If it was God's grace that saves humanity, will it not be God's grace that keeps His people? This message is good news for the backslider. In this sermon on the perseverance of the saints from Psalm 73:24, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones highlights the grace of God in the believer's future salvation. This doctrine, known as the perseverance of the saints, belongs at the bedrock of the faith. Dr. Lloyd-Jones begins with a proper understanding of God's grace. God's grace saves, restrains, and restores. The backsliding Christian will be restored because God is a God of grace. His grace is the reason all Christians are, remain, and we will be saved. Nothing, therefore, can separate the believer from God's love. First, this doctrine is rooted in God's own character. When God starts a work, He completes it. One finds His rest in this unchangeable person of God. The true believer cannot slide too far from God's saving grace because God's work of redemption doesn't change. Second, this doctrine stems from God's purpose. God has intended to save humanity from their sin for God's own glory. Since saving them from sin is God's purpose, the weak Christian will indeed be saved. Finally, this doctrine rests in the power of God. Listen and know that God not only desires His children to be saved, but He has the ability to save.

Michael Knox shares his dramatic journey from a life of drug addiction, gang involvement, and incarceration to finding redemption through Jesus Christ. He details how a near-death shooting experience and years in prison failed to change him until a divine encounter with kindness led to his conversion in 2012. Despite early struggles and backsliding, Knox emphasizes that God's mercy sustained him, leading to his ministry work and marriage. He argues against the idea that anyone is too far gone for God's grace, citing biblical figures like Moses and David as examples of restoration. The narrative underscores the transformative power of the gospel and the importance of discipleship in overcoming deep-seated brokenness.

How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together. I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city. (Hosea 11:8-9) *1/ What Israel and we deserve. 2/ How shall God give up his people? 3/ How shall he deliver them?* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon explores the tension between divine justice and mercy through Hosea 11, highlighting God's internal struggle regarding the punishment of Israel. It establishes that all humanity deserves wrath due to total depravity, as detailed in Romans 3, yet God cannot abandon His people because of His eternal covenant and unchanging nature. The preacher argues that this dilemma is resolved solely through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who absorbed the fierceness of God's anger on behalf of sinners. This theological framework assures believers that their salvation rests not on their own merit but on the finished work of Christ and the faithfulness of God to His promises. Consequently, the message encourages trust in God's steadfast love despite human backsliding and unworthiness.

2 Samuel 12

Sunday Morning Service - 23/08/26 Title: 'Grinding In The Prison House' Bible Reading: Judges 16:4-21

The sermon explores God's profound and persistent love for Israel as depicted in Hosea 11, contrasting His compassionate guidance with the people's stubborn tendency to backslide. It highlights the tension between divine judgment and mercy, emphasizing that God restrains His anger out of His holy nature rather than human merit. The preacher warns against reliance on self-counsel and idolatry, urging believers to recognize their inherent sinfulness and dependence on Christ for salvation. By drawing parallels between ancient Israel and modern Christians, the message underscores the necessity of daily spiritual vigilance to resist the flesh. Ultimately, it affirms that God's redemptive plan ensures restoration and peace for those who walk after Him.