Cedars Church Beirut

Epizode

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  The Beatitudes: Blessed are the Peacemakers 17.07.2026 39min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at Matthew 5:1-12, where Pastor Lyall Armstrong shares insights on what it truly means to be a peacemaker. In this episode, we reflect on how peace remains an elusive goal that we deeply desire for ourselves and the world, yet find so difficult to achieve—a struggle reflected even in popular culture through songs like John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance." We explore the profound promise that peacemakers will be called children of God, recognizing that to bear this title, we must reflect the very characteristics of the Son of God. Ultimately, we learn that true peace cannot exist alongside lies, calling us to actively advocate for the truth as we follow Jesus' ministry of bringing peace to the earth.Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love.Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut.Speaker: Pastor Lyall ArmstrongBible Passage: Matthew 5:1-12Date: July 12, 2026Sermon Series: The Beatitudes
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  The Beatitudes: Blessed are the Pure in Heart 17.07.2026 35min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at Matthew 5:1-12, where Georges Melki shares insights on what it means to be pure in heart. In this episode, we explore the promise that the pure in heart will see God, challenging the common assumption that seeing God is the starting point of faith rather than something we grow into. We reflect on how life is not strictly sequential, and because we aspire to be like Jesus, we must pursue a pure heart. Finally, we dive into the three core aspects that define a pure heart: humility, repentance, and surrender.Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love.Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut.Speaker: Georges MelkiBible Passage: Matthew 5:1-12Date: June 28, 2026Sermon Series: The Beatitudes
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  The Beatitudes: Blessed are the Merciful 17.07.2026 37min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at Matthew 5:1-12, where Pastor Lyall Armstrong shares insights on the transformative power of mercy. In this episode, we explore what it means to be merciful in a world where, when mistreated, we do everything we can to get what we think we deserve—though we rarely extend that same standard to others. We challenge our skewed view of kindness, which often revolves around seeking only what benefits us, and dive into how biblical mercy is reciprocated, as those who show mercy are shown mercy in return. Finally, we wrestle with the challenging question of whether we can truly extend mercy even to those we feel do not deserve it.Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love.Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut.Speaker: Pastor Lyall ArmstrongBible Passage: Matthew 5:1-12Date: June 21, 2026Sermon Series: The Beatitudes
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  The Beatitudes: Blessed are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness 17.07.2026 40min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at Matthew 5:1-12, where Pastor Lyall Armstrong shares insights on what it means to hunger and thirst for righteousness. In this episode, we explore Jesus' promise that those who yearn for righteousness will be filled, and we ask the foundational question: what is true righteousness? We look at how knowing justice requires us to understand right from wrong, and how the law serves to manage brokenness before it overcomes us all. Jesus challenges us to actively respond to the broken world around us by yearning for justice, realizing that the deep void in our hearts can only be satisfied by Him. Ultimately, we learn that while life itself cannot satisfy us, God is the one who sanctifies us and our daily living.Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love.Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut.Speaker: Pastor Lyall ArmstrongBible Passage: Matthew 5:1-12Date: June 14, 2026Sermon Series: The Beatitudes
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  The Beatitudes: Blessed are the Meek 15.07.2026 35min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at Matthew 5:1-12, where Pastor Lyall Armstrong shares insights on the counter-cultural trait of meekness. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to be meek—defining it not as weakness, but as possessing the power and ability to act, yet choosing restraint for a greater, future goal. This posture is the complete opposite of how our modern society operates, but we find its ultimate expression in Jesus, who serves as our greatest example. We dive into how Jesus transforms us by giving us a new nature when we struggle to find this meekness in ourselves, and we discuss four practical ways to cultivate this heart: looking often at Jesus, praying earnestly, excelling in discipline, and abounding in grace.Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love.Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut.Speaker: Pastor Lyall ArmstrongBible Passage: Matthew 5:1-12Date: May 31, 2026Sermon Series: The Beatitudes
