The Sound Doctrine Podcast

Elva Howard: Doors to Open...Doors to Close (1990)

In 1990, at the 85th International Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy, Elva Howard delivered this powerful sermon titled “Doors to Open … Doors to Close.”
With the boldness and conviction that made her a favorite speaker at Assemblies, Sister Howard reminds the church that opportunities for the gospel are like doors—some opening wide by the Spirit of God, others closing if we fail to walk in obedience. From Paul’s missionary journeys to the children of Israel at Kadesh-Barnea, Sister Howard shows how faith, unity, and obedience determine whether we step through God’s doors of blessing—or miss the moment.
Listen now on the Sound Doctrine Podcast as this timeless message stirs us again to courage, prayer, and readiness for the open doors before us today.

Tim Coalter: A Reconciling Church (2022)

This week we feature Presiding Bishop Tim Coalter’s powerful closing challenge from the 101st International Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy in Oklahoma City entitled, “A Reconciling Church.”
Preaching from 2 Corinthians 5:14–21, Bishop Coalter reminds us that the ministry of reconciliation is not just one of many things we do — it is the one priority Christ has entrusted to His Church. From the call to be fishers of men, to the Great Commission, to the Spirit’s empowering at Pentecost, the message has always been the same: “Reconciling the world to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
In this stirring message, Bishop Coalter urges us to carry the momentum of generations before us and commit ourselves to this one thing above all else. Listen in and be inspired to embrace your calling as Christ’s ambassador.

José Reyes: Building on the Solid Rock (1986)

This week we return to the 81st General Assembly (1986) where Bishop José Reyes, interpreted by Bishop Héctor Ortiz, preached the powerful message “Building on the Solid Rock.”With conviction and fire, Bishop Reyes reminds us that only by standing firmly on the Word of God can the church endure the storms of life, impact the world, and glorify Christ. He declares that every true revival, both in Scripture and in church history, has been anchored in the anointed preaching of the Word. His message is a call for today’s church to love the Book, live the Book, and proclaim the Book with boldness. Listen now and be stirred again by the timeless truth of God’s Word.

Rufus Finlayson, Jr.: What is Reasonable Service? (1976)

This week on the Sound Doctrine Podcast, we take you back to Bible Training Institute where Rufus B. Finlayson thundered the Word on the subject: “What is Reasonable Service?”
In this unforgettable message, Bishop Finlayson reminds us, “God wants all or nothing at all. You may pay your tithes, that’s good. You may attend service, that’s good. But if God doesn’t have YOU—forget it. He wants a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto Him, which is your reasonable service.”
Let this anointed word stir your soul, challenge your walk, and call you deeper into surrender. Acces now whereve your listen to podcat and be reminded that our service to Christ is not about half measures, it’s about giving Him everything.

Terry Mahan: Confessing He Is Lord (1981)

This week we feature “Confessing He Is Lord,” a powerful sermon by then General Youth Secretary, Terry L. Mahan. Preaching from Acts 4:1–13; Philippians 2:9–11; and Exodus 33, Brother Mahan reminds us that it is not enough to study, teach, or talk about Jesus, we must confess Him as Lord and allow Him to reign completely in our lives.
With boldness like Peter, he declares that the Church needs the same Holy Ghost power that turned the world upside down. It’s not about what we own or even what we’ve done for Him, but about presenting ourselves as living sacrifices and crying out, like Moses, “Oh God, show me Your glory.”
You’ll be stirred to seek His presence, empowered to witness with boldness, and challenged to walk in the fullness of His Spirit.

HB London: Fighting for Our Families (2012)

In this powerful message, 2012 International Assembly Special Guest H.B. London reminds us that marriage is a divine institution, the home is a sacred space, and we must fight for our families with compassion, communication, and commitment.

