The Gospel of God - Message 27 - The One Who has Faith in Jesus - Romans 3:26. What is faith? Where does it come from? Where does it NOT come from? What about faith and works? Or faith that is tested and gives us assurance? This message answers these questions and more from the Scriptures.

This devotional explores bearing fruit in good works and increasing in the knowledge of God, as outlined in Paul's prayer to the Colossians. It emphasizes that believers have been rescued from the domain of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of Christ's beloved Son. This transformation is grounded not in human effort but in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross. The text highlights how Christ's perfect life is credited to believers while He bore their sins as a substitute. Ultimately, the message underscores the grace and sovereignty of God in securing forgiveness and eternal growth for His people.

The sermon explores the Christian's primary role in the world as defined by Jesus in Matthew 5, identifying believers as salt and light. It emphasises that Christians must maintain a distinctiveness from secular culture through holiness and good works, thereby influencing society positively. The preacher warns against becoming tasteless or hidden, urging the congregation to avoid assimilation and instead live with bold visibility. Practical application involves abiding in Christ to produce fruit, fearing God, and loving Him to sustain this public witness. Ultimately, this distinct and visible lifestyle aims to glorify God and draw others to faith.

The sermon explores the Christian life as a continuous walk in the Spirit, defined by gradual progress in sanctification rather than immediate perfection. It contrasts this spiritual movement with the lust of the flesh, explaining that stopping one's forward momentum allows self-reliance and sin to regain mastery. The speaker emphasizes that believers cannot fulfill their desire to please God through their own strength but must rely entirely on the Holy Spirit through persistent prayer and humility. By plainly recognizing the works of the flesh with godly conviction, Christians can experience true repentance and restoration. Ultimately, walking in the Spirit empowers believers to overcome sin and bear fruit that honors God.

As we finish up the chapter here in James, he levers us with one final thought. A thought of great encouragement for those who are believers. We live, and with many times without ever feeling like we make a difference. But if we are faithful there is the promise of fruit if we live in wisdom. The peace we offer in our lives provides the ground for the seeds of righteousness to be sown. And there are results that will come from it.

The sermon explores the opening narrative of 1 Samuel, using Hannah's barrenness as a metaphor for the spiritual bankruptcy of Israel during a dark historical period. It highlights how Hannah responded to her suffering not with complaint but by pouring out her heart in humble, selfless prayer at the tabernacle. Rev. Batzig emphasizes that God often initiates His greatest works through human obscurity and hopelessness, turning barrenness into fruitfulness for His kingdom's advancement. By connecting Hannah's story to the broader redemptive history leading to King David and ultimately Jesus Christ, the message encourages believers to trust in God's ability to bring life and purpose out of despair. The central call is for the church to seek spiritual vitality through earnest prayer and reliance on God's grace rather than human effort.

The church shall prosper 1. a promise of the fruitful Bride 2. a promise from the faithful Husband Preparatory exhortation to the celebration of the Lord's Supper

Guest Pastor-Dennis Harrison 09-06-26 Sunday morning Follow us on social media-- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@matoakabaptistchurch-bartl6249 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064614887031 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatoakaB Sermon Audio: http://tinysa.com/live/matoakachannel If you were blessed by this sermon, please consider donating here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/MatoakaBaptist We pray God's Holy Spirit quenches yours to eternal life through His everlasting powerful Word. May you be born-again of the incorruptible seed that always yields the fruits of His Holy Spirit and moreover leads to eternal life with Him, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST – The King of King's and the Lord of Lord's – The Alpha and the Omega – The Great "I AM"- The Author and Finisher of our faith – just to name a few. Hallelujah JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN – HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

The sermon explores the ministry and work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, emphasizing that possession of the Spirit must be accompanied by walking in His leadership. It outlines three primary functions of the Spirit: drawing non-believers to Christ through conviction, indwelling and instructing believers, and producing spiritual fruit while convicting them of sin. The preacher contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, urging listeners to recognize the internal battle as evidence of the Spirit's presence rather than a sign of failure. By using the metaphor of a check engine light, the message highlights how the Holy Spirit alerts believers to areas needing correction and growth. Ultimately, the text calls for daily submission to the Spirit's guidance to achieve victory over sin and demonstrate Christ-like character.

From Isaiah 55:6-13, Bro. John Deaton of Calvary Baptist Church of Evening Shade, AR, shows that the Lord mercifully invites sinners to seek Him while He may be found. This sermon explains why repentance means forsaking both the wicked way and the unrighteous thought, then resting beneath God's higher word. It points the sinner to abundant pardon and reminds the believer that God can replace thorns with fruitfulness and restore joy, peace, and usefulness for His name. The message calls every hearer to return while mercy is near.