Duane Sheriff Ministries - Messages

The Passover meal was more than a celebration of Israel's deliverance from Egypt. Hidden within it was a powerful picture of redemption, protection, and healing that pointed forward to Jesus. In Episode 7 of The God Who Heals, Duane Sheriff teaches how the Passover meal reveals God's provision for wholeness. In Exodus 12, Israel was instructed to sacrifice a spotless lamb, apply its blood to their homes, and eat the meal before leaving Egypt. Psalm 105 adds a remarkable detail: when God brought His people out, "there was none feeble among His tribes." They experienced healing through that Passover meal. The lamb, the blood, the unleavened bread, and the deliverance from judgment were types and shadows pointing to Jesus. Scripture declares that Christ is our Passover, and He has brought the substance of what those Old Testament shadows represented. This truth should change how believers approach communion. We remember not only the forgiveness Jesus purchased through His blood, but also His body and God's…

What did Jesus actually provide for us through the cross? Scripture reveals that the atonement addressed more than our sin. Jesus came to bring wholeness to our spirit, soul, and body. In Episode 6 of "The God Who Heals," Duane Sheriff teaches how the cross provides forgiveness for sin, peace for the soul, and healing for the body. Isaiah 53 declares that Jesus bore our transgressions and iniquities, carried our griefs and sorrows, and that by His stripes we are healed. Matthew 8 confirms the physical dimension of this promise by connecting Isaiah's prophecy directly to Jesus healing the sick. What Jesus provided through the atonement must be received by faith. Just as being made righteous does not mean believers will never face temptation or sin, the provision that was made for healing does not mean sickness will never come. We resist sickness just as we resist sin, standing in faith upon what Jesus has already accomplished. Rather than letting experiences or traditions determine what we believe, we must…

God's Word must have the final say, even when our circumstances, experiences, or unanswered questions suggest otherwise. Settling in God's will to heal begins with settling in God's Word. In Episode 5 of "The God Who Heals," Duane Sheriff teaches on the power and authority of God's Word and why it is foundational to our confidence in God's will to heal. Scripture says God sent His Word and healed them, and Proverbs describes His words as life to those who find them and health to all their flesh. Like a seed, God's Word has life, but we must receive it, believe it, and plant it in our hearts. We cannot let personal experiences, other people's opinions, or unanswered questions carry more authority than what God has said. We may have questions, but we do not have to question God's Word. Duane also shares how his first personal healing came as he immersed himself in Scripture. Despite struggling with severe dyslexia, he saturated himself in God's Word and experienced a remarkable change in his ability to read,…

If it is God's will to heal, why isn't everyone healed? The fact that not everyone receives healing does not change God's will any more than the fact that not everyone overcomes sin changes His will for us to live a life free from it. In Episode 4 of "The God Who Heals," Duane Sheriff lists five reasons he knows God wills to heal and wills to heal all: God's nature, His love, His name, His mercy, and His Word. He focuses specifically on two of those powerful foundations for our confidence: the name of Jesus and God's mercy. 📖 Get your FREE copy ➡️https://pastorduane.com/landing/the-god-who-heals The apostle Peter did not attribute the healing of the lame man in Acts 3 to his own power, holiness, or position as an apostle. The man was made whole through faith in the name of Jesus. That name has not changed or lost its power. Jesus is still the same yesterday, today, and forever. Praying in Jesus' name is more than just saying words at the end of a prayer. It means standing in His will and representing Him…

Every day, we are planting seeds that shape our future. The words we speak, the thoughts we nurture, and the way we treat others all contribute to the harvest we will eventually see. The seeds we choose to plant today will influence the harvest we reap tomorrow. In "Sowing & Reaping," Duane Sheriff teaches the unchanging law of seedtime and harvest and how it applies to every area of life, not just finances. Galatians 6 and other Scriptures reveal how our choices, relationships, generosity, and attitudes produce a harvest over time. Just as we reap what we sow, we can sow to the Spirit and cultivate the kind of life God desires for us. Duane encourages us to take inventory of the seeds we are planting in our homes, workplaces, and relationships. When we recognize a bad seed, we can repent, make things right, and begin again. Even when we cannot see immediate results, we can trust God's Word and remain faithful, knowing that some harvests take time. Discover how to sow good seeds today, nurture the promises…

How can we know with confidence that it is God's will to heal when our experiences sometimes seem to say otherwise? We cannot base our confidence on what we see around us. Our confidence must come from God's Word and the revelation of Jesus Christ. In Episode 3 of "The God Who Heals," Duane Sheriff teaches how he became convinced of God's will to heal and why his confidence stayed strong despite unanswered questions and difficult experiences. After praying for five people who were not healed and later died, Duane was still able to pray with confidence for a man named Bill, who was facing death from liver failure. Bill was miraculously healed and lived for another ten years. That confidence did not come from personal experience but from making God's Word the final authority. God's character, His love, and even His name reveal His willingness to heal. Jesus perfectly reveals the Father, showing compassion to the sick and healing those who came to Him. God also reveals Himself as Jehovah Rapha, "the God who…

