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The Canons of Dort The Fifth Head of Doctrine – The Perseverance of the Saints ARTICLE 12 – This doctrine of perseverance (that the saints may never be lost) does not work pride in man, but works humility, reverence, piety, patience, prayer, endurance in suffering, confession of the truth, and rejoicing. This certainty of perseverance, however, is so far from exciting in believers a spirit of pride, or of rendering them carnally secure, that on the contrary it is the real source of humility, filial reverence, true piety, patience in every tribulation, fervent prayers, constancy in suffering and in confessing the truth, and of solid rejoicing in God; so that the consideration of this benefit should serve as an incentive to the serious and constant practice of gratitude and good works, as appears from the testimonies of Scripture and the examples of the saints. Not the source of pride. The source of humility. Canons of Dort: Certainty of perseverance does not make us careless. It makes us humble. Childlike reverence. Fervent prayer. Gratitude and good works —for the glory of the God who holds us. Not fire insurance.

Happiness does not come from projecting a positive image or from covering sin, but from confession. By uncovering our sin, we experience the relief of having been covered in Christ's righteousness. BLESSING THAT IS SECURE SILENCE THAT WASTES AWAY CONFESSION THAT RELIEVES DELIVERANCE THAT GLADDENS

On Reformation Sunday the congregation hears seven movements instead of a single sermon, each one a recovery God gave His church in the 16th century. In every movement a reader reads Scripture, then the words of a reformer, followed by a short word on what was recovered and why it matters. The service moves through Martin Luther and the conscience recovered (Romans 1:16-17), Zwingli and the Word of God opened to the people (Nehemiah 8), the Anabaptists and believers' baptism (Acts 2:38-42), John Calvin and the knowledge of God (Isaiah 6), the Baptists and the gathered church (Matthew 28), William Tyndale and Scripture in the language of the people (Deuteronomy 6, Psalm 119:105), and the Westminster Assembly and the church confessing together (1 Timothy 3:14-16). The congregation confesses the Apostles' Creed, shares what these recoveries mean to them, and returns to Romans 1:16-17: seven recoveries, one gift, the gospel, the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. The service closes by inviting believers to come to the Lord's Table by faith, as participants and not spectators.

Grace Covenant Baptist Church is a Reformed Baptist Church in Monroe, Louisiana. We are a confessional church subscribing to the Second London Baptist Confession of 1689. We adhere to the Five Solas of the Protestant Reformation; Sola Scriptura, Solus Christus, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, and Soli Deo Gloria. Find more information about or listen to past sermons from Grace Covenant Baptist Church at https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/gcbcwm/

This sermon explores the theological significance of the Lord's Supper by examining John 6 and Article 35 of the Belgic Confession. It emphasizes that the sacrament is a means of grace reserved for the regenerate, requiring true faith as the 'hand and mouth of the soul' to receive Christ's spiritual nourishment. The teaching distinguishes the Lord's Table from a mere memorial, presenting it as a seal of salvation that sustains the believer's spiritual life just as physical bread sustains the body. The preacher encourages the congregation to view this covenant meal not with somberness alone, but as a joyful banquet that fosters communal fellowship and reaffirms the believer's secure place in God's family.

This episode addresses the theological necessity of creeds, confessions, and catechisms by affirming the sufficiency of Scripture while distinguishing it from the church's responsibility to preserve and teach revealed truth. It argues that these doctrinal standards are not additions to the Bible but human instruments that help the church articulate, defend, and transmit the faith, citing passages like 2 Timothy 1:13-14 and 1 Timothy 3:15-16. The episode clarifies the definitions and subordinate authority of these documents, emphasizing that they must always remain under the supreme authority of the Holy Spirit speaking in Scripture. The episode further explores the historical context of these standards, from the early church's rule of faith to the Westminster Confession, highlighting their role in guarding against error and fostering doctrinal unity. Finally, it encourages believers to use these tools for personal growth, family discipleship, and congregational integrity, ensuring that sound doctrine leads to living faith rather than dead orthodoxy.

(1) The rich confession in this prayer; (2) The sincere request in this prayer; (3) The solid pleading ground in this prayer; (4) The practical fruit from this prayer.

This sermon examines Genesis 16 to illustrate the spiritual dangers of impatience and the attempt to 'help God out' when His promises are delayed. It highlights how Abraham and Sarah's decision to take matters into their own hands through Hagar resulted in lasting family conflict and generational consequences, demonstrating that human schemes often exacerbate divine plans. The message contrasts the flawed reactions of the characters—Sarah's bitterness, Abraham's avoidance, and Hagar's flight—with the call for believers to face problems honestly and trust in God's timing. By connecting this ancient narrative to modern struggles with sin and community acceptance, the sermon urges listeners to confess their failures rather than cover them up, emphasizing that God can redeem even the worst outcomes for His glory while still requiring personal accountability.

This sermon examines the apostolic model of the church presented in Acts 2:42-47, contrasting it with the hierarchical structures of the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation. By referencing the Belgian Confession, the text outlines the marks of the true church, including the pure preaching of the gospel, the proper administration of sacraments, and the practice of church discipline. The central message emphasizes that the early church was characterized by a four-fold devotion to doctrine, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer, which created a community of joy, generosity, and mutual support. This lifestyle of radical hospitality and shared life served as a powerful witness to the surrounding culture, resulting in the daily addition of new believers. The sermon concludes by urging believers to identify with this biblical standard, recognizing that they are the body of Christ rather than merely attending a religious institution.

Bible Reading: Matthew 16:1-28 (Sermon taken from Matthew 16:13-18) Motto Text: Matthew 16:18 KJV "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." 1. Is Christ what the World says he is? 2. Is Christ what God Reveals him to be? 3. Who Christ is to you is foundational. The sermon centers on the critical question of who Jesus Christ is, contrasting worldly opinions with the divine revelation found in Scripture. It emphasizes that true knowledge of Christ as the Son of the living God is not achieved through human effort or signs, but through the sovereign work of God who reveals Himself to the sinner. The message highlights the necessity of resting on Christ as the unshakable foundation of salvation, arguing that only this spiritual reality provides eternal security and transforms the believer's life. The preacher urges the congregation to examine their personal relationship with Jesus, distinguishing between mere moral improvement and the profound change of heart that comes from being born again. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a sincere confession of faith, urging listeners to trust in Christ alone for redemption and to find their identity in the church He builds.