18, 2025, this week (May 25, 2025) we will continue looking into the key concepts of part 2 regarding a believer's relationship with the Holy Spirit. The central theme explored in this sermon is the apparent struggle many believers face in hearing or sensing the Holy Spirit, despite the conviction that He is always speaking. Pastor Sam posits that the issue is not God's absence, as He never leaves His children, but rather a lack of awareness or diminished spiritual sensitivity in believers. Various "spiritual barriers" are identified as hindering this ability to sense and follow the Holy Spirit. One significant barrier discussed is the pervasive noise and distractions of the world, including social media, television, and endless entertainment. This external clamor makes it difficult to be "still" and listen, as Psalm 46:1...

Walking With the Holy Spirit: Part 1

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Today we will look into the sermon "Walking With the Holy Spirit", given by pastor Sam Merigala on May 18, 2024, at Grace Gospel Church. The sermon addresses a common struggle among believers: spiritual inconsistency , characterized by experiencing seasons of deep connection with God followed by periods of spiritual dryness and distance. This fluctuation is described as a "battle between passion and emptiness" where prayers feel empty, passion fades, and faith weakens. Pastor Sam posits that this isn't just an individual issue but a "spiritual crisis that millions of believers face". According to the pastor Sam, this struggle often stems from treating the relationship with God "like an event rather than a lifestyle". Many depend on "emotional highs, powerful sermons, worship experiences or Supernatural moments to feel close to him", but faith, as quoted from C.S. Lewis, "is the art of holding on to things your reason has once a...

Why do God's strongest women seem to face the hardest battles?

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This post is based on the mother's day sermon that pastor Sam gave in Grace Gospel Church on May 11, 2025. The sermon explore the idea that the women who bear significant weight and burdens and who are seemingly "destined for greatness" often face intense adversity. However, this is presented not as a random occurrence or misfortune, but as having a deeper truth and a divine purpose . Trials as a Calling and Purpose, Not Punishment A key concept is that these trials are not a curse but a calling . They are seen as an opportunity for God's power to be revealed in unique ways. The sermon explicitly state that God does not allow people to go through pain for nothing; His purpose is always higher than human understanding . Trials are not viewed as punishment or signs of God's absence or disfavor, but rather as an essential part of God's divine plan for their lives. These battles are not random events but are deeply purposeful and divine in nature . How Trials...