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A brief bit of encouragement for the journey from God's Word. Today's Scripture reading: Hebrews 10 To support this devotional ministry: https://faithbaptiststerling.com/give/ Music: "Awaken the Dawn" by Stanton Lanier https://www.stantonlanier.com CCLI #20109360

~~~~~ No 35 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~ **Considering 2 Peter 3:15-16** And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. *1/ What we are to count as salvation - the longsuffering of our Lord. 2/ Who are those that are to be destroyed - the unlearned and unstable. 3/ What leads to these men's destruction - scriptures that are hard to understand and wresting or twisting scripture.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon examines the contrast between salvation and destruction as presented in 2 Peter 3:15-16, emphasizing that the long-suffering of the Lord is the mechanism of salvation for those who repent. It warns against the character of the unlearned and unstable, who twist Scripture to their own destruction, particularly regarding vital doctrines such as the person of Christ and the sufficiency of grace. The preacher contrasts the natural understanding of the world with the spiritual illumination provided by the Holy Spirit, urging believers to remain grounded in sound doctrine rather than being tossed about by diverse teachings. The message serves as both a comfort to sinners, highlighting God's patience, and a solemn warning against abusing that patience or engaging in heretical interpretations of the Bible.

This sermon examines the legal and ceremonial instructions in Deuteronomy 25 and 26, highlighting how God's law restrains human cruelty while promoting mercy and social justice. The discussion covers specific regulations regarding corporal punishment, levirate marriage, and honest commerce, arguing that these laws were designed to protect the vulnerable and maintain tribal integrity in a patrilineal society. The text further explores the theological significance of the Feast of Firstfruits and the third-year tithe, which serve as public confessions of God's redemption and a mandate for stewardship toward the poor. The sermon concludes by connecting these historical laws to the broader covenant identity of Israel, emphasizing that obedience to God's statutes establishes the nation as a holy and treasured possession among the nations.

Today's reading October 23 - In just 15-20 minutes a day, you can listen to the entire Bible read through in a year, and/or watch the Bible verses on the screen. Each day, you will hear some of the New Testament, some of the Old Testament, and some of Psalms or Proverbs. You will read through Psalms and Proverbs twice in the year. Today's reading is 2 Chronicles 6; Hebrews 1; and Psalm 114. You can get through the entire Bible in a year listening to it on the way to and from work each day. The elderly with bad eyesight can now see the Bible verses in large print right on the screen. Little children, just learning how to read, can now read along by seeing and hearing each word pronounced. Imagine little children accomplishing something that many adults never do even once in their lifetimes--reading through the entire Bible. Get a free printed copy of the Bible Reading Schedule at LibertyGospelTracts.com. The Books are read in chronological order, which really helps you to understand the order that things happened. We offer free certificates at the end of the year, for those who read through the entire Bible. Just write to us to request one. May God bless you as you read through all that God has written for us.

This sermon explores the believer's responsibility in an age of rapid technological and financial change, contrasting human knowledge with divine wisdom. Drawing from Daniel 12, the message highlights the prophetic call for the wise to shine like stars by turning others to righteousness. The central focus shifts to 1 Corinthians 1, where the preaching of the cross is presented as the ultimate power of God, even though it appears as foolishness to the perishing world. The text argues that God intentionally chooses the weak and foolish things of the world to confound the wise, establishing the cross as the central source of authority and glory. Believers are encouraged to remain close to the cross, allowing its power to reflect through their lives and challenge the prevailing cultural reliance on human intellect and technology.

This sermon examines the significance of Lazarus as living proof of Jesus's authority over death, arguing that his mere existence validated Jesus's claim to be the resurrection and the life. The speaker highlights how this tangible evidence led many to believe in Christ, fulfilling the pattern of signs revealing God's glory throughout the Gospel of John. Conversely, the sermon notes that this same living testimony provoked fierce hostility from religious leaders who preferred to destroy the evidence rather than acknowledge its source. The message extends this principle to the modern believer, asserting that every Christian is a walking advertisement of new life in Christ, which naturally draws both faith and opposition. Ultimately, the sermon calls the audience to examine whether their lives visibly display the fruit of the Spirit and to remain faithful despite the potential for rejection from those who reject the light.

The sermon uses the metaphor of musical tuning to illustrate the necessity of aligning one's life with Jesus in a chaotic world. It argues that just as an orchestra must tune to a master pitch, believers must yield to the Holy Spirit, surrender their will, and submit to the authority of Scripture to achieve spiritual harmony. The message emphasizes that salvation is the foundational step, while ongoing sanctification involves maintaining fellowship with the church and avoiding the discordant influences of the world. By referencing the disciples in the Upper Room, the text highlights the need for humility and obedience, contrasting the perfect harmony of the Trinity with the dissonance of human sin. Ultimately, the call is for believers to remain in tune with Christ, ensuring their lives reflect the divine song of redemption rather than the noise of the world.

The mental and spiritual elements necessary for a Christian to become a doctrinally sound church member are set forth in this message. THE BIBLE Baptist Church of DeLand, Florida Pastor James W. Knox Pastor David A. Brown https://biblebaptistdeland.com For more sermons and Bible study materials, please visit our web store at https://store.jameswknox.org/ DeLand School of THE BIBLE: https://dsbkjv.com

This sermon addresses the human tendency to blame external circumstances or other people for personal difficulties, arguing instead that the root cause of sin and unhappiness is the internal state of the heart. By citing examples such as the fall of Adam and Eve and the conduct of Paul and Silas in prison, the message contrasts self-reliant complaining with Christ-like endurance and joy. The central theological argument is that it is impossible to live a righteous life or maintain a godly attitude through one's own strength, as the flesh naturally lusts against the Spirit. Therefore, believers are called to abandon their own understanding and self-will, relying entirely on the daily assistance of the Holy Spirit to overcome sin and reflect Christ to others. The sermon concludes with a call to cast all burdens upon God, recognizing that true happiness and spiritual victory come only through dependence on divine grace rather than human effort.

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. (Matthew 9:37-38) ~~~~ This sermon was preached at Jireh Chapel Tenterden Harvest Thanksgiving service. ~~~~ *1/ The identity of the Lord of the harvest. 2/ What the Lord of the harvest controls. 3/ The means that the Lord of the harvest uses.* **Sermon summary:** This sermon explores the identity, control, and means of the Lord of the Harvest as presented in Matthew 9:37-38. It emphasizes that God is the sovereign master builder who governs every aspect of the spiritual harvest, from the eternal election of souls to the specific timing of their conversion. The preacher illustrates how God controls the preparation of hearts, the drawing of sinners, and the quickening of faith, ensuring that salvation is entirely His work rather than a human effort. Furthermore, the message highlights that God chooses to use weak means, such as the prayers of His people and the preaching of labourers empowered by the Holy Spirit, to accomplish His purposes. The sermon concludes with an encouragement to trust in God's perfect timing and authority, recognizing that He is actively gathering His people from all nations for His glory.