Confession on SermonAudio

This sermon examines the Christian perspective on civil government by analyzing Romans 13:1-7 and Article 36 of the Belgic Confession. It argues that government is ordained by God to restrain human depravity and maintain order, countering the modern secular notion of a complete separation between church and state. The teaching highlights two primary duties of the state: bearing the sword to execute retributive justice against evil and removing obstacles to the free course of the Gospel. The preacher urges believers to reject the idea that the Bible is silent on political matters, emphasizing that removing God from the public sphere leads to anarchy and moral confusion. Finally, the sermon calls Christians to respond with tangible obedience to the law, internal respect for officials, and persistent prayer for their spiritual transformation.

Biblical humility begins with seeing God rightly and remembering His grace in Jesus Christ. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins examines Philippians 2:3–8 and 1 Peter 5:5 to explain how Christ's humility shapes our everyday relationships. Learn to receive biblical correction, acknowledge and use your God-given gifts without boasting, confess sin, forgive others, and serve faithfully. Humility grows as we recognize our dependence on the Lord and look to the Savior who humbled Himself for sinners. Part of our November series on gratitude and Christian character. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

This podcast examines the unified Protestant stance against Roman Catholic Eucharistic theology, highlighting the shared conviction that Christ's sacrifice was a finished event rather than a repeated propitiatory offering. It argues that the Lord's Supper serves as a memorial and proclamation of redemption, grounded in the priesthood of the ascended Christ rather than the priestly mediation of the Mass. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of both elements for the congregation, the importance of congregational participation, and the requirement of faith and repentance for the sacrament to be spiritually beneficial. By appealing to Scripture and Reformed confessions, the message calls for a worship practice that prioritizes intelligible preaching, active participation, and a focus on Christ's promise over ritual performance. The sermon concludes by urging believers to approach the table with reverence, trusting in Christ's completed work and anticipating His return.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE - https://youtu.be/tjcgYDvjZik The presentation challenges listeners to examine the authenticity of their salvation by asserting that true conversion results in a visible, supernatural transformation of character and lifestyle. Drawing primarily from 2 Corinthians 5:17, the message argues that a 'new creature' in Christ cannot maintain the habits, sins, or attitudes of their former life, citing historical and personal anecdotes to illustrate this radical change. It critiques the concept of 'evil conversions' or false assurance, emphasizing that salvation requires a full surrender of one's life to Jesus as Lord, not merely a verbal confession. The speaker outlines the necessary steps of genuine faith, including public confession, belief in the resurrection, and a commitment to holiness and evangelism. Ultimately, the tone is urgent and convicting, urging believers to verify their standing before God through the evidence of ongoing sanctification and obedience to His will.

Divine Almightyness/Omnipotence & Wisdom Note - I had a brain lapse at one point when discussing the heresies of William Lane Craig. So, I have included the following definition. Apollinarianism: the heresy that claims Jesus had a human body and soul but not a rational human mind (nous) - Pastor Johnathan

The sermon explores the doctrine of justification by examining the Westminster Confession of Faith and the book of Hebrews, emphasizing that Christ's active and passive obedience provides a full, real, and proper satisfaction to God's justice. It argues against the notion of partial atonement by highlighting the once-for-all nature of Christ's sacrifice, which perfectly discharges the debt of sin for the elect. The text outlines the Trinitarian structure of salvation, where the Father decrees justification in eternity, Christ accomplishes it in time, and the Holy Spirit applies it to believers through regeneration and faith. By establishing Christ as the surety who bears the guilt of sin and imputes His righteousness to believers, the message underscores that salvation is solely of free grace, excluding any human merit or boasting. This theological framework serves to comfort believers with the assurance of their secure standing before God, grounded entirely in the finished work of Christ.