“THE BEST IS YET TO COME”
1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18

INTRO: Over the past four weeks during our messages, we have been focusing on BIBLICAL TRUTHS 
concerning the FIRST ADVENT of Jesus Christ to the earth. But today, for a few minutes, I want to consider 
with you some BIBLICAL TRUTHS concerning the SECOND ADVENT of Jesus Christ. Think of it for a 
moment, for years the saints in the Old Testament looked forward to Christ’s FIRST COMING into the 
world, and IN GOD’S TIMING, IT WAS FULFILLED. During our time, we are looking forward to Christ’s 
SECOND COMING to the world, and as the prophecies of the FIRST ADVENT were fulfilled, we can rest 
assured that the prophecies of the SECOND ADVENT will be fulfilled as well. In anticipating the SECOND 
COMING OF JESUS CHRIST today, my sermon title is: “THE BEST IS YET TO COME.

Sermon preached on 12/31/23 AM by Pastor Gary Dull

“A SAVIOR IS BORN”
LUKE 2:8-14
TEXT: VSS. 9-12

INTRO: A number of years ago the news anchor of our local FOX/ABC station contacted me and said that they were going to start a new feature on their evening news called “GOOD NEWS FOR CENTRAL PA.” He then asked me to give him at least 10 GOOD NEWS ITEMS from time to time that they could use to open their news cast. He said that he was tired of opening each program with a BAD NEWS ITEM and wanted to start each program on a positive note. The feature was well received and went along in a positive way until he left the station, when they went back to the same old “BAD NEWS” format. Well, the fact is, WE ALL LIKE GOOD NEWS. THE BEST GOOD NEWS EVER GIVEN TO HUMANITY WAS WHEN THE ANGEL OF THE LORD ANNOUNCED TO THE SHEPHERDS, OUTSIDE THE LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM YEARS AGO, THAT THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD WAS BORN. Today for a few minutes we are going to study from the WORD OF GOD, THE BEST NEWS EVER GIVEN THAT ALL OF HUMANITY CAN BENEFIT FROM AND THAT IS THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, IS BORN.

Sermon preached on 12/24/23 AM by Pastor Gary Dull

“THE UNFOLDING ACCOUNT OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST”
MATTHEW 1:16-25

INTRO: Matthew 1:16-25 is a passage of scripture we are all familiar with as it relates to the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. However, many times we read it without giving too much thought to the DIVINE SIGNIFICANCE AND PURPOSE OF THE TEXT. The first part of verse 18 actually presents the purpose for the entire text when it says: “NOW THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST WAS ON THIS WISE.” In that phrase the Holy Spirit is giving us a heads up on what He wants us to know about our Savior’s birth. Please note some observations about verse 18:
1) The word “NOW” indicates a change of order in the text. In verses 1-17 the scripture presents the HUMAN GENEOLOGY OF CHRIST through JOSEPH, though we keep in mind that he was NOT the human father of our Lord. But the purpose of this genealogy is to show the ROYAL LINEAGE OF JESUS CHRIST.
2) The word “BIRTH” indicates that Jesus was actually physically born into the human race.
3) The words “JESUS CHRIST” indicate WHO Jesus truly is:
     ● JESUS = His Human Name which means “SALVATION IS OF THE LORD.”
     ● CHRIST = His Divine Title which means “THE ANOINTED MESSIAH.”

Sermon preached on 12/17/23 AM by Pastor Gary Dull

“BEHOLD THE VIRGIN”
LUKE 1:26-38

INTRO: During the Christmas Season we hear a great deal about the VIRGIN BIRTH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. In fact, we even sing about it in some of the MORE KNOWN CHRISTMAS CAROLS LIKE “SILENT NIGHT,” and others. But do we ever stop to think of the SIGNIFIANCE OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH? Certainly, we should focus on it and solidify its reality in our convictions because without the VIRGIN BIRTH OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, OUR SALVATION WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE. You see, the sin nature of humanity is passed down through the male gender. Had Christ been born through the union between Mary and Joseph, He would have been born in sin, just like the rest of us, and thus would have been disqualified to be the SAVIOR OF THE WORLD. Practically from the time it occurred, the VIRGIN BIRTH OF CHRIST has been under attack by unbelievers and liberal theologians, and probably more so these days than ever. But the VIRGIN BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST IS ONE OF THE FUNDAMENTAL DOCTRINES OF SCRIPTURE THAT MUST BE SOLIDIFIED IN OUR SYSTEM OF BELIEF AND PRACTICE. My subject today is: “BEHOLD THE VIRGIN.”
OBSERVATION: ONE CANNOT BE A BIBLICIST AND A TRUE CHILD OF GOD AND DENY THE VIRGIN BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST. WHY?
Because the BIBLE TEACHES IT – Luke 1:27
Because it is a part of the DOCTRINE OF CHRIST – 2 John 9-11