If it is God's will to heal, why aren't all healed? God's desire for our lives doesn't mean His will happens automatically. His will does not change because of what we go through, our circumstances, or what we see happening around us. In Episode 2 of "The God Who Heals," Duane Sheriff addresses one of the most common questions surrounding healing. Just as it is God's will for everyone to be saved, live holy, forgive, and walk in righteousness, people can still choose differently or face opposition to His will. The same is true of healing. God's will remains unchanged even when healing has not yet been experienced. God's Word must be mixed with faith. Believers are called to be confident in God's nature and promises, renew their minds to His Word, and stand firm when circumstances appear to contradict His Word. Through Scripture, we learn that sickness and disease were part of the curse under the old covenant, not a blessing or God's loving correction. Through Jesus, believers have been redeemed from the…

Do you believe that it's God's will to heal? Our experiences, disappointments, traditions, or someone else's lack of healing cannot determine our answer. God's Word must establish His will. In "The God Who Heals," Duane Sheriff teaches the foundational truth that God wills to heal His people. Yet our faith cannot rise above our knowledge of God and His will, which is why renewing our minds to Scripture is essential. 3 John 1:2 says that God desires His people to prosper and be in health as their souls prosper. God's will is revealed through both the written Word of Scripture and the living Word, Jesus Christ. Scripture points us to Jesus, and Jesus perfectly reveals the Father's nature, character, and will. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus never made anyone sick or refused healing to anyone who came to Him. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed. Although not everyone receives healing, it does not change the fact that healing is part of God's nature and will. When we separate human…

Faithfulness is the key to increase in life and ministry. Greater opportunities and influence begin with being faithful in the little things God has already entrusted to us. In "Faithfulness – The Key to Increase," Duane Sheriff draws from 1 Corinthians 4 and Luke 16 to challenge ministers and ministry students to recognize faithfulness as a foundational principle of God's kingdom. He identifies four dimensions of faithfulness: being faithful in little things, faithful with what belongs to another, faithful with what is yours, and faithful to the next generation. Through practical teaching on financial stewardship, tithing, honoring leadership, and serving with integrity, Duane reveals that faithfulness is not legalism but a response to God's grace and faithfulness toward us. Don't despise small beginnings or overlook your present responsibilities. Discover how faithfulness in what God has entrusted to you today prepares you for greater opportunities and increase tomorrow.

Where do we place our confidence? Are we building our confidence based on our accomplishments? When we compare ourselves to others by race, title, background, education, or success, we are placing confidence in ourselves instead of Christ. In Part 3 of "Philippians," Duane Sheriff teaches what it means to be found in Christ. In Philippians 3, the Apostle Paul presents an impressive list of earthly credentials. He points to his heritage, religious standing, zeal, and blameless obedience to the law. Yet Paul counts it all as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus. Paul's example challenges us to examine where we find our identity, righteousness, security, worth, and significance. Paul modeled three disciplines for growth: forgetting what lies behind, reaching toward what is ahead, and pressing toward the goal. Forgetting does not mean pretending the past never happened. It means refusing to allow past failures, hurts, or even successes to define the present or sabotage the future. We should…

Are you pursuing greatness on God's terms or on the world's terms? The world teaches us to climb higher, promote ourselves, gain influence, and push past others to succeed. However, Philippians 2 reveals a radically different path. In Part 2 of "Philippians," Duane Sheriff teaches that true greatness in God's kingdom is found through humility, selfless service, and adopting the mind of Christ. Paul calls believers to be like-minded, united in love, and joined together in genuine fellowship and partnership in the gospel. Not a superficial unity that agrees on everything, but a Spirit-led commitment to love one another, serve one another, and esteem others above ourselves. Jesus is our ultimate example. Though equal with God, He made Himself of no reputation, took the form of a servant, humbled Himself, and became obedient even to death. He chose the downward path of humility so God highly exalted Him. Duane challenges believers to work out their salvation with reverence, stop complaining and disputing, and…

What does it look like to have genuine, unshakeable joy when life is falling apart around us? Joy is not a prize waiting at the finish line of our struggles or reserved for moments when things go as we hoped. Scripture reveals that supernatural joy can remain even in the middle of suffering, uncertainty, and chaos beyond our control. In "Philippians," Duane Sheriff shows through Paul's example how we can experience joy no matter what we face. Paul wrote to the Philippian church while imprisoned, falsely accused, and uncertain if he would be released or executed. Yet his circumstances did not determine his joy. Everyone has unfinished stories. We face disappointment, problems with others, challenges, hard times, and moments when we don't know what will happen. Paul shows us that we do not have to wait until the story is over to have joy. Our joy can be based on something bigger than our situation. Duane teaches how to see beyond our current situation and understand the higher story of what God is doing by…

