This sermon explores the dual nature of Jesus Christ as both the Son of David and the Son of God, emphasizing His divine origin from heaven and His miraculous conception through the virgin birth. By examining questions of where, how, and why He came, the message highlights that Jesus descended to save sinners from their sins and offer eternal life. The preacher urges listeners to recognize this wonderful mystery not as a complex theological puzzle but as good news intended for simple faith. Belief in Christ's identity and work is presented as the sole requirement for salvation, rejecting human wisdom in favor of trusting His sacrifice. Ultimately, the audience is called to hear the gospel with gladness and place their complete trust in Jesus as their Savior.

The sermon explores the multifaceted work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, anchored in Jesus' promise of another Helper. It outlines six specific functions: vivification, which brings spiritual life to those dead in sin; illumination, which provides understanding of Scripture; education, which guides believers into truth through teachers and the Spirit's anointing; sanctification, the lifelong process of moral transformation and battle against the flesh; motivation, which empowers believers to will and do God's good pleasure; and proclamation, which enables witnesses to testify boldly. The message emphasizes that salvation is entirely God's work, urging listeners to trust in Christ and yield to the Spirit's transformative power.

The sermon emphasizes the completeness of Christ's redemptive work and God's sovereign power in saving believers, contrasting this with the burden of human effort. It interprets Philippians 2:12 not as a call to earn salvation but as a call to recognize that God finishes what He starts in those who are truly saved. The preacher argues against the idea that humans must complete their own spiritual journey, asserting that true believers will persevere because God works within them to will and to do His good pleasure. By referencing passages like John 10 and Hebrews 7, the message assures listeners of their secure position in Christ, urging them to rest in His sufficiency rather than their own righteousness. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heart check to ensure that Christ remains all in all for every believer.

Dear Grace Church, August 23, 2026 To make the most of this Lord's Day, I encourage you to read Ephesians 4:17-5:14 enough times to be familiar with the flow of pastoral thought, so as not to isolate 5:8-14 and make it meaningless in its context. Then pour over Ephesians 5:8-14, saturating your soul with this final strongest appeal yet to live in light, not darkness! Read and pray through the outline. Then read the book of Jude, which I've cut and pasted. Jude is the strongest single chapter in the New Testament against professing believers falling away from Christ. The graphic is a fair representation of Ephesians 5:8-14 and a summary of my opening illustration. I encourage you to make good use of it. Seeking to live in light together with you to build Christ's church, Murray Ephesians Series, Message 37 "Live Acceptably as Children of Light in All Goodness, Righteousness, and Truth; Or, Do You Now Know What You Were Missing?" Ephesians 5:8-14 8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9(for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light."

Chapter timestamps: Note: Times are estimated 0:00 Jesus' Authority Continues 1:37 Jesus Meets the Possessed Man 3:25 Clothed and in His Right Mind 5:10 A Man Known Throughout the City 6:56 Years of Demonic Bondage 8:40 The City Tries