Enemies on SermonAudio

The sermon explores the book of Zechariah as a foundational text for understanding God's overarching redemptive plan, emphasizing that historical events serve as signposts to future eschatological truths. It identifies the prophecy in Zechariah chapter 9 regarding a human conqueror, Alexander the Great, as a tangible token of God's sovereignty and His ability to use even pagan rulers to judge Israel's enemies and protect His people. By analyzing the historical fulfillment of these prophecies, such as the fall of Tyre and the defeat of the Philistines, the message encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness to His promises. The central theme asserts that while the world faces chaos, God remains in control, and the ultimate goal is the collapse of the nations and the salvation of Israel, pointing toward the return of Christ.

Welcome to Through the Psalms, a weekend ministry of The Truth Pulpit. Over time, we will study all 150 psalms with Pastor Don Green from Truth Community Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. We're glad you're with us. Let's open to the Psalms now as we join our teacher in The Truth Pulpit. https://www.thetruthpulpit.com

The precious blessing of reconciliation has a manward and a Godward side; namely, our hostility to God as sinners, enemies, and on the divine side, the wrath of God to which we are due. Yet reconciliation is possible. Its Source is within God Himself, who takes the initiative in sending His Son to be our Substitute, to be "made sin for us." It is the personal need of all men and is to be preached as Paul has affirmed, by those who are "ambassadors for Christ," a calling that God has given to us all. We must ask ourselves how we are fulfilling this role?

This sermon explores the Book of Jonah as a profound illustration of God's sovereign mercy extending even to Israel's enemies, specifically the Ninevites. By contrasting Jonah's disobedience and spiritual pride with the rapid repentance of the Assyrians, the message highlights that God's grace is not limited by national boundaries or human prejudice. The teaching emphasizes that true faith requires bold obedience to God's commands, even when facing hostile or fearful circumstances, rather than relying on comfort or cultural superiority. Drawing on historical context and theological commentary, the sermon urges believers to examine their own hearts for hidden idols and to embrace the call to share the gospel with compassion and courage. Ultimately, it presents a clear invitation to repentance, asserting that salvation is available to all who turn from sin and trust in Jesus Christ alone.

This sermon explores the concept of 'topos,' or giving legal ground to the enemy, as a primary cause of spiritual defeat and demonic influence in the lives of believers. It emphasizes that Satan operates through deception and accusation, exploiting unresolved issues such as occult involvement and unhealed bitterness. The message outlines a biblical framework for freedom, beginning with a firm commitment to Christ and the renunciation of any past involvement in the occult. Central to the teaching is the necessity of genuine repentance and the three-step process of dealing with bitterness: releasing offenders to God, forgiving from the heart, and accepting ongoing consequences. The preacher argues that failing to address these internal wounds allows Satan to maintain control, whereas standing in the finished work of Christ and extending grace leads to true spiritual victory.

Dr. Jacobs discusses the return of the exiles to Jerusalem during the 20th year of the reign of Artaxerxes. Nehemiah reveals the dangers of allowing the enemy to infiltrate the congregation of the people.

And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily. And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt. And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.

The fear of the Lord is the foundation of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, and all three are necessary for a life that pleases God. Knowledge is learning what is true from His Word, understanding is discerning what that truth means and how it all fits together, and wisdom is putting that truth into practice through obedience. Simply knowing Scripture without obeying it produces no spiritual growth and can lead to pride and self-deception. Wisdom is the principal thing because it directs our choices, while obedience leads to greater understanding and a desire for more knowledge. God gives these things to those who humbly seek Him, carefully study His Word, pray for wisdom, and willingly obey what they learn. The evidence is a changed life that departs from evil and reflects Christ in our speech, decisions, relationships, and daily conduct.