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  The Beatitudes: Blessed are Those Who Mourn 15.07.2026 41min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at Matthew 5:1-12, where Pastor Lyall Armstrong shares insights on the profound reality of mourning. In this episode, we explore how in Jesus' day, when infant mortality was around 50%, there was very little hope for comfort in the first century, yet Jesus speaks directly into this grief. While many people spend their lives running after fleeting joy, we discover how embracing mourning can actually bring us deep wisdom. We look at how we mourn brokenness, hopelessness, sickness, and death, and how Godly sorrow ultimately produces a repentance that leads to salvation. While the root of sorrow is found in our brokenness, its true healing is found in hope—and that hope is Christ.Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love.Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut.Speaker: Pastor Lyall ArmstrongBible Passage: Matthew 5:1-12Date: May 17, 2026Sermon Series: The Beatitudes
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  The Beatitudes: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit 15.07.2026 37min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at Matthew 5:1-12, where Pastor Lyall Armstrong shares insights on the character of God's kingdom. In this episode, we explore the Beatitudes, which present a compelling and transformative picture of what it means to live under the rule of God. Jesus is preaching a social ethic, not just a personal one—reminding us that the kingdom always reflects the character of its King. We dive into the profound connection between physical poverty and being "poor in spirit," recognizing that it is precisely when we have nothing left of our own that the kingdom becomes ours. True kingdom living begins with the humble acknowledgment that we have nothing to offer of ourselves and must utterly depend on God to meet our every need.Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love.Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut.Speaker: Pastor Lyall ArmstrongBible Passage: Matthew 5:1-12Date: May 10, 2026Sermon Series: The Beatitudes
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  Glorify God: Women Ministering in the Church (1 Corinthians 11:1-16) 02.06.2025 47min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at 1 Corinthians 11, where Pastor Lyall Armstrong shares insights on church leadership. In this episode, we explore what qualifies someone for leadership in the church, focusing on character over credentials. True leaders are those—men or women—who walk closely with God, show spiritual maturity, and are recognized by the community for the evident work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. It's not about titles, education, or past roles, but about being rooted in Christ and living faithfully among the body. Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love. Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut.Speaker: Pastor Lyall ArmstrongBible Passage: 1 Corinthians 11:1-16Date: April 11, 2025Sermon Series: Glorify God
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  Glorify God: Being Above Calling (1 Corinthians 9) 26.05.2025 33min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at 1 Corinthians 9, where Pastor Lyall Armstrong shares insights on the difference between calling and identity. He reflects on how Paul refused to take advantage of the benefits of his role as an apostle, choosing not to conflate his calling with his identity. We are challenged to hold our earthly identities—our jobs, our ethnicity, even our calling—loosely, so that our true identity as people transformed by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection becomes our motivation to serve God and love our neighbor as He instructed.Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love. Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut.Speaker: Pastor Lyall ArmstrongBible Passage: 1 Corinthians 9Date: March 30, 2025Sermon Series: Glorify God
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  Love Above Knowledge (1 Corinthians 8 & 10) 28.04.2025 37min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at 1 Corinthians 8 and 10, where Pastor Lyall Armstrong shares insights on how, when we encounter people who practice their faith differently, we are called to respond not just with knowledge, but with love—because love builds up and guides us to act in a way that protects, honors, and leads others toward Christ.In Greek culture, meat sacrifices were common, and while some believers saw no problem in eating the meat, others felt it held power from the sacrifice. We are faced with two ways to approach such situations: knowledge and love.Love should take precedence over knowledge, as knowledge can lead to arrogance, while love builds others up. Our actions should be guided by love, not just by what we think is right, because acting out of pride can harm others. Love calls us to make sacrifices, even in small ways—such as choosing grape juice at communion to avoid hindering someone who doesn’t drink alcohol.We need to be aware that we are called to avoid sin, and that loving and caring for others is a tool that helps us on that path. May we be in tune with the Spirit of God so that we know how to act and respond. And when faced with a situation that makes us uncomfortable, we pray to be guided with love and to behave within the parameters that Jesus has given us—so that they may be saved.Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love. Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut.Speaker: Pastor Lyall ArmstrongBible Passage: 1 Corinthians 8 & 10Date: March 23, 2025Sermon Series: Glorify God
