Difficult Passages: Judges 19 — When Everyone Does What Is Right in Their Own Eyes

Judges 19 is one of the darkest and most disturbing chapters in the entire Bible. Filled with betrayal, violence, abuse, and moral collapse, many wonder why God would preserve such a story in Scripture.

In this message, Pastor Gio explores why this difficult passage is not included to glorify evil, but to expose it. Judges 19 paints a sobering picture of what happens when people reject God’s authority and everyone does what is right in their own eyes. The chapter serves as a mirror, warning God’s people of the danger of slowly drifting away from Him until they resemble the very evil they once condemned.

Most importantly, this sermon points beyond the darkness of Judges 19 to the hope of the gospel. The depravity revealed in this chapter ultimately reminds us why Jesus came, what He carried at the cross, and why daily surrender to Christ is our only hope.

Key Scriptures: Judges 19; Genesis 19; Romans 1; 2 Thessalonians 2; 2 Timothy 3:16–17

Every year, believers in North America return over $1.2 billion to their churches in pure faith. But where does it actually go?

This episode traces the tithe from the offering plate outward, starting with the theology of the storehouse in Malachi 3 and the pioneers' decision to make the local conference its modern equivalent. We follow the dollar through the church's structure, uncover the "reservoir" design that has prosperous conferences quietly supporting smaller rural ones, and explore what the global portion funds: missions, education, risk management, and religious liberty.

By the end, the question turns inward. If God can sustain a worldwide movement with the surrendered ten percent, what could He do with the remaining ninety?

How do we prepare our hearts for the soon return of Jesus?

In this message, Pastor Nathan Shires explores God’s call to revival through the ministry of John the Baptist, the experience of the disciples at Pentecost, and the story of Esther. He reminds us that genuine revival begins not with changing others, but with personal repentance, surrender, and a renewed relationship with Christ.

As the world grows increasingly uncertain and the signs of Christ’s return become more evident, believers are challenged to move beyond routine religion and seek a deeper experience with Jesus. The question is not merely whether our church needs revival, but whether we are willing to pray, “Lord, revive me.”

This sermon is a heartfelt appeal to return to the foot of the cross, seek God through earnest prayer, and allow the Holy Spirit to prepare us for Christ’s soon coming.

Key Themes:

• Revival and personal repentance
• John the Baptist’s preparation message
• Esther and God’s purpose for our lives
• The power of prayer and surrender
• Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
• Preparing for the return of Jesus

Join us as we consider God’s invitation to experience true revival and become a people prepared for the Lord.