Darkness on SermonAudio

This sermon was preached on September 6, 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 "Righting Wrongs" on Exodus 22:1-15. For more information about Antioch Presbyterian Church, please visit ⁠antiochpca.com⁠ or contact us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected].

The sermon addresses the pervasive spiritual darkness of the modern world, citing societal shifts such as abortion and changing definitions of gender as evidence of moral decay. It argues that believers must counter this darkness by becoming salt and light through a transformed attitude, deep faith in God's sovereignty, and courageous witness. The preacher emphasizes that personal holiness and reliance on the Holy Spirit are essential for effective ministry and revival. Using personal anecdotes about overcoming cancer and raising children, the message highlights the necessity of determination and enthusiasm in the Christian walk. Ultimately, it calls the congregation to stop merely observing the darkness and actively shine God's truth through their lives and actions.

Dear Grace Church, September 6, 2026 To make the most of the Lord's Day, I encourage you to read Ephesians 4:17-5:14 for the pastoral-theological flow of thought. We will take up verses 13 and 14 and point IIB, and III. But I do encourage you to reread and pray through the outline as a whole. Study the graphic, and read Paul's own personal, autobiographical statements of his experience of the giving-love of Christ to draw him out of his old legal life. In our introduction, I'll make use of 2Corinthians 5:13-15; Galatians 2:19-20, Philippians 3:2-11, and Ephesianas 3:1-13. However, Paul makes many references to his own experience of the Free Love of God in Christ and each is worth reading many times and meditating on: Galatians 1:15-16; 2 Corinthians 12:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:8; Philippians 4:14-18; Colossians 1:24; Romans 9:3; 15:16; Galatians 1:13-16; 2 Corinthians 6:11-13. Finally, please pray for me and my preparation to do your souls and the life of our church the greatest good for God's own glory. Seeking to serve together with you, Murray EPHESIANS SERIES, MESSAGE 39 "Live Acceptably as Children of Light in All Goodness, Righteousness, and Truth; Or,Reawakening to the Ecstasy of the Light and Love of God in Christ to Take Us Out of the Poisoned Darkness of Our Worst Legal-Hearted Selves" Ephesians 5:8-14; Part 3, vss. 13-14 8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9(for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to speak of those thi

Sunday Morning – September 6, 2026 Join us this Sunday morning as Pastor John Wheeler continues his study through Philippians with a message titled "Shine as Lights in the World" from Philippians 2:12–16. We'll consider the believer's calling to live faithfully for Christ in the midst of a dark world, holding forth the word of life and allowing the light of Christ to be seen through our lives. Come prepared to worship, hear the word of God faithfully preached, and be challenged to shine as lights for Christ wherever the Lord has placed us. Whether you're joining us in person or watching online, we're thankful to worship together.

The sermon exhorts believers to be spiritually prepared for the imminent return of Jesus Christ by examining their salvation and daily conduct. It outlines three essential markers of being rapture-ready: having been converted through faith in Christ, living a consecrated life free from habitual sin, and maintaining confidence through active righteousness. Drawing primarily from 1 Thessalonians 4, the message emphasizes that while the exact timing of the Lord's coming remains unknown, believers must live in constant readiness. The preacher urges the audience to reject darkness and sin, instead pursuing good works and sharing the gospel with urgency. Ultimately, the central call is for individuals to ensure their eternal security and holy living so they may meet Christ without shame.

The sermon emphasizes that faith, rather than resources or ability, is the primary driver for effective missions and Christian service. Using the biblical example of David in Psalm 143 and the historical account of Foon Lim's survival at sea, it illustrates how believers must remain outwardly diligent, inwardly determined, and upwardly dependent on God during times of darkness and trial. The message encourages listeners to maintain spiritual routines and trust in God's provision while waiting for their 'morning' of deliverance or the Lord's return. It concludes with an urgent call to salvation, asserting that only through faith in Jesus Christ can one reach the ultimate hope of heaven.

This sermon explores the radical transformation required of believers through an exegesis of Ephesians 4:17-24. The speaker contrasts the emptiness and spiritual darkness of the unregenerate life with the purpose and light found in Christ. Central to the message is the call to actively put off the corrupt old nature, renew the mind through God's Word, and put on the new man created in righteousness. The preacher emphasizes that true faith necessitates a visible change in behavior and thinking, rejecting cultural influences in favor of biblical truth. Ultimately, the text urges listeners to embrace their new identity in Christ by consistently replacing sinful habits with godly conduct.

Have you ever wondered why every one of us is a sinner—not merely because we sin, but because we were born that way? God appointed Adam as the covenant head of the human race. The covenant of works was made with him not only for himself but for all who would descend from him. When Adam willfully disobeyed, his guilt was imputed to us and a corrupted nature was conveyed to us. That is original sin: the guilt of Adam's first transgression and the inherited corruption of our whole nature. Death spread to all people because all sinned in Adam. This is not merely a dark doctrine. It is the necessary backdrop that makes the gospel shine. There is a last Adam. Where the first Adam's disobedience made many sinners, the obedience of Jesus Christ makes many righteous. Join us as we open Scripture together on Adam's covenant headship and original sin—and see why this truth drives us to the only Head who can save.