Confession on SermonAudio

This sermon explores the theological significance of Jesus as the Great High Priest who has passed through the heavens to minister in the sanctuary. It addresses the inherent distance between humanity and God, explaining that Christ's atoning sacrifice bridges this chasm, allowing believers to draw near with confidence. The message emphasizes that Christ's current role is not merely historical but active, as He continually intercedes for believers at the Father's right hand. By highlighting His ability to sympathize with human weaknesses and temptations, the sermon encourages a posture of reliance on His ongoing advocacy rather than solely on the past event of the cross. The central exhortation is to hold fast to this confession, finding relief and strength in the knowledge that Jesus is actively praying for and sustaining His people.

Hosea 5:13-15 (KJV) When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound. 14 For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him. 15 I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.

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Matthew 16:21-23

This exposition examines the Reformed doctrine of predestination, specifically focusing on the Westminster Confession of Faith's treatment of God's sovereign decree regarding the non-elect and the assurance of the elect. The speaker emphasizes that God's withholding of mercy is an act of justice that glorifies His power, while the extension of mercy to the elect is purely of grace, stripping believers of any grounds for pride. By referencing Romans 9 and 2 Peter 1, this episode argues that true understanding of this high mystery leads not to intellectual arrogance but to deep reverence, humility, and diligent obedience. It concludes by urging believers to find abundant consolation in the certainty of their effectual calling, ensuring that theological knowledge fuels praise and active participation in the local church rather than mere academic curiosity.

Peter confesses then rebukes. The transfiguration. A demon cast out. Death and resurrection foretold. Who will be greatest?

This sermon addresses the common objection that a church confession undermines the supreme authority of Scripture, arguing instead that a confession is a necessary aid for understanding and applying biblical truth. By analyzing the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, the speaker demonstrates that the document explicitly affirms the Bible as the sole rule of faith and obedience, serving merely as a summary of what the Scriptures reveal. The message emphasizes that without clear definitions of key theological terms, the church becomes vulnerable to subtle heresies and false teachings that use biblical vocabulary to mask erroneous doctrines. Drawing on examples like Arius and modern cultural shifts, the sermon illustrates the danger of undefined concepts such as justice and love, which can be distorted without a confessional framework. Ultimately, the speaker urges the congregation to view the confession not as a rival authority but as a tool for contending for the faith, ensuring that the church remains healthy, doctrinally sound, and capable of identifying error in a complex world.