In a faith class, Bishop Benjamin emphasizes the importance of celebrating life and recognizing God's plan for everyone, despite the challenges posed by societal issues like abortion and climate change.

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Bishop Benjamin opens by questioning the modern tendency to create crises out of climate concerns. He explains that framing natural events—such as diminishing oxygen, rising heat, or coastal erosion—as apocalyptic signs implies a lack of trust in God’s faithfulness. Instead of succumbing to fear, he urges us to ask: Why should we panic when the Creator of the earth has already made a way? In his view, true faith acknowledges that God’s provision and protection sustain us even in the midst of nature’s challenges.

Celebrating Life and the Gift of Sukkoth

“Happy Sukkoth!” Bishop Benjamin exclaims as he reminds us that every day is a blessing from the Lord. The festival of Sukkoth—the Feast of Tabernacles—commemorates Israel’s journey through the desert and the miraculous provision of God despite hardships. In celebrating Sukkoth, we celebrate life itself. He offers a prayer of gratitude for GoCare, its visionary leadership under Dr. Simone Gold, and all the medical staff who work tirelessly to protect and nurture life. His prayer is a call to recognize that every life matters and that our daily celebrations affirm our trust in God’s goodness.

The Power of Psalm 91: Our Divine Fortress

One of the central scriptures in Bishop Benjamin’s teaching is Psalm 91—a passage renowned for its promises of God’s protection. He explains that whether you approach it from an Old Testament, New Testament, or Torah perspective, Psalm 91 offers comfort and assurance. With vivid imagery—dwelling in the secret place of the Most High, resting under His wings, and being shielded from the snares and arrows of the enemy—the Psalm reminds us that God is our refuge and fortress. Yet Bishop Benjamin also warns: this powerful prayer is not a tool to tempt God but a declaration of faith and trust in His protection.

Cherishing Life: Lessons from the Generations of Adam

Bishop Benjamin takes us on a journey back to the early days of humanity. He explains that the word “Adam” means “dark earth,” reminding us that every human being is born of the earth and imbued with divine purpose. In those ancient times, people lived for centuries—Adam’s generations, for example, spanned nearly a thousand years. This longevity was not without meaning; it was a time when every child was born with a profound purpose.

He contrasts this sacred view with today’s attitudes, where life is sometimes devalued through practices like abortion. In the ancient narrative, children were born for a reason—they were meant to carry forward the divine promise and, as Scripture proclaims, to “bruise the head” of the serpent (Satan). This prophetic mission, first outlined in Genesis, underscores that each child is a vital participant in God’s plan to overcome evil.

The Sacred Purpose of Parenthood

According to Bishop Benjamin, having children is not a casual or accidental event. Rather, it is a deliberate, divinely orchestrated act. In the biblical account, God’s promise to crush the serpent’s head through the seed of the woman points to a cosmic battle between good and evil. Children carry with them the potential to defeat the forces of darkness—a mission that goes far beyond merely continuing the human race. He challenges modern parents to nurture their children with this sense of divine purpose, ensuring that every life is understood as a precious gift meant to advance God’s kingdom.

Overcoming Spiritual Warfare and the Spirit of Fear

The sermon also delves into the realm of spiritual warfare. Bishop Benjamin paints a vivid picture of the enemy’s tactics—booby traps, snares, terror by night, and arrows by day—all aimed at instilling a sense of dread. Yet he reminds us that God’s promise in Psalm 91 provides a steadfast shield against these attacks. By choosing to dwell in God’s secret place, we can walk confidently knowing that divine angels are guarding our every step. This assurance is not meant to encourage recklessness but to empower believers to live boldly, free from the paralyzing grip of fear.

Testimonies of Protection: The Impact of Preemptive Prayer

Bishop Benjamin shares personal testimonies of answered prayer. He recounts how, during hurricane Milton in South Florida, proactive prayers helped to mitigate the storm’s impact. Neighborhoods in Venice, Nokomis, and Osprey experienced far less damage than anticipated—a real-life testament to the power of standing in faith and petitioning God for protection. His call is clear: do not wait for disaster to strike. Instead, be preemptive in your prayers, and trust that God will set up a fortress around you, your family, and your community.

Living in the Refuge of the Almighty

As Bishop Benjamin wraps up his teaching, he invites us to internalize a profound truth: our lives are precious, and God is our ultimate protector. Whether through the promise of long life in Psalm 91 or the sacred mission given to every child to crush the serpent’s head, the message is unmistakable. In a world filled with uncertainty and fear, we are called to live boldly, celebrate life, and remain steadfast in the protective shadow of the Almighty.

May we all find comfort, strength, and purpose in these words—and may our lives be a testament to the unyielding faithfulness of God.