Forgiveness on SermonAudio

This sermon emphasizes the critical theological distinction between God's law and the gospel, arguing that clarity in this area is essential for Christian assurance and effective evangelism. The speaker defines the law as God's holy standard that functions as a mirror to reveal sin and a guide for holy living, while the gospel is presented as the good news of Christ's finished work, which offers forgiveness and righteousness rather than demanding it. By referencing 1 Corinthians 15, the message highlights that the gospel is an announcement of what God has done in Jesus, not a set of requirements for human effort. The sermon warns that blurring these concepts leads to a loss of assurance, legalistic anger, and ineffective lifestyle evangelism, urging believers to rest in the finished work of Christ rather than their own faithfulness.

This Bible study examines the final portion of Stephen's defense in Acts chapter 7, highlighting the recurring pattern of Israel rejecting God's appointed deliverers, from Joseph and Moses to the prophets and ultimately Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes that the nation's history is marked by stubbornness and idolatry, such as the golden calf and the worship of the temple itself, rather than the God who dwells in heaven. Stephen confronts the leaders with their spiritual uncircumcision and their role in betraying the Righteous One, contrasting their resistance with his own vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God. The narrative concludes with Stephen's martyrdom, noting his final words of forgiveness and submission to Christ, which mirror the Savior's own prayers on the cross. This account serves as a convicting call to repentance and a comforting reminder of the hope found in the risen Lord.

When God saves a sinner, He immediately forgives, justifies, and reconciles that person to Himself. Yet the Christian life also includes the lifelong work of sanctification. God steadily grows His people in holiness and conforms them to the image of His Son. In this episode, Dave Jenkins explains the difference between justification and sanctification, the believer's active pursuit of holiness, and the Spirit-empowered growth that marks the Christian life. Sanctification is not self-improvement or sinless perfection. It is God's faithful work of making His people increasingly like Christ. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Dr. Erwin Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church where he served as the Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is the speaker on the Running to Win radio broadcast. Dr. Lutzer is an award-winning author. Some of his titles include We Will Not Be Silenced, The Eclipse of God, When a Nation Forgets God, One Minute After You Die and many others. Dr. Lutzer is with us today discussing his newest book which he co-authored with Dr. Gregg Quiggle titled Marx and Moody: Two Contemporaries. Two Gospels. Two Tombstones. One Choice. These two names are the epitome of a contrast: Karl Marx and D.L. Moody. The contrasts between these men could not be greater. They made similar promises, promises of freedom and a better world. Yet the lessons they left behind are as divergent as night and day. One sought to liberate people but ultimately enslaved them. The other preached forgiveness from sin and set people free. It's important for you to listen intently today because the worldviews those two represented many decades ago are at full play in our present society.

This sermon examines the personal nature of the Holy Spirit and the believer's capacity to grieve Him through sinful actions such as bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness. It emphasizes that while the Spirit seals the believer for salvation, persistent resistance to His conviction leads to quenching His influence, resulting in spiritual dryness and a perceived absence of God's presence. The message contrasts this negative dynamic with the positive possibility of pleasing the Spirit by cultivating kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness within the body of Christ. The tone is pastoral and convicting, urging believers to actively listen to the Spirit's voice and respond with obedience to maintain a vibrant, joyful communion with God.

This devotional explores the Heidelberg Catechism's teaching on who is eligible to partake in the Lord's Supper, emphasizing that only those with a repentant and contrite heart may approach the table. The message contrasts self-righteousness with genuine humility, citing Scripture to illustrate that God justifies sinners who acknowledge their need for mercy rather than relying on their own merit. It highlights the theological foundation of forgiveness, noting that because Christ's sacrifice was once for all, God is faithful and just to cleanse believers who confess their sins. The sermon warns against unworthy participation, urging listeners to examine themselves and hunger for the righteousness of Christ alone. Ultimately, it calls the audience to embrace the comfort of complete forgiveness through faith in Jesus' finished work.

This sermon examines the death of Jacob in Genesis 49, highlighting how the patriarch concludes his life with profound faith and peace despite a history of struggle. The central message emphasizes that dying well involves setting one's house in order, specifically by making clear arrangements for burial to identify with God's promises and forefathers. The phrase "gathered unto his people" is explored as a theological pointer to the resurrection and the believer's future reunion with the spiritual family in heaven. The tone is pastoral and comforting, encouraging listeners to trust in Christ's provision for forgiveness and eternal life, thereby facing death with the peace that surpasses understanding rather than anxiety.

What is regeneration? Scripture teaches that salvation involves more than forgiveness of sins. Because sinners are spiritually dead, God must give them spiritual life. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains the biblical doctrine of regeneration: the sovereign work of God by which He makes spiritually dead sinners alive, gives them a new heart, and enables them to repent, believe, and follow Christ. In this episode, you will learn: • Why humanity's deepest problem is spiritual death • What it means to be born again • Why regeneration is God's work of grace, not self-improvement • How new desires and growing obedience flow from new life in Christ Key Scriptures: John 3:3–8; Titus 3:4–7; Ephesians 2:1–10. For more biblical resources, visit https://servantsofgrace.org/. Explore Contending for the Word Q&A: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/ Subscribe, share this episode, and stand firm in the truth of God's Word.