Delay does not mean denial. When an answer to prayer does not come as quickly as we hoped, it's easy to become discouraged, question God's willingness, or wonder if our prayers are heard. In Part 3 of "Prayer - Drawing Near to God," Duane Sheriff teaches the importance of persistence in prayer. Through Jesus' parables of the persistent friend and the persistent widow, he explains that God is not reluctant or unwilling to answer His children. Instead, believers are called to keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking without giving up or losing heart. When the manifestation of answered prayer isn't immediate or takes longer than we expect, we can assume it's a denial. But sometimes, God needs to work in our hearts to strengthen our character, reveal areas of weakness, and deepen our relationship with Him. Persistence is not about begging God, wearing Him down, or trying to convince Him to act. It's about standing in faith, trusting in His goodness, and refusing to allow delay to bring discouragement. Pray…

What if, instead of judging others for their failures, we used those moments to reflect on our own hearts? In Episode 15 of "The Chastening of the Lord," Duane Sheriff explores an often-overlooked way God corrects and refines His people - learning from the mistakes and failures of others. Instead of criticizing or condemning when someone stumbles, we can use their example to examine our own lives and grow in humility and grace. In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul points to five failures from Israel's time in the wilderness as examples for us: lusting after what was left behind, idolatry, sexual immorality, tempting God, and murmuring and complaining. Their mistakes reveal attitudes and patterns that we must guard against in our own lives. What should have been a twelve-day journey turned into forty years of wandering because of unbelief and rebellion. Their story encourages us to examine ourselves, pray for those who struggle, and hold on to our trust in God. The failures of others can become part of God's loving…

God gives us trustworthy spiritual leaders to teach, encourage, correct, and guide us toward spiritual maturity. In Episode 14 of "The Chastening of the Lord," Duane Sheriff focuses on how God uses spiritual authorities as instruments of His chastening. Scripture teaches us to recognize and esteem those who labor among us, teach God's Word, admonish us, and watch over our souls. These leaders are called to speak the truth in love, provide correction when needed, and help believers remain on the right path. Biblical submission does not mean following blindly. Sometimes spiritual authority can be abused, so leaders also need to be accountable and willing to accept correction. Even when leaders fail, God's design for spiritual oversight remains the same. God-given authority is intended to build people up, not manipulate, control, or harm them. We need spiritual leaders in our lives whom we know and trust, people with a proven faithfulness to Jesus and His Word who can lovingly speak into our lives. Godly…

God speaks - the question is whether we have cultivated the sensitivity to hear Him. Through the Holy Spirit, He lovingly corrects and redirects us when we move in the wrong direction. In Episode 13 of "The Chastening of the Lord," Duane Sheriff teaches how the Holy Spirit works in God's loving correction. Scripture calls God the Father of Spirits, and His chastening does not come from the outside through circumstances, calamity, or harm. He works from within, speaking to our spirit by the Holy Spirit. Jesus called the Holy Spirit the Spirit of Truth, who guides us into all truth. That guidance reveals when something is wrong, grieves us when we step into unrighteousness, and redirects us when we begin to move in the wrong direction. His correction is not condemnation or anger. It is the loving direction of a Father who wants His children to walk in truth and fulfill His purpose for their lives. As we develop intimacy with God, we become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit's promptings. At times, His…

Could God be pruning areas of your life so Christ can be seen more clearly? In Episode 12 of "The Chastening of the Lord," Duane Sheriff teaches how God purges, prunes, and cleanses His people. In John 15, Jesus describes the Father as a vinedresser who prunes fruitful branches so they can bear even more fruit. He then tells His disciples, "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you." God's Word is the primary way He purges our lives. It washes our minds, corrects our thinking, exposes what is unprofitable, and sanctifies us through truth. God does not need to bring tragedy, failure, or destruction to change us. His Word lovingly reveals what needs to be removed and gives us the truth needed to make a course correction. Like a skilled artist cutting away everything from a piece of wood that does not belong in the finished work, God sees who we are in Christ and removes the dead wood that does not reflect Him. God's purging is not rooted in anger or wrath. It is the loving work of a…

God's Word does more than encourage us. It corrects, rebukes, and shows us when we are headed in the wrong direction. In Episode 11 of "The Chastening of the Lord," Duane Sheriff teaches how God uses His Word as one of His primary methods of chastening us. Second Timothy 3:16 says Scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. God's Word teaches us what is true, exposes wrong thinking, corrects our course, and instructs us in how to live. To receive that correction, we cannot simply read the Bible to confirm what we already believe. We must allow the Bible to "read us." Scripture challenges our thoughts, attitudes, opinions, and choices when they don't align with God's nature and truth. God's correction through His Word flows from His love and is always for our good. His Word warns us, redirects us, and teaches us to recognize right from wrong in a culture where those distinctions are increasingly blurred. When we make Scripture our final authority and yield to…

How does God correct us when we move in the wrong direction? It is not through sickness, poverty, tragedy, or harm. God chastens us through His Word. In Episode 10 of "The Chastening of the Lord," Duane Sheriff explains how Scripture becomes God's instrument of loving correction in our lives. 2 Timothy 3:16 says that all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Through His Word, God teaches us what is true, exposes what is wrong, corrects our course, and instructs us how to live. God does not need to harm us to teach us. He has given us His Word to be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. As we read, meditate on, and submit ourselves to Scripture, the Holy Spirit can address our attitudes, relationships, beliefs, and choices. The Word of God also protects us from deception by giving us wisdom to discern good from evil. God's chastening brings us back into alignment with truth so that we can mature, walk in righteousness, and be…

