FICTION on SermonAudio

The world thinks that only fools believe in the reality of Satan, but the Bible is very plain - the devil is real and he is the Christian's chief enemy.

In this sermon, you will learn about the qualifications of a High Priest, and how Jesus fulfills them. Is Christianity just a creative fiction, or is it a reality which the Old Testament overwhelmingly points toward?

In this episode, we trace the fascinating evolution of Christian children's literature, exploring how books written for young people shifted from stern spiritual preparation to lively, accessible character building. We began in the 17th century with Puritan works like James Janeway's A Token for Children, where real-life deathbed accounts served as solemn calls to early conversion, later expanded by Cotton Mather in colonial New England. As we moved into the 19th century, writers like Legh Richmond, Mrs. Sherwood, and Hesba Stretton ushered in narrative evangelical fiction, while traveling colporteurs and the American Sunday-School Union swept across the expanding frontier to deliver whole "libraries in a box" to remote pioneer towns. Finally, we looked at how dynamic visual preachers like Dr. Richard Newton and standardized classroom texts like the McGuffey Readers transformed literacy and civil morality.

At the end of this podcast is the answer to the question: What would John Owen say to the Theocast podcast, "Why I left Lordship" salvation." For John Owen, severing the Lordship of Christ from His saving work is a theological impossibility because saving faith receives the undivided Person of the God-Man, who simultaneously executes the offices of Prophet, Priest, and King. In Christologia and Meditations on the Glory of Christ (Volume 1), Owen demonstrates that Christ's Kingly office is not an optional addendum to salvation, but the very mechanism by which He bestows His Spirit, subdues the rebel heart, and delivers His people from the dominion of sin and Satan. True faith involves the voluntary subjection of the soul to Christ's scepter; therefore, a "salvation" that leaves a sinner in active rebellion against King Jesus claims a benefits-only fiction that departs entirely from the genuine gospel.

The sermon contrasts the fictional character Doctor Who with Jesus Christ, presenting Him as the true physician who heals spiritual brokenness. Drawing from Mark 5:21-43, it highlights how life is hopelessly fractured by sin and how only Jesus possesses the loving power to restore wholeness. The narrative of the bleeding woman illustrates that Christ actively seeks out individuals to offer everlasting healing through His sacrifice on the cross. Believers are encouraged to approach Him with bold faith for both spiritual assurance and ongoing sanctification. Ultimately, the message calls all listeners to repentance and trust in Christ alone for eternal salvation.

The sermon defends the historical reality of Jesus Christ's power and second coming against accusations that these claims are merely cleverly devised myths. Using the example of eyewitness testimony in legal contexts, the speaker highlights how Peter relied on his direct visual and auditory experience at the Transfiguration to validate the gospel message. The text contrasts the factual nature of biblical history with secular skepticism and Enlightenment-era doubts that dismiss miracles as fiction. It emphasizes that the apostles were willing to suffer and die for truths they personally witnessed, rather than fabricated stories. Ultimately, the message calls believers to stand firm on the gospel in a culture increasingly hostile to absolute truth.

Theological Discourse on AI Faith Debate: Sunday, August 16th, 2026 (08/23/26 on 930 WFMD in Frederick, Maryland) "Artificial Intelligence" has real consequences; should Christians build it, boycott it, or redeem it? A.I. is no longer a science fiction premise; it's sadly writing sermons, answering theological questions, and shaping the worldview of millions. In light of these realities, is the church largely having the wrong conversations about it? Some Christians marvel at the possibilities, while others sound an apocalyptic alarm. The Faith Debate now helps ask and answer the question that matters most: What is our responsibility before God in this moment? This episode is part one of a five-part conversation (piggybacking on a two-part AI discussion from earlier in the year). To hear the five parts in uninterrupted fashion, go to the Christian Podcast Community and find the Theology Throwdown show dated April 11th, 2026. The Faith Debate podcasts can be found at wfmd.com, ChristianPodcastCommunity.org, and most podcast platforms - including SermonAudio and Odysee. (Videos are made available in many of these same places, as well on Rumble). Find links for all of these outlets at www.householdoffaithinchrist.com. The panel: Troy Skinner. Founder, Household of Faith in Christ Andrew Rappaport. Founder, Striving for Eternity Keith Heltsley. Co-host, Quest For Truth Melissa Lex. Host, Thoroughly Equipped Eve Franklin. Co-host, Are You Just Watching? Brandon Hollen. Host, Rooted Reason George Binoka. Co-host, Gospel Talks Podcast Anthony Russo. Host, Grace and Peace Radio

The sermon contrasts the human fascination with fictional heroes against the reality of Jesus Christ as the ultimate Savior who rescues rebels. It emphasizes that humanity is inherently sinful and incapable of earning salvation, relying instead on God's mercy and the work of the Holy Spirit for regeneration. The message assures believers that their standing before God rests solely on Christ's finished work, not personal righteousness or performance. Consequently, Christians are called to live with confidence and compassion, reflecting God's grace to a broken world. The preacher concludes by inviting listeners to rest in this unshakeable hope and respond to the Gospel through faith.

The sermon explores the theme of God's omniscience and unwavering support through an analysis of Psalm 139 and a fictional narrative about a man falsely accused of a crime. It contrasts human tendencies to hide from God due to shame with David's bold invitation for God to search his heart, trusting in divine justice. The message emphasizes that because Jesus bore the guilt of sin, believers can approach God with confidence rather than fear. It asserts that God is not a distant judge seeking punishment but a savior committed to rescuing His people from their failures. Ultimately, the sermon encourages listeners to rely on God's complete knowledge and grace for redemption and eternal life.