Sermon preached on 12/10/23 AM by Pastor Gary Dull

“THE PROPHETS SPEAK ABOUT THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST”
MATTHEW 1:18-2:6

INTRO: The BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST did not just take place out of the middle of thin air at some random
time. The BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST was PLANNED, PREDICTED AND PERFORMED BY GOD in just the way
HE PREDETERMINED IT TO TAKE PLACE. All that God PLANNED, PREDICTED, PERFORMED AND
PREDETERMINED concerning the BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST was very meticulously PROCLAIMED by the
PROPHETS OF GOD from the early pages of scripture and fulfilled literally, just as PURPOSED. As we
continue in the Christmas Season with the effort to MAINTAIN THE CENTRALITY OF CHRIST in our thoughts
and activities, let’s take a look at what the PROPHETS OF GOD WERE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO
PROCLAIM ABOUT THE BIRTH OF CHRIST THAT CHANGED THE WORLD.
NOTE: Throughout the pages of the Old Testament there are MORE THAN 300 PROPHESIES presented
about the BIRTH OF CHRIST, all of which were fulfilled literally as they were given.
NOTE: A study of what the prophets predicted about Christ’s birth and work on earth is crucial for us to
understand, appreciate and worship Christ for WHAT GOD DID THROUGH HIM AND FOR WHO HE REALLY
IS. 

Sermon preached on 12/3/23 AM by Pastor Gary Dull

“CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS – SHOULD WE? – IF SO, HOW?”
LUKE 2:1-20

INTRO: Should Christmas be celebrated by BIBLICALLY MINDED CHRISTIANS? Down through the years certain Christians have REJECTED the celebration of Christmas. Historically, the PURITANS of New England and the QUAKERS of Pennsylvania rejected the CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS on the basis that the EXACT DATE OF CHRIST’S BIRTH IS NOT REALLY KNOWN. In addition, many aspects of CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS these days ARE NOT BIBLICALLY BASED and should be avoided by those who know the Lord. BUT CELEBRATING CHRIST’S BIRTH IN THE PROPER SENSE SHOULD BE DONE SO AS TO HONOR THE LORD AND WHAT HIS BIRTH MEANS TO THE WHOLE WORLD AS TAUGHT IN JOHN 3:16.
NOTE: The Word ”CHRISTMAS” means “CHRIST’S MASS” or properly interpreted, “CHRIST’S SERVICE OF WORSHIP.” By its very meaning, the word CHRISTMAS means that IT IS THE TIME TO WORSHIP CHRIST WHO IS THE KING OF KINGS, THE LORD OF LORDS AND THE GOD OF GODS!
OBSERVATION: From the Biblical Perspective “CHRISTMAS REALLY MEANS TO CELEBRATE AND WORSHIP CHRIST…THEREFORE TO MAKE IT A SECULAR HOLIDAY WITH WORLDLY ACTIVITIES IS A DISHONOR TO GOD. THUS, THE CENTER OF WHAT WE DO AT CHRISTMAS SHOULD BE

Sermon preached on 11/26/23 AM by Pastor Gary Dull

“IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS”
1 THESSALONIANS 5:18

INTRO: In my opinion, THE THANKSGIVING SEASON is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. IT IS A
TIME to relax from the hustle and bustle of life. IT IS A TIME to get together with our friends, family, and
loved ones. IT IS A TIME to reflect upon what God has done for us. IT IS A TIME to examine our lives to
see if we truly are thankful unto God for ALL OF HIS MERCY, LOVE AND GRACE that He has poured out
upon us down through the years of our lives. IT IS A TIME for us to practice a very important BIBLICAL
DISCIPLINE OF GIVING THANKS UNTO GOD. THAT IS RIGHT – GIVING THANKS UNTO GOD IS A BIBLICAL
DISCIPLINE FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN TO APPLY AND ENGRAFT INTO OUR LIVES.

Sermon preached on 11/19/23 AM by Pastor Gary Dull

“TRUSTING IN THE LORD – WHAT DOES IT MEAN?”

