Darkness on SermonAudio

"Your fierce wrath has gone over me; Your terrors have cut me off. They came around me all day long like water; they engulfed me altogether. Loved one and friend You have put far from me, and my only companion…darkness." (Psalm 88:16-18, translation refined from the NKJV).

The sermon contrasts the rampant wickedness and total depravity of a post-Christian culture with the absolute goodness, steadfast love, and righteousness of God. Drawing from Psalm 36, it argues that believers must not be despondent over societal decay but should recognize this as the consistent state of humanity apart from grace. The preacher emphasizes that God's character provides a secure refuge and true justice, offering an antidote to the world's shifting moral standards. Believers are called to boldly proclaim the gospel and Christ's lordship in their spheres of influence rather than retreating into nostalgia or silence. Ultimately, the message encourages finding present joy and hope in God's covenant faithfulness despite living in dark times.

Bible Reading: Colossians 1:13-29 1. We preach his person 2. We preach his passion 3. We preach his power 4. We preach his pardon 5. We preach his preeminience The sermon emphasizes that the core of Christian preaching is Jesus Christ rather than human philosophy or religious tradition. It outlines five key aspects of this message: Christ's divine person, his sacrificial passion on the cross, his power to deliver believers from darkness, his pardon for sins, and his ultimate preeminence in all things. The speaker argues that salvation is found exclusively in Christ through faith alone, rejecting any notion that works or creeds contribute to justification. By highlighting the historical reality and theological supremacy of Jesus, the message calls listeners to recognize their spiritual state and accept the free gift of righteousness offered by grace. The central intent is to direct attention away from self or denominational identity toward the saving work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In Part 3 of our journey through Psalm 23, David takes us from green pastures and still waters into the valley of the shadow of death. The path of the Shepherd does not always lead around hardship. Sometimes, it leads directly through it. Yet David's confidence remains: "I will fear no evil, for you are with me." His comfort is not found in the absence of danger, but in the presence of the Shepherd. Even in the darkest valley, God has not abandoned His people. His rod protects, His staff guides, and His presence gives us courage to keep walking. This message explores what it means to trust God when the path becomes difficult, to find peace when fear surrounds us, and to remember that no valley is walked alone. The same Shepherd who leads us beside still waters is the One who faithfully leads us through the darkness.

There is a theological significance of Christ's betrayal and arrest occurring at night, contrasting the secrecy of evil with the public nature of God's redemptive work. Wicked men operate in darkness to hide their deeds, while believers are called to live in the light of truth. Although Jesus was subjected to unjust nighttime proceedings, His ultimate victory is revealed in glorious public manifestation at His second coming. This future hope assures believers that there will be no more night or opportunity for sin in the New Jerusalem, where the Lamb provides eternal light. Consequently, Christians are encouraged to rejoice in Christ's sacrifice and anticipate a time when all evil deeds of darkness are permanently abolished.

OUTLINE: To walk in the Light: I. IS TO BE IN CHRIST. To be in Christ means: (a.) Called out of darkness. (b.) Called into Light. To walk in the Light: II. IS TO PURSUE HOLINESS. To pursue holiness means: (a.) Confession of sin. (b.) Cultivation of submission. (c.) Companionship of Saints. To walk in the Light: III. IS TO FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST. To fellowship with Christ means: (a.) Draw near in prayer. (b.) Deepen in knowledge. (c.) Delight in possession.

This sermon was preached on August 9, 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 "Principles of Honor" on Exodus 21:7-11. For more information about Antioch Presbyterian Church, please visit ⁠antiochpca.com⁠ or contact us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected].

Pre-Service Songs 1. How I praise thee precious saviour that thy love laid hold of me 2. He is our peace who has broken down every wall 3. Faith of our fathers living still 4. He who would valiant be Announcements: Deacon on duty Worship leader: Jonathan Rukundo Theme: The Christian Pilgrimage - A perilous journey Opening song: Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah Opening prayer: Worship leader Second song: It's not an easy road Third song: Trials dark on every hand Bible reading: Song of Songs 7 Pastoral Prayer: Elder On Duty Handover song: Singing through the Psalms Psalm 89 O what shall I do (Tune "O Worship the King O Glorious Above") Sermon: Elder Emmanuel Mkandawire Text: Luke 24:48-49 Title : Spirit Empowered Evangelism Series KBC Preachers Closing Hymn : Revive Thy Work O Lord As Congregation leave There's a call comes ringing o'er the restless wave, Send the Light End

The sermon emphasizes the necessity of spiritual faithfulness over worldly success, urging believers to remain set apart for God's use. Drawing primarily from Matthew 11 and Philippians 2, it highlights Jesus' invitation to take His yoke, which is characterized by meekness and humility rather than self-effort. The message explains that true rest comes from submitting one's burdens to Christ and learning to walk in step with Him. It contrasts human self-righteousness with the grace available to those who acknowledge their need for salvation through faith alone. Ultimately, the preacher calls the audience to a life of obedient service, shining as lights in a dark world while relying entirely on God's strength.