Future on SermonAudio

As we move forward, it can be easy to look back and wonder if the best days are behind us. This week, Pastor Ric continues our First Things First series with a message from Haggai 2 titled, "Overcoming 'the Good Old Days' Distraction." Haggai reminds us that comparison can keep us from seeing what God is doing right now. When we focus on the past, we can lose confidence in the future God has prepared for us. But God calls His people to be strong, keep working, and trust that His presence and power are greater than anything we may have experienced before. Join us as we learn to let go of comparison, overcome fear, and move forward with confidence in the God who is always with us.

The sermon introduces a study of Revelation 1:1-3 by distinguishing between essential eschatological doctrines, such as the second coming and resurrection, which command unanimous historic consensus, and speculative interpretations of end-times chronology that require charity. It critiques heretical views like full preterism while acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses of historicist, futurist, and idealist approaches, ultimately advocating for an eclectic method that focuses on the book's primary purpose. The central message asserts that Revelation is not a coded timeline for date-setting but an unveiling of Jesus Christ as the reigning King who assures believers of His presence during persecution and His ultimate victory over all foes. By connecting this theme to Daniel's prophecy and Paul's words in Romans 8, the text emphasizes that Christians are called to persevere faithfully and find hope in Christ's love rather than satisfying curiosity about future events. The preacher concludes by urging the congregation to fix their gaze on Jesus, trusting in His sovereignty and enduring joyfully in the knowledge that nothing can separate them from God's love.

Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 10 27. Q. What do you understand by the providence of God? A. God's providence is his almighty and ever present power, 1 whereby, as with his hand, he still upholds heaven and earth and all creatures, 2 and so governs them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, food and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, 3 indeed, all things, come to us not by chance 4 but by his fatherly hand. 5 1. Jer 23:23, 24; Acts 17:24-28. 2. Heb 1:3. 3. Jer 5:24; Acts 14:15-17; Jn 9:3; Prov 22:2. 4. Prov 16:33. 5. Mt 10:29. 28. Q. What does it benefit us to know that God has created all things and still upholds them by his providence? A. We can be patient in adversity, 1 thankful in prosperity, 2 and with a view to the future we can have a firm confidence in our faithful God and Father that no creature shall separate us from his love; 3 for all creatures are so completely in his hand that without his will they cannot so much as move. 4 1. Job 1:21, 22; Ps 39:10; Jas 1:3. 2. Deut 8:10; 1 Thess 5:18. 3. Ps 55:22; Rom 5:3-5; 8:38, 39. 4. Job 1:12; 2:6; Prov 21:1; Acts 17:24-28.

The sermon outlines a logical framework for understanding church history, demonstrating how the Holy Spirit has progressively taught the church core theological truths. It traces the development of doctrine from the authority of Scripture and the nature of Christ to the critical Reformation principle of justification by faith alone, contrasting it with Roman Catholic sacramental theology. The speaker emphasizes that accurate interpretation relies on literal hermeneutics and distinct categories for Israel, the Church, and the nations. This framework clarifies end-times prophecy, distinguishing the rapture of the Church from the future tribulation periods involving Israel and the Gentiles. Ultimately, the message asserts that coherent biblical theology requires maintaining these distinctions to avoid doctrinal confusion and spiritual immaturity.

Every aspect of our lives should reflect our confidence in God and is evidence that we believe He will fulfill His promises. That even includes the way that we handle the death of loved ones, and that is reflected in Abraham's life in the way that he grieved and made arrangements for Sarah's burial. The care that he showed in making arrangements is evidence of his confidence in a future resurrection, when he and Sarah would both experience the fullness of God's magnificent promises to him of the land, an innumerable number of descendants, and being the source of blessing for the entire world. Our assurance of our Lord's return and our resurrection and glorification are demonstrated in the way that we look upon our death and those we care about.

In 1 Peter 1:13–25, believers are called to prepare their minds for spiritual action, remain sober-minded, reject worldly distractions, and pursue holiness. Instead of placing our hope in politics, media, or temporary earthly concerns, Peter commands us to set our hope fully on the future grace revealed through Jesus Christ. That future grace includes resurrection, complete sanctification, vindication, freedom from sin and suffering, and eternal communion with God. **The world is passing away, but the Word of God remains forever.** As we await Christ's return, we are called to remain spiritually vigilant, live holy lives, and fix our hope on Him. 📖 1 Peter 1:13–25 | Cornerstone Presbyterian Church | Branford, Connecticut 🌐 Connect With Us https://cornerstonepresbyterian.church

The sermon explores the profound comfort found in trusting God with every aspect of life, drawing primarily from Psalm 31. It emphasizes that while human circumstances are often unpredictable and uncontrollable, they are securely held within the sovereign hand of God. The preacher argues that recognizing this divine control eliminates fear of the future and anxiety over present troubles, as all events are purposefully ordained by a loving Father. This perspective invites believers to submit to God's timing with implicit faith rather than resisting change or despairing over hardship. Finally, the message extends an invitation to non-believers to commit their souls to Christ, thereby gaining access to this same assurance of divine care and protection.

The future is guaranteed because it is in God's hands.

What is a Christian? A follower of Jesus Christ. Luke's record of the calling of Levi boils that down to its basic essence. Christ's call to Levi, a look of love that gives rise to words of grace, is gracious, personal, simple, absolute, and powerful. Levi's response comes in three elements—a break with the past (he left all), a life in the present (he rose up), and a path for the future (he followed Christ). We still hear Christ in the gospel, and we may still turn to him in faith, and become Christians who follow their Saviour wherever he leads.

Call to worship – Revelation 5:6-14 Scripture Reading – John 13:21-14:6 Sermon – – Not My Home- Philippians 3:17-21 1) Identity (v20) – We are ___________________ and ______________ here. 2) Imitate (v17) – Imitate Paul and others who _____________________. 3) Influence (vv18-19) – Many (even some who profess to be Christians) do not ______________ and seek to steer you away from Him. 4) Inheritance (vv20b-21) – The Lord Jesus will return for us, transforming us to be __________ and ___________ in glory. -What does it mean to you to be a citizen of your country? What effect does it have on the way you think about yourself and the way you act? How should the reality that you are a citizen of heaven affect your daily life? -Where might you be loving the things of this world? How can you replace that with a pursuit of Christ and His Kingdom? -Who is influencing your life? Are they having a positive influence on you toward faithfulness to Christ? Or away from Him? -Who should you look to for godly models of living? How can you be a positive example to someone else? -How does rejoicing in my future help me live the Christian life now? For further study: Mt 6:19-33; Rom 8:5-6,18-25; 1 Co 11:1; Phil 1:27; 2:5-11; 3:7-14; Col 3:1-4; 1 Th 1:9-10; Heb 11:13-16; 1 Jn 2:15-17.