The Sound Doctrine Podcast

There is power in the name of Jesus. This week, Sound Doctrine returns to the historic 103rd International Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy for a powerful message from special guest Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC).
Preaching from Acts 3 and the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, Bishop Sheard reminds us that while many names may carry influence in this world, “when it comes to being healed, delivered and set free, there is no name like Jesus.”
Peter and John had neither silver nor gold to offer the man—but they possessed something far greate, faith in the authority and power of Jesus Christ. In a message filled with Pentecostal power, Bishop Sheard challenges the congregation to stop focusing on their limitations and remember the authority that comes through Christ.
“Use the name that works. That name is Jesus.”
Whatever the need—healing, deliverance, breakthrough, or salvation—Bishop Sheard points us again and again to the name above every name: JESUS!

What does it mean to hold firmly to truth while extending the mercy and grace of God to a broken world? This week, The Sound Doctrine Podcast returns to the historic 103rd International Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy for a deeply personal message from Bishop Dr. Tim McCaleb.
 
Using Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son and Rembrandt’s "The Return of the Prodigal Son," Bishop McCaleb shares his own spiritual journey—from identifying with the younger son who wandered from home, to becoming like the elder brother whose commitment to righteousness was accompanied by self-righteousness, and ultimately to a longing to become more like the Father.
 
At the heart of the message is a powerful realization that God’s path is the path of both mercy and truth. We are called to stand faithfully upon the truth of God’s Word, but that truth must be expressed with the mercy, grace, and love we see perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ.
 
“I’m asking God to let me walk in truth and walk in mercy, to be like Him.”
 
This week's sermon is a moving challenge for the Church to do more than proclaim truth—to embrace the lost, seek the wandering, and allow the Holy Spirit to give us the power to love as the Father loves.

This week on the Sound Doctrine Podcast, we’re sharing Dr. Carlos Perez’s sermon from the 103rd International Assembly.
Speaking from 1 Corinthians 2:1–5, Dr. Perez reminds us that reaching the next generation will take more than good sermons, strong programs, or the right words. They need to see the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives.
The gospel does not change, but each generation must be prepared and trusted to carry it forward. As Dr. Perez said, “The baton must be protected, but it also must be passed.”

Faith was never intended to stop with one generation. In this week’s episode of the Sound Doctrine Podcast, Rev. Dr. Cesarina Flores delivers a powerful call to intentionally pass our faith to those coming behind us—not simply by telling them what we believe, but by allowing them to see a faith that is lived.
Our children and young people need to hear the stories of God’s faithfulness. They need to know where our strength comes from, who sustained us through difficult seasons, and what God has done in our lives. But they also need generations willing to walk alongside them, listen to them, believe in them, and make room for them.
The greatest legacy we leave will not be possessions, positions, or recognition. It will be a faith that continues from generation to generation.
We will not conceal it. We will proclaim it.
 

In this episode of the Sound Doctrine Podcast, Bishop Dr. Tim Harper delivers a stirring message at the 103rd International Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy, challenging us to live with faithfulness and finish the race well.
Drawing from Paul's final charge to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4, Bishop Harper reminds the church that the Christian life is not merely about starting well but persevering to the end. He explores the disciplines that sustain a lifetime of faithful ministry—preaching the Word without compromise, enduring suffering with Christ, cultivating spiritual formation, and faithfully passing the torch to the next generation.
Throughout the message, Bishop Harper calls the church to remain anchored in the truth of Scripture, to embrace both the beauty and the cost of discipleship, and to celebrate the unity of the body of Christ across every nation, language, and culture. 
Filled with personal testimony, historical reflection, and a passionate call to perseverance, this message is a reminder that God has not called His people simply to begin the race—but to finish it faithfully. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7

In this special episode of the Sound Doctrine Podcast, hear the powerful address delivered by Presiding Bishop Tim Coalter to the 103rd International Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy in Orlando, Florida.
Centered on the theme of testimony, Bishop Coalter calls the global church to boldly proclaim the wonderful works of God in every nation, every language, and every generation. He challenges us to embrace our calling as Spirit-empowered witnesses of Jesus Christ.
This message also celebrates the ongoing expansion of the church's global ministry, highlights the growing impact of the Division of Global Communications, announces the launch of the International Department of Music Ministry, and casts a renewed vision for world missions and evangelism. Woven throughout the message are deeply personal reflections on God's faithfulness through both miraculous healing and profound loss, culminating in a stirring invitation to boldly declare, "Let me tell you about my Jesus."
Whether you are revisiting this Assembly message or hearing it for the first time, this sermon will encourage, challenge, and inspire you to find your voice and testify. "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so." — Psalm 107:2

The Church must awaken! This week on the Sound Doctrine Podcast, journey back to the 100th International Assembly (2018) and hear General Overseer Sam N. Clements deliver his powerful Biennial Address.
With conviction and hope, Bishop Clements challenges the Church to stand firm in sound doctrine, embrace the leading of the Holy Spirit, and boldly proclaim the gospel in a rapidly changing world. His message is both prophetic and practical—a reminder that while methods may change, God's truth never does.
His closing challenge still echoes today, "Release what He has given you. Release the gifts that are in you...Let the world know that Jesus is still alive and well."
Whether you heard this message in 2018 or are experiencing it for the first time, you'll be encouraged, challenged, and inspired to live boldly for Christ.