PROVERBS 3:5,6

INTRO: Proverbs 3:5,6 is one of the most well-known passages of scripture in the whole Old Testament.  Many have it as their life’s scriptural passage.  Many quote it to others who are going to tough times. Many claim it when faced with great personal trials.  But what does it REALLY MEAN and HOW DO WE APPLY IT? Let’s examine this great passage today because the UNDERSTANDING OF PROVERBS 3:5,6 WILL TRULY DETERMINE THE VALUE OF OUR LIFE AND SERVICE FOR GOD.

 OBSERVATION: TO TRUST IN THE LORD IS THE VERY BASIC PRINCIPLE FOR EFFECTIVE EVERYDAY CHRISTIAN LIVING. IT IS THE ACTION VERB OF HEBREWS 11:6 THAT TELLS US THAT WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD!

• Trusting in the Lord is a COMMAND – Psalm 37:3
• Trusting in the Lord is EFFECTIVE – Jeremiah 17:7,8
• Trusting in the Lord is VALUABLE – Isaiah 12:2
• Trusting in the Lord is a RELATIONSHIP BUILDER – Nahum 1:7

Sermon preached on 10/29/23 AM by Pastor Gary Dull

“GOD’S PLAN FOR ISRAEL”
ISAIAH 46:1-13

INTRO: We are living in some very interesting and exciting times in the world today. And, without a doubt, these times call for CHRISTIANS TO BE FOCUSED ON BIBLICAL TRUTH, SHINING AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD OF DARKNESS, SEEKING GOD’S DIRECTION AND GROWING IN UNDERSTANDING OF BIBLE PROPHECY. What is taking place in Israel, even as I speak, has a lot of people concerned, and rightly so. BUT IT IS ALL BUILDING UP TO THE FACT THAT THE RAPTURE COULD OCCUR AT ANY MOMENT, AND GOD’S ETERNAL PLAN FOR ISRAEL WILL SOON COME INTO COMPLETE FRUITION.
A SAD NOTE: MANY CHRISTIANS, WHO HAVE ATTENDED CHURCH FOR YEARS, DO NOT HAVE A GRASP ON BIBLE PROPHECY AND GOD’S PLAN FOR ISRAEL. THIS IS SAD, WHEN YOU TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THAT ABOUT 1/3 OF THE BIBLE IS DEDICATED TO PROPHECY. (Recent discussion with a Christian lady).
TODAY’S OBJECTIVE: What I want to do today is to lay out a very basic outline from scripture: GOD’S PLAN FOR ISREAL that you will probably not hear from the news.
OBSERVATION: The BEST DAYS for ISRAEL are yet to come. Yes, she will go through MORE TROUBLE than she is experiencing now, but ultimately, she will live in perfect peace under the rule and reign of JESUS CHRIST THE TRUE MESSIAH.
THE BIBLICAL

Sermon preached on 10/15/23 AM by Pastor Gary Dull

“THE ETERNALLY SECURE WORD OF GOD”
ISAIAH 40:1-11
TEXT: VERSE 8

INTRO: Everything in the universe around us is temporary, and it was made to be that way by GOD HIMSELF. But GOD 
AND HIS WORD ARE ETERNAL AND WILL NEVER PASS AWAY which brings security to those of us who know God as we live 
in the midst of a temporal and passing realm. Regarding GOD’S WORD, from the very beginning of its existence, there 
have been those who have attempted to destroy it but have not been able to do so because it is GOD’S WORD - IT WILL 
NEVER PASS AWAY. Today for our study, we are going to consider THE ETERNALLY SECURE WORD OF GOD, WHICH I 
TRUST WILL ENCOURAGE US ALL AS WE LIVE IN A CONSTANT CHANGING WORLD.
THE BOOK OF ISAIAH has a REVEALING MESSAGE in which God deals with the Kingdom of JUDAH in reference to her sins, 
her judgments, and her ultimate restoration. Isaiah has 66 chapters and is actually divided into two parts:
1) GOD’S CONDEMNATION – Chapters 1-39 – Where Isaiah deals with Judah’s sin and judgment.
2) GOD’S CONSOLATION – Chapters 40-66 – Where Isaiah deals with God’s grace and restoration of Judah. A LOT OF WHAT 
ISAIAH SAYS ABOUT GOD’S RESTORATION OF JUDAH IS GROUNDED IN CHAPTER 40:1-11, AND PARTICULARLY VERSE 8 
THAT SAYS: “THE WORD OF OUR GOD WILL STAND FOREVER.”

Sermon preached on 10/1/23 AM by Pastor Gary Dull