Darkness on SermonAudio

Grab your Bible and join us from The Savannah Mission Bible Training Center as we continue to work through the Baptist Catechism. Tonight we take up Question 53 and the words "before Me" in the first commandment—words that mean God sees everything we do, even what we try to hide. We will look at a vision in which God shows His people putting other gods in His house: a public idol at the door, secret worship in the dark, misplaced grief given to a false hope, and worshipers turning their backs on Him. The point is simple and searching: no rival god stays hidden, the Lord notices and is displeased, and the good news is that Jesus stood before the Father in our place so we can come into the light and worship Him with a whole heart.

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)

The sermon warns believers against forming binding partnerships with unbelievers, using the metaphor of an ox and a donkey to illustrate inherent incompatibility. Drawing primarily from 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1, the message argues that righteousness and darkness cannot coexist, making separation a necessary response to God's covenant promises. The preacher emphasizes that this command applies broadly to marriages, business dealings, and friendships, not just romantic relationships. By referencing Old Testament laws and Solomon's downfall, the text highlights the spiritual danger of compromising with idolatry or ungodly values. Ultimately, believers are called to live in holiness because they themselves are the sanctuary where God dwells.

This sermon exhorts believers to receive God's Word with eager faith and active obedience, mirroring the early Thessalonian church. It highlights that enduring persecution is an inevitable part of imitating Christ and living faithfully in a hostile world. Kyle challenges the congregation to move beyond passive hearing to rigorous application of Scripture, including practicing loving church discipline among one another. By examining Paul's letters, the message underscores God's sovereign plan for Israel while affirming the irrevocable nature of His promises. Ultimately, Christians are called to stand firm in truth, reject worldly darkness, and support each other in steadfast discipleship.

Today's Sunday School explores the concept of purgative suffering, known as the dark night of the soul, distinguishing it from consequential, disciplinary, and persecutory suffering. It outlines three stages of this spiritual trial—purgative, illuminative, and unitive—where God removes earthly comforts to purge deep-seated sins and refine the believer's faith. Using the analogy of bison herding through a storm, Vishal encourages believers to lean on one another rather than flee from their pain. The message highlights biblical figures like Job, Heman, Jesus, and Solomon as examples of enduring this darkness by singing songs of lament and trust. Ultimately, the teaching assures that while the experience is painful and often inexplicable, it leads to a deeper, more joyous union with God.

This sermon was preached on August 30, 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 "Condemnation of Criminal Negligence" on Exodus 21:28-36. For more information about Antioch Presbyterian Church, please visit ⁠antiochpca.com⁠ or contact us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected].

The sermon examines King Jehoshaphat's response to an overwhelming military threat, highlighting his willingness to accept prophetic reproof and implement spiritual reforms. It draws a parallel between Judah's historical enemies and the Christian struggle against the world, the flesh, and the devil. The preacher emphasizes that human strength is insufficient for this battle, urging believers to recognize their total dependence on God. Central to the message is Jehoshaphat's example of gathering the nation in fasting and prayer, relying on God's promises rather than political or military solutions. The text concludes by calling for a national revival through sincere seeking of the Lord, asserting that only divine intervention can overcome spiritual darkness.

COMMUNION OF THE SAINTS "Communion of the Saints," Paragraph 1, LBCF, WCF and SDF: "All saints that are united to Jesus Christ, their Head, by His Spirit, and faith, although they are not made thereby one person with Him, have fellowship in His graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory;1 and, being united to one another in love, they have communion in each others gifts and graces,2 and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, in an orderly way, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man."3 I. FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST: A. Our Fellowship is with God- 1 John 1:3. B. His Fullness received- John 1:16. C. Our Fellowship in His Sufferings and Glory- Phil. 3:10. D. Our Fellowship in His Death is Fellowship in His New Life- Rom. 6:5-6. II. FELLOWSHIP IN CHRIST TOGETHER: A. Together Iron Sharpens Iron- Eph. 4:15-16. B. Together we Benefit from the Spirit's Working in each of us- 1 Cor. 12:7. C. Together our glory is in Christ- 1 Cor. 3:21-23. III. FELLOWSHIP FOR OUR MUTUAL BENEFITS: A. Our Mutual Support- 1 Thess. 5:11,14. B. Our Mutual Comfort- Rom. 1:12. C. Our Mutual Love- 1 John 3:17-18. D. Our Mutual Good- Gal. 6:10.

Several Practical Cases of Conscience - #11 What is our duty with respect to dark and difficult dispensations of God's providence in the world? Answer. In answer unto this question, three things are to be considered:-- First. What are, in a Scripture sense, those things that make a season of providence dark and difficult? Secondly. What are the open signs of the coming and passing of such a season over us? And, Thirdly. What are our special duties in reference to our entering into, and passing through, such a season? First. What are those things that make a season of providence dark and difficult? I find four things in Scripture that make a dark season of providence; and, if I mistake not, they are all upon us:-- 1. The long-continued prosperity of wicked men.