Not everything that happens in our lives is God's will, but He can still bring good out of it. In Episode 9 of "The Chastening of the Lord," Duane Sheriff explores the different ways God chastens His children. God's correction is not punishment, sickness, tragedy, or evil sent to teach us a lesson. Instead, the Holy Spirit instructs, corrects, and redirects us when we move away from God's purpose for our lives. Like a GPS redirecting us after a wrong turn, God's chastening calls us to repent - to change our minds, turn around, and get back on the right path. His purpose is to conform us to the image of Christ, producing holiness, righteousness, and spiritual maturity. God can also teach us in the middle of painful circumstances, poor choices, or things the enemy intends to harm us. He can bring beauty from ashes without being the One who burned the house down. God's ability to redeem a circumstance does not mean He caused it. Believers therefore need discernment. Scripture tells us what we should submit to…

What does it mean that our bodies are not our own? In Episode 8 of "The Chastening of the Lord," Duane Sheriff teaches that our bodies are members of Christ, bought at a price, and set apart as temples of the Holy Spirit. This truth should shape how we live and how we respond to a culture that celebrates what God tells us to flee fornication. Sexual immorality is not a minor or peripheral issue in Scripture. Paul warns that sexual sin carries consequences that reach into the body and soul, affecting our minds, emotions, relationships, and ultimately the course of our lives. This is why God lovingly warns and corrects His children rather than allowing us to remain in patterns that can bring destruction. The call to flee is not rooted in shame or condemnation. It is rooted in love—the same love that bought us and refuses to leave us where we are. God's chastening is redemptive, calling us back to holiness, truth, and His purpose for our lives. Love does not celebrate evil. It celebrates truth. We are not…

Sexual purity is not outdated, optional, or something the church can afford to remain silent about. When what God calls sin is tolerated—or even celebrated—it does not produce freedom. It produces greater confusion, bondage, and brokenness. In Episode 7 of "The Chastening of the Lord," Duane Sheriff addresses the church's responsibility to uphold God's standard for sexual purity. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 5 and Revelation 2, he shows how seriously Scripture treats sexual immorality and why unchecked sin can spread like leaven throughout a church. God loves people unconditionally, but unconditional love does not mean unconditional acceptance of everything we do. His chastening confronts what is harmful and calls His children back to holiness, truth, and freedom. The church cannot abandon biblical teaching on sexuality, marriage, and God's created design simply because those truths have become controversial. Every one of us needs mercy, and sexual brokenness should never be met with self-righteousness or…

God's correction is not meant to punish us, but to redeem us. He does not correct us out of anger, but out of love, because He knows the dangerous consequences of our sin. In Episode 6 of "The Chastening of the Lord," Duane Sheriff teaches why God chastens His children. God's grace fully forgives us and makes us righteous in Christ, but that does not mean sin is harmless. Sin can damage our lives, wound the people around us, and open a door for Satan. God's chastening serves three main purposes. First, He corrects us out of love because He wants what is best for us. Second, He teaches us to love others because sin is unloving and harms those around us. Third, His correction protects us from allowing unrepentant sin to give the enemy a foothold in our lives. Grace is more than a doctrine—it is found in the person of Jesus Christ. His grace loves us too much to leave us in patterns that bring harm and destruction. God's chastening helps us grow, mature, become fruitful, and walk in greater freedom. It is…

Have you ever wondered if you have committed the unpardonable sin? The fact that you even care that you may have displeased God means you did not commit the unpardonable sin. In Episode 5 of "The Chastening of the Lord," Duane Sheriff addresses one of the most misunderstood and fear-producing teachings in Christianity - the unpardonable sin, or blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Connecting this subject to God's chastening, Duane explains that God's correction is not punishment or wrath, but loving discipline that reflects our place in His family. So what is the sin that cannot be forgiven? John 16, Matthew 12, and Mark 3 reveal that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of one sin: unbelief in Jesus Christ. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is the persistent rejection of that conviction, the cross, and Jesus as Lord. Every other sin and blasphemy can be forgiven through faith in Christ. This truth should set believers free from the fear that they may have gone too far, said the wrong thing, or somehow lost God's…

What is God's chastening? In Episode 4 of "The Chastening of the Lord," Duane Sheriff explains the what, why, and how of God's chastening. Chastening is not wrath, punishment, or rejection. It is the loving correction, guidance, warning, and discipline of a Father who wants what is best for His children. God corrects us because He loves us. His correction helps us recognize attitudes, choices, and behaviors that can harm our lives, relationships, and spiritual growth. God's love is unconditional, but that does not mean He accepts everything we do without correction. How does that chastening work in our lives? God uses His Word and the Holy Spirit to instruct, warn, rebuke, and course-correct us when we move in the wrong direction. His chastening brings conviction, not guilt or condemnation. Conviction reminds us who we are in Christ, leads us back to the right path, and draws us closer to Him. 📖 Get your FREE copy ➡️https://pastorduane.com/landing/the-chastening-of-the-lord

