Morning Service Live Stream

This week's service at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church features a deeply insightful message on the children of the promise and the principle of faith, drawn from the Old Testament book of Genesis. The sermon centers on the birth of Isaac, the son of the promise, and the subsequent departure of Hagar and Ishmael, using these events as an allegory to illustrate spiritual truths about God's faithfulness, timing, and the life of faith versus a life of the flesh. The message challenges listeners to anchor their lives in God's promises and prepare for their "set time" to meet Him.

Service Breakdown

- Worship and Music: The service opens with the hymn “When We All Get To Heaven” and “Jesus Loves Me". The choir delivers a moving performance of a song that speaks of the resurrection and glorifying God, proclaiming, "worthy is the lamb who was slain" and "Holy, holy is the Lord."

- Scripture Reading: The congregation reads from Galatians 4:21-31, which uses the story of Abraham's two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, to symbolize the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai that brings bondage (Hagar/the Law) and the Jerusalem above that is free (Sarah/the Promise).

- Children’s Corner: The lesson focuses on God's constant presence and care, using Psalm 23:4 ("I fear no evil, for you are with me") and the story of Daniel in the lion's den. The children are taught that God is better than any comforting object (like a blanket or pillow) because He is always with us, acting as a protective "umbrella" in difficult times.

- The Message: Titled from Genesis 21:1-21, the sermon expounds on the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah with the birth of Isaac ("laughter") at their old age. The key focus is on the nature of a spiritual life: living by faith. The story of Ishmael (born "according to the flesh") mocking Isaac (born "through promise") is used as an allegory, paralleling the New Testament contrast between living under the Law (flesh) and living by God's promise (faith/Spirit).

Key Moments & Themes

- God’s Unfailing Promises (Genesis 21:1-7): The core truth is that "God does what God says he will do." God's promises may be delayed, but they never fail. The birth of Isaac—a human impossibility—proves that with God, nothing is impossible, encouraging believers to "walk by faith."

- The Set Time of God: The message emphasizes that God works on a set timetable (30:29). This applies not only to the church's rapture and Christ's return but most importantly to one's own "set time" to step into eternity. Death comes at the most unexpected hour, regardless of age, wealth, or ethnicity.

- Planning for Your Exit: Since the set time of death is unexpected, the sermon directly challenges listeners: "Now is the day of salvation. Now is the time for you to be preparing" for your exit off planet Earth.

- The Allegory of the Two Sons (Genesis 21:8-21 & Galatians 4:21-31): The story of Ishmael (the son of the bondwoman/the flesh) persecuting Isaac (the son of the free woman/the promise) is presented as a principle for today. The Old Testament is a textbook for the New Testament, teaching that we must cast out the ways of the "bondwoman" (trying to earn salvation by human effort/the Law) to embrace the inheritance of the "free woman" (salvation by God's promise through faith).

Call to Action

Are you prepared for your "set time" to meet God? Now is the time to plan for eternity by putting your faith in God's promises, not in your own abilities or works. If you've been living a life of the flesh, remember that God is faithful to redeem the impossible. Don't delay—turn your life over to Him today and start walking a life characterized by faith!