The sermon emphasizes Jesus Christ as the only solid foundation for salvation, service, and daily Christian living. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3 and Exodus, it contrasts the stability of this spiritual rock with the shifting sands of worldly trust and human effort. Pastor Friesen argues that believers must surrender their identity to the local church body and adhere strictly to biblical authority rather than modern trends or personal emotions. A significant portion is dedicated to explaining the nature of God's calling, asserting that it is sure, unchangeable, and often requires humility and suffering. Ultimately, the message urges listeners to submit fully to this divine call, finding strength and purpose only in Christ.

Continued teaching on the Doctrine of Man using a selection of Scriptures.

The sermon expounds on Ephesians chapter one, emphasizing that salvation is entirely a work of God's grace received through faith, not human works. It clarifies the doctrine of predestination, asserting that while God foreknew who would believe, He did not predestine anyone to hell, but rather chose believers for adoption and holiness before the foundation of the world. The preacher highlights the believer's secure position in Christ, explaining that being sealed by the Holy Spirit serves as an earnest guarantee of eternal inheritance and final redemption. Through personal testimony and biblical exposition, the message encourages Christians to live faithfully, trusting in God's sovereignty even during trials, and urges lost individuals to respond to the gospel while there is still time.

Evening Service 9/6/2026 You Are My Witnesses: Studies in the Acts of the Apostles by Shawn Anderson Psalm Selections Taken from "The Book of Psalms for Worship"© 2009 Crown & Covenant Publications, 7408 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208-2531. Used by Permission Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Opening by John Sink. Sermon by David Swearingen. Closing by Rodney Sprenkel.

Pastor Jeremiah Gabbard | Romans 1:7-18

This message introduces the book of Deuteronomy by establishing its structure as a suzerain-vassal treaty and clarifying how New Testament believers should interpret Old Testament law through moral principles rather than direct legal application. It examines Deuteronomy chapter one, highlighting Moses' recounting of Israel's journey from Sinai to the plains of Moab and their subsequent failure at Kadesh Barnea due to unbelief. The speaker emphasizes that despite Israel's rebellion, God remained faithful, orchestrating international politics to prepare the way for their entry into the Promised Land. This historical narrative serves as a theological reminder that God goes before His people, requiring them to walk by faith and trust in His steadfast love rather than their own strength. The message encourages believers to look back at God's past faithfulness as they face current trials, reinforcing that obedience flows from a foundation of trust in the Lord.

The sermon explores the transformative power of God's grace as presented in Titus 2, arguing that divine favor is the foundation of Christian identity and holy living. It details five key aspects of believers as the people of God's grace: being loved, redeemed, cleansed, owned, and inflamed with zeal for good works by Christ's sacrifice. The preacher emphasizes that this theological truth compels the proclamation of sound doctrine with authority to correct error and encourage godliness. Ultimately, the message calls listeners to embrace their identity in Christ and live out a life marked by gratitude and obedience to the gospel.

This sermon explores the critical role of forgiveness in biblical counseling, positioning it alongside the loving sovereignty of God as a foundational remedy for the soul. The speaker defines forgiveness not as an emotional state but as a deliberate choice to cease using past sins against another person and to pursue reconciliation. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of sincere repentance, distinguishing true confession from superficial apologies, and highlights that refusing to forgive indicates a lack of genuine faith. The message encourages believers to embrace their hurts as part of God's sovereign plan for sanctification while actively working to restore broken relationships within the church community.