BAPTISTS on SermonAudio

While Spurgeon is probably typecast as a classic three-pointer, his sermons actually show quite a variety in structure. This is a simple two-headed sermon, reflected in the title itself. How can peace be gained? How can peace be broken? Under the first heading, Spurgeon insists that true peace, the only peace worth having, is God's own gift, spoken to his people who are holy. He celebrates the certainty of it and explores something of the beauty of it. Then he comes down from the heights and considers the loss of our peace. Here the preacher shows himself the pastor. The text emphasises that we can lose our peace by turning back to folly, and while that is a proper consideration, Spurgeon takes a few moments to consider some of the other ways in which peace can be lost, not all of them through the sins and failings of true believers. His intention is not to offer us excuses, but not to lay the wrong burden on the wrong heart. The ground cleared, he asks very bluntly about the kinds of sins which lurk in our souls, and which can be the reason why we lose the peace which the Lord speaks. The probing is painful, the speech being plain, and a sensitive heart will find good reason to lament its own folly. Spurgeon concludes with exhortation, giving us a brief barrage of reasons to turn our backs upon folly once and for all, and not to go back to the paths which, because of grace, we have left.

Today's reading October 16 - 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 1 Chronicles 19-21; Philippians 2; and Psalm 107. 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.

~~~~~ No 34 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~ **Considering 2 Peter 3:11-14** Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, **Looking for** and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, ......Nevertheless we, according to his promise, **look for** new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye **look for** such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. *1/ What kind of people we should be. 2/ That the day of God is to be looked for and wanted. 3/ That the new heavens and the new earth is to be looked for. 4/ Exhortation seeing we look for such things.* **Sermon Summary:** This sermon explores the believer's proper response to the approaching end of the world, emphasizing that the Day of God is to be anticipated with joy rather than fear. The central message urges Christians to live in holy conversation and godliness, recognizing that true faith produces practical works and a distinct lifestyle separate from the world. The exposition highlights the theological assurance that God's people are redeemed and will be gathered to a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells, grounded in the imputed righteousness of Christ. The tone is pastoral and exhortative, calling for diligence in maintaining a spotless and blameless character through union with Christ. Ultimately, the sermon directs the audience to trust solely in Christ's finished work for salvation, ensuring they are found in peace when He returns.

The sermon emphasizes that the Christian life is a continuous spiritual battle requiring both divine strength and the active application of God's armor. It argues that while salvation is a monergistic work of God, sanctification and daily resistance against sin demand human effort and obedience. The preacher illustrates that believers are not merely passive recipients of grace but soldiers who must equip themselves with the full armor of God to stand firm in various spheres of life, including the church, family, and workplace. By referencing Christ's own use of this armor in the wilderness and the Old Testament imagery of the warrior King, the message highlights that this equipment is a gift of grace intended for offensive and defensive action. The central call is to reject a passive faith and instead engage in the 'good fight of faith' with the confidence that the King has provided all necessary resources for victory.

The sermon explores the practical applications of brotherly love as outlined in Hebrews 13, emphasizing that this love is a prerequisite for true charity and a sign of salvation. It highlights the command to entertain strangers, using the example of Abraham in Genesis 18 to illustrate the enthusiasm and hospitality believers should extend, noting that such acts may even involve ministering to angels unawares. The message further calls for empathy toward fellow Christians suffering persecution or adversity, reminding the audience that the body of Christ shares in the suffering of its members. Additionally, the sermon addresses the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness of sexual sin, urging believers to view their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and to pursue holiness in all aspects of life.