Confession on SermonAudio

The Blessedness of the Forgiven I. YOUR BLESSEDNESS IN JUSTIFICATION II. CONFESS YOUR SIN III. GOD'S ONGOING CARE FOR HIS SAINTS

16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. 19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

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Rev. Ophoff The Wonder of the Incarnation I. Became Flesh II. Out of Flesh III. For Flesh Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26-56 Text: Lord's Day 14 Confessions: Belgic Confession art. 18 Psalter #s: 241, 230, 29, 109, 197

The sermon expounds on the Heidelberg Catechism's teaching that Jesus is the only Savior, grounding this doctrine in the apostolic testimony found in Acts 4. It argues that true salvation is found exclusively in the name of Jesus, who delivers believers from the multifaceted bondage of sin, societal pressures, and false religious systems. The text contrasts the boldness of the early church, who recognized the living presence of Christ, with the spiritual blindness of those who seek security in saints, self, or worldly schemes. By emphasizing the sufficiency of Christ's atoning work and the ongoing power of the Holy Spirit, the message calls for a personal and communal commitment to confessing Jesus as the sole mediator between God and humanity.

Chapter timestamps: Note: Times are estimated 0:00 Who Is Jesus? A Study of Luke 9 1:59 Jesus' Example of Prayer 5:00 The Crowd's Opinions About Jesus 8:30 "Whom Say Ye That I Am?" 12:00 Peter Confesses the Christ of God 13:29 Old Testament Promises of the Messiah 15:45 How Belief in Christ Shapes Our Lives 20:00 Salvation Through Jesus Alone 21:56 Miracles That Reveal Jesus' Identity 23:33 Salvation by Grace Through Faith 25:10 Why Good Works Cannot Save 27:06 Recognizing the Messiah and Avoiding Deception 29:53 Closing Prayer

This sermon draws from Mark 10:1 to illustrate the example of Jesus consistently moving forward in His mission to preach the Gospel, regularly receiving both multitudes and individuals to teach them. Believers are encouraged to avoid spiritual stagnation with Gospel advance in mind. Also addressed is the common struggle with sin and defeatism by pointing to 1 John 1, emphasizing that God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse those who confess their sins. The message encourages Christians to maintain a vibrant life of prayer, Scripture, and church fellowship, viewing the local congregation as a vital instrument for reaching the community. By referencing Paul's exhortation in Philippians 3 to forget what is behind and press toward the goal, the sermon calls for a forward-looking, upward-reaching posture. It concludes with the assurance from 2 Timothy 1 that God gives a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, empowering believers to stir up their gifts and serve faithfully despite discouragement.

The sermon explores the superiority of Jesus Christ as the Great High Priest compared to the Old Testament sacrificial system, emphasizing that His once-for-all sacrifice fully atones for sin. It highlights two key realities from Hebrews 4: first, that Christ has passed through the heavens to sit at the right hand of God, indicating the completion of His redemptive work, and second, that He sympathizes with human weakness and temptation. These truths lead to two corresponding requirements for believers: to hold fast to the confession of Christ and to draw near to the throne of grace with confidence. The message serves as both a call to salvation for the unsaved and an encouragement for believers to rely on Christ's ongoing intercession and provision of mercy in times of need.

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/