The sermon explores the biblical promise of perfect peace found in Isaiah 26, emphasizing that this peace is maintained by God alone for those whose minds remain fixed on Him. The preacher argues that intellectual knowledge or reading spiritual books is insufficient without a personal, intimate reliance on Scripture to anchor the believer's thoughts. True peace does not eliminate external trials but provides internal stability through a steadfast trust in God's sovereignty and character. By keeping the mind focused on God's word and promises rather than circumstances, believers can experience tranquility amidst life's turmoil. The message calls for bold faith and continuous communion with God to cultivate this enduring spiritual rest.

The closing of Colossians contains the longest list of people in Paul's life except for the book of Romans. There is so much we can learn from this list of people! In this sermon, we will look at the first 5 people Paul lists. We will see their character, their labor for the Gospel, and Paul's love for them, as well as Paul's love for the Colossians. Here we are reminded of laboring together for the furtherance of the Gospel.

Pastor Brian's sermon contrasts the Christian call to self-sacrifice with the natural human tendency toward self-promotion, using Jesus' prediction of his crucifixion and the disciples' request for positions of honor as primary examples. It highlights how Jesus demonstrated true greatness by submitting to betrayal, scourging, and death to serve humanity, thereby reversing worldly values where the last become first. The message challenges believers to abandon the desire for status and control, which stems from the old nature, and instead adopt a humble, servant's heart that seeks the needs of others, particularly the marginalized. By examining the healing of two blind beggars, the text illustrates that Jesus actively engaged with those society rejected, showing compassion rather than indifference. Ultimately, Pastor Brian asserts that embracing this upside-down kingdom ethic leads not to misery but to profound spiritual joy and alignment with God's character.

This sermon examines God's response to Noah's post-flood sacrifice, highlighting the dual nature of His promise to never again destroy the earth by water while affirming the ongoing reality of human depravity. The text argues that the flood did not eradicate original sin, as the wickedness of the human heart remains unchanged from the pre-flood generation, pointing to the necessity of divine grace rather than human merit. It identifies the flood as an act of divine justice that foreshadows the final judgment, contrasting God's holiness with His mercy in restraining further cataclysmic destruction. The preacher emphasizes that the stability of the natural order, such as the seasons and day-night cycles, is upheld by God's sovereign word and character as a promise-keeping deity. Ultimately, Noah's role as a mediator and his sacrifice are presented as types pointing to Jesus Christ, whose atoning work satisfies divine justice and secures all of God's promises for believers.

James' closing thought on perseverance takes us to the Old Testament character with a book bearing his name, Job. In the midst of suffering, Job questioned and argued with God. Yet, he is known for his perseverance. He remained steadfast regarding God's sovereignty. He remained steadfast in faith toward Christ as God's Messenger, Redeemer and Ransom.

Found in the overlooked gem of a letter to Philemon is the stirring drama of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Justification in Him. Philemon "plays" the role of the Righteous Father, his runaway slave Onesimus "plays" the role of the lost and hopeless sinner, while Paul "plays" the role of Christ. The double imputation of Justification (Christ's righteousness is imputed to the sinner and the sinner's unrighteousness is imputed to Christ) is dramatized as Paul exhorts Philemon to receive Onesimus "as you would me" and to "put on my account" anything Onesimus owes. The Gospel According to Philemon I. Characters ---Paul, Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, Church in your house, Onesimus, and...Christ! II. Context (the story) III. Christ (the picture)

The sermon examines Romans chapter four to establish that justification comes solely through faith in God's promise, not by human works or religious lineage. Using Abraham as the primary example of faith, the message contrasts the impossibility of earning salvation with the absolute necessity of trusting in Christ's finished work on the cross. It emphasizes that believers are counted righteous because God imputes righteousness to those who believe, rather than those who strive for self-justification. The preacher highlights that this trust often defies human reason, requiring a reliance on God's character and promise over logical understanding. Ultimately, the text calls listeners to abandon all hope in their own merit and rest entirely in the grace provided through Jesus Christ.

This sermon explores the command to work out salvation with fear and trembling, defining it as a response to God's internal work through faith and obedience. It distinguishes between the past, present, and future aspects of salvation, emphasizing that sanctification is a continuous process driven by grace rather than human effort. The message clarifies that while good works are the natural fruit of genuine faith, they do not generate salvation or spiritual maturity on their own. Listeners are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit for the desire and ability to grow, examining their lives for areas where God is actively shaping their character. The sermon concludes with an invitation to rest in the certainty of God's promise to complete the good work He has begun in believers.