In this sermon, Pastor Rotola emphasizes that God's word can be a game changer in people's lives. He stresses the importance of having "ears to hear," meaning that the receiving of the message is dependent on the person listening. He shares his belief that God has promises not only for "the great by and by" (eternal life in heaven) but also "for down here," meaning for our lives on earth today.

Read the summarized highlights of the sermon below, listen to the full sermon here, or watch it here.

Sermon Highlights

God's Promises for Salvation and Life

The pastor highlights several key promises from the Bible, starting with salvation. He references John 3:16, stating that eternal life is not just about a length of days but a quality of life — the "God life." He clarifies that salvation is not earned through good deeds, church membership, or tithing but rather by God's grace through faith. He also quotes John 14:6, affirming that Jesus is the exclusive way, truth, and life. The pastor tells a story of a missionary to illustrate how God can reach those with a sincere heart, even without human intervention.

Another promise discussed is John 10:10: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Pastor Rotola argues against the belief that Christians must suffer in this life, stating that God offers a full, abundant life here on earth.

God's Promises for Healing and Prosperity

The sermon also addresses God's promises for healing. The pastor references James 5:14-15, which says the prayer of faith will make the sick person well. He refutes the idea that God only heals on rare occasions, stating that God's will is clearly stated in His word and that a lack of healing in some places is often due to a lack of faith. He reminds the congregation that one of Jesus’s names is Jehovah Rafa, "the Lord your healer."

Pastor Rotola then transitions to the topic of prosperity. Citing Deuteronomy 8:18, he explains that God gives us the ability to produce wealth to confirm His covenant. He argues that being "anti-wealthy" is not a biblical position and that God wants to bless people so they can be a blessing to others. The pastor shares a personal testimony about a man who gave his entire paycheck to God despite being homeless and became a millionaire within five years. The key, Pastor Rotola suggests, is to have an open hand, not a tight fist.

God's Promises for Overcoming Trouble

The pastor uses John 16:33 to address the reality of trouble in the world. He acknowledges that trouble is a promise in itself but says we should "take heart" because Jesus has overcome the world. Pastor Rotola calls this world domination — the ability to prosper and have authority wherever you go. He encourages those who have made mistakes to start fresh and trust that God can turn their broken pieces into a beautiful tapestry of art. The story of Joseph is used as an example of someone who prospered even while at the bottom.

The Power of Faith and Forgiveness

Finally, the sermon ends with a section on faith and forgiveness. The pastor quotes Mark 11:22-25, explaining that we must have the "God kind of faith" to tell mountains (problems) to move. The message emphasizes that when we pray, we should believe that we have already received what we asked for. 

Pastor Rotola also includes the vital caveat that this faith must be accompanied by forgiveness toward others, warning that unforgiveness can hinder one's own salvation. He concludes by emphasizing that God has already paid the full price for our salvation and that our part is simply to believe and follow Him. 

Tune Into the Word With Word of Life Church

Word of Life Church is dedicated to making the world a better place by spreading the Word and love of God. Our mission is to create an authentic and welcoming worship community, empowering Christians to live a life of faith and service in the name of Jesus.

To that end, we have two convenient locations serving North and South Wichita. We also offer accessible church services to support you in your journey. If you’re unable to attend in-person church services, you can watch our live stream sermons or listen to our podcast sermons from the comfort of your home or preferred location. If English isn’t your primary language, you can take advantage of our weekly international and Spanish-language services.  

Our church offerings include a variety of worship experiences, including LifeGroups, youth programs, and service initiatives for individuals of all ages, all designed to offer community and opportunities to engage with God and enhance a mindset of gratitude. Contact us today to find out how we can serve you!