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Harvest Time Sanctuary Church Of God, 4502 Old Middleburg Road N, Jacksonville, FL (2026)

09/03/2026

SIGNAL 34:

“O magnify the LORD with me…”

Psalm 34:3 (KJV)
“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.”

During my many years in law enforcement, I heard more than a few Signal 34s come across the police radio. Whenever that signal was transmitted, every officer listening knew immediately that this was not routine radio traffic. It wasn’t casual conversation, and it wasn’t something you simply ignored.

A Signal 34 meant an officer was calling for help.

Somewhere, a fellow officer was facing a situation that had become dangerous, overwhelming, or beyond what he could safely handle alone. Behind that brief radio transmission was a much larger message:

“I need assistance. I need backup. I need somebody to respond. I need somebody to come alongside me. I don’t need to face this alone.”

When that call went out, you didn’t have to know every detail before responding. You didn’t have to know how the trouble started or how serious it might become. The call itself was enough.

Somebody needed help.

And somebody needed to respond.

There is something powerful about knowing that when you call for help, somebody hears you—and somebody is coming.

That is what I hear when I read Psalm 34:3:

“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.”

David is putting out what I would call a spiritual Signal 34.

Notice his words:

“WITH ME.”

David isn’t saying, “Stand back and watch me magnify the LORD.”

He’s saying:

Come alongside me.
Pray with me.
Praise with me.
Believe with me.
Stand with me.
Magnify the LORD with me.

That’s a call for backup!

And then David says:

“…and let us exalt his name TOGETHER.”

There is the response to the call:

TOGETHER.

Sometimes even the strongest among us need backup.

Sometimes the person who has prayed for everybody else needs somebody to pray for him.

Sometimes the person who has encouraged everybody else needs encouragement.

Sometimes the person who has carried everybody else’s burdens becomes weary under his own.

Sometimes the person who has stood beside everybody else needs somebody to say:

“I’m standing with you.”

DISPATCH FROM PSALM 34

SIGNAL 34! SIGNAL 34!
SAINT CALLING FOR ASSISTANCE!

Location: The battlefield of life.
Situation: The pressure is increasing.
Request: All available saints respond.
Instructions: MAGNIFY THE LORD!

When you’re wounded — SIGNAL 34!

When you’re surrounded — SIGNAL 34!

When your strength is failing — SIGNAL 34!

When the enemy is pressing — SIGNAL 34!

When the burden becomes too heavy to carry alone — SIGNAL 34!

When you have prayed until you don’t know what else to pray — SIGNAL 34!

When you need somebody to stand in agreement with you — SIGNAL 34!

And when that spiritual Signal 34 goes out, the Church shouldn’t stand around asking:

“Whose problem is it?”

The Church should answer:

“I’M RESPONDING!”

Because the Word of God says:

Galatians 6:2 (KJV)
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

We were never intended to fight every battle alone.

There are times when I need you.

There are times when you need me.

There are times when one person’s strength must become another person’s support.

That’s why David didn’t say, “Let me exalt His name.”

He said:

“LET US exalt his name TOGETHER.”

THE MESSAGE OF PSALM 34:3

“O” — The call goes out.

“Magnify” — Here’s the assignment.

“The LORD” — Here’s our focus.

“With me” — Come alongside me.

“Let us” — Nobody has to stand alone.

“Exalt his name” — Here’s our response.

“Together” — Signal 34 answered!

That’s the Church!

When one is wounded, we respond.

When one is weak, we strengthen them.

When one is discouraged, we encourage them.

When one is burdened, we help carry the load.

When one begins magnifying the LORD, we join the praise.

SIGNAL 34 in police work:
OFFICER CALLING FOR HELP.

PSALM 34:3 in the Church:
BELIEVER CALLING FOR HELP.

The spiritual radio traffic comes across:

“O magnify the LORD with me…”

And Heaven’s people answer:

“We’re responding!”

Then the backup arrives, the saints come together, faith joins faith, prayer joins prayer, praise joins praise—and what began as one person’s cry becomes the sound of an entire congregation:

“…AND LET US EXALT HIS NAME TOGETHER.”

