Confidence on SermonAudio

Pastor Lee McKinnon expounds on Colossians 3:11, emphasizing that believers are a new creation in Christ, having put off the old man and put on the new. He argues against the notion of a dual nature where the old and new selves compete for dominance, asserting instead that the old self is dead and the new self holds all the advantages of union with Christ. The central theme is that Christ is the believer's all, providing complete sufficiency for righteousness, sanctification, and glory, which renders worldly distinctions irrelevant. This identity as the new man empowers believers to actively put to death remaining sin and put on Christ-like virtues with confidence.

We come to the 4th and final message about prayer. We have sought to understand prayer's manner, confidence, and content. Now we seek to understand prayers results, in order that we might orient ourselves to what we can, and cannot, expect in and through prayer.

This sermon examines the practical application of the doctrinal teachings in Hebrews, arguing that true faith requires active obedience rather than passive hearing. The message is structured around three key responses to Christ's victory: embracing the access to God's presence, heeding the warning against willful sin, and enduring through the remembrance of God's past faithfulness. It emphasizes that believers must draw near with confidence, hold fast to their profession, and provoke one another to love and good works. The tone is instructional and pastoral, urging the congregation to examine their hearts for sin and to maintain steady perseverance in the face of affliction. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a life characterized by doing the Word, relying on the Holy Spirit, and looking forward to the return of Christ.

This sermon explores the theological significance of the Incarnation as presented in John 1:14-18, arguing that the eternal Word becoming flesh is the foundational truth upon which all other Christian doctrines rest. By drawing a parallel to the Old Testament account of Moses in the Tent of Meeting, the message illustrates how Jesus fulfills God's desire to dwell with His people, revealing the Father's glory, grace, and truth in a visible and accessible way. The preacher emphasizes that Christ's humanity is essential for Him to serve as a real substitute, a sympathetic high priest, a valid payment for sin, and the source of genuine hope for resurrection. This exposition serves as a corrective to any misunderstanding of Christ's nature, asserting that without the reality of the Incarnation, the mechanism of salvation and the believer's eternal hope would be compromised. The tone is instructional and pastoral, urging the audience to embrace the sufficiency of Christ's work and to find confidence in His ability to sympathize with and redeem humanity.

Lecture video: https://youtu.be/nMGLPR5X8MM The sermon examines the method of historical apologetics, distinguishing it from classical and evidential approaches by focusing exclusively on the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. It presents the 'minimal facts argument' used by scholars like Gary Habermas, which relies on widely accepted historical data such as the empty tomb, the disciples' transformed lives, and the early proclamation of the resurrection. The teaching emphasizes that proving the resurrection inherently demonstrates the existence of God, thereby validating the Christian faith without the need for prior philosophical arguments. The preacher encourages believers to engage with these arguments not only to defend their faith to others but also to fortify their own hearts against doubt and skepticism. By understanding the robust historical case for the resurrection, Christians are better equipped to navigate intellectual challenges and maintain a confident, reasoned defense of their beliefs.

This sermon emphasizes the necessity of persistent, fervent prayer as the primary evidence of living faith in an age of widespread unbelief. Drawing from the parable of the widow and the unjust judge, the message argues that true Christianity is not merely intellectual assent to doctrine but an experiential relationship with God sustained by the 'prayer of importunity.' The preacher warns that prayerlessness is a form of practical atheism that limits God's power and hinders revival, urging believers to fight against spiritual apathy and the insidious nature of doubt. By citing figures like Spurgeon and Lloyd-Jones, the text calls for a shift from passive defense to active, single-minded engagement with God, asserting that He delights in vindicating the confidence of His children who cry out day and night. The central exhortation is to maintain a posture of attack in the spiritual life, trusting that God answers the persistent petitions of His elect.

What should Motivate Christians to behave themselves? In 1Peter1:17-21, Peter connects reverent living with the character of our heavenly Father and the redemption he accomplished though Jesus Christ. Join Pastor Caleb as we explore three reasons for obedience: God is our impartial Judge, immutable Redemer, and immovable foundation for faith and hope. Discover how Christ's precious blood, resurrection, and glory give us reason to live with gratitude, reverence and confidence in God-even amid trials.

Call: Psalm 49 The sermon concludes a study of the book of Revelation by examining the final verses, emphasizing that the prophetic events described are historical realities of the first century rather than distant eschatological futures. It argues that Jesus identifies with His suffering church through His personal name and titles, establishing the authority and trustworthiness of the prophetic testimony. The central message calls believers to hold two truths simultaneously: longing for God's justice against evil and extending compassionate evangelism to sinners, rejecting the notion that these are contradictory. The preacher warns against altering the inspired Word of God, urging Christians to rely solely on Scripture rather than tradition or personal conviction. Ultimately, the sermon encourages the church to place their confidence in the reigning King, trusting that He is fulfilling His promises and sustaining His people through grace during times of trial and waiting.

Because Jesus Christ is our great High Priest, who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins and entered the presence of God on our behalf, we can draw near to God with confidence. We come not to a throne of judgment, but to a throne of grace, where we receive mercy, forgiveness, and timely help in every season of need.