THE MULE THAT WOULDN'T MOVE (and the Prophet Who Did)1 Samuel 15:23 KJV Eli tries to haul lumber with Silas the mule, whose stubbornness mirrors his own. The whittling grandpas tell the story of Jonah, and the kids imagine Jonah helping Eli learn humility. Eli calms down, apologizes to Silas, and the mule finally moves. Lesson: obedience and humility work better than force.When 14-year-old Eli, the most stubborn kid in town, gets stuck trying to haul lumber with Silas the mule (even more stubborn), the Mule Barn grandpas settle in with their pocketknives and say:"Boy, that mule reminds me of you more'n anything."While they whittle, the kids imagine a visit from Jonah, who tries to talk sense into Eli but ends up arguing with the mule instead. Jonah tells the truth about what really went through his mind in the belly of the great fish, teaching Eli that stubbornness can keep you from God's direction. The climax: Eli must choose whether to stay stuck—or swallow his pride.The 1 Samuel scripture names the sin—stubbornness—and connects it to a spiritual issue (idolatry), teaching Eli that his willfulness is blocking God's direction for his life.

The sermon establishes that Christ's death constitutes a full, real, and sufficient satisfaction to God's justice for the sins of His people, fulfilling both the active and passive obedience required by the law. Rooted in Scripture, particularly Galatians 3:13, it emphasizes that Christ, as God-man, bore the curse of the law in our place, not by becoming the curse itself, but by imputing our sins to Himself and offering His perfect life and blood as a ransom. This satisfaction is not a mere legal fiction, but a divine transaction grounded in Christ's substitutionary sacrifice, which fully discharges believers from guilt and wrath, securing eternal redemption. The sermon refutes objections by clarifying that Christ's satisfaction is both necessary for God's justice and the foundation of grace, demonstrating that God is not only just but the justifier of the believer. Ultimately, it calls all to abandon self-justification and rest in faith alone upon Christ's finished work, which is infinitely more valuable than any human effort. This sermon was created with an artificial voice for the "Audiobook Initiative" on SermonAudio. There may be mispronunciations or occasional repetitions. To report a mistake, please email us at [email protected] and include the sermon ID or title of the message and the time at which the error occurs. We will do our best to get it corrected for future listeners.

Philippians 4:8 emphasizes the necessity of intentionally focusing the mind on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, commendable, virtuous, and praiseworthy. Without disciplined meditation on truth, the mind becomes vulnerable to deception, especially in a world like this which blurs fiction with reality through entertainment, social media, and distorted language. Truth is not subjective but rooted in God's unchanging Word, and surrendering to it is essential for spiritual clarity and integrity. We must guard our thoughts, conversations, and our consumption of the entertainment and philosophies ftom the ungodly world around us, recognizing that habitual exposure to falsehoods weakens our discernment and distorts our understanding. The mind must be girded and disciplined to pursue truth, for only in truth can a genuine relationship with God be found.

The sermon centers on the profound truth of Romans 8:1—there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus—presenting it as a living, ongoing declaration of God's righteous justice, not a mere legal fiction but a daily reality grounded in Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial death. It emphasizes that this freedom from condemnation is not based on human merit or moral performance, but on being united to Christ by faith, where His righteousness becomes ours and His life replaces our sinful nature. The text underscores that this union is evidenced not by perfection, but by a transformed life marked by walking not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, which is the Spirit's work in believers as proof of their genuine belonging to Christ. The Lord's Supper is portrayed as both a celebration of this present justification and a means of grace to strengthen believers in their ongoing walk of faith, warning that those who persist in unrepentant fleshly living partake in judgment rather than communion. Ultimately, the message is one of gospel assurance: God's verdict of innocence is real, personal, and rooted in Christ's work, inviting all to rest in His grace with both confidence and holy vigilance. 1. Present Reality 2. Firm Basis 3. Personal Identification

Dr. Schmidt examines the concept that the alleged ceasefire between Israel & Gaza/Hamas has brought peace to the Middle East. This conclusion is highly suspect when examining God's prophetic Word.

4 of 4 preached at Christchurch, Teddington, UK

We respond to the mockery from those who reject the Teleological Argument for the existence of God (the argument for Design by an Intelligent Being). https://bbfohio.com

The Holiest of All - Lesson 17 - God's Unchangeable Purpose - Hebrews 6:13-20. The worst possible trial to a believer is to have it suggested to him that the gospel is not true, that pardon through the precious blood is a fiction, and that God is not reconciled through the atoning sacrifice. If we are absolutely certain as to the truth of God's gospel and our way of salvation thereby, then all other things are of small concern to us. Therefore has the Lord fixed on a sure basis of promise and oath this cornerstone of our comfort, and set His promise in such a light that it becomes blasphemy to doubt it." – Spurgeon

2:43 Is it okay to be involved in yoga as a Christian? 12:30 My Roman Catholic friend was baptized on her deathbed, do you think she was saved? 22:25 What does Paul mean by "will not inherit the Kingdom of God?" 24:18 Do animals go to heaven? 26:28 Is it biblical for church to cancel services once a year to go out and help the community? 36:19 How do you witness to a person that is so lost they don't even know they are lost? 46:02 How do I talk to someone who has a problem with the consequences for Adam and Eve's choice in the garden? 49:11 Can you give me a recommendation for a book on prayer to pray for my wife? 52:07 Is it wrong as a Christian to read fictional books? 53:05 How do you know if a pastor is called to preach and what are the qualifications?

The sermon explores the allure of modern-day superheroes and entertainment, contrasting their fictional power with the real and transformative power of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that while people idolize make-believe characters, the true source of power lies in faith and obedience to God, who has the authority to forgive sins and offers believers the ability to perform greater works through the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the message calls for a shift in priorities, urging listeners to utilize their God-given power to share the gospel and impact the world rather than seeking escapism in fictional narratives.