Fasting on SermonAudio

In Revelation 3:7-13, Christ speaks to the church in Philadelphia. This was a small, persecuted church with "little power," yet it remained faithful to His Word and refused to deny His name. This passage reminds us that Christ does not measure His church by worldly strength, influence, or size, but by faithfulness. As the Holy and True One who holds the key of David, Jesus possesses complete authority over His kingdom and opens doors for the gospel that no one can shut. He calls His people to persevere through suffering, promising not a life free from trials, but His preserving grace in the midst of them. In this sermon, we are encouraged to hold fast to Christ, obey His Word, trust His sovereign power, and remain faithful until the end, knowing that those who conquer will belong to God forever.

Jonah 3:5–10 shows a city that believed a bare word of overthrow, stopped its violence, and was spared. The sermon presses the difference between cheap repentance, true (imperfect) repentance, and the false demand for perfect repentance, and why greater light after Christ makes refusal heavier than Nineveh's or Sodom's. Nineveh heard five Hebrew words of coming ruin and no promise of pardon. From the greatest to the least they fasted, put on sackcloth, and, by the king's decree, called on God earnestly (with force) that each might turn from his wicked way and the violence in his hands. Even the beasts were covered and denied food and water. They did not wait for a softer message or a fuller creed. They credited the God who had spoken, hoped that the One who warns before he strikes might still relent, and actually ceased the evil. God saw their deeds—that they turned—and did not bring the calamity he had declared. That turn did not purchase mercy. A city of blood does not put God in its debt by fasting. "Who knows?" is the speech of men with no claim. God does not change, lie, or learn something new; the relation of the sinner to his settled word changes. To the impenitent the true word is overthrow; to those who believe him and drop the violence, the true word is spare. He appointed both the warning and the mercy that meets repentance. Faith and the turn are his gift through the word, not a wage that moves an undecided God. Cheap repentance keeps the sin and offers only "I'm sorry." True repentance is still spotted—it can still say "who knows" until the gospel teaches it to say "I know"—but it is actual: the hand releases what it held.

This sermon explores the Christian life as a pilgrimage situated between two great acts of God's mercy: the accomplished redemption through Christ's death and resurrection, and the future consummation of all things at His second coming. Drawing from Psalm 126, the text highlights the tension of the "already and not yet," where believers are called to remember the joy of their past restoration while tearfully praying for its full completion. The preacher emphasizes that this in-between stage requires a life marked by both profound gratitude for what Christ has done and earnest longing for the final restoration of the body and the world. Believers are encouraged to pray with expectant faith, acknowledging their present needs and suffering while holding fast to the promise that God will bring about the ultimate joy of eternal life.

Col.2:16-19

As a parent raises their children, they not only counsel them in that which is true and good, but also in that which is to be avoided. There are things we call our children to pursue and hold fast to, and there are things we call them to keep away from. We do this because we know that indulging in such things will only lead to their harm. The same is true of our Father in heaven toward us. As we finish our journey through the book of Titus this Lord's Day morning, we are going to consider two dangers to be avoided within the life of the church: (1) Foolish Controversies and (2) Divisions. Rather than being distracted and led astray by these things, we are to continually devote ourselves to good works—that is, our Father in heaven calls his children to give their time, talents, and devotion to the things that please the Him and which advance his kingdom in this world.

The sermon explores the command in Philippians to live blamelessly and shine as lights in a crooked generation, emphasizing that this capability stems from God working within believers to will and do His good pleasure. It contrasts the grumbling of the Israelites with the Christian call to hold fast to the Word of life, serving as beacons in a dark world that often misunderstands the church's purpose. The text highlights the apostle Paul's joy in his service, even in the face of impending death, as he anticipates the Day of Christ where his labor will be vindicated. This perspective is supported by references to the testing of works by fire and the ultimate reward of the crown of righteousness. The message concludes with a pastoral exhortation for the congregation to actively do the Word, ensuring that their faith is not merely heard but lived out, so that they may rejoice in the final gathering of God's people.

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

This message examines the biblical warning against deception in the end times, centering on the concept that individuals perish because they refuse to love the truth. The speaker argues that modern culture is increasingly susceptible to lies due to a loss of discernment and a willingness to accept narratives that align with personal desires rather than objective reality. Through examples ranging from sensationalized archaeological claims to political rhetoric and theological liberalism, the message illustrates how falsehoods often borrow authority, vocabulary, and fragments of truth to gain credibility. The core theological argument is that God sends strong delusion to those who have pleasure in unrighteousness, leading them away from salvation. Consequently, believers are called to test all things against Scripture, hold fast to what is good, and maintain a passionate commitment to truth as their primary defense against spiritual deception.https://atheycreek.com/

This sermon examines Christ's prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane to illustrate the necessity of surrendering personal will to God's purpose in evangelism. The message emphasizes that effective ministry requires a life of earnest prayer, seeking God's specific will through obedience and fasting, and embracing the reproach of Christ as a living sacrifice. By contrasting the impossibility of the Great Commission with the power of faith, listen along as Brother Josh Hower encourages believers to overcome practical limitations and spiritual apathy. The tone is convicting yet comforting, highlighting God's compassion and the enabling strength He provides to those who trust in His sovereignty. Ultimately, the sermon calls the church to adopt the attitude of 'not my will, but thine be done' in their pursuit of souls.