“The way I'm able to endure and receive God's correction is that I know He's not mad. He's not angry, punishing me, or making me feel guilty. God's chastening draws me toward Him. Condemnation pushes me away from Him.” In Episode 3 of "The Chastening of the Lord," Duane Sheriff explains what God's chastening is not. God's chastening is not wrath, anger, punishment, condemnation, or the curses of the law. Through the cross, Jesus redeemed believers from the curse of the law and bore God's wrath against sin. God is not holding our sins over us. Through Christ's atoning work, believers have been fully redeemed from the curse of the law and from God's punitive wrath. We are no longer under the curse of sickness, poverty, and destruction, and guilt and shame are not God's tools for correcting His children. God still corrects, disciplines, rebukes, and warns His children, but He does so as a loving Father. His chastening is redemptive, designed to lead us into righteousness, holiness, and spiritual maturity.…

How can God's chastening be redemptive? Many believers misunderstand God's chastening. Some think sickness, poverty, and suffering are punishments from God, while others ignore the idea of God's correction completely. Scripture distinguishes between the wrath from which Jesus delivered us and God's loving correction. In Episode 2 of "The Chastening of the Lord," Duane Sheriff explains the distinction between God's wrath under the Old Covenant law and God's loving discipline of His children under the New Covenant. Under the law, disobedience brought wrath, punishment, and curses. But Jesus bore the curse of the law on the cross, freeing believers from God's punitive wrath. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, but He did not remove God's loving chastening from our lives. God's correction still happens today because we are His children. Understanding this difference changes how we view sickness, hardship, and God's correction. God is not making us sick, bringing destruction, or placing curses on us to…

We live in a world that equates happiness with the absence of discipline and boundaries, yet Scripture presents a radically different picture. God's discipline is not a sign of His anger but of His love, producing maturity, character, resistance to temptation, and alignment with His purposes. "God loves us and will not allow us to remain in things that are hindering His will for our life." In this new series, "The Chastening of the Lord," Duane Sheriff explains that God's correction does not come from anger, rejection, or punishment. Instead, it is the loving discipline, guidance, and instruction of a Father who wants His children to grow and walk in His ways. Like a caring parent who sets boundaries and teaches that choices have consequences, God establishes boundaries for our good. His corrections shape our character, helps us resist temptation, and reveals attitudes, motives, and actions that can harm us or others. God's love for us never changes, but not everything we do is good or beneficial. Because He…

The gift of righteousness is not a license to remain in sin - it is the very power that breaks sin's grip on our lives. Grace does not make sin irrelevant; it empowers believers to live free from its bondage. In Part 3 of "The Gift of Righteousness," Duane Sheriff teaches how receiving God's grace and righteousness changes how we stand before God and how we live. Through Jesus, believers are completely forgiven, accepted, and made righteous apart from their own works. Yet grace does not excuse sin. It teaches us to turn from ungodliness and live righteous, godly lives. We do not pursue holiness to earn God's love, forgiveness, or blessing. We live holy because we have been made new in Christ. We are dead to sin. We love God. We love people, but sin ultimately will harm us and those around us. When we fail, God does not condemn or reject us. His loving correction helps us recognize what is hurting us and leads us back to truth. As we renew our minds, repentance changes how we think, bringing our thoughts and…

Righteousness is not something we can earn or receive through our own good works or effort. It is a gift made possible through Jesus, who became our substitute and did for us what we could never do. In "The Gift of Righteousness," Duane Sheriff teaches how Jesus fulfilled the law on our behalf, paid the penalty for our sin, and was raised from the dead so that we could be made righteous before God. Jesus did what we could not do: keep the law, and then paid for what we did do by breaking it. Because sin was judged in the body of Jesus, believers no longer live under God's condemnation. We can come boldly to the throne of grace, receive mercy when we fail, and rest in the truth that God is for us, not against us. At the cross, grace gives us what we do not deserve, while mercy keeps us from receiving what we do deserve. The gift of righteousness changes how we see God, ourselves, and our relationship with Him. Instead of striving to earn His acceptance, we can receive His grace by faith and begin to rule and…

Righteousness is not a reward for good behavior - it’s a gift made possible through Jesus and received by faith. In the series "The Gift of Righteousness," Duane Sheriff lays the foundation for understanding the gift of righteousness and the abundance of God's grace. Through Adam, sin, death, guilt, and condemnation entered the world, but through Jesus, righteousness, life, and freedom are available to everyone who believes. Duane shares his own journey of spending years as a Christian struggling with shame, condemnation, and the feeling that he could never do enough to please God. Everything changed when he discovered that God had already forgiven him and began to understand what Jesus accomplished through His death, burial, and resurrection. Faith is not something we use to persuade God to act. Faith receives what God has already provided through grace. When we understand our righteousness in Christ, we can stop depending on our own works, let go of condemnation, and begin to reign in life through Jesus.…

