Brothers and sisters, we gather today in the beautiful city of Alpharetta, a place known for its welcoming streets and vibrant community. But more than its beauty and charm, Alpharetta, like the Church, must be built upon a strong foundation—one of truth, love, and exhortation. For the Word of God calls us not just to believe, but to encourage, to strengthen, and to build one another up in faith.

Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:13, “Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” This is a call not just for Timothy but for every believer! We are to exhort one another—to call each other to righteousness, to uplift those who are weak, and to remain steadfast in sound doctrine. It is not enough to hear the Word; we must live it and proclaim it boldly.

Paul further urges in 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” Do you hear that, church? In season and out of season. Whether the world is ready or not, whether the timing feels right or not, we are to stand firm and preach the unshakable truth of Christ!

Our faith is not just for Sunday mornings or for the comfort of fellow believers. We are called to share the gospel in our homes, our workplaces, and even in the bustling streets of Alpharetta, where so many are searching for something real, something eternal. As it says in Titus 1:9, “holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.” The truth is not always popular, but it is necessary.

Yet, in our exhortation, let us remember that it is the love of Christ that compels us. We do not exhort to condemn, but to restore; we do not rebuke to tear down, but to build up. And that is the beauty of the gospel—grace upon grace, mercy upon mercy.

---

God’s Sovereign Mark Upon His People

But why should we exhort? Why should we preach? Because we are not our own. We have been marked by God, sealed by His Spirit, and declared His possession! Ephesians 1:13 says, “When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.”

Church, do you understand what that means? When the enemy comes to claim you, when sin tries to enslave you, when the world tries to define you, God stands up and declares, “Keep your hands off—this one is mine!” Hallelujah!

And yet, some still doubt. Some wonder, “But where are the blessings? Where are the riches? Where are the signs of success?” Let me tell you, church, the true riches of God are not measured in earthly wealth but in eternal glory. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 14:3, “He who prophesies speaks edification, exhortation, and comfort to men.”

Even when trials come, even when suffering seems unbearable, our hope is in Christ. Look at the cross! Just as the brass serpent was lifted in the wilderness as a sign of judgment and salvation, so was Christ lifted for our sins. Isaiah 53:6 says, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Jesus bore it all. He paid the price. And in that, we find our confidence!

Great events will unfold in the days to come—wars, calamities, and even signs in the heavens. But Jesus has already given us the only work that matters: “This is the work of God, that you believe on Him whom He hath sent” (John 6:29). That is our call! To believe, to trust, and to walk in faith.

My friends, God works in mysterious ways. Even when we do not see His hand, we must trust His heart. Some of you may be struggling today. You may feel abandoned, weary, and lost. But let me remind you of Revelation 4:4, where John sees the throne of God surrounded by elders clothed in white, with crowns upon their heads. The saints in glory did not get there by accident. They endured, they trusted, and they remained faithful.

And so should we. The Spirit of God moves in ways beyond our understanding. Jesus Himself did not speak in unknown tongues, yet He promised in Mark 16:17 that those who believe will be given power, including the ability to speak new tongues. The gifts of the Spirit are real, but even more so is the power of love.

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13 that love surpasses all gifts. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels but have not love, I have become a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” The power of God is not just in miracles or signs, but in His unfailing love poured out upon us.

So today, as we walk the streets of Alpharetta, as we step into our homes, our workplaces, and our communities, let us be beacons of His love. Let us exhort with truth, but also with grace. Let us proclaim His sovereignty, but also His mercy. And let us, above all, hold fast to the faith that saves.

Because one day, our works will be tested by fire. Our motivations will be laid bare. And in that moment, may we be found faithful. Not seeking glory for ourselves, but pointing all praise and honor to the One who alone is worthy.

Brothers and sisters, the time is now. Believe in Jesus Christ. Hold fast to His word. And go forth, filled with the Spirit, to proclaim His name in this city and beyond!

Amen!