The Sound Doctrine Podcast

Billy Murray: 89th General Assembly Biennial Address (1996)

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.

Leroy Greenaway: Biblical Unity (2016)

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.

Adrian Varlack: The Shaping of a Nation (1985)

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.

Elva Howard: Love Wears A Towel (1985)

In Episode 3 of Season 4 of Sound Doctrine, we revisit Elva Howard’s unforgettable message, “Love Wears a Towel,” delivered at the 1985 General Assembly. Drawing from Jesus’ example in John 13, Howard reminds believers that true Christian love is expressed not through words alone, but through humble service, compassion, forgiveness, sacrifice, and a willingness to put others before ourselves. With warmth, conviction, and practical wisdom, she challenges the Church to lay aside pride, prejudice, and apathy, take up the towel of servanthood, and become the hands and feet of Christ in a hurting world.

Daniel Felipe: Ministry in His Image and Likeness (2022)

In Episode 2 of Season 4 of Sound Doctrine, we revisit Bishop Daniel Felipe’s powerful message, “Ministry in His Image and Likeness,” delivered at the 2022 International Assembly. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 5, Bishop Felipe presents a compelling vision of the Church’s ministry of reconciliation, calling believers to reflect Christ through a ministry marked by presence, compassion, and servanthood. This challenging and inspiring message reminds us that the Church fulfills its calling when it becomes a faithful reflection of Christ’s heart, mission, and love for the world.

Billy Murray: Glorious Successions (1980)

In this premiere episode of Season 4 of Sound Doctrine, we revisit Billy Murray’s powerful message, “Glorious Successions,” preached at the 1980 General Assembly. Murray challenges the Church to pursue continual transformation “from glory to glory,” emphasizing complete dependence upon the Holy Spirit, humility before God, and a relentless pursuit of deeper revelation through Scripture. As the Church looks toward its future, this timeless sermon reminds us that God’s greatest work is accomplished through successive movements of His Spirit in willing hearts.

Janice Roseboro: Reach Beyond the Break (2005)

With unmistakable urgency and anointing, Pastor Janice Roseboro declares that “there is nobody greater—and nobody equal to our God,” calling believers to reject the lies of the enemy and trust the voice of the Lord above every report.  Drawing from Ezra and Isaiah, she speaks to those facing unexpected “breaks”—moments that disrupt life, weaken strength, and attempt to frustrate God’s purpose. Yet in the middle of it all, the Spirit’s call is clear. Reach beyond the break. Shake yourself. Arise. Stand firm. Refuse to let the enemy define your outcome.
This message is a bold reminder that the enemy attacks because of what’s inside of you—and that through discipline, prayer, and surrender, you can move beyond every place of brokenness into victory.

Cathy Payne: A Shift in the Wind (2007)

In this anointed sermon, Dr. Cathy Payne calls the Church to recognize the movement of the Holy Spirit—not just in moments of manifestation, but in the deeper, daily surrender of our lives. Sharing from passages like John 14 and Acts 2, she reminds us that the same Spirit that filled the early Church is still at work today, inviting us into a fresh awareness of His power and purpose.

Sylvia Staten: Standy By Me (2012)

This week on the Sound Doctrine Podcast, we continue honoring the voices of women in ministry with a powerful message from Sylvia Staten titled “Stand by Me,” taught at the 2012 Ladies Retreat.
Sharing from Exodus 33, Sylvia reminds us that there is a place beside God where His goodness, glory, protection, and purpose become clear—a place where we learn that if His presence does not go with us, we dare not move forward. Her message is rich with conviction, warmth, humor, and the truth, “If God is not in it, I want no part of it.”
This episode also includes a brief conversation with Dr. Shaun McKinley, executive director of Global Communications, and Global Missions Ministries Coordinator Dr. Cathy Payne, highlighting the Church’s orphanage ministry during March Missions Month.

Donna Howard: Prepare Your War Cry (2009)

This episode features Donna Howard preaching “Prepare Your War Cry” at the Rocky Mountain Ladies Retreat in Colorado Springs. Preached during the 2009 retreat, this powerful message calls us all to spiritual readiness, trust in God, and confidence in the battles of life. Drawing from biblical accounts such as Jehoshaphat, Esther, Daniel, and David, Donna reminds us that prayer, fasting, worship, and faith prepare the believer’s heart for victory. Her central challenge is clear...when battles come, prepare your war cry and trust the Lord to fight for you!

Sharon Farruggia-Paige: A New Testimony (2012)

In this deeply personal sermon titled “A New Testimony,” Pastor Sharon Farruggia-Paige shares how God can bring beauty from brokenness and transform even the most painful chapters of our lives into a testimony of His grace. With honesty, humor, and bold Pentecostal conviction, she reminds us that we must stop repeating the old history and embrace the new thing God is doing.
This episode also includes a conversation with Dr. Cathy Payne, Global Missions Ministries Coordinator, as we reflect on Missions Month and the global work God is doing through the Church of God of Prophecy.
If you’ve ever wondered whether God can redeem your past, this message will encourage your heart and strengthen your faith.

Melvin Hyatt: Taking the Challenge (1984)

Recorded at the 79th General Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy in 1984, “Taking the Challenge” is a message by Melvin G. Hyatt calling the Church to rediscover its primary purpose, showing forth the praises of God.
Rooted in 1 Peter 2 and Revelation 4, Bishop Hyatt reminds the Assembly that believers have been called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light - not merely to receive from God, but to give Him glory, honor, and power. Drawing imagery from Isaiah and John’s visions of heaven, he invites the Church to join the eternal cry of “Holy, Holy, Holy,” recognizing that God alone is worthy of worship.
This sermon challenges common misconceptions about worship, urging us to approach God with holiness, humility, and wholehearted praise. Bishop Hyatt emphasizes that worship is an offering to God expressed through praise, obedience, generosity, and holy living. With clarity and depth, “Taking the Challenge” calls the Church to live daily as a people created for God’s pleasure, reflecting His glory both in worship and in life.