Duane Sheriff Ministries - Messages

Duane Sheriff teaches a powerful sermon about the difference between our spirit and flesh as believers in Christ. It's essential to understand that while our flesh is still weak and incapable, Christ Himself lives in our spirit through the Holy Spirit."Christ is in my spirit. And while I have a spirit united to Christ, I have this soul, mind, will, and emotions, but I live in this body." Because of this reality, we should not be condemned or confused by the weakness we experience in our flesh. Instead, we must learn to depend on Christ's power in our spirit. Duane outlined four fundamental truths we need to understand about our flesh:1. Without God, we can accomplish nothing of eternal value. "Without Him, I can do nothing" (John 15:5). "But I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). 2. Without God, we have nothing good in ourselves to boast about. "Without Him, I have nothing...Everything I have is by the grace of God." We should never be arrogant because our gifts and abilities come from God's grace. 3. Without God's wisdom, we truly know nothing as we ought to know. "If anyone thinks he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know" (1 Corinthians 8:2). Only God can give us true knowledge and understanding. 4. In our flesh, we are inherently unworthy. "For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy of being called an apostle" (1 Corinthians 15:9). Yet by God's grace, Paul could say, "I labored more abundantly than they all" (v.10). Despite our fleshly weaknesses, we must believe the reality that Christ dwells in our spirit.Duane uses the analogy of tea to illustrate how Christ has infused our spirit. Though remaining distinct from us, just as you call water "tea," once the tea bag has steeped in it, God calls us the "body of Christ" because Christ has infused our spirit through salvation. Believers should not be arrogant or condemning but walk with humble dependence on God's grace. We should continually look to Christ's power in our spirit, not our fleshly efforts, which accomplish nothing. As Paul said, "I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me" (1 Corinthians 15:10).

God desires to revive the hearts of believers with the Truth, and we should eagerly seek after and be passionate for the Truth. Duane uses the example of Pilate, who stood before the embodiment of Truth itself but chose to reject and condemn Truth due to external pressures and personal denial. The story of Pilate is a reflection of society's struggle with Truth, where we confront it every day but often choose to deny, reject, or even condemn it for various reasons, such as seeking comfort, conforming to societal norms, or due to ignorance. This impactful teaching highlights the importance of recognizing and embracing the Truth, especially in the face of opposition, to break free from the chains of lies and experience genuine freedom.

Duane Sheriff emphasizes that eternal life is not just about existing forever but about having an intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ guided by the Holy Spirit. This relationship with God goes beyond just existing in eternity and instead embodies a deep connection and union with God. At the heart of eternal life is a relationship steeped in love, nurtured through learning of Him. 

Duane Sheriff teaches the importance of Jesus as the Passover Lamb. Jesus's sacrifice on the cross fulfills the prophecy of the Passover Lamb in the Old Testament. The lamb's blood was used to symbolize salvation and protection for the Israelites in Egypt. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus fulfills this prophecy by providing salvation and forgiveness of sins to anyone who believes. This momentous event in history serves as the foundation for personal faith and spiritual growth, bridging the gap between humans and God.

Duane Sheriff teaches the transformative power of grace and emphasizes the significance of developing spiritual habits that will lead to victory and peace. True humility involves denying oneself, prioritizing others, aligning with God's will, and cultivating a deep and more intimate relationship with Jesus, transforming knowledge of God into a direct experiential understanding that fosters spiritual growth, peace, and a more grace-filled life.

Duane Sheriff teaches the importance of meekness and humility in our lives. Meekness is not a passive trait but a powerful quality that attracts grace and transforms lives. Being meek or humble can foster a deep connection with God and help us face life's challenges with peace and resilience. Jesus invites us to learn from His meek and humble heart, presenting it as a key to finding rest for our souls. If we embrace humility, it has the power to transform our relationship with God, which is marked by peace, submission, and spiritual growth.

Duane Sheriff teaches the significance of drawing near to God, submitting to His will, and acknowledging the depth of His jealous love. God desires an intimate relationship. His divine jealousy is not rooted in insecurity or possessiveness but in a profound love and longing for undivided devotion. God's holy jealousy starkly contrasts human envy, highlighting the pure, passionate commitment God yearns for from us. We must recognize and cherish God's unique love for each of us and strive for a deeper, more faithful engagement with Him, free from the distractions and allegiances that often entangle our hearts and minds.

Duane Sheriff teaches the importance of humility as a crucial aspect of fully experiencing God's grace. Jesus invites us to learn from Him and to seek an intimate knowledge of God, which goes beyond mere knowledge about Him. Humility is a defining attribute of God's character, contrasting with humanity's prideful nature and false gods. God is approachable, humble, and involved in our lives, challenging us to cultivate a deep, personal relationship. Understanding and practicing humility is the cornerstone for living a life of grace, leading to peace, rest, and freedom.

