Divorce on SermonAudio

The sermon draws a stark parallel between the moral decay of Noah's time and the current era, emphasizing that the escalating wickedness—marked by gluttony, rampant divorce, promiscuity, deceit, exploitation of the vulnerable, and widespread occult practices—signals the imminent return of Christ. Rooted in Scripture, particularly Matthew 24 and 2 Timothy 3, it warns that the world's increasing lawlessness and moral decline are attributed to the diminishing restraining work of the Holy Spirit, allowing humanity's inherent sinfulness to flourish unchecked. The preacher calls for urgent repentance, stressing that salvation requires total surrender, forsaking all sin, and submitting to Christ's lordship, as judgment will come suddenly and without warning. With a tone of sober urgency and pastoral conviction, the message urges listeners to prepare for eternity by seeking God now, before it is too late, and to recognize that the signs of the times are not merely historical echoes, but present realities demanding a response.

The sermon draws a powerful parallel between Absalom's rebellion and the human heart's inherent tendency toward pride, presumption, and defiance against God's authority, using Absalom's tragic life as a sobering warning of the consequences of unchecked sin and self-reliance. It highlights how Absalom's pride—evident in his vanity, manipulation of the people, and ultimate downfall—became the instrument of his judgment, as his long hair trapped him in a tree, symbolizing how our greatest strengths can become our greatest weaknesses when divorced from God. Yet amid the tragedy, the sermon pivots to the profound grace of God, illustrating how David's grief over Absalom foreshadows Christ's heart for sinners, as Jesus weeps over Jerusalem and dies on the cross as the ultimate substitute for rebellious humanity. The narrative culminates in a gospel-centered call: just as Absalom's death brought peace to Israel, Christ's sacrifice brings reconciliation and eternal life to all who turn from rebellion to repentance, inviting every rebel to run to the Father who weeps for them and died in their place.

Kevin and Josh speak to a hard question from a listener whose husband is an alcoholic and won't work. In such a situation, where the family is suffering greatly, does there come a point where divorce is permissible? They go to Exodus 21 and 1 Corinthians 7 to define abandonment…discuss the difference between separation and divorce…speak to the obligations of the local church…and counsel on when you should involve the magistrate and secular courts.

Christian celebrity culture gets rightly criticized for its worldliness, its elevation and celebration of men and their achievements, and its tendency to create apologetics for all types of unbiblical behaviors. But there is also a tendency to divorce celebrity culture from the culture of our local churches, its many congregants, and the pastors that lead them. So, in the wake of Sam Allberry's resignation, we thought it was worth taking the time to look at what Christian celebrity culture says about the rest of us, and the leaders we choose. Fundamentally, those who follow sound doctrine understand that sin is progressive by nature. So, if the "wordly" churches are tolerating sins among their leaders that are blatantly obvious to us, we have every reason to believe that there are sins, which seem much less offensive to us, but to which we are turning a blind eye. Celebrity culture exists because we desire to follow a man. That desire wars against our willingness to live and die for the truth. So let's start with a question: How does blindness come upon churches? And how do we open our eyes to the truth?Production of Reformation Baptist Church of Youngsville, NCPermanent Hosts - Dan Horn, Charles Churchill and Joshua HornTechnical Director - Timothy KaiserTheme Music - Gabriel Hudelson