Many believers want to hear God but struggle to recognize His voice or distinguish His voice from the many others competing for their attention. If we only realized that God has been speaking to us all along, we did not know how to listen. In Part 4 of "Prayer – Drawing Near to God," Duane Sheriff teaches that prayer should be a dialog, not a monologue. Jesus said His sheep hear His voice and know Him. Learning to hear God begins with understanding how He speaks and training our spiritual ears to recognize His voice. God speaks into our lives in four primary ways: through His Word, His wisdom, His servants, and the Holy Spirit. Scripture gives direction, God's wisdom helps us apply truth to specific situations, godly relationships can speak into our lives, and the Holy Spirit leads through promptings, conviction, righteousness, joy, and peace. Hearing God is not about waiting for a booming audible voice. Instead, it is a whisper, close and intimate, because He is not far off. He is right here. As we grow in…

Prayer is not a religious obligation. It is about aligning our hearts with God's will. James 4:8 promises that when we come closer to God, He comes closer to us. In Part 2 of "Prayer - Drawing Near to God,” Duane Sheriff explores Jesus' model for prayer found in the Lord's Prayer. This "four-by-four" pattern starts with a vertical focus on God, His name, His Kingdom, and His will, then turns to our needs, forgiveness, temptation, and deliverance. To pray effectively, we need to know who God is and who we are to Him. We come to God as His children, trusting in Jesus. When we start by focusing on God—His character, His desires, and His Kingdom—we prepare our hearts before bringing our own needs to Him. Prayer is not about pleading with God or trying to get Him to agree with our plans. It is about letting our hearts and desires match His will. As we ask for our daily needs, forgive others, face temptation, and deal with evil, we learn to rely on God's grace rather than our own efforts. When we focus on God…

When the disciples saw Jesus perform miracles, signs, and wonders, they recognized that these things flowed from His life of prayer. They asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” In "Prayer - Drawing Near to God," Duane Sheriff teaches that prayer is not about bargaining with God, nor should it be a last resort when everything else fails. Prayer is God’s means of relationship and partnership with us. Through the new birth, we are restored to God’s design to walk with Him, hear His voice, and partner with Him so that His will is done on earth as it is in heaven. Jesus’ model of prayer is divinely designed to first turn our hearts toward our Father, His name, His Kingdom, and His will before turning to our needs, forgiveness, temptation, and deliverance. Prayer is something we learn, beginning with God’s priorities and presence, then moving to our requests and struggles. Learning to pray does more than change how we talk to God. As we draw near, listen, and align our hearts with Him, prayer transforms our…

"True spiritual warfare is praying and watching for things that harm the saints." In Episode 15 of "The Good Fight," Duane Sheriff concludes the series by revealing the power of prayer in spiritual warfare. After describing the armor of God, Paul immediately instructs believers to pray always, remain watchful, persevere, and make supplication for all the saints. Spiritual warfare is not fought by attacking people, but by standing together, praying for one another, and using the Word of God against the powers of darkness. Discover how praying for our families, churches, pastors, and fellow believers becomes an active part of the spiritual battle. When we pray, praise, meditate on, and speak God's Word, we wield the sword of the Spirit, stand in the victory Christ has already won, and learn how to fight the good fight of faith through the power of prayer. Prayer becomes especially powerful when we pray God's Word. Prayer becomes especially powerful when we pray God's Word. The prayers Paul recorded in…

"When we speak God's Word, it is a sword in the spirit world." In Episode 14 of "The Good Fight," Duane Sheriff focuses on the final piece of the armor of God - the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Spiritual warfare cannot be fought with natural strength or human wisdom. God has equipped believers with spiritual weapons, and His Word becomes a powerful weapon when it is placed in our hearts and spoken from our mouths. The sword of the Spirit is not simply quoting Scripture religiously. It is allowing God's Word to fill our hearts until it becomes what we pray, praise, meditate on, and speak. Discover how putting the Word of God in your heart and speaking it from your mouth equips you to engage in spiritual warfare and win the good fight with the weapon God has already placed in your hands. 📖 Get your FREE copy ➡️https://pastorduane.com/landing/the-good-fight/

What if the greatest battlefield in our spiritual lives is right inside our own minds? In Episode 13 of "The Good Fight," Duane Sheriff focuses on the fifth piece of God's armor - the helmet of salvation. The enemy's attacks are not always dramatic or obvious. Often, the battle is a subtle and persistent war fought through the thoughts we choose to entertain. Fear, worry, unbelief, and discouragement can take root when wrong thoughts are allowed to dominate, but believers are called to take every thought captive and bring it into obedience to Christ. Putting on the helmet of salvation means renewing our minds and choosing to think in agreement with God and His Word. This is not positive thinking or "mind over matter." The Christian life does not originate in the mind, but what God has already placed within our born-again spirit must come through a renewed mind as we agree with Him. Discover how mind renewal transforms our lives as we put off the old way of thinking and put on the new man in Christ. By…

