Part 4 of a series about worship.

On today's episode, Dr. Jim Townsley and Dr. John Hamblin talk about the history of revival while shedding light on some very important reasons we are not seeing revival like we should today.

"May one partake of the Lord's Supper before he is indulged with undoubted assurance of a personal interest in Christ?" It is easy to answer in the affirmative. If assurance of salvation were absolutely necessary to qualify for the Lord's table, then worthy communicants would be much fewer than they are. And if that were the case, it would easily appear that our blessed Redeemer had appointed the sacred supper, not for the babes in his house, but for the strong men in his family. This would be very discouraging to the weak-minded. And I am persuaded it was far from the design of the tender-hearted Shepherd, who is so mindful of his lambs, and so compassionate, that he gathers them in his arms, and carries them in his bosom.

There are but few of the Lord's family who are satisfactorily acquainted with it. This appears from their many great and bitter complaints, the frequent distresses they are in, the sinkings of soul that they labour under. With David, in another case, they are sometimes heard to say with uncommon regret, "O my God, my soul is cast down within me," Psa 42.6. That had been my case. Through divine goodness, having been delivered from that burden, I can therefore speak of it by experience. I found that it is one thing to be justified, pardoned, and accepted (which are the words of the query), and another thing to know that thismercy belongs to me. Justification makes certain the safety of the people of God — that they can never perish, nor miscarry of everlasting happiness. Knowing that this mercy belongs to them, is the foundation of their present comfort under all their trials in the wilderness.

This passage teaches us that God controls the reception of truth for salvation in some hearts and not all hearts.In fact, have you ever wondered why you trust Christ for salvation and many of your family and, or friends do not believe? Did you just get a dose of smarts one day and suddenly realize that it was the smart thing to do? According to this passage, your heart is like good soil that can grow crops , but how did it get that way ? This is what this parable is talking about in Mark chapter 4.

Here are some headlines that were presented during the first quarter hour: --FBI Director Kash Patel announced yesterday that his bureau has arrested a woman who was allegedly planning to bomb the New York State capitol in Albany in an ISIS inspired attack. --An Illinois Islamic scholar indicated he wants Islamic believers at all levels of our government. --A pastor accuses Dearborn, Michigan, of operating under Sharia. --In an official state proclamation, Josh Stein, North Carolina governor, seems to communicate that citizens should celebrate Ramadan. --A Pakistani cleric who admitted he forced his 13 year old niece into marriage will no longer appear at the Islamic Society of North America's annual convention. --Islamic state terrorists have claimed the killing of at least 130 Christians in three weeks of violence across Ituri Province, north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. --President Trump vowed Wednesday to conduct the most crushing economic operation ever taken against the Iranian regime amid the frustration that the two nations have failed to reach a deal to end their war that began in late February. --The United Arab Emirates suspended all trade with Iran Wednesday after the UAE said it had come under renewed fire from the country. --President Trump's administration plans to prevent Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas from traveling to New York next month to speak before the United Nations General Assembly. --Nuclear material has been discovered in Syria and placed under International Atomic Energy Agency oversight.

The sermon concludes the book of Colossians by emphasizing that Jesus Christ, clothed in His gospel, is sufficient for every aspect of the Christian life. It highlights how gospel prayer and gracious witness are lived out within the practical realities of local church community. The text illustrates that true faithfulness involves steadfast prayer, wise conduct toward outsiders, and navigating internal divisions with grace and forgiveness. By examining Paul's final greetings, the message demonstrates that the church is a place where believers use their diverse gifts to advance the kingdom despite human frailty. Ultimately, the gospel produces fruit in ordinary life, calling believers to remain faithful and united in their witness to the world.