The latest message from Peace Reformed Church in Napoleon, OH. In this message, Pastor Carl looks at Matthew 9:27-34 in a sermon titled, "Questioning the Allegiance of the King."

In John 9:1-41, a man born blind receives his sight and finds himself questioned, criticized, and rejected. But through it all, he stands firm on one undeniable truth: "One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see." This message is a powerful reminder that no one can argue away a life that has truly been changed by Christ.

The sermon defines the spiritual awakening of a sinner as the specific work of the Holy Spirit, which brings genuine conviction of sin and reveals the believer's total depravity. It contrasts this divine illumination with mere intellectual knowledge, emphasizing that only God can open a blinded heart to see its own wickedness and enmity toward Him. Using the conversion of Saul in Acts 9 as a primary example, this message illustrates how the Holy Spirit interrupts a self-righteous life to reveal the sinner's true condition before God. The preacher argues that an awakened individual inevitably agrees with God's judgment against themselves, trembling at the reality of their sin and deserved condemnation. Ultimately, this profound realization of personal guilt serves as the necessary precursor to receiving mercy and salvation through Christ.

This sermon expounds on 2 Peter 1:5-9, urging believers to actively supplement their faith with a progressive chain of seven virtues: virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. Pastor Marc Grimaldi emphasizes that genuine faith must not remain stagnant but must build upon justification by pursuing holiness and moral excellence empowered by God's divine promises. Each virtue serves as a necessary rung on a spiritual ladder, countering specific sins and fostering a character conformed to the image of Christ. The text warns that lacking these qualities indicates spiritual blindness and a forgetting of one's cleansing from sin, while their presence ensures fruitfulness in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the message calls for diligent, lifelong pursuit of these graces as evidence of genuine salvation and a means to glorify God.

This sermon explores the biblical definition of faith through Hebrews chapter 11, presenting it as assurance in the present, confidence for the future, and evidence from the past. The preacher contrasts true faith with cultural misconceptions like following one's heart or blind belief, using metaphors of thick ice and binoculars to illustrate trusting God's solid foundation and eternal perspective. By examining Old Testament saints who obtained a good report through trust in God despite not receiving the final promise, the message encourages believers to rely on God's historical faithfulness for their current struggles and future hope. The central call is to reject worldly philosophies and place complete trust in Jesus Christ as Savior, ensuring a righteous standing before God. Ultimately, the sermon urges listeners to live with patience and purpose, running the race of faith by looking unto Jesus.

This Bible Study examines the dramatic transformation of Saul from a zealous persecutor of the early church to a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. It highlights key scriptural accounts, particularly in Acts 7 through 9 and Galatians 1, detailing his involvement in Stephen's stoning and his subsequent blind encounter with the risen Lord on the road to Damascus. The preacher emphasizes that Saul's prior knowledge of Scripture and various divine 'pricks' prepared him for this pivotal moment of grace. Following his healing by Ananias and baptism, Saul retreats to Arabia to receive direct instruction from God before beginning his ministry. This narrative underscores the sovereignty of God in calling and equipping chosen vessels to bear His name to both Jews and Gentiles.