Vespers during the 2025 Year-End Meetings was offsite; attendees were bussed to Goucher College in nearby Towson, Maryland, for “Hope for Humanity,” a Bible prophecy seminar hosted by It Is Written. 

To open the service, John Bradshaw, president of It Is Written and speaker for the series, answered a few questions that had been sent in by viewers. These included, “Do I really need to be part of a church to be right with God?” and “What does it mean that ‘Sabbath was made for man’?” among others.

Bradshaw opened his sermon talking about superheroes, and how fascinated people are with them. He pointed out that the Bible is full of people who did remarkable things for God, and that it doesn’t stop with the Bible. “When God places his spirit within you, you can do things you never thought you’d be able to do,” he commented. 

With a continued focus on the Holy Spirit, Bradshaw walked listeners through John and Revelation, exploring Scripture that describe who, what, and how the Holy Spirit is — and that the presence of the Holy Spirit in one’s life makes a notable difference in that person.

“Sometimes we think if we can just adopt a set of rules or standards, then we’re on our way to glory,” Bradshaw stated. Though it is, he continued, right to follow the guidelines God has given us, actions alone don’t mean we’re filled with the Spirit. “The volume of a hallelujah doesn’t matter to me,” he said. “Firmness of a handshake doesn’t prove anything. We may know what to say and how to say it, but if we don’t have the Holy Spirit,” those actions are meaningless.

“The reason we have so many frustrated Christians is because they’re trying to change themselves,” Bradshaw stated. “Instead, you can ask God for a new heart that beats in harmony with His.”

Bradshaw also addressed the concept of “the unpardonable sin,” pointing out that Jesus forgave many poor choices and sinful behaviors throughout the Bible. “The unpardonable sin is anything that isn’t confessed,” he explained. “If you don’t recognize the sinfulness of something it remains unforgiven.”

Bradshaw concluded his sermon with Hebrews 2:3 — ”How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” — and Acts 22:16 — ”Why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (NKJV).

As Bradshaw invited those desiring to give their hearts to the Lord in baptism to come down to the front, Jeremy Hall sang “I Surrender All.” Baptism and Bible study request cards were given to everyone who had come forward, and Bradshaw closed with a prayer of blessing:

“Those who have come forward tonight we commit to you, Lord, knowing your arms are around them, your heart is towards them, your blessing is over them,” he prayed. “Keep them and bless them, Lord, and let them be happy, holy Christians. Thank you and amen and praise the Lord.”