Kathy Creasy: Passing Faith to the Next Generation (2012)

This week on the Sound Doctrine Podcast, we’re featuring a powerful, Spirit-filled message from Kathryn Creasy, preached at the 2012 International Assembly in Louisville, Kentucky. With prophetic clarity she challenges the Church to rise up and take responsibility for the spiritual future of our children and youth. “Our present actions as individuals, families, congregations and as an organization will either sustain the faith of the next generation or thwart its existence.” — Kathryn Creasy
In this passionate sermon, Creasy calls the Body of Christ to move beyond complacency, boldly disciple the emerging generation, and release them into their God-given authority and calling. Drawing from the lives of Hezekiah, Josiah, and the four Hebrew boys in Babylon, she reminds us that revival is not reserved for the past! It can blaze through the next generation if we will light the flame.

Branson Gibson: United in Spirit (2016)

In a time when the Church faces division, distraction, and discouragement, Pastor Gibson offers a Spirit-empowered word titled “United in Spirit.” With humility, clarity, and conviction, he calls us to walk worthy of the gospel of Christ, stand firm in one spirit, strive together for the faith, embrace both the blessing and suffering of Christ, and maintain the same love and unity that reflects the heart of God. Pastor Gibson reminds us that the mission of God is always greater than our comfort, and unity is not optional.
Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or believer hungry for truth, this message is a must-hear. It’s a timely reminder that we are stronger together, united in Christ, and empowered by His Spirit.

A.J. Tomlinson: The Last Lost Interview (1943)

Step back in time and hear the powerful voice of Bishop A.J. Tomlinson in this rare and historic interview, recorded just weeks before his death and shortly before his 78th birthday. In this moving reflection, Tomlinson shares vivid memories of June 13, 1903—his pivotal visit to Burger Mountain (now Fields of the Wood)—where he experienced a spiritual transformation that sparked a global movement.
Originally visiting to distribute religious literature for the American Bible Society, Tomlinson had no idea he was stepping into a divine calling that would lead to the founding of the Church of God. He speaks candidly about his early motivations, the presence of God in small gatherings, and his lifelong vision to “girdle the globe with salvation and holiness unto the Lord.”
Drawing from Hebrews 1, Tomlinson also offers one of his final public exhortations, pointing listeners to the work of the Father and the Son in these “last days.” This interview captures the humility, conviction, and prophetic insight of a man whose legacy continues to shape Pentecostal and Holiness movements around the world.

Billy Murray: Be Ye Reconciled (1983)

“Be ye reconciled to God.” This was the passionate cry of Bishop Billy D. Murray at the 78th General Assembly in 1983—a message not just for that night, but for the Church today. In this week’s episode of the Sound Doctrine Podcast, we revisit this stirring sermon, where Bishop Murray reminds us that true Christian unity is not found in systems or structures—but in Christ alone. He calls us to draw nearer, not to each other first, but to Him. For the closer we move toward Jesus, the closer we’ll be to one another.

Jose M. Rivera: Biblical Stability with Biblical Restoration (1990)

This week, journey back to the 1990 International Assembly as Bishop José M. Rivera delivers a convicting message titled “Biblical Stability with Biblical Restoration.” With boldness and humility, Bishop Rivera calls the Church to a Spirit-led restoration not just of doctrine, but of attitude, unity, and reverence for God. His timeless message urges us to return to the simplicity of the gospel and to let true repentance lead to real change.
 
“Church restoration does not come by changing the Book, but by reading the Book.”

Sam Clements: The Issue of the Heart (1985)

This week, we revisit the 1985 International Assembly to hear a powerful message from former General Overseer Sam N. Clements, titled “The Issue of the Heart.” At the time, Bishop Clements was pastor to then General Overseer M.A. Tomlinson, at the Peerless Road COGOP in Cleveland, Tennessee. 
Preaching from Hebrews 3 and 2 Corinthians 5, Brother Clements drew a vivid comparison between physical open-heart surgery and the spiritual need for a new heart. He warned that miracles alone don’t change people—only transformed hearts do. Even Israel, fed daily by God’s hand, turned to unbelief and idolatry.
With bold clarity, he called for a revival not of programs or appearances, but of the heart. “Impure hearts, even with right doctrine, will fail,” he warned. Clements urged the Church to stop its carnal pursuits and return to God with sincerity, humility, and love.