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  The Time is Short (1 Corinthians 7: 25-40) 21.04.2025 30min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at 1 Corinthians 7: 25-40, where Pastor Lyall Armstrong shares insights living with a sense of urgency and faithfulness, reflecting on the teachings of Paul. Paul urges first-century believers to live in light of the end times, where their decisions and actions should reflect this reality. He emphasizes the importance of staying where they were when called—whether slave or free—and focusing on their commitment to God in that context. Through the difficulties of life, he encourages the church to remember that the things they hold onto, such as relationships and possessions, are temporary and may change at any moment. This includes having undivided attention to God, particularly in managing desires like sexual temptation. As a Church, the question we must ask ourselves today is: How are we responding to the circumstances around us? Are our actions glorifying God, and are we living as if Christ could return at any moment? Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love. Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut.Speaker: Pastor Lyall ArmstrongBible Passage: 1 Corinthians 7: 25-40Date: March 16, 2025Sermon Series: Glorify God
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  Honor God with Your Relationships (1 Corinthians 7:1-24) 14.04.2025 37min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at 1 Corinthians 7:1-24, where Georges Melki shares insights on how holiness in sexuality isn’t about rigid rules or escaping desire, but about living with undivided devotion to God—whether in marriage, singleness, or struggle—by receiving sex as a gift and embodying grace in a hypersexualized world.Jesus didn’t give laws—he addressed people’s real-life struggles and offered principles to guide them through life.Paul reframes sexuality in many ways:In this passage, Paul challenges the idea that holiness is only individual. It’s also communal.By calling spouses to yield their bodies to each other, Paul makes a radical, countercultural statement of equality in a time when men held power.Paul offers a positive view of sex—not just for procreation but as a meaningful part of life and relationship.He describes sex as good, but not ultimate. It’s one of three powerful gifts (money, sex, power) that can either bless or corrupt, depending on how they’re used.Cultural messages either demonize sex as impure and unholy or idolize sex as the ultimate expression of freedom. There’s value in fasting from sex for spiritual growth. Even within marriage, sex can distract from full devotion to God—so the core principle remains: in all things, pursue undivided devotion to God.In today’s hypersexualized world, struggling with sexual thoughts doesn’t mean you lack the gift of celibacy—it simply means it’s hard to resist what’s constantly around us.We often want quick answers. If married to an unbeliever, we might think divorce is the solution—but Paul points to be more gracious. Mature holiness means knowing Jesus sanctifies us daily, and we shine His light within our relationships. We don’t leave to be more holy—we become holy where we are.Our calling is sanctification. Don’t try to change yourself—it turns that struggle into an idol. Let God do the work. He’ll free captives, restore what’s broken, and bring you the relationships meant for you.At the end of his life, Jesus didn’t resist his suffering. He was treated like a slave, beaten like an abused woman, abandoned like a divorcée. He didn’t change his fate—God brought resurrection.Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love. Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut.Speaker: Georges MelkiBible Passage: 1 Corinthians 7: 1-24Date: March 9th, 2025Sermon Series: Glorify God
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  Honor God with Your Bodies (1 Corinthians 6) 07.04.2025 51min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at 1 Corinthians 6, where Pastor Lyall Armstrong shares insights on how pursuing one's own desires, particularly in regards to sexuality, reflect a desire for something in addition to God, and how that desire for more is the root of sin. He talks about how the church can address that using the scriptures and the power of God, practicing in our lives today what will be our reality in God's future Kingdom. Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love. Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut.Speaker: Pastor Lyall ArmstrongBible Passage: 1 Corinthians 6Date: February 23, 2025Sermon Series: Glorify God