Duane Sheriff teaches the difference between the yoke of grace and the yoke of the law. The yoke of Jesus is not a burden but a source of rest and freedom, which starkly contrasts the yoke of the law described as bondage. There is transformative power in coming to Jesus, taking His yoke upon ourselves, and learning from Him. True rest for our souls is found in a relationship with Christ, not in adherence to the law or religious practices. When we understand this concept, we can live a life of grace, free from guilt, condemnation, and the relentless pursuit of self-righteousness.

Duane Sheriff teaches about the depth of God's love. God's love is not just about acceptance but also involves correction and protection. It manifests through both tenderness and righteous anger. God's love is all-encompassing, forgiving our past, present, and future sins and saving us from the wrath to come. This journey from judgment to grace highlights God's profound love for us.

Duane Sheriff teaches that God gave us the law out of love. The law reveals our sins so that we may be saved. It acts as a mirror, showing our need for salvation and leading us towards faith in Christ. By highlighting our inability to attain righteousness on our own, the law emphasizes the significance of Jesus' fulfillment of the law on our behalf. This revelation of sin through the law is a necessary step towards embracing God's grace, ultimately leading us to a life of freedom and grace.

Duane Sheriff explains the purpose of the law given to humanity. It reflects our inability to achieve righteousness through our own efforts, emphasizing our need for grace and redemption. The law reveals our spiritual condition, but grace provides the cure. Through grace, we receive the power to live a life that pleases God, not by our own strength but by the righteousness imparted to us through faith in Jesus Christ.

Duane Sheriff teaches how grace has the power to break the power of sin. When we understand and embrace the concept of grace, it liberates us from the tyranny of sin. Grace frees us from the burdens and obligations of living under the law. Christianity is a relationship rooted in grace rather than legalism. This illustrates the contrast between living under the heavy yoke of the law and experiencing the light, restful yoke of grace, which enables believers to live in freedom and joy.

Duane Sheriff teaches the concept of freedom from the law through grace. He emphasizes how grace liberates us from the constraints and demands of legalism, offering a life characterized by peace and rest. By focusing on Jesus' teachings and the grace offered through His sacrifice, we transition from living under the law to living in the freedom of grace. By embracing the restorative power of grace, we live freely and fully in the light of Christ's love.

Duane Sheriff teaches about the transformative power of coming to Jesus amidst life's burdens. Through God's grace, we can be freed from fear, worry, and the overwhelming pressures of life. One of the three principles of Rhythms of Grace is "Come to Me," which offers rest and liberation. By aligning ourselves with Jesus, we can navigate the complexities of life with peace and resilience, embracing a journey toward spiritual growth and freedom.

Duane Sheriff teaches how God's correction and chastening differ from human punishment. He explains that every act of divine correction is rooted in God's desire for our ultimate good, aiming to foster spiritual maturity, holiness, and a deeper relationship with Him. This perspective encourages a receptive attitude towards God's loving discipline, recognizing it as a vital component of our spiritual journey.

Duane Sheriff teaches that the power of grace can transform our lives and enable us to fulfill our divine calling. We can find rest in Jesus with a deep relationship with Christ. Duane addresses fear, worry, anxiety, and stress, advocating for a faith-driven approach to overcome these challenges. We can achieve spiritual maturity and resilience by following the three rhythms of grace: coming to Jesus, taking His yoke, and learning from Him. By living a life marked by peace, purpose, and power in God's grace, we can fulfill our divine calling.

Duane Sheriff explains how grace is intricately found in Jesus. Jesus is the epitome of divine grace made manifest. Through Jesus, grace is not just an abstract concept but a tangible reality experienced by believers. His life, teachings, and sacrificial love on the cross exemplify the depth of God's grace. This offers redemption, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life to all who believe. There is a transformative power in encountering Jesus, where grace becomes the lens through which we view God, ourselves, and our purpose in the world. Through Jesus, grace is lived, received, and extended, embodying the heart of the Gospel message.

"Amazing Grace" is a divine gift that goes beyond human understanding and has the power to change lives. It liberates us from our past burdens, allowing us to embrace a hopeful and promising future. In this teaching, Duane Sheriff provides practical guidance on incorporating grace rhythms into our daily lives. He emphasizes the importance of solitude, silence, and meditation on scripture to nurture our connection with God. By combining these practices, we can experience personal renewal and spiritual growth. Engaging in these disciplines has a transformative power, which can lead to a more profound and grace-filled life.

Duane Sheriff teaches that, as Christians, we have been delivered from fear, worry, anxiety, and stress. Our lives are anchored in the grace and love of God, and our focus should be on our identity, transformation, and wholeness in Christ. The term "rhythms of grace" refers to an intimate and transformative relationship with God, where His divine presence flows into every aspect of our lives with love, healing, and renewal. Instead of striving, we learn to rest in the assurance of His provision and guidance.