fear on SermonAudio

This passage is a lot more meaningful if you can have a better understanding of the word for "sure" and the word for "simple". Sure is used by Paul and Peter in the New Testament and compared to their experience with Christ. The word for simple is actually a word that means an open-gate or door. And the image here is compared to our mind that has an open gate with no filter to keep things out or keep things safe inside our mind. In other words, don't have an open mind without filters or guards to keep bad stuff out, if you don't you are simple minded and you will have no discernment to guide you through the vicissitudes of life. The Word of God will give you the wisdom needed for life.

God is a God of judgment. No question about it. But what does this mean? What is judgment? Above all, what is God‟s judgment? Is it something for believers to rejoice in, or is it something for them to fear? And when preaching the gospel, is God‟s judgment something they should keep quiet about, or, at least, play down?1 And it surely makes a difference when we talk of God‟s judgment of evil in the abstract – as it were, outside of ourselves – and God‟s judgment of us individually and personally. You remember how David reacted when he was confronted by Nathan: the king was righteously angry with the rich man over his evil treatment of the poor man and his only ewe (2 Sam. 12:5-6), but the moment the sin – which he was rightly condemning in the other – was brought home to himself, to his conscience – when Nathan exclaimed: „You are the man!‟ (2 Sam. 12:7) – David was mortified and repentant (2 Sam. 12:13; Ps. 51).

From Israel to China, from Trump to Talarico, here's a sample of stories from the first quarter hour of this week's News Round-Up & Comment: --5 Israeli's were wounded, including 2 in critical condition, after two terrorists opened fire at a checkpoint at Judea Junction. That's near the Palestinian controlled city of Hebron. --16 people were killed and homes were destroyed after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit China's Tibet region last evening. --A ruptured chemical tank in Ohio billowed a white plume into the air for hours Wednesday, forcing hundreds of residents out of their homes due to fears of toxic release and the possibility of another explosion. --First Lady Melania Trump has successfully negotiated a temporary cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine to allow humanitarian aid and civilian evacuations in the Russian occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky. --Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed, in principle, to resume U.S. mediated peace negotiations with Ukraine next month. --Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday that he is open to freezing the front lines of the war with Russia in an effort to bring the long running conflict to an end. --Federal prosecutors are planning to use DNA evidence to try and prove that Representative Ilhan Omar committed immigration fraud as part of the sprawling investigation into the congresswoman. --The federal search warrant against Ilhad Omar lists her under a different name which indicates that the Justice Department believes she's present in the U.S. under a false identity. --A winery co-owned by Omar's husband was shut down amid the fraud claims according to House Oversight Committee Chairman

This devotional explores the concept of true spiritual rest, distinguishing it from worldly comforts or financial security. It argues that genuine peace of mind is not found in human effort or moral performance but is rooted exclusively in the finished work of Christ. The message addresses two common sources of anxiety: the fear that good works are necessary to maintain God's favor and the doubt that one's salvation is insecure due to ongoing sin. By emphasizing that God's love is immutable and that believers are held securely by the Father, the sermon encourages a confidence that flows from faith in Jesus rather than self-assessment. This assurance ultimately transforms the believer's approach to prayer, allowing them to come before God with humility and trust, knowing they are heard and loved regardless of their daily failures.

This Bible study examines Saul's post-conversion experience in Damascus, highlighting his immediate baptism and bold proclamation that Jesus is the Messiah. The narrative traces Saul's rapid transformation from a persecutor to a disciple who faces assassination plots in both Damascus and Jerusalem. Barnabas plays a pivotal role in vouching for Saul's authenticity to the apostles, facilitating his acceptance into the early church. The study concludes by observing the resulting peace and spiritual growth of the church across Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, emphasizing the balance of reverent fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

This sermon explores the theological and practical dimensions of the human conscience, arguing that it is a universal moral faculty that judges individuals regardless of their exposure to written law. The message examines how conscience functions to convict, condemn, and create fear, while also noting that it can be deadened by sin or retrained through biblical knowledge. Central to the discourse is the distinction between a defiled conscience, which hinders spiritual confidence, and a clear conscience, which enables believers to draw near to God with full assurance of faith. The speaker emphasizes that true cleansing comes not from good works or avoidance, but from the blood of Christ and the difficult process of making restitution to others. Ultimately, the sermon urges listeners to pursue integrity and confession, asserting that the price of a clear conscience is essential for effective ministry and a stable relationship with God.

Preached in Newcastle-Under-Lyme, England, UK

Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. Sermon originally preached by Mr. Ernest Roe at Salem Strict Baptist Chapel, Portsmouth on Wednesday Evening 21st October, 1931. Read my Mr. C. G. Parsons.

This midweek lesson explores the biblical concept of "understanding", distinguishing it from mere knowledge and wisdom, by emphasizing the importance of discerning the reasons behind God's commands and actions. The lesson argues that spiritual understanding is invaluable for Christians, as it prevents ignorance of God's purpose and Satan's agenda, leading to greater joy and success in obedience. While acknowledging that modern society and many believers lack this depth of insight, the lesson highlights that understanding is not innate but must be actively pursued. Some of the primary sources of this understanding are identified as the fear of God, the Holy Spirit, the meditation on Scripture, and the guidance of parents who explain the 'why' behind their teachings. Ultimately, the lesson calls for a deliberate effort to deepen one's comprehension of God's will, in order to foster a more joyous and faithful Christian life.

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.