Assurance on SermonAudio

This instructional sermon outlines a practical, five-step method for internalizing Scripture, anchored in Psalm 119:11. The process involves selecting a verse, reading it slowly, underlining key terms, reflecting on their meaning, and praying the text back to God. The speaker emphasizes contemplation as the final step, comparing the absorption of God's Word to the digestive process of food becoming part of one's identity. By consistently applying this discipline, believers allow Scripture to dwell richly in their hearts, transforming their decision-making and character from the inside out. The tone is pastoral and encouraging, assuring listeners that this simple practice is accessible to all and leads to a deeper, more authentic relationship with God.

The sermon examines Mark 3 to demonstrate that the Gospel is intended to transform believers through a personal encounter with Jesus rather than merely providing biographical information. It addresses the accusation that Jesus casts out demons by the power of Satan, refuting this claim through logical arguments about divided kingdoms and the binding of the strong man to establish Jesus' superior authority over spiritual bondage. The message further contrasts the response of Jesus' biological family, who viewed Him as unstable, with the true family of God, defined by obedience to the Father's will. This spiritual kinship is presented as a secure, eternal bond that transcends earthly ties, offering assurance of salvation and identity to those who believe in Christ.

The sermon explores the narrative of Thomas in John 20, highlighting how his physical absence from the first appearance of the risen Christ led to eight days of doubt and isolation. It argues that the gathering of the church is essential for receiving the assurance of the Savior's presence and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, contrasting Thomas's initial skepticism with his eventual confession of "My Lord and my God." Drawing on passages from Romans 8, 1 Peter 1, and Habakkuk 3, the message emphasizes that true faith is not dependent on empirical evidence or favorable circumstances but is a trust in God's sovereignty and purpose even amidst suffering and darkness. The preacher encourages believers to remain present in the assembly, continue in prayer and Scripture, and hold fast to the lively hope of resurrection, trusting that God works all things together for good for those who love Him.

This sermon examines the institution of the Lord's Supper in Luke 22, emphasizing the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice for all sins. The central message contrasts the irrevocable condemnation of Judas, for whom there is no remedy, with the enduring grace shown to the disciples despite their pride and Peter's impending denial. The preacher highlights how Christ's desire to share the Passover with His followers demonstrates that His broken body and shed blood fully cover their weaknesses and future failures. By addressing the disciples' strife over greatness and Peter's doubt with compassion and promises of a kingdom, the sermon illustrates that believers are not dependent on their own moral perfection but on the complete atonement of Jesus. The tone is comforting and instructional, urging the congregation to rest in the assurance that no sin is beyond the reach of Christ's forgiving blood.

This sermon explores the theological attributes of God as truth and righteousness, arguing that His nature precludes the possibility of lying or acting unjustly. By citing passages such as Titus 1:2 and Numbers 23:19, the teaching establishes that God's faithfulness is inherent to His character, providing believers with assurance that His promises are reliable regardless of human failure or changing circumstances. The discussion contrasts this objective divine truth with postmodern relativism, asserting that God's moral standard is the ultimate measure of justice rather than human opinion. Furthermore, the sermon addresses the reliability of biblical texts, explaining that while translations are not inspired in the same way as the original autographs, they remain authoritative and faithful representations of God's word. The message concludes by encouraging believers to find comfort in God's unchanging nature and to engage with Scripture with confidence, recognizing that His justice and mercy are perfectly harmonized in the work of Christ.

This sermon examines the seven sayings of Jesus on the cross to demonstrate His reliance on Scripture during His greatest suffering. By analyzing passages from Matthew, Luke, John, and Psalms 22 and 69, the message highlights how Jesus fulfilled prophecy and interceded for others, including His executioners and the repentant thief. The central theme emphasizes that salvation is a free gift of grace, illustrated by the thief's immediate assurance of paradise, rather than something earned by human works. The preacher encourages believers to respond to life's trials by turning to the Word, trusting that God uses difficult circumstances to strengthen faith and conform believers to the image of Christ.

The sermon centers on the Lord's assurance to Paul in Corinth, emphasizing that God has appointed many people in the city for salvation and that believers are called to proclaim the gospel without fear. It connects this biblical narrative to the contemporary context of church growth and the need to reach unreached individuals in the local community. The message highlights the divine promise of presence and protection as the foundation for bold witness, even in the face of opposition or cultural immorality. By examining Paul's ministry in a morally complex environment, the text underscores the importance of establishing a faithful witness that draws people to Christ. The sermon concludes by linking this call to evangelism with the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, which serves as a means of grace to strengthen believers and proclaim the death of the Lord until He comes.

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:36) ~~~~~ Lord's Day afternoon service at Milward House Pilgrim Home with some 20 residents and several staff. ~~~~~ *1/ Who Jesus is speaking to - Believers, Abrahams seed. 2/ What he is speaking of - freedom. 3/ How freedom is found.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon explores the theological concept of true freedom as presented in John 8, arguing that genuine liberty is not merely a social or political state but a spiritual deliverance from sin, condemnation, and error. By drawing a parallel to the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, the message emphasizes that only the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the Passover Lamb, can break the bondage of sin. The text distinguishes between nominal belief and authentic discipleship, urging listeners to examine whether their faith is rooted in personal trust in Christ rather than religious heritage or self-righteousness. Freedom is found through continuing in God's Word, knowing the truth, and relying on the Son who has redeemed His people. The sermon concludes with the assurance that those whom the Son sets free are truly free to serve God, having been purchased by His grace.

On Reformation Day, we move beyond the familiar story of Martin Luther and the Ninety-Five Theses to examine his often-overlooked theology of the cross. What did Luther actually teach at the Heidelberg Disputation of 1518? How does it relate to justification, suffering, human reason, and the distinction between Law and Gospel? We examine the biblical foundations, common misunderstandings, and why the theology of the cross must ultimately direct us to Christ rather than ourselves.

The five solas summarize biblical truths that guard the gospel and direct our confidence to Jesus Christ. In this Reformation Day edition of Contending for the Word Weekly Watch, Dave Jenkins explains Scripture alone, grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone, and glory to God alone. Closing October's Reformation series, Dave shows why every human authority must submit to God's Word, why good works are the fruit of salvation, and why peace with God rests on Christ's finished work. These truths call Christians to humility, assurance in Christ, biblical discernment, and faithful obedience. For more from Contending for the Word, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-wordpage/