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  Imitate Me: The Pathway to Becoming an Exemplar (1 Corinthians 4) 24.03.2025 40min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at 1 Corinthians 4 where Pastor Lyall Armstrong shares insights on leading a life that inspires others to follow Christ by following Paul's example in preaching the message of Jesus, discipling others to grow in faith, and are consistent in a Christ-like attitude in all circumstances, and are humble in the face of the power of God. Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love. Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut.Speaker: Pastor Lyall ArmstrongBible Passage: Corinthians 4Date: February 9, 2025Sermon Series: Glorify God
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  Jesus, Our Foundation (1 Corinthians 1-3) 18.03.2025 44min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at 1 Corinthians 1-3 where Pastor Lyall Armstrong shares insights on how truly knowing and understanding God is given by the Spirit of God that transforms those who, with a humble heart, accept to be taught by God. Knowing God is not an academic understanding, it comes with surrendering one's life to God and admitting one's ignorance, and it is then that the Spirit transforms us. What characterizes the Church is that it is not divided with factions and divisions, but unified with Christ. Pastor Armstrong also highlights the holiness of gathering as a Church in the presence of God. Becoming a fool means accepting the message of the cross, when we are wise, we are too good for that, so we must become fools to ourselves to become wise with God.Jesus is our foundation in glorifying God in all that we do.Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love. Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut.Speaker: Pastor Lyall ArmstrongBible Passage: Corinthians 1-3Date: February 2, 2025Sermon Series: Glorify God
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  Done With That! (Colossians 3:1-11) 31.12.2024 35min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at Colossians 3 again, Pastor Lyall shares with us about how we should be ending our year after all the joys and sorrows we went through in Beirut. How to focus on Christ and keep moving forward, removing everything that tempts and hinders us. This sermon is part one of a series on ending and new beginnings. Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love. Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut. Speaker: Pastor Lyall Armstrong Bible Passage: Colossians 3:1-11 Date: December 29, 2024 Sermon Series: New Year 2025
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  Do Right (Matthew 21:23-32) 13.12.2024 29min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at Matthew 21:23-32, where Pastor Lyall shares insights on Doing Right, Being Holy, and the attitudes we have as we live our lives. Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love. Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut. Speaker: Pastor Lyall Armstrong Bible Passage: Matthew 21:23-32 Date: November 24, 2024
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  Gospel Behavior (Philippians 1:27-2:4) 29.11.2024 37min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at Philippians 1:27-2:4, where Pastor Lyall shares how we are unified in the faith of the gospel that gives us confidence in this antagonistic world. Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love. Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut. Speaker: Pastor Lyall Armstrong Bible Passage: Philippians 1:27-2:4 Date: November 17, 2024
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  The Goodness of Jesus (John 9:1-7) 17.11.2024 47min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at John 9:1-7, where Pastor Lyall shares with us the goodness of Jesus. Jesus is good because he is (1) compassionate to broken and helpless, (2) Right in his actions and focus on people, (3) Earnestness in his love for others, and (4) Committed to the salvation and restoration of humanity. Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love. Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut. Speaker: Pastor Lyall Armstrong Bible Passage: John 9:1-7 Date: November 10, 2024
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  The Pathway to Victory (John 16) 10.11.2024 21min

  In this episode of the Cedars Church Podcast, we look at John 16, where Pastor Lyall shares with us the Jesus' teaching to his disciples about living a victorious life. We live a victorious life by (1) Relying on God's Power (2) Ceaseless Prayer and (3) a shared victory in community. Through this message, we’re encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s word and to live out our faith with wisdom and love. Tune in to reflect, be inspired, and join us in our journey to build a vibrant, supportive community grounded in truth. Subscribe to stay connected with weekly sermons and teachings from Cedars Church Beirut. Speaker: Pastor Lyall Armstrong Bible Passage: John 16 Date: November 3, 2024