In the heart of Jacobsville, within the sacred walls of Cross of Christ Church, a powerful worship atmosphere enveloped the congregation. This pivotal moment in the narrative of R. Armand Pindle’s In the Name of Jesus unfolds as Elder Jamison introduces Pastor Hank Joseph. The sermon that follows, titled “New Seasons,” draws inspiration from Genesis 12:1, exploring the profound theme of surrender and the call for believers to embrace uncharted territories of faith.

Pastor Hank draws parallels between Abram’s call to leave his comfort zone and the contemporary call for believers to trust God in uncharted territories of their own lives.

The theme of surrender permeates Pastor Hank’s sermon, becoming a central focus. The concept of surrender, beautifully illustrated in the worship anthem “I surrender all,” becomes a guiding principle for the congregation. Hank’s eloquence captures the essence of Abram’s journey, where God asked him to forsake the familiar and step into the unknown. It is a call for believers to relinquish control, trust in God, and embrace the new seasons that unfold.

In a masterful stroke, Hank addresses both sinners and saints, extending the message of surrender to every soul in the congregation. To the sinners, he passionately declares the need to trust in Jesus for salvation, highlighting the futility of relying on personal goodness. The urgent call to be born again reverberates through the sanctuary, emphasizing the power of faith.

For the saints, Hank introduces the concept of sanctification—a continuous process of “coming out” from the old and embracing a lifestyle of repentance. The call to conform to the image of Jesus underscores the dynamic nature of faith, urging believers to embrace spiritual growth. The equilibrium between God’s work in salvation and the believer’s role in sanctification is artfully presented, dispelling any misconceptions about passive faith.

The congregation responds with fervor, hands lifted and faces wet with tears as the atmosphere thickens with the presence of God. Hank’s words resonate, creating an eagerness for redemption within the community. As the service concludes, Hank offers a prayer for a one hundred-fold increase in the lives of the people, invoking a collective aspiration for spiritual abundance.

Post-service, Hank and his wife, Islene, extend warm greetings to the congregants, setting the stage for an exploration of Jacobsville. Elder Jamison, in a hospitable gesture, invited the Josephs to discover the local community. The journey through the town revealed charming establishments, including a barbecue restaurant, an ice cream parlor, and The Pupil’s Academy—an educational complex for the town.

In the Name of Jesus takes readers into a realm where mystery intertwines with faith. Pastor Hank’s sermon serves as a guiding light for believers navigating unexplored life paths. The Josephs’ relocation to Jacobsville becomes not just a physical journey but a metaphor for the faith journey we all undertake—an expedition into the mysteries of God’s plan for our lives.

Get your copy of In The Name of Jesus today and experience R. Armand Pindle’s riveting storytelling.