Death on SermonAudio

Ecclesiastes 7:1-4

The writer's instruction transitions in Hebrews 11:33, analyzing the active nature of faith through examples where God granted military victories, justice was served, and promises were obtained when men were "offensive" or proactive in their exercise of faith. But then the writer moves to active acts of faith, which are more defensive in nature. Acts by which men actively trusted in God to deliver them from all kinds of peril, including rescue from the jaws of death like Daniel who demonstrated unwavering trust in God despite being trapped with hungry lions. The central message emphasizes that true faith involves trusting God's sovereignty and power, even when circumstances seem hopeless. For this trust leads to both our vindication and the glory of God, the God who shuts the mouths of lions and all who oppose Him.

This sermon examines the ministry, death, and resurrection of the two witnesses described in Revelation 11, emphasizing their divine empowerment and prophetic role during the first half of the tribulation. The teaching connects these figures to the imagery of olive trees and candlesticks in Zechariah 4, illustrating that their effectiveness relies entirely on the Holy Spirit rather than human effort. It explores the theological significance of their martyrdom and the subsequent resurrection as a definitive sign of God's sovereignty over evil, while also addressing the likely identities of the witnesses as Elijah and Enoch. The message serves as a pastoral exhortation for believers to depend on God's power to share the gospel, highlighting the urgency of evangelism in a world that often rejects truth and celebrates the silencing of God's messengers.

This sermon defines the gospel as the specific message of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, emphasizing that it is the sole requirement for salvation and distinct from religious rituals or moralistic living. Pastor Friesen argues that because the gospel is of divine origin and received freely, it must be given freely without being tied to financial compensation or human effort. The message highlights the necessity of a personal response to the truth, warning against false teachings that dilute the gospel or suggest that salvation can be lost. It concludes by urging believers to stand firmly in the sufficiency of Christ's work and to actively share this clear, unambiguous message with the lost.

This sermon examines the theological distinction between true salvation and false religion through the narrative of Cain and Abel in Genesis. The central argument posits that Cain's offering represents a human scheme based on effort and self-satisfaction, which runs counter to God's revealed mind of grace and blood sacrifice, whereas Abel's offering reflects obedience to divine provision. The teaching identifies four characterizations of false religion: force, falsehood, futility, and fear, illustrating how these elements lead to spiritual death rather than life. By contrasting the accepted sacrifice of Abel with the rejected offering of Cain, the message emphasizes that God accepts individuals only through Christ, not through personal merit or religious performance. The sermon concludes with a warning that the way of Cain is a path of apostasy, urging believers to rely on the Word of God, the work of Christ, and the witness of the Holy Spirit for true salvation.

This week on Wheat Among the Tares, join Pastor Steve Williamson and host Blake Lindsey for Episode Five of our Better Together series that is focusing on the fabric of family, marriage relationships and the rearing of children. Pastor Williamson has entitled this week's episode, Love That Lasts A Lifetime, and details the responsibilities of the husband and wife as to how to have this love that will last, until death do you part..

With Election Day just two weeks away, we must be fully cognizant that life vs death, pro-life vs. pro-abortion is on the ballot. Those we elect to office and the ideals they hold will determine what type of policies advance, one to protect life, another to take life. Furthermore, a number of states have a referendum question on the ballot, a constitutional amendment which some states are seeking to enshrine abortion in their state constitution. Jim quoted from an article from LifeNews.com dated October 14, 2026. The article states, "House Democrats' health care working group handed House Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries an 84-page playbook to run if they seize control in November. It maps out what they plan to do in their first 100 hours if they take back control of Congress. At the top of their list? Abortion. In their own words, they want to 'Reestablish a federal right to abortion care and end restrictions that prevent people covered through federal health programs from receiving abortion coverage.' In other words, abortion-on-demand nationwide, and you pay for it." In other words, some will literally be voting whether or not to add life or abortion to their state constitution. On this edition of Crosstalk you also hear about the recent report from the FDA that they will not complete their abortion pill safety review until March of 2027.

Jesus is baptized, then tempted. His public ministry begins in Nazareth and Capernaum. Already threatened with death!

A Kenyan preacher, Paul Mackenzie, and 28 others have been convicted of murdering 190 children and one adult. How did the Good News International Church become the center of the horrifying Shakahola massacre? We investigate the history, religious teachings, mass graves, criminal convictions, and government failures behind this tragedy.