The Holy Spirit still leads the Church. This week on the Sound Doctrine Podcast, revisit a stirring message from the 96th International Assembly (2010) as General Overseer Randall E. Howard delivers his powerful sermon, "Pursuing His Spirit in These Last Days."
 
Bishop Howard reminds us that the Church was born in the power of the Holy Spirit—and it will fulfill its God-given mission only through the leadership of the Holy Spirit. This message is a compelling call to move beyond merely remembering Pentecost and into a daily, Spirit-led walk marked by prayer, boldness, and expectancy.
His challenge is as relevant today as it was in 2010: "We're a Pentecostal movement. We got started in the Spirit. How do we think we're going to fulfill the destiny of God without the mighty working of the Holy Spirit among us?"
Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, or believer longing for a fresh move of God, this timeless message will inspire you to seek the presence of the Holy Spirit, pursue a deeper prayer life, and trust His leading in every area of life and ministry.

This week on the Sound Doctrine Podcast, we revisit the powerful 2002 Biennial Address delivered by General Overseer Fred S. Fisher Sr. at the 92nd General Assembly.
With the heart of a pastor and the vision of a leader, Bishop Fisher calls the Church to renewed trust, spiritual maturity, and an undying commitment to the harvest. He challenges listeners to strengthen vibrant local churches, welcome those whom God is bringing into His kingdom, pursue "a more excellent way" in Christian living, and invest boldly in the next generation.
His unforgettable declaration about the Church's "incredible, invincible, and indispensable youth" remains just as inspiring today as it was more than two decades ago, reminding us that every generation has a vital role in carrying the gospel to the world.
As part of our July Legacy Series, we're revisiting the historic biennial addresses of former general overseers—messages that not only shaped the Church in their day but continue to challenge and encourage us today.

This July, the Sound Doctrine Podcast presents a special four-part series featuring the biennial addresses of four former General Overseers of the Church of God of Prophecy. Across four decades of ministry, these messages capture the vision, convictions, and spiritual leadership that helped shape our Movement—yet their call remains just as relevant today. 
We begin the series with General Overseer Billy D. Murray, preaching at the 89th International Assembly in 1996.
In a message marked by pastoral warmth but prophetic urgency, Bishop Murray calls the Church to "possess the gates of the enemy" through fervent prayer, vibrant local churches, joyful stewardship, biblical holiness, and an unwavering commitment to the harvest. His vision for every congregation to become a life-giving, evangelistic force continues to inspire today.
Whether you heard this address nearly thirty years ago or are listening for the first time, you'll discover timeless biblical truth and a renewed passion for the mission of Christ.

What does true biblical unity look like? In this powerful message from the 2016 International Assembly, Bishop Leroy Greenaway reminds us that the gospel tears down every wall that divides us. Through the story of Peter and Cornelius, he declares that God's Church is not defined by race, nationality, culture, or social status—but by the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ.
With passion, conviction, and unmistakable Pentecostal fire, Bishop Greenaway calls the Church to embrace God's global mission, honor His presence, pray without ceasing, and welcome every person whom Christ has redeemed.
"What God hath cleansed, call not thou common."
Be encouraged. Be challenged. Be reminded that we are one in Christ and called to carry the gospel to every nation until the whole world hears.

What does it mean to be a holy nation? In Episode 4 of The Sound Doctrine Podcast, we return to the 1985 General Assembly to hear Bishop Adrian L. Varlack, Sr. deliver his sermon, “The Shaping of a Nation.”
Preaching from 1 Peter 2:9, Bishop Varlack challenges the Church to see itself not as a collection of nationalities, cultures, languages, or political identities, but as a people called together by God to become a holy nation under the rule of Christ. He reminds the Church that its identity is not found in earthly distinctions but in its calling to reflect the character, purpose, and kingdom of God.
Throughout the message, Bishop Varlack casts a bold vision of a worldwide Church united by the Holy Spirit, characterized by servanthood rather than lordship, and committed to transcending barriers of race, nationality, language, and culture. He calls the Church to embrace a kingdom identity that is greater than any earthly allegiance and to become the living demonstration of God’s wisdom before the world.
Listening today, nearly four decades later, it is remarkable how many of the themes Bishop Varlack articulated continue to resonate throughout the Church’s global mission and vision. His message remains a powerful call to unity, humility, and a renewed commitment to becoming the people God has called us to be.