Assurance on SermonAudio

This teaching explores the book of Esther as a profound demonstration of God's sovereign preservation of His people, even in the absence of His explicit name. The sermon highlights the theme of divine providence through the narrative's reversals, such as the rise of Esther and the fall of Haman, arguing that these events are orchestrated by God rather than mere coincidence. It connects the historical context of the post-exilic era to the theological truth that God remains the main character of the Old Testament, working through human weakness to fulfill the Abrahamic covenant. The message emphasizes that God's faithfulness is evident in the details of history, offering comfort and assurance that He continues to protect His people against their enemies. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to remember God's past deliverance as a foundation for trust in His ongoing faithfulness.

1. Good Works and Christ's Salvation 2. Good Works and God's Purposes 3. Good Works and Our Motivation The sermon explores the theological necessity of good works, arguing that they are an inherent result of salvation rather than a condition for it. It distinguishes between the redemptive work of Christ on the cross and the renewing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer, emphasizing that true salvation involves a radical transformation that enables and compels godly conduct. The central message asserts that good works are not a threat to sovereign grace but are demanded by it, serving as evidence of faith and a means of glorifying God. The discussion highlights three primary purposes for good works: the glory of God, the assurance of the believer's faith, and witnessing through a godly lifestyle. This instructional and pastoral teaching calls the congregation to examine their motives, moving from a sense of obligation to a heartfelt desire for gratitude and obedience driven by the indwelling Spirit.

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, **It is the Lord.** Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. (John 21:7) *1/ When it was known "It is the Lord" in the Old Testament. 2/ When it was known "It is the Lord" in the New Testament. 3/ How it is known "It is the Lord" in gospel days.* **Sermon Summary:** This sermon explores the theme of recognizing the Lord's presence and work in the lives of His people, drawing from 1 Samuel 3 and John 21. It examines how God sovereignly reveals Himself through Scripture, providence, and answered prayer, emphasizing that recognition is a gift of grace rather than a human achievement. The preacher highlights historical examples of divine appearances, from Samuel to the post-resurrection disciples, to illustrate that God's people are marked by their ability to discern His voice and hand in their circumstances. The message encourages believers to look for these tokens of divine visitation in their daily lives, finding comfort and assurance in the fact that the Lord continues to appear to His church in the Gospel age.

This sermon explores Psalm 90, emphasizing that the only stable foundation for a fleeting human life is the eternal God. It contrasts the unchanging nature of God, who has been a refuge for all generations, with the brevity and fragility of human existence, urging believers to live with eternity in view. The message confronts the reality of sin and God's holiness, asserting that human efforts are insufficient to address the weight of transgression. Consequently, the sermon calls for a reliance on God's mercy and wisdom, encouraging believers to seek satisfaction in His presence rather than temporary worldly gains. It concludes with the assurance that faithful labor in God's service is not in vain, as the eternal God establishes the work of His people for lasting significance.

This sermon explores the foundation of Christian confidence in prayer by examining Psalm 4, emphasising that believers approach God not on the basis of their own merit but through the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. The exposition highlights how David's assurance stems from knowing God's character as righteous, good, and merciful, which sustains the believer amidst persecution and daily struggles. A central theme is the messianic interpretation of the psalm, where David's plea for his enemies to repent reflects the heart of Jesus, who died for the ungodly and calls all people to turn from falsehood to truth. The message encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, finding peace and rest even when facing opposition, because the Lord hears the cry of His people and holds them securely. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heart that desires God's favour and extends grace to enemies, resting in the joy and safety provided by the Saviour.

This sermon explores the theological purpose of God's testing of believers, arguing that trials serve to authenticate the genuineness of faith rather than to determine salvation. Drawing primarily from 1 Peter 1, the message outlines various forms of testing, including persecution, relational conflict, health issues, and material loss, emphasizing that these challenges are inevitable for those who follow Christ. The central argument posits that while the process of testing may be painful, the resulting confirmation of faith brings inexpressible joy and eternal glory. The tone is pastoral and instructive, encouraging believers to view their struggles not as random misfortunes but as divine opportunities to demonstrate their trust in God. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a perspective shift from viewing trials as obstacles to seeing them as essential components of spiritual growth and the assurance of one's standing before God.

Chapter timestamps: Note: Times are estimated 0:00 – Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled My Soul 3:43 – Opening Prayer and Missions Moment 5:00 – Missionary Daniel Dumbra Update 14:03 – And Can It Be 20:24 – Offering and Announcements 24:38 – Special Music and Congregational Singing 28:06 – Room at the Cross for You 31:53 – Scripture Reading: Romans 5:18–21 33:28 – Opening Prayer 34:34 – Grace Shall Reign: Sermon Introduction 36:40 – The Contrast of Condemnation and Justification 42:37 – The Contrast of Disobedience and Obedience 47:07 – The Contrast of Law and Grace 51:22 – Paul's Testimony of God's Mercy 54:05 – Grace Is Not Permission to Sin 57:45 – The Conquest of Grace Over Death 1:00:05 – The Reign of Grace Through Righteousness 1:03:35 – Eternal Life Through Jesus Christ 1:05:00 – Living According to Our Righteous Position 1:08:34 – Assurance of Salvation and Christian Living 1:11:16 – The Culmination in Christ 1:13:36 – Conclusion: Grace Shall Reign 1:14:21 – Closing Invitation

How can we connect the work of Moses in the Old Testament with these sacraments that Jesus has given us in the New Testament? This sermon examines 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 to demonstrate that the God of the Old Testament and the New Testament is one unchanging God who saves through the same substance: the work of Jesus Christ. By analyzing the Israelites' passage through the Red Sea and their consumption of spiritual food and drink, the message argues that these events were covenantal types pointing to Christ, rather than independent acts of salvation. The preacher warns against the dangerous error of assuming that participation in church rituals or moral goodness guarantees safety, noting that many in the wilderness perished despite being surrounded by divine grace. Instead, true assurance rests on recognizing that baptism and the Lord's Supper are effective only when they point believers to the finished work of Christ, who alone satisfies the demands of the law and provides the basis for eternal life.

We are sent into the world with Christ's authority to advance His kingdom, but our greatest joy must always rest in being saved by His grace.