Darkness on SermonAudio

The Protestant Reformation is often described as the 'recovering of the gospel.' Why is that? What is the gospel? And how was it lost? Listen and find out from Romans 3:27-31

This sermon was preached on September 20, 2026 at Antioch Presbyterian Church, a congregation of Calvary Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America located in Woodruff, South Carolina. Pastor Zachary Groff preached this sermon entitled "The Spirit of Social Justice" on Exodus 23:1-9. For more information about Antioch Presbyterian Church, please visit ⁠antiochpca.com⁠ or contact us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected].

The sermon explores the concept of spiritual darkness as a state of vanity, sorrow, and disconnection from God, using Ecclesiastes 5:17 as the primary text. It contrasts this condition with the biblical narrative of light, tracing the theme from Genesis to the New Testament to illustrate how humanity is born into a state of obscurity and error. The message emphasizes that salvation is a sovereign act of God who delivers believers from the power of darkness into the kingdom of His Son, enabling them to see the glory of Christ. Through the analogy of the blind man in John 9 and the plagues of Egypt, the sermon highlights that while the unregenerate are locked in thick darkness, God's people possess light and are called to reflect the praises of Him who has redeemed them. Ultimately, the tone is instructional and comforting, affirming that grace transforms the believer's perspective from one of stumbling in the dark to one of clear sight and purpose.

The Intertestamental Period: Darkness and Silence

This sermon explores the life of Joseph to illustrate that God's providence is sovereign and that all times are known to the Almighty. It argues that believers often mistake temporary comforts, symbolized by Joseph's sons Manasseh and Ephraim, for God's ultimate purpose, leading to spiritual stagnation. The message encourages the audience to recognize that these reliefs are not the expected end but rather stepping stones toward a greater divine plan. By referencing the quickening power of Scripture, the sermon urges believers to trust in God's ability to work all things together for good, even amidst dark and mysterious trials. Ultimately, it calls for a refusal to settle in weariness, urging Christians to keep moving forward in faith toward the eternal hope that God has prepared.

IN THE SWEAT OF THY FACE.[From Adam's Sweat to the Savior's Blood]Gen 3:17-24 KJV Beginning with Genesis 3:19, this scripture traces a powerful biblical theme from Eden to Gethsemane. Adam's sin brought thorns, sweat, toil, and death into the human experience. Ezekiel's priestly instructions picture ministry before God without garments that cause sweat, reminding us that human effort can never provide the righteousness necessary to approach a holy God. Finally, in Gethsemane, Jesus Christ—the sinless Savior—prays in such agony that His sweat is described as great drops of blood. From Adam's sweat to Christ's blood, Scripture points us to the grace of God and the finished work of Jesus Christ.I. THE SWEAT OF THE FALLEN MAN Sin Turned the Garden into a Place of Toil II. THE SERVICE OF THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD You Cannot Sweat Your Way into the Presence of God III. THE SWEAT OF THE SUFFERING SAVIOUR The One Who Knew No Sin Stepped into the World of Our Curse IN EDEN — MAN SWEATS BECAUSE OF SIN. IN THE SANCTUARY — THE PRIEST IS TOLD NOT TO WEAR WHAT CAUSES SWEAT. IN GETHSEMANE — CHRIST SWEATS AS HE MOVES TOWARD THE CROSS FOR SINNERS.