What is a spiritual battle, and how do we know we're fighting it the right way? In Episode 12 of "The Good Fight," Duane Sheriff focuses on the fourth piece of God’s armor, the shield of faith. The armor described in Ephesians 6 is not simply equipment we put on before the battle begins. Putting it on and walking it out by faith is the battle itself. Truth comes first because faith cannot exist without it. We cannot believe God for what we do not know. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God, and we must mix faith with His Word for it to become effective in our lives. The shield of faith enables us to quench the fiery darts of unbelief, fear, hardship, and circumstances that tempt us to doubt God's truth and His promises. Discover how the shield of faith equips us to stand through every test, trust God when it looks like we are losing, and fight from the position of victory He has already given us in Christ. 📖 Get your FREE copy ➡️https://pastorduane.com/landing/the-good-fight/

What does the gospel of peace have to do with spiritual warfare? In Episode 11 of "The Good Fight," Duane Sheriff teaches on spiritual warfare by focusing on the third piece of armor described in Ephesians 6. Believers are to have their feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. This peace is very different from the counterfeit peace the world offers. It does not mean avoiding conflict, ignoring evil, or compromising truth to keep the peace. The gospel of peace is the good news that God has made peace with us through the blood of Jesus Christ. The enemy wants people to believe that God is angry with them, against them, or unwilling to forgive them. But believers cannot fight an effective spiritual battle while believing God is their enemy. Knowing that God is for us, not against us, gives us confidence to stand against guilt, condemnation, and the enemy's lies. As believers, we are called to carry this message of reconciliation into a world held captive by lies about God. Discover how the gospel…

The most powerful weapon available to us in spiritual warfare is one we already possess. In Episode 9 of "The Good Fight," Duane Sheriff exposes the spiritual conflict between truth and lies. Satan traffics in darkness, deception, and fraud, using lies to ensnare people and lead them further into bondage. But the truth of God's Word has the power to break deception, expose darkness, and set people free. The enemy can only promote a lie by suppressing the truth. When believers remain silent, self-censor, or refuse to speak because they fear rejection, persecution, or being misunderstood, deception is allowed to spread unchecked. Yet Christians are called to stand firm, proclaim the truth in love, and refuse to surrender their most powerful spiritual weapon. Discover how embracing God's Word as the final authority equips us to win the battles we face. Truth separates light from darkness, freedom from bondage, and righteousness from deception. Satan's primary strategy is to deceive and suppress the truth, but…

The single greatest weapon we have against the enemy in this spiritual battle is simply knowing who we are before God. Satan comes against us with guilt, shame, and condemnation, whispering that our failures have disqualified us. But Romans 5:17 declares that those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through Jesus Christ. Righteousness is not something that is earned or maintained through perfect behavior. It is a gift of righteousness through Jesus, received by faith. In Episode 10 of "The Good Fight," Duane Sheriff reveals why the breastplate of righteousness is essential in spiritual warfare. When believers are established in their righteousness in Christ, the enemy loses one of his most effective weapons. Instead of allowing condemnation to push us down and away from God, we can run boldly toward Him, resist the devil, and stand confidently in the authority Christ has given us. Discover the difference between condemnation that drives us from God and…

You already have access to the single most powerful spiritual weapon available. In Episode 8 of "The Good Fight," Duane Sheriff reveals why truth is the first piece of God's armor and the foundation that connects every other spiritual weapon. The battle believers face ultimately comes down to truth against lies. God works through truth, while Satan's primary weapon is deception. We must believe a lie before we can become ensnared by it. The fight of faith is the daily decision to believe God, trust His Word, and make it our final authority rather than accepting the philosophies and fraudulent narratives of the world. God's Word is truth, and when we continue in His Word, that truth sanctifies us, separates us from darkness, exposes deception, and brings freedom into every area of our lives. Believers are called to become pursuers, lovers, and courageous messengers of truth. Although we cannot confront every lie in our culture, when we focus on the truth and speak it in love, lies are exposed, and strongholds…

We are not victims struggling to become victors. We are already victors, declared winners in Christ. The enemy's strategy is to deceive us into forgetting who we are. In Episode 7 of "The Good Fight," Duane Sheriff teaches why the Armor of God is essential for every believer who wants to stand firm against the enemy's schemes. Spiritual warfare is not fought through human strength, emotion, or self-effort. It is fought in the Lord's might with the spiritual weapons God has already provided. Through Paul's description of a Roman soldier's armor in Ephesians 6, we learn how God equips us with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer. Each piece prepares us to resist deception, remain established in faith, and stand confidently in the victory Christ has already secured. This battle is not against people, but against the spiritual forces that blind minds, distort truth, destroy lives, and keep people trapped in darkness. In Christ, we are blessed, seated with Him in heavenly…

What does it mean to be clothed in the armor of light? The light of God's armor doesn't just expose the darkness - it expels it. In Episode 6 of "The Good Fight," Duane Sheriff teaches one of the most vivid and practical pictures of spiritual warfare found in Scripture from Romans 13. Spiritual warfare is not fought through human strength, anger, or carnal weapons. It begins by casting off the works of darkness, putting on the Lord Jesus Christ, and learning to walk after the Spirit rather than the flesh. Our good works, integrity, love, and telling the truth are not passive virtues - they are our spiritual weapons. They penetrate the darkness by exposing it and ultimately expel it. The parallel drawn between putting on Christ and putting on the armor of light reminds us that spiritual warfare is not primarily about confronting external enemies but about the daily choice to walk after the Spirit rather than the flesh. Discover why the true battlefield is for the souls of men and how the gospel turns people…

