Doubt on SermonAudio

Galatians 4:7-21 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. 12 ¶ Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. 13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. 14 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. 16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? 17 ¶ They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. 18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. 19 ¶ My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, 20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. 21 ¶ Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?

In Matthew 11, Jeus reveals that God's Kingdom is advancing even in the face of doubt, rejection, and opposition. Rather than establishing His Kingdom through earthyly power, Jesus demonstrates the character of God through acts of restoration, compassion, and grace. He reassures John the Baptist, brings hope to the broken, and invites the weery to find rest in Him, The passage reaches its deepest significance as jesus describes Himself as "gentle and lowly in heart," revealing not simply how He acts, but who he is. His Kingdom reflects His own character, a King who does not demand that we earn our place but graciously provides everything necessary for us to enter. Through His righteousness, ot our own, we are wlecomed into his Kingdom and invited to enjoy the rest and peace He freely gives.

This sermon explores the theological nature of God's love by examining seven distinct characteristics derived from A.W. Pink's work on the attributes of God. The central message asserts that God's love is not merely an emotion but the very essence of His being, distinguishing it from worldly sentiments that are often influenced by human behavior. The exposition details how this love is uninfluenced by human merit, eternal in duration, sovereign in its choice, infinite in scope, immutable in its consistency, holy in its discipline, and gracious in its provision. By grounding these truths in Scripture, the teaching aims to provide believers with profound assurance and comfort, particularly in times of doubt or affliction. The tone is instructional and pastoral, encouraging the audience to trust in the unchanging and supreme demonstration of divine love found in the cross.

This sermon explores the nature and necessity of God's written Word, emphasizing that it is the authoritative record of His creation and will. By contrasting the Bible with other religious texts, the message highlights the unique inspiration of Scripture, where God used human authors to convey His truth without error. The central argument links the veracity of the Bible to the truth of Christ, warning that doubting the text inevitably leads to rejecting God. Drawing from Psalm 33 and Luke 24, the teaching asserts that God's Word is powerful, clear, and essential for salvation and daily living. The sermon concludes with a call to actively read, understand, and obey Scripture, using the example of Nehemiah and Ezra to illustrate the profound impact of engaging with God's message.

What do you do when you're hit by discouragements or setbacks? Where do you turn? Learn from Moses' example.

The sermon explores the narrative of Thomas in John 20, highlighting how his physical absence from the first appearance of the risen Christ led to eight days of doubt and isolation. It argues that the gathering of the church is essential for receiving the assurance of the Savior's presence and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, contrasting Thomas's initial skepticism with his eventual confession of "My Lord and my God." Drawing on passages from Romans 8, 1 Peter 1, and Habakkuk 3, the message emphasizes that true faith is not dependent on empirical evidence or favorable circumstances but is a trust in God's sovereignty and purpose even amidst suffering and darkness. The preacher encourages believers to remain present in the assembly, continue in prayer and Scripture, and hold fast to the lively hope of resurrection, trusting that God works all things together for good for those who love Him.

Abraham and Sarah were possessors of faith, yet they experienced struggles, doubts, and impatience. Through faith, they did not waver, but when focused on the external, fear and doubt will darken faith.

Lecture video: https://youtu.be/nMGLPR5X8MM The sermon examines the method of historical apologetics, distinguishing it from classical and evidential approaches by focusing exclusively on the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. It presents the 'minimal facts argument' used by scholars like Gary Habermas, which relies on widely accepted historical data such as the empty tomb, the disciples' transformed lives, and the early proclamation of the resurrection. The teaching emphasizes that proving the resurrection inherently demonstrates the existence of God, thereby validating the Christian faith without the need for prior philosophical arguments. The preacher encourages believers to engage with these arguments not only to defend their faith to others but also to fortify their own hearts against doubt and skepticism. By understanding the robust historical case for the resurrection, Christians are better equipped to navigate intellectual challenges and maintain a confident, reasoned defense of their beliefs.

The sermon explores the transition from doubt to faith through the account of Thomas in John 20, emphasizing that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundational truth of the Christian faith. It distinguishes between the initial indwelling of the Holy Spirit for understanding Scripture and the later baptism of the Spirit for empowerment in witness, illustrating how this divine power enabled the apostles to spread the gospel globally. Pastor Bob highlights that while physical evidence convinced Thomas, believers today are blessed for trusting in the inspired testimony of the apostles without having seen Christ physically. This assurance of salvation and the promise of a glorified body encourage believers to rely on the Holy Spirit's work in their hearts to share the truth of the resurrection with an unbelieving world. Scripture References: John 20:24-31 Luke 24:38-49 Luke 24:41-43 Luke 24:45-49 Acts 1:4-5, 8 1 Corinthians 12:13 Matthew 20:17-19 Mark 9:31 1 Corinthians 15:6 Benediction 2 Thessalonians 3:16