ALL AVAILABLE SAINTS—RESPOND!

When somebody in the Body of Christ puts out a Signal 34, don’t leave them fighting alone.

Respond.
Come alongside them.
Stand with them.
Pray with them.
Magnify the LORD with them.

Because sometimes the greatest thing you can hear when you’re in the middle of the fight is:

“Hold on—BACKUP IS COMING!”

09/03/2026

Reminder Saints,
This is a gentle reminder for all who desire to please the Lord: there are seven things you can do each day to strengthen your walk with God and keep from stumbling.

1. Start the Day with God
Begin each morning with prayer and Scripture, anchoring your heart in His presence.
“In the morning, LORD, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly.” — Psalm 5:3

2. Nourish Your Spirit
Feed your soul with God’s Word, faith-building resources, and journaling to grow stronger in Him.
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4

3. Practice Stillness
Take quiet moments to rest before God and listen for His voice.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

4. Seek Godly Fellowship
Stay connected with believers who encourage, challenge, and strengthen your faith.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17
“Do not neglect meeting together… but encourage one another.” — Hebrews 10:25

5.Acknowledge God Often
Pause throughout the day to give thanks, worship, and realign your heart with Him.
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:6
“Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17

6. Guard Your Priorities
Say no to distractions and sinful entanglements, and walk in holiness before the Lord.
“Be holy, for I am holy.” — 1 Peter 1:16
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” — Ephesians 5:15–16
“Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” — Matthew 5:37

7. Be Filled with the Spirit
Continually invite the Holy Spirit to refresh, empower, and guide your steps.
“Do not get drunk on w**e, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
Ephesians 5:18
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” — Acts 1:8

Pastor-7

08/30/2026

Thank You for joining us today for our Sunday Service. We pray that this word touches your heart and spirt. To find out more information about Pastor and Mrs. Terri Jarrell ministry, you can find us on google at Harvest Time Sanctuary Church of God or check out our ministry website: https://htschurchofgod.churchtrac.com/

08/07/2026

So excited for this little guy

08/07/2026

Women Who Built an Altar of Love Toward God

God is no respecter of persons. Throughout Scripture, women also built altars of love—not always with stones, but with lives wholly surrendered to Him. Their devotion, faith, and sacrifice became living offerings before the Lord.

Eve — The First Promise

Though Eve fell through deception, she also became the first to receive the promise of the coming Redeemer (Genesis 3:15). Her hope rested in God’s promise that one day the Seed of the woman would crush the serpent’s head. Even after failure, God’s grace called humanity back to Himself.

Sarah — An Altar of Faith

Sarah learned to trust God’s promise beyond the limitations of age and human ability. Though she struggled at times, she ultimately believed that “he was faithful who had promised” (Hebrews 11:11). Her heart rested upon the faithfulness of God rather than her own strength.

Jochebed — An Altar of Trust

Moses’ mother placed her son into the hands of God by faith (Exodus 2:1–10). She surrendered what she loved most, trusting the Lord to accomplish His purpose. Her surrender became the beginning of Israel’s deliverance.

Hannah — An Altar of Prayer

Hannah poured out her soul before the Lord (1 Samuel 1). She desired a son, yet when God answered her prayer, she freely returned Samuel to God’s service. She loved the Giver more than the gift.

Ruth — An Altar of Covenant Love

Ruth left her homeland, her family, and her former life to follow the God of Israel.

“Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)

Her love and loyalty became an altar of covenant faithfulness that placed her in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Abigail — An Altar of Wisdom and Humility

Abigail humbled herself before David, turning away wrath through wisdom and meekness (1 Samuel 25). She sought the honor of God above personal pride and became an instrument of peace.

Esther — An Altar of Courage

Esther was willing to lay down her own life for God’s covenant people.

“If I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16)

Love for God’s purpose proved greater than love for her own safety.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus — An Altar of Submission

When the angel announced God’s plan, Mary answered,

“Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38)

Her life became an altar of humble obedience as she yielded herself completely to the will of God.