How can evil still prevail when Jesus stripped the devil, defeated the devil, and absolutely destroyed his power over us? Satan cannot devour believers unless they submit to him, and that submission often happens subtly through our thoughts and beliefs. When we exalt a philosophy, argument, or tradition above the Word of God, we are giving the enemy building materials for a stronghold. In Episode 5 of "The Good Fight," Duane Sheriff reveals how strongholds are formed in the mind and how they can be torn down through the spiritual weapons God has provided. The battle is not fought with physical weapons. It takes place in our minds, homes, finances, relationships, and every area where we allow a secular worldview to oppose the truth of Scripture. Believers do not have to remain defeated by a defeated devil. Victory requires us to cast down arguments, take every thought captive, and make it obedient to Christ. Discover how to recognize strongholds, replace lies with truth, and stand firm in the good fight of…

What if one of the greatest obstacles to spiritual victory is fighting the wrong enemy? We waste our energy fighting the people around us, our circumstances, and even God, while the real battle remains hidden. In Episode 4 of "The Good Fight," Duane Sheriff reveals that believers must identify the correct enemy, engage in the right battle, and use the spiritual weapons God has provided. Many Christians are losing unnecessary ground because they are unaware of the conflict, fighting against flesh and blood, or still living as though God is their adversary. God is not against us. He is the source of our strength and victory. The weapons of our warfare are not natural or carnal; they are mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments, and bringing every thought into obedience to Christ. These strongholds are false beliefs, philosophies, opinions, and ways of thinking that exalt themselves above God's Word. When lies are accepted and left unchallenged, they become fortresses where the enemy…

What if the greatest battle we face every day is one most of us never recognize we are in? "You entered a battlefield when you became born again." The Christian life is an ongoing spiritual conflict that requires us to understand our enemy, our weapons, our authority, and our source of strength. In Episode 3 of "The Good Fight," Duane Sheriff teaches that the fight is real, but so is the victory already declared over us through faith in Jesus Christ. Believers must first submit to God and then actively resist the devil, steadfast in faith. To resist means to oppose, withstand, and refuse to back down when Satan attacks our confidence in God's goodness, love, faithfulness, and power. This battle is not against flesh and blood, nor is it won through self-effort, pride, or natural ability. Pride opens the door to satanic influence, while humility positions us to receive God's empowering grace. Humility is not weakness. It's the strategic posture of a wise soldier. As we yield to God and put on His whole armor,…

There is a battle being fought all around us, and whether we realize it or not, every one of us is in the middle of it. If you are a believer, you are under constant assault from the forces of darkness. In Episode 1 of "The Good Fight", Duane Sheriff explains why tribulation, persecution, and hardship often arise when believers choose to live under the rule and reign of Jesus. Tribulation and hardship are not random. They are a direct result of the kingdom of God living inside of us. In Acts 14, the Apostle Paul was stoned and left for dead, yet returned to strengthen the believers who watched it happen and encourage them to continue in the faith. Tribulation is not evidence that God has abandoned us, but a part of the spiritual resistance that accompanies lives fully surrendered to Christ. Jesus promised that we would face tribulation in this world, but He also assured us that He has overcome it. As a result, faith cannot remain passive. It must be active, steadfast, and prepared to resist the opposition…

“There is a battle raging whether you engage or not.” In Episode 1 of "The Good Fight," Duane Sheriff introduces the reality of spiritual warfare and explains why the Christian life was never meant to be passive. Many believers are ill-equipped, unprepared, or even unaware of the battles raging against their families, churches, and faith. Spiritual warfare is real, but our authority in Christ is greater. Most believers will either overestimate the devil and become demon-focused or underestimate the enemy and become needless casualties. Our battle is not against God, flesh and blood, or one another. It is a spiritual fight that requires spiritual weapons and active, aggressive faith. What makes this a good fight? Through Christ, believers have already been declared winners. We do not fight to obtain victory through our own effort, but from the victory Jesus has already secured by grace. Discover how to recognize the true battle, fight the right enemy, and lay hold of everything Christ has provided. 📖 Get your…

What if the greatest move of God in our lifetime depends on one generation empowering the next instead of competing with it? Too often, churches preserve methods while neglecting the people God wants to reach. In Acceleration Mandate, Duane Sheriff sits down with Pastor John Nuzzo to explore God's pattern for generational acceleration through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Together they reveal the difference between the unchanging Gospel and the changing methods used to reach each generation, showing why seasoned believers must pass on wisdom, experience, and resources rather than personal preferences. They also address leadership transitions, spiritual legacy, the dangers of division, and why every believer—not just pastors—has a role in accelerating the next generation. Discover how turning hearts across generations can prepare the Church for a great awakening and a lasting Kingdom impact.