fear on SermonAudio

Text: Lord's Day 4 1. The Fearful Reality 2. The Divine Justice 3. The Only Hope

God does not speak merely to fill the air. He speaks to give wisdom, to correct the simple, and to establish the fear of the LORD in the heart. His calls may come through His provision, His Word, His works, correction, or the hard circumstances that make us stop and listen. From Proverbs 1:1-7 and Proverbs 1:28, Pastor Ed Decker shows that real knowledge does not begin with information. It begins when we stop, listen, and fear the LORD. Isaiah reminds us that there is no God beside Him, that He has declared the end from the beginning, and that He teaches us to profit and leads us in the way we should go. Wisdom is available, but fools despise wisdom and instruction until consequences make the warning plain. Text: Proverbs 1:1-7; Proverbs 1:28; Isaiah 45:5; Isaiah 46:9; Isaiah 48:17 Key truth: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." — Proverbs 1:7

Dr. Andre Schoeffler begins a new educations series where he explores and teaches from the book, The Joy of Fearing God by Jerry Bridges.

The sermon explores the practical application of living by faith rather than by sight, using Matthew 6 as the primary foundation to address anxiety regarding daily provisions and future uncertainties. It argues that true faith is exercised through trusting God for daily needs, relying on the authority of Scripture, and maintaining confidence in the midst of scary circumstances. The message emphasizes that faith is a muscle that must be strengthened through hearing the Word and obeying God's directives, even when circumstances appear overwhelming. By examining biblical examples such as the widows of the Old Testament and the disciples in the storm, the text illustrates how reliance on God dispels fear and fosters a contented, joyful life. The sermon concludes with an exhortation to bring others to Jesus and to seek Him first in all personal struggles, affirming that God's provision is sufficient for the present day.

This sermon explores the tension between human expectations of God's kingdom and the reality of Christ's ministry, using John the Baptist's doubt from prison as a central case study. The message argues that Christ's kingdom often appears defeated or different from worldly standards of success and victory, leading believers to question their faith when circumstances do not align with their assumptions. It distinguishes between unintentional expectations based on cultural or religious norms and intentional doubts driven by fear and personal suffering. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus' response to John was not rebuke but a reminder that the kingdom is evidenced by miracles and a life of radical obedience, distinct from the world's values. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a shift in perspective, urging believers to trust God's sovereign plan even when it involves hardship, contrasting the temporary satisfaction of the world with the eternal joy of the Kingdom of Heaven.

The sermon explores the assurance of God's presence and provision for His people, drawing primarily from Psalm 46. It contrasts the turmoil of the world with the peace found in the 'city of God,' identifying believers as citizens of heaven who are sustained by the spiritual streams of God's grace. The message emphasizes that true gladness arises not from circumstances but from a deep reliance on Christ, the dwelling of the Holy Spirit within the believer, and the unshakeable security of the church. In the face of societal opposition and personal trials, the preacher encourages believers to walk in courage and to engage in evangelism, trusting that the Lord of Hosts is with them and will ultimately silence the raging of the wicked.