This week, Clint Leavitt returns from paternity leave, bringing with him fascinating observations about the fifth commandment, 'Honor your father and mother.' He invites us to dive deep into the heart of family relationships and their profound impact on our spiritual lives. The message challenges us to see honor not as a mere greeting card sentiment, but as a transformative force that shapes individuals and entire societies. We're reminded that honoring our parents isn't just about obedience, but about recognizing their inherent value and allowing that recognition to guide our actions. This commandment, found in Exodus 20:12, is presented as a pathway to personal and societal flourishing. The parallels drawn between our earthly parents and our Heavenly Father are particularly striking, encouraging us to view our family relationships as a reflection of God's covenant love. As we grapple with the complexities of honoring imperfect parents, we're called to a higher understanding of grace, forgiveness, and the unconditional love that can heal even the deepest wounds.

The movie clip is from *The Hateful Eight* (2015), directed by Quentin Tarantino. Distributed by The Weinstein Company.

The Ten Commandments | Honor Your Father and Mother - Exodus 20:1-2, 12 - Clint Leavitt

Join us as we begin an exciting journey through the Book of Acts in this powerful sermon from Howell Bible Church. Pastor explores Acts 1:1-11, revealing how Jesus commissioned His disciples to be witnesses "to the remotest parts of the earth" - a mission that continues today through us. Discover the significance of Christ's ascension, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the vital role of the Kingdom of God in understanding the entire New Testament.

This message examines how the early church's faithful witness reached across 2000 years to bring the Gospel to us today, and challenges believers to consider: How are we participating in this ongoing testimony? Learn why waiting for God's empowerment through the Holy Spirit was crucial for the disciples, and remains essential for effective ministry today.

Key topics covered include:
- The historical foundation of the New Testament through Acts
- Understanding the Kingdom of God as a central biblical doctrine
- The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through Christ
- The ascension of Jesus and His current reign
- Our calling as modern-day witnesses
- The importance of Holy Spirit empowerment for ministry

Perfect for anyone seeking to understand the connection between the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament, or looking to discover their role in God's ongoing mission.

Additional Resources:
Kingdom of God Articles
https://www.theexaltedchrist.com/the-kingdom-of-god

Church History Articles
https://www.theexaltedchrist.com/church-history

Our Devotional Study Guide on Acts
https://www.theexaltedchrist.com/books/witnesses-to-the-ends-of-the-earth-acts

The Kingdom of God Sermon from 1.15.2023
https://on.soundcloud.com/CNMDdmjuy86jZdi31D

Witnesses - Acts 1:1-11 - 08.24.2025

08/24/2025 - Chris Randall - The King's Folly: Vashti's Defiance and Removal (Esther 1:10-22)

This week we dive into the implications of the sixth commandment, 'You shall not murder.' Far from being a simple prohibition, this commandment reveals a profound principle: every human life is sacred. We're challenged to see beyond mere behavior modification and embrace a transformative journey of the heart. The story of Samson serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how unchecked anger can lead to destructive consequences. Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5 further illuminate this, showing us that anger, left unchecked, can be as damaging as murder itself. We're called to examine our hearts, interrupt cycles of anger, and actively pursue reconciliation. This message invites us to view every human interaction as laced with eternal significance, treating each person we encounter as bearing the image of God. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to cultivate a posture of humility and actively seek to transform enemies into friends, mirroring Christ's example of absorbing violence and returning love.

The Ten Commandments | Do Not Murder - Exodus 20:1-2, 13 - Clint Leavitt

08/31/2025 - Chris Randall - God's Preparation: Esther Enters the Palace (Esther 2:1-11)

09/07/2025 - Chris Randall - Divine Positioning: Ether Becomes Queen (Esther 2:12-23)

09/14/2025 - Chris Randall - The Pride of Haman: When Hatred Takes Root (Esther 3:1-6)

09/21/2025 - John Cottier - The Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)

09/28/2025 - Chris Randall - The Decree of Death: The Plot Against God's People (Esther 3:7-15)

10/05/2025 - Chris Randall - The Crisis Revealed: Mordecai's Mourning (Esther 4:1-8)

We exist to edify the saints, evangelize the world, and do all things to the glory of God.

At Midtown Presbyterian Church, we value honest questions and genuine community, working alongside one another as we discover more about what it means to follow Jesus in the modern world, and in Phoenix. You are welcome here.
Listen to our teachings in this podcast to follow us, and be sure to join us Sunday mornings; visit thespringmidtown.org to learn more.

Faith Community Church is a non-denominational church in South Boston, VA under the leadership of Pastor Dane Skelton. Sermon podcasts are uploaded every Sunday.

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