Mary of Bethany — An Altar of Worship

Mary broke her alabaster box of costly ointment and poured it upon Jesus (John 12:3). Others saw waste, but Jesus saw love. She withheld nothing from the One she adored. Her offering became a beautiful picture of extravagant worship.

The Widow of Zarephath — An Altar of Obedience

With only a handful of meal and a little oil remaining, she obeyed the word of the Lord through Elijah (1 Kings 17:8–16). She placed God’s command before her own fears, and God sustained her through the famine.

The Poor Widow — An Altar of Sacrifice

Jesus watched as a poor widow cast two mites into the treasury (Mark 12:41–44). Though her gift was small in man’s eyes, it was great in God’s because she gave all that she had. Love measures sacrifice differently than the world.

The Greatest Example

Each of these women teaches the same lesson: God is not impressed by outward greatness but by hearts wholly devoted to Him. Whether through prayer, surrender, courage, worship, faith, generosity, or obedience, they built an altar of love that pleased the Lord.

Their lives remind us that the greatest offering we can bring is not something in our hands but a heart fully yielded to God. When love for Him becomes our highest motive, our entire life becomes a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto Him.
Pastor-7

08/07/2026

Women Who Built an Altar of Love Toward God

God is no respecter of persons. Throughout Scripture, women also built altars of love—not always with stones, but with lives wholly surrendered to Him. Their devotion, faith, and sacrifice became living offerings before the Lord.

Eve — The First Promise

Though Eve fell through deception, she also became the first to receive the promise of the coming Redeemer (Genesis 3:15). Her hope rested in God’s promise that one day the Seed of the woman would crush the serpent’s head. Even after failure, God’s grace called humanity back to Himself.

Sarah — An Altar of Faith

Sarah learned to trust God’s promise beyond the limitations of age and human ability. Though she struggled at times, she ultimately believed that “he was faithful who had promised” (Hebrews 11:11). Her heart rested upon the faithfulness of God rather than her own strength.

Jochebed — An Altar of Trust

Moses’ mother placed her son into the hands of God by faith (Exodus 2:1–10). She surrendered what she loved most, trusting the Lord to accomplish His purpose. Her surrender became the beginning of Israel’s deliverance.

Hannah — An Altar of Prayer

Hannah poured out her soul before the Lord (1 Samuel 1). She desired a son, yet when God answered her prayer, she freely returned Samuel to God’s service. She loved the Giver more than the gift.

Ruth — An Altar of Covenant Love

Ruth left her homeland, her family, and her former life to follow the God of Israel.

“Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)

Her love and loyalty became an altar of covenant faithfulness that placed her in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Abigail — An Altar of Wisdom and Humility

Abigail humbled herself before David, turning away wrath through wisdom and meekness (1 Samuel 25). She sought the honor of God above personal pride and became an instrument of peace.

Esther — An Altar of Courage

Esther was willing to lay down her own life for God’s covenant people.

“If I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16)

Love for God’s purpose proved greater than love for her own safety.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus — An Altar of Submission

When the angel announced God’s plan, Mary answered,

“Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38)

Her life became an altar of humble obedience as she yielded herself completely to the will of God.

Mary of Bethany — An Altar of Worship

Mary broke her alabaster box of costly ointment and poured it upon Jesus (John 12:3). Others saw waste, but Jesus saw love. She withheld nothing from the One she adored. Her offering became a beautiful picture of extravagant worship.

The Widow of Zarephath — An Altar of Obedience

With only a handful of meal and a little oil remaining, she obeyed the word of the Lord through Elijah (1 Kings 17:8–16). She placed God’s command before her own fears, and God sustained her through the famine.

The Poor Widow — An Altar of Sacrifice

Jesus watched as a poor widow cast two mites into the treasury (Mark 12:41–44). Though her gift was small in man’s eyes, it was great in God’s because she gave all that she had. Love measures sacrifice differently than the world.

The Greatest Example

Each of these women teaches the same lesson: God is not impressed by outward greatness but by hearts wholly devoted to Him. Whether through prayer, surrender, courage, worship, faith, generosity, or obedience, they built an altar of love that pleased the Lord.

