Death on SermonAudio

Pastor Mark Hogan taught from Psalm 110:5–7, defending commentator Matthew Henry's claim that the Messiah's return in devastating judgment is "pure gospel," since Scripture makes judgment integral to the good news itself (Romans 2:16, Acts 17, John 5—Christ as the ordained Judge). He traced the warrior-Messiah through Genesis 49's lion of Judah, Numbers 24's star from Jacob crushing the nations, and Psalm 2's iron-rod rule, then expounded the enthroned Jesus as the divine warrior personally executing kings on the day of Yahweh's wrath—a universal judgment no sinner escapes—supported by Revelation 6 (hiding from "the wrath of the Lamb"), Isaiah 63's blood-stained winepress treader, 2 Thessalonians 1:6–7, and Revelation 19's rider on the white horse. Verse 7's brook-drinking, head-lifted victor is compared to Samson in Judges 15, a mere type foreshadowing Christ's greater triumph over Babylon, the beast, Satan, and death; he tentatively reads "Adonai" in verse 5 as the Messiah himself executing judgment. The application is urgent: kings, the powerful, and all people must "kiss the Son" now before the day of wrath arrives; unbelievers must flee to Christ today, while believers—whose robes are washed white in the Lamb's blood (Revelation 7) and whose Judge is their saving high priest (Psalm 110:4)—anticipate His return with joyful expectation rather than dread, as the Lord's Supper testifies.

What is Limited Atonement? Does that mean that Jesus's death on the cross was limited in power? Does it mean that Jesus's death on the cross was insufficient to save? What does it mean? Well as we continue our study in the Doctrines of Grace, we will be examining from the Scriptures the teaching about Christ's atonement on the cross. So, if you are wondering what the effect of Christ's death was or why this is such a comforting doctrine for believers, come out and let's have a great discussion sharpening one another regarding the power of cross!

The sermon explores the theological significance of Jesus' impending crucifixion during the Passover, contrasting His sovereign control with the futile schemes of religious leaders. It draws parallels between the Old Testament Passover lamb and Christ as the ultimate antitype who offers eternal redemption through His blood. The preacher emphasizes that despite the malicious plotting of Caiaphas and the princes of darkness, Jesus remains in complete authority over His own death and resurrection. This divine sovereignty ensures that salvation cannot be thwarted by evil forces or human opposition. Believers are called to trust in this unstoppable work of God and act as ambassadors of reconciliation to a lost world.

This is perhaps one of the greatest stories in the Bible that shows us the amazing power of God in regeneration. Remember, the 4 kinds of soil here, represents 4 hearts and how they respond to the Gospel of Christ. The first 3 souls are unconverted and not regenerated, however, the 4th soul is considered good soil and the seed is received and germinates in the heart of this person -this is regeneration and is a believer now in the Lord Jesus Christ. This good soil(heart) was prepared by God for Salvation. Only God can change the nature of man from a God hater to a heart that has the Love of God. From an unbeliever to a believer or from a sinner to a saint. To God be the Glory!

This episode explores the doctrine of God's eternal and unchangeable decree, emphasizing that all events occur according to His sovereign will, rather than just His mere foresight of human actions. It refutes theological errors such as Arminianism and Molinism by affirming that God's knowledge is rooted in His own decrees, not external conditions. The episode highlights the dual outcomes of this decree: the predestination of some to everlasting life and others to eternal death, all for the manifestation of God's glory. This teaching serves to comfort believers by assuring them that salvation depends entirely on God's mercy and power, not human will. Ultimately, the episode calls for humility and trust in God's wisdom, recognizing His absolute control over history and individual destinies.

The death of the Lord Jesus Christ was an example of true humility as the King of the Jews was brought very low.

When unexpected death occurs, it forces believers to confront the brevity of life and look to Scripture for a biblical response to tragedy. Rather than assuming sudden loss is a result of greater sin, Christians must use these moments to reflect on our need for Christ and trust entirely in the sovereignty of God. Finding comfort in grief involves mourning with those who hurt, avoiding cold cliches, and walking alongside them with genuine love. Ultimately, there is no wasted sorrow in the Christian life, as God uses even the deepest pain to conform His people to the image of His Son.

The sermon exhorts young people to remember their Creator during the days of their youth rather than delaying spiritual commitment. It contrasts the fleeting pleasures of this life with the certainty of death and the eternal reality of judgment or glory. The preacher warns against the vanity of pursuing worldly desires, which ultimately lead to sorrow and darkness. Instead, believers are urged to orient their lives toward eternity, finding true satisfaction and purpose in serving God while they have strength. This perspective provides a vital framework for both youth and parents to prioritize spiritual formation over temporal distractions.

Why does the resurrection of Jesus Christ matter theologically? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how Christ's resurrection confirms the gospel, declares His victory over sin and death, secures the believer's hope of salvation, and shapes Christian living in the present. Christianity stands on the truth that Christ is risen. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/