The Ides of March: Crucible to the Cross
The phrase “Ides of March” refers to Julius Caesar’s betrayal in ancient Rome. A seer warned Caesar to be cautious of March 15th, known as the Ides. In Roman times, the “Ides” signified the middle of each month. Ignoring the warning, Caesar was assassinated by senators, including Brutus, on that date, making the phrase a symbol of betrayal.
We all experience warnings or impressions—sometimes from the Spirit of God—that people, places, or things in our lives may not be as they appear. Too often, we disregard these signs because of how things are presented, our perceptions, and misplaced loyalties, only to find ourselves facing challenges orchestrated by our adversary. In this year of alignment, we should carefully examine our relationships and social circles (our crowds and our crews) for their loyalty to God. Sometimes, these connections can be used as tools to draw us back into sinful behaviors, attitudes, and actions, separating us from God’s goodness. Our primary loyalty belongs to Jesus Christ, and as our memory verse reminds us, His eyes search throughout the earth to find hearts faithful to Him. Anything that takes precedence over Him becomes an idol. Join us this March as we go on a journey to easter to study how Christ navigated betrayal and disloyalty, gives us a guide us through life’s troubles, trials and test in knowing how to survive the crosses we carry. This month we will answer:
Why does betrayal come?
When does betrayal come?
Who does betrayal come through?
How to handle betrayal when it happens?
How God gives victory in the midst of the betrayal so that he receives glory?
Month’s Memory Verse:
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2 Chronicles 16:9New King James Version
9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth; to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him…”
3-1-2026- When God Keeps Watch
Sunday Service 3/1/2026 ” When God Keeps Watch” 5 Day Devotional
3-8-2026 ” The Edge of Breakthrough”
Sermon Summary:
The sermon emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with God’s will, especially during times of trial and impending breakthrough. Dr. Raymond Johnson highlights the difference between human desires and God’s plans, urging listeners to discern between the two. He emphasizes staying focused on one’s spiritual assignment despite external pressures and distractions, including persecution, which comes naturally with following Jesus.
Dr. Johnson cites the story of Peter, underscoring the need for maturity and discipline as followers of Christ. He explains that trials and betrayals serve to test and strengthen our loyalty to God. The sermon encourages believers to detach from worldly influences to prepare for spiritual transformation. Ultimately, the message is about perseverance and remaining steadfast in faith, trusting that God is orchestrating a new life and breakthrough beyond current challenges.
Sunday Service 3-8-2026- ” The Edge of Breakthrough”
3-15-2026 ” When Money Changes Their Mood”
Sermon Summary:
The sermon emphasizes a message of gratitude for God’s presence, love, and the freedom found in Christ. It highlights the joy and wholeness that come from a relationship with God, celebrating His ability to make ways where there seems to be none. Dr. Johnson encourages the congregation to express their worship with enthusiasm, embracing the liberation from burdens and chains that only God can provide. Through faith, miracles happen, and God continuously performs the impossible, deserving all praise and worship. The message encourages believers to trust in God’s power and remain grateful for His countless blessings and unwavering support.
3-15-2026 “When Money Changes Their Mood”
3-22-2026 “40th Anniversary Sunday” 20/40 ” Keep on Walking”
Sermon Summary:
The sermon celebrates Dominion’s 20-year church anniversary by reminding the congregation that God has been faithful across generations and that the vision has not changed. Dr. Raymond Johnson reminded the church, it is actually 40 years old with him at the helm for the last 20 years, reminding the church it was started in 1986 by Pastor John Gould with Pastor Raymond R. Johnson joining him as an assistant pastor in 1988. The church moved to its c current facility in 1991 with Pastor Raymond R. Johnson becoming the senior pastor in 1996 and Dr. Raymond J. Johnson succeeding his father in 2006. In light of this the church has reached a 40-year landmark and preparing for a transitional entry into its promised land.
Using Acts 3:1–10, Dr. Raymond Johnson points to the healed man who was seen “walking and praising God,” and emphasizes the powerful moment when the crowd recognized what God had done—“then they knew.” The message is that God’s work in your life becomes undeniable in time, and your testimony will be seen.
The central call is simple: keep on walking. Keep moving forward even when you don’t see evidence yet, even when you feel tired, and even when it seems like your “legs don’t work.” The sermon highlights that God often speaks to your spirit about where you’re going before anything around you changes, which is why faith is essential—believing without seeing, praying without knowing, and trusting God’s Word above your circumstances.
Dr. Johnson connects this to the life of the church and the life of every believer: you’ve come this far by faith, so don’t stop now. God is not unstable or inconsistent; He is timeless, and what He has done before He can do again for those who remain loyal to Him. The encouragement to the church is to stay grateful, stay worshipful, stay humble, and stay committed, trusting that if God moves in the house, He will also move in your home—and if He moves in your home, it will show up in the house.
The sermon closes in worship and prayer, inviting people to respond to Jesus with thanksgiving and to take next steps in faith, emphasizing that there is joy in serving God and strength to continue the journey when you keep walking with Him.
3-22-2026 ” Church Anniversary: 40/20″ Acts 3:1-10 “Keep on Walking”
3-29-2026- “Palm Sunday- When Betrayal Becomes a Blessing”
Sermon Summary:
The service centers on declaring identity and confidence in Christ: “My name is victory.” The congregation is urged to enter God’s presence the way Scripture commands—through thanksgiving and praise—believing that worship is not routine but an active “storming” of heaven that welcomes God’s tangible presence.
On Palm Sunday, the message reflects on Jesus’ triumphal entry (John 12:9–19): the King came humbly, riding on a donkey, yet fully worthy of honor. The church responds with “Hosanna,” gratitude, and surrendered hearts—laying down pride, personal agendas, and heavy burdens to make an exchange for God’s righteousness and truth. The emphasis is that Jesus has already done enough through His sacrifice to give access to life and rescue from sin, so worship is a wholehearted response to His grace.
A repeated theme is spiritual alignment: knowing who you are in God changes how you move, worship, and live. Believers are reminded they are not fatherless; they are God’s beloved sons and daughters, empowered with authority in Christ to overcome the enemy. The call is to get in position, stay aligned with God, and be ready for His assignments.
In response to violence and troubling events in the community, the service also turns to intercession—joining together to pray for protection and to resist the work of the enemy—affirming continued faith in prayer and in God’s power to heal, deliver, and move in the lives of His people.
3-29-2026 ” Palm Sunday-When Betrayal Becomes a Blessing”