creation on SermonAudio

Study in the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith

This sermon explores the doctrine of God the Father, specifically focusing on the attributes of omniscience, wisdom, and foreknowledge. It establishes that God's knowledge is infinite and unbounded, contrasting the finite limitations of human understanding with the divine capacity to know all things, past, present, and future. The teaching distinguishes between mere knowledge of facts and the wisdom to apply them, highlighting how God's wisdom is evident in creation, redemption, and the gospel. Furthermore, it addresses theological objections such as open theism and the perceived conflict with free will, arguing that divine foreknowledge is not merely predictive but is inseparably linked to God's sovereign decree. The sermon concludes by affirming that God's election is grounded in His own will and purpose, providing comfort to believers who trust in His unchanging and perfect knowledge.

Psalm 147 begins by telling us simply, "it is good to sing praises to our God!" And it is good isn't it!? Singing songs of praise is so good in so many ways. But the psalmist goes on to declare, not merely how good it is for us to praise God, but how good God is and therefore we should praise him. From the stars to the snow he conducts the affairs of all creation. But as the creative and sustaining power of God's word is sent throughout all the earth he speaks especially to his chosen, covenant people– dealing with us in ways he deals with no other - in saving, redeeming love. It is through this covenant love that we know the blessing of God, so that we might be a blessing to the nations. And that! – makes it all the more good to sing praises to our God!

When God refers to Israel as His "firstborn son" in Exodus 4, He establishes a relationship defined by unique privilege and responsibility rather than birth order. We see this theme deepen when God later sets apart the tribe of Levi in place of Israel's firstborn. The Levites bypassed a traditional land inheritance to find their ultimate inheritance in God Himself, dedicating their lives entirely to His service. This entire trajectory ultimately converges in Christ, the preeminent Firstborn. He is the true Son called out of Egypt, the one through whom all things were created, and the one who rightfully holds first place over all creation. The profound implication for believers is that, through faith, we are grafted into this lineage. Believers are recognized as the "assembly of the firstborn". Much like the Levites, our calling is to carry His presence and function as a royal priesthood. Throughout the grand narrative of Scripture, God's foundational desire for His people remains beautifully consistent: a life anchored in genuine love and faithful obedience.

This sermon examines Exodus 12:1-6 to reveal the Passover lamb as the clearest Old Testament type of Jesus Christ. The exposition highlights how God established a new beginning for Israel, illustrating that salvation initiates a new life where Christ must be prioritized above all else. It emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ, noting that He is never too small to save any who come to Him by faith, and calls for parents to actively teach their children about this redemption. The message underscores the necessity of a spotless, sinless substitute, pointing to Jesus' perfect life and His willing death as the only means of escape from judgment. Ultimately, the sermon urges listeners to move beyond merely acknowledging Jesus as a religious figure to personally receiving Him as their own Lamb for salvation.

Dr. Jon Jacobs explores the supreme identity and work of Jesus Christ as presented in Colossians 1, emphasizing His role as the eternal image of God and the creator of all things. Dr. Jon contrasts the original creation with the new creation, highlighting Christ's sovereignty over both through His resurrection and His position as the head of the church. By addressing the false teachings of the Colossian church, this mornings text affirms the sufficiency of Christ alone for redemption, declaring that He has reconciled believers to God and ended the enmity between them.