Assurance on SermonAudio

This sermon examines David's flight from Saul, highlighting his initial reliance on deception and human strength as he seeks refuge with the priest Ahimelech. The text contrasts David's panic-driven lie with the biblical call to trust in God's sovereignty, noting that his actions ultimately led to tragic consequences for the priests. The message draws a theological parallel between the showbread in the tabernacle and the Lord's Supper, emphasizing the importance of communal fellowship and remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. It concludes by illustrating how God uses humiliation to restore faith, encouraging believers to rest in the assurance that God is for them, as expressed in Psalm 56 and Romans 8.

In "Heirs of God, Part 2," Pastor Robert McNutt continues in Romans 8:17, asking why Paul defines the believer's inheritance in a twofold way: we are heirs of God, and we are fellow heirs with Christ. As a good teacher who takes nothing for granted, Paul underlines our heirship to give believers full assurance. Because we are heirs of God, our inheritance is guaranteed by the God who never lies and who confirmed His promise with an oath (Titus 1:1-3; Hebrews 6). Heirs also receive special care: God trains His sons through loving discipline, the "college of hard knocks," that we might share His holiness (Hebrews 12). Unlike earthly fathers, He is perfectly consistent, finishing the good work He began in us despite our repeated failures (Philippians 1:6). Nothing outside us can rob us either, for our treasure is kept where no moth, rust, or thief can reach, and our inheritance is imperishable, reserved in heaven for those guarded by God's power (Matthew 6:19-20; 1 Peter 1:3-5). Even now, heirs enjoy God Himself, being let into His secrets as Abraham, the friend of God, and Enoch, who walked with God, once were. Paul adds "fellow heirs with Christ" to show how we became heirs at all: Christ is the appointed heir of all things, the promises were made to Abraham's singular Offspring, and we inherit only by union with Him (Hebrews 1:2; Galatians 3:16). Since the Father is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we know His character by looking at the Son, and in Him we hear, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Pastor McNutt closes by calling hearers to receive this by grace through faith in Christ alone and to rejoice in so great an inheritance.

This teaching explores the attributes of God's omniscience, wisdom, and foreknowledge, emphasizing that His knowledge is not merely predictive but inseparably linked to His sovereign decree. By examining passages such as Isaiah 46 and Acts 2, the sermon clarifies that God's foreknowledge guarantees the certainty of His purposes, countering the notion that He is a passive observer or a 'cosmic chess player.' The discussion addresses the theological tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, affirming that God's perfect knowledge does not negate human agency but rather provides a foundation for assurance and trust. Practical implications include finding comfort in the fact that no suffering escapes God's attention, recognizing that His wisdom works all things for the purpose of conforming believers to the image of Christ, and cultivating humility and holiness in response to His all-knowing nature. The session concludes by introducing the concept of God's truth as objective reality, grounded in His existence and fidelity.

(AI Generated Summary) This sermon examines the doctrine of God's decree as presented in the third chapter of the confession, emphasizing that God's eternal plan encompasses all events for His own glory. The teaching argues that divine sovereignty is the consistent foundation of theism, distinguishing God from idols and human limitations by asserting that His purposes stand unchangeably. Through an analysis of key passages in Isaiah, Romans, and Ephesians, the message clarifies that God's foreknowledge is not merely observational but rooted in His active ordination of history. The sermon addresses the tension between human responsibility and divine control, rejecting both fatalism and the minimization of God's authority, while affirming that salvation is grounded in God's loving election rather than human merit. Ultimately, this theological framework is presented as a source of profound comfort and assurance for believers, anchoring their hope in the unchanging character of God rather than their own fickle faith.

This sermon explores the experience of deep affliction and overwhelming grief through the lens of Psalm 102, emphasizing that suffering is not meaningless but serves a divine purpose for spiritual growth. The message encourages believers to pour out their complaints before God rather than wallowing in despair, highlighting the importance of daily prayer and reliance on God's promises during times of trial. By referencing the examples of Job, the Israelites in Babylon, and Jesus in Gethsemane, the text illustrates that God hears the cries of the afflicted and provides strength and hope. The central theme is that while human circumstances may seem barren and lonely, God remains a steadfast stronghold, offering comfort and the assurance of future deliverance. Believers are called to maintain their faith and trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He works all things together for good and that their hope in Christ endures beyond present suffering.

Closing Thought: Beloved, let us take comfort in the Father's gracious choice, trust the Son who redeemed us, and depend upon the Spirit who brought us to faith through the gospel. Let this grace strengthen our assurance, deepen our gratitude, and embolden us to proclaim Christ. And for those who have yet to believe, do not use God's sovereignty as a reason to delay; come to Christ today, resting in His promise to receive everyone who comes to Him.

Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ: You were saved because God loved you, chose you, and called you to himself through the preaching of Gospel. He gave you faith to receive his Gospel truth– to receive that Jesus lived and died for you. He then gave you assurance of your election – objective and subjective assurance! But what about babies of the covenant who die in their youth? There is nothing worse than to bury a young child. Pastor Al had to recently bury a 5-day-old baby - only as pastor - and it almost broke him. Imagine the sadness of a Mom! She sees the dead body…and she thinks of the child's soul. So what is the state of that young baby girl Pastor Al buried? Should the parents worry? This issue of the eternal destiny of babies who die has caused a lot of consternation. Baptists and Arminians say babies are not part of the covenant, so their parents' faith has no effect on the babies. Because of this view, they have to come down on 1 of 2 sides. a. That babies who die in infancy are lost…which is the logical conclusion. b. Or others (Spurgeon, Gill, Hodge) taught God saves babies because they were innocent. This denies the doctrine of total depravity…and holds God would save a depraved baby. More on the Arminian problem later. Let's consider 2 things the Bible says on this matter. These two things should answer a lot of your questions. Our headings are: Infants of Believers are Holy Parents of Dead Infants Shouldn't Worry about Their Salvation Our goals are: That parents will find confidence in Lord who promised to save us and our children through faith in Jesus' person and work.

We find great comfort from the truth of "The Witness of the Spirit." Drawing from both Romans 8 & 1 John 4, we explore how the Holy Spirit assures true believers of their spiritual adoption, points them to Christ, and grows faith, love, and joyful obedience. Don't rest not in changing feelings, but in God's steadfast love and the Spirit's faithful work in us.

Prophetic Message 1: The Lamp That Never Runs Dry (Zechariah 4: 1-6) Prophetic Message 2: The Mountain That Becomes a Plain (Zechariah 4: 7a) Prophetic Message 3: The Stone Crowned with Grace (Zechariah 4: 7b-9) Prophetic Message 4: The Eyes That Rejoice in Small Things (Zechariah 4 : 10) This sermon explores the vision of the golden lampstand in Zechariah 4, emphasizing that God's work is accomplished not by human strength or power but by His Spirit. The message addresses the discouragement of stalled efforts, using the historical context of Zerubbabel's temple rebuilding to illustrate that God levels obstacles and completes what He begins. It challenges believers to stop despising small beginnings, noting that God rejoices over modest foundations and sustains His people through divine supply rather than human resources. The preacher connects this Old Testament promise to the New Testament assurance in Philippians 1:6, affirming that the God who starts a good work in a believer will perfect it until the day of Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a reliance on God's grace and a recognition that even small acts of obedience are seen with joy by the Lord who rules over all.

Where do you turn when you're discouraged? In this message, Pastor Steve examines Jesus' words of comfort to His troubled disciples. Join us as we explore John 14:1–12 and discover the hope and assurance found in Him.