Their lives remind us that the greatest offering we can bring is not something in our hands but a heart fully yielded to God. When love for Him becomes our highest motive, our entire life becomes a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto Him.
Pastor-7

08/07/2026

Men Who Built an Altar of Love Toward God

Throughout Scripture, the greatest men and women of faith built physical altars, but those altars revealed something even greater an inward altar of love, faith, and complete surrender to God.

Enoch built no recorded altar of stone, yet his entire life became an altar. He “walked with God” (Genesis 5:24), choosing continual fellowship over the attractions of the world. His heart was so wholly toward God that the Lord translated him without seeing death. His love for God’s presence became his sacrifice.

Noah emerged from the ark and immediately built an altar unto the Lord (Genesis 8:20). Before building a home for himself, he built a place of worship. Thanksgiving came before blessing. His first desire was to honor God.

Abraham built altars wherever God revealed Himself (Genesis 12:7–8; 13:18). Each altar marked a deeper level of trust and fellowship. The greatest was on Mount Moriah, where he laid Isaac upon the altar. God was never seeking Isaac as much as He was revealing that Abraham loved the Giver more than the gift. Abraham withheld nothing from God.

Isaac rebuilt the altar of worship in the land of promise and called upon the name of the Lord (Genesis 26:25). He continued the legacy of a heart devoted to God rather than merely inheriting his father’s blessings.

Jacob returned to Bethel, put away every strange god, purified his household, and built an altar unto the Lord (Genesis 35:1–7). Before the altar could be restored, the idols had to be removed. A heart wholly toward God leaves no room for rival affections.

Moses chose “rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” (Hebrews 11:25). His life became an altar of surrender. He valued the presence of God above the treasures of Egypt, declaring, “If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence” (Exodus 33:15).

David understood that true worship always costs something. He refused to offer the Lord “that which doth cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). His altar was built with repentance, humility, thanksgiving, and a heart that continually sought after God.

Elijah repaired the broken altar of the Lord before he ever called for fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:30). Revival began with the restoration of the altar. When the altar was repaired, the fire fell. The fire of God still falls upon hearts that are wholly His.

Jesus The Perfect Altar

Every altar in the Old Testament pointed to Jesus Christ.

He is the perfect example of a heart wholly toward the Father.

His life was a continual offering of love and obedience. He declared,

“For I do always those things that please him.” (John 8:29)

He sought not His own will, but the will of the Father who sent Him (John 5:30).

In Gethsemane, the altar reached its fullest expression:

“Not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42)

At Calvary, Jesus offered Himself completely. His sacrifice was not merely an act of obedience but the supreme expression of His love for the Father and for mankind. He held nothing back.

Through His death and resurrection, Christ has made it possible for the same love to dwell within us.

“Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:5)

The Christian life is the continual building of this inward altar. It is not centered on what we can receive from God but on loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Our daily prayer should be:

“Lord, build within me an altar that never grows cold. Let my greatest desire be neither Your gifts nor Your blessings, but You alone. Search my heart, remove every rival affection, and teach me to love You with my whole being. I am Yours, for I have been bought with a price.” to God be the glory. Amen.
Pastor-7

08/06/2026

Building an Altar of Love in Your Heart Toward God

Jeremiah 12:3
But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.

God has always desired more than outward acts of worship He desires a heart wholly devoted to Him. Throughout Scripture, altars were places of sacrifice, surrender, covenant, and communion with God. Today, under the New Covenant, God is building an altar not of stone, but in the hearts of His people.

Jeremiah 12:3
But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee…”

The question is not merely whether we attend church, pray, or read the Scriptures. The greater question is: What is the condition of our heart toward God?

An altar of love is built one act of devotion at a time.
It is built through:
Loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30).
Daily surrendering your will to His will (Romans 12:1).
Spending time in His presence through prayer and worship.
Obeying Him even when obedience requires sacrifice (John 14:15).
Trusting Him through every trial.
Giving thanks in every circumstance.
Delighting in His Word and hiding it in your heart.

Every act of faith, obedience, humility, repentance, worship, and thanksgiving places another stone upon the altar of love.

Just as Abraham built an altar before offering Isaac, we must first build an inward altar where our greatest affection belongs to God alone. Upon that altar we lay our ambitions, our fears, our possessions, our relationships, and even our own lives, declaring, “Lord, not my will, but Thine, be done.”

God searches for hearts that burn with holy affection toward Him. He is not looking merely for outward performance but for inward devotion.

When the altar of love is established in the heart, worship becomes genuine, obedience becomes joyful, sacrifice becomes an act of love, and fellowship with God becomes life’s greatest treasure.

May our prayer be that of David:

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23–24

May God find within each of us an altar continually burning with love, devotion, and wholehearted surrender toward Him.

Jeremiah 12:3 is one of the clearest verses showing that God examines not only our actions but also the direction, affection, and motivation of our hearts toward Him.

Jeremiah 12:3
“But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.”

The key phrase is:
“Thou hast… tried mine heart toward thee.”

Jeremiah was confident that God had tested the orientation of his heart. God was not merely evaluating whether Jeremiah preached faithfully, but whether his heart was genuinely set on God.

What does “my heart toward thee” mean? It speaks of the true motivation and disposition of the inner man toward God.

God examines:
Whether we love Him or merely love His blessings.
Whether we seek His glory or our own recognition.
Whether we obey from love or from obligation.
Whether we trust Him even when we do not understand His ways.
Whether our worship is sincere or merely outward.
Whether our loyalty remains steadfast during trials.

The phrase could be summarized as: The direction of the heart is more important than the appearance of the life.

God examines the heart
1 Samuel 16:7
“For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

1 Chronicles 28:9
“for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts…”

Proverbs 17:3
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.”

Jeremiah 17:10
“I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways…”

Psalm 139:23–24
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Motivations of the heart toward God. A heart that is “toward God” is marked by:

Love above all else (Matthew 22:37).
A desire to please Him rather than men (Galatians 1:10).
Faith that trusts Him (Hebrews 11:6).
Humility that submits to His will (Micah 6:8).
Hunger for His presence (Psalm 42:1–2).
Obedience flowing from love (John 14:15).
A longing for holiness (Psalm 51:10).

God is not impressed merely by what we do for Him; He examines what is happening toward Him. Many people can perform religious acts, yet their hearts are far from Him. Jeremiah’s confidence was not that he was perfect, but that when God tested the deepest motives of his heart, He found a genuine love and loyalty directed toward Him.

The great question is not simply, “What am I doing for God?” but “Where is my heart toward God?” Every motive, affection, and desire is open before Him, for He is the One who “knowest me… and tried mine heart toward thee.”

Building an Altar of Love in Your Heart Toward God

God has always desired more than outward acts of worship He desires a heart wholly devoted to Him. Throughout Scripture, altars were places of sacrifice, surrender, covenant, and communion with God. Today, under the New Covenant, God is building an altar not of stone, but in the hearts of His people.

Jeremiah 12:3
“But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee…”

The question is not merely whether we attend church, pray, or read the Scriptures. The greater question is: What is the condition of our heart toward God?

An altar of love is built one act of devotion at a time.

It is built through:
Loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30).
Daily surrendering your will to His will (Romans 12:1).
Spending time in His presence through prayer and worship.
Obeying Him even when obedience requires sacrifice (John 14:15).
Trusting Him through every trial.
Giving thanks in every circumstance.
Delighting in His Word and hiding it in your heart.

Every act of faith, obedience, humility, repentance, worship, and thanksgiving places another stone upon the altar of love.

Just as Abraham built an altar before offering Isaac, we must first build an inward altar where our greatest affection belongs to God alone. Upon that altar we lay our ambitions, our fears, our possessions, our relationships, and even our own lives, declaring, “Lord, not my will, but Thine, be done.”

God searches for hearts that burn with holy affection toward Him. He is not looking merely for outward performance but for inward devotion.

When the altar of love is established in the heart, worship becomes genuine, obedience becomes joyful, sacrifice becomes an act of love, and fellowship with God becomes life’s greatest treasure.

May our prayer be that of David:
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23–24
May God find within each of us an altar continually burning with love, devotion, and wholehearted surrender toward Him. I am your Lord not my Owen.

Building an Altar of Love in Your Heart Toward God

Jeremiah 12:3
But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee….

Throughout Scripture, God has desired more than outward acts of worship. He has always sought a heart wholly devoted to Him. While the patriarchs built altars of stone as places of sacrifice, covenant, worship, and communion, under the New Covenant God desires to build an altar within the hearts of His people.

Jeremiah understood this truth. He did not point to his works or accomplishments. Instead, he appealed to the condition of his heart before God:

“I Thou hast… tried mine heart toward thee.”

God was not merely examining Jeremiah’s actions; He was testing the direction, affection, and motives of his heart.

This is the great question every believer must answer: Where is my heart toward God?

The Lord is not looking first at our ministry, our service, or our outward performance. He searches the inner man. He examines whether we love Him more than His blessings, whether we seek His glory above our own, whether we obey from love rather than obligation, whether we trust Him in every season, and whether our worship is sincere.

The direction of the heart is more important than the appearance of the life.

An altar of love is built one act of devotion at a time. Every prayer, every act of obedience, every sacrifice, every expression of faith, every moment of repentance, every thanksgiving, and every choice to surrender our will places another stone upon that altar.

Jesus declared:
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”** (Matthew 22:37)

This is the altar God desires.

Like Abraham on Mount Moriah, we are called to lay everything upon that altar our ambitions, our possessions, our relationships, our dreams, and even our own lives declaring,

“Lord, not my will, but Thine, be done.”

The greatest motivation of the Christian life is not asking, “Lord, what can You do for me?” but rather,

“Lord, how can I love You more?”

True worship is not built upon what we receive from God but upon our love for who He is.

The love of God, shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, becomes the fire that continually burns upon this inward altar. It produces obedience, humility, holiness, faith, and joyful surrender.

God is still searching for hearts that are completely His.

Scriptures That Reveal God Searches the Heart

1-Samuel 16:7
For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

1-Chronicles 28:9
for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts.”

Proverbs 17:3
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.”

Jeremiah 17:10
“the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways.”

Psalm 139:23–24
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

May this become our continual prayer:

“Lord, build within me an altar of love that burns continually toward You. Search my heart, purify my motives, and let every part of my life declare, ‘I am Thine, O Lord; I am not my own.’ Let my greatest desire be to love You with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind, and all my strength.”

Jeremiah 12:3 is the central text, and we will end with Paul’s statement. I am Thine, O Lord; I am not my own.”

As we bring this message to a close, let us return to the one motive that must govern every thought, every decision, every sacrifice, and every act of worship: that we love God above all else. Amen…

Pastor-7

08/05/2026

The Broad Way and the Narrow Way

The Three Great Feasts: God’s Progressive Plan of Salvation

Matthew 7:13–14
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
Jesus contrasts two paths:
The broad way is the easy, popular path. It requires little self-denial, follows the desires of the flesh, and conforms to the values of the world. Many travel this road because it demands little repentance or obedience. Its end is destruction.

The narrow way is the path of discipleship. It requires faith in Christ, repentance, obedience, and perseverance. It is called “strait” (meaning restrictive or confined, not “straight” as in a straight line) because it excludes self-righteousness and sinful living. Though few find it, it leads to life eternal.

Jesus teaching is echoed in Scripture:

Proverbs 14:12 (KJV):
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
Luke 13:24 (KJV):
“Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.”

The passage is a call to examine whether we are following Christ on the narrow path rather than simply following the crowd on the broad road.

Matthew 7:13–14
in light of the three major biblical feasts Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles provides a rich spiritual application. Each feast represents a stage in God’s redemptive plan, and the “narrow way” is the journey through these stages, while the “broad way” is stopping short of God’s full purpose.

Matthew 7:13–14
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction… Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

Passover — The Strait Gate

Passover is the beginning of the journey.

Israel entered by the blood of the lamb and left Egypt. We enter God’s Kingdom through the blood of Jesus Christ, the true Passover Lamb. This is the strait gate—there is only one entrance.

Scriptures:
John 10:9 (KJV): “I am the door…”

1 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV): “For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.”

Many want God’s blessings without entering through Christ. There is no other gate.

Pentecost The Narrow Way

After Passover, Israel did not immediately enter Canaan. They entered the wilderness where they learned obedience, dependence, and faith.

Pentecost represents
Receiving the Holy Spirit.
Learning obedience.
Bearing fruit.
Having our old nature dealt with.

This is the narrow way because it requires:

Taking up the cross daily.
Dying to self.
Walking by the Spirit instead of the flesh.
Luke 9:23 (KJV): “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself…”
Galatians 5:16 (KJV): “Walk in the Spirit…”

Many celebrate Passover but resist Pentecost’s refining work. The wilderness exposes unbelief, pride, and self-will. Israel illustrates this: though they were redeemed from Egypt, most never entered the promised inheritance because of unbelief.

Tabernacles — Life and Full Inheritance

Tabernacles represents:

God’s fullness.
Rest.
Maturity.
The Kingdom manifested.
God dwelling fully with His people.
This is the destination of the narrow way.

Scriptures:
Hebrews 4:9–11 (KJV): entering God’s rest.
Revelation 21:3 (KJV): “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men…”

Application:
Few press on to maturity. Many settle for deliverance or spiritual experiences but do not continue until Christ is fully formed in them.

The Broad Way
The broad way is not merely obvious sin. It can also describe stopping anywhere short of God’s complete purpose.
Some remain in “Egypt” and never enter through Passover.
Some leave Egypt but die in the wilderness, refusing the discipline of Pentecost.
Few continue in faith until they enter the fullness pictured by Tabernacles.

The Broad Way Is Easy; the Narrow Way Is Progressive

Passover — Enter by the blood.
Pentecost — Walk by the Spirit through testing and transformation.
Tabernacles — Enter the fullness of God’s rest and Kingdom.

The narrow way is not simply a narrow entrance it is a lifelong pilgrimage. The blood gets us out of Egypt, the Spirit leads us through the wilderness, and faithful perseverance brings us into the fullness of God’s promised inheritance. This pattern is seen in Israel’s journey and finds its fulfillment in Christ and His people.

The Broad Way and the Narrow Way

The Three Great Feasts: God’s Progressive Plan of Salvation

Matthew 7:13–14 (KJV)

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

Jesus did not merely describe two destinations; He described two journeys. One road is broad, crowded, and easy. The other is narrow, demanding, and walked by comparatively few. The broad way appeals to the flesh and requires little repentance, little obedience, and little sacrifice. It follows the spirit of this world and ends in destruction.

The narrow way, however, is the path of true discipleship. It begins by entering through the strait gate, continues through a lifetime of transformation, and ends in the fullness of life. The word “strait” means restricted or confined. There is only one entrance into God’s Kingdom, and that entrance is Jesus Christ.

This divine pattern is beautifully revealed in Israel’s three annual feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. Together they reveal God’s progressive work of Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification.

These feasts are not merely historical observances; they are prophetic pictures of the believer’s journey from redemption to maturity and finally into the fullness of God’s Kingdom.

I. Passover — Justification: The Strait Gate

Every journey with God begins at Passover.

Israel could not leave Egypt until the blood of the lamb was applied to the doorposts. Their deliverance was not earned by good works but received through the blood.

Likewise, every believer enters the Kingdom only through the blood of Jesus Christ, the true Passover Lamb.

Jesus declared,

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved…” (John 10:9)

Paul wrote, “For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.” (1 Corinthians 5:7)

This is Justification:
At Passover God forgives our sins, declares us righteous through faith, and delivers us from the bo***ge of sin. We are no longer under condemnation.

Passover gets Israel out of Egypt.

Passover gets Egypt out of us only as we continue walking with God.

Many desire Heaven’s blessings without entering through Heaven’s gate, but there is no other entrance.

The narrow way always begins with the blood.

Pentecost : Sanctification: The Narrow Way. After Passover, Israel did not immediately enter the Promised Land.

Instead, God intentionally led them into the wilderness. The wilderness was not punishment it was preparation.

There God taught dependence, obedience, humility, faith, and trust. Their hearts were tested. Their unbelief was exposed. Their old Egyptian mindset had to die before they could inherit God’s promises.

This is the experience of Pentecost and it represents:
The gift of the Holy Ghost.
Daily obedience.
Bearing the fruit of the Spirit.
Learning to hear God’s voice.
The crucifixion of self.
Spiritual growth into the image of Christ.

Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

Paul wrote, “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)

Sanctification
Sanctification is not a moment; it is a lifelong process. It is the narrow way. It is where God changes our character, renews our minds, and conforms us to the image of His Son. Let’s look at the process and its meaning.

Process and its meaning:
Journey – emphasizes progression. “Sanctification is a lifelong journey.”
Pilgrimage – a powerful biblical image.
The narrow way is a lifelong pilgrimage from Passover to Tabernacles.”
The Christian walk leads us from justification to glorification.”
Path Matthew 7,Sanctification is the path God has ordained for every believer.”
Course – emphasizes a continual direction. The course of discipleship requires perseverance.”
Progression – highlights spiritual growth.”God’s plan reveals a progression from Passover to Pentecost to Tabernacles.”
Transformation – focuses on inner change.”Sanctification is the transformation of the believer into Christ’s image.”
Refining – emphasizes God’s purifying work.The wilderness is God’s refining of His people.”
Preparation – stresses readiness for inheritance. The wilderness is God’s preparation for the Promised Land.”
Maturing or Maturation – emphasizes spiritual growth. The Christian life is a lifelong maturing into the likeness of Christ.”

Sadly, many believers rejoice in Passover but resist Pentecost.
They love forgiveness but resist transformation. They desire salvation without surrender.

Israel is our warning!
Although an entire nation left Egypt under the blood of the lamb, that generation died in the wilderness because of unbelief and disobedience. The narrow way requires continual faith, continual obedience, and continual surrender.

Tabernacles: Glorification: The Fullness of Life. Tabernacles represents the completion of God’s work. It is the feast of fullness.
It speaks of:
God’s rest.
Spiritual maturity.
Sonship.
The manifested Kingdom.
God’s presence dwelling fully among His people.

Hebrews declares….
“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” (Hebrews 4:9)

John saw its ultimate fulfillment.
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men…” Jesus the head and his body of believers. Revelation 21:3-This is Glorification. It is the completion of redemption.
It is the inheritance promised from the beginning. It is Christ fully formed within His people.
It is God’s purpose fulfilled.

Few continue until they reach this maturity. Many stop at salvation.
Others stop at spiritual
experiences. But the narrow way continues until Christ has finished His work.

The Broad Way
The broad way is more than open rebellion. It is stopping anywhere short of God’s complete purpose.
Some never leave Egypt. Some leave Egypt but refuse God’s dealings in the wilderness. Some desire the Promised Land without allowing God to prepare them for it. The broad way settles for partial obedience. The narrow way presses on toward perfection.

God’s Progressive Work

Passover — Justification

Egypt — Deliverance from sin’s penalty.

Pentecost — Sanctification

The Wilderness — Deliverance from sin’s power.

Tabernacles — Glorification

The Promised Inheritance Deliverance into God’s fullness and ultimately from the very presence of sin.

This is God’s complete salvation.
Not merely forgiven. Not merely Spirit-filled. But fully transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

The Christian life is not simply walking through a gate. It is walking a road. The blood of the Lamb brings us out of Egypt. The Holy Ghost leads us through the wilderness. Faithful perseverance brings us into God’s promised fullness.

The broad way seeks convenience.

The narrow way seeks Christ.

The broad way asks, “What is the least I must do?”

The narrow way asks, “Lord, what would You have me to do?”

May we not stop at Passover.

May we embrace Pentecost.

May we press on toward mark or Tabernacles until the work God began in us is brought to completion.

For the narrow way is the pathway from Justification, through Sanctification, into Glorification the full purpose of God in Christ and Christ in us. Glory to his name.

Pastor-7

Harvest Time Sanctuary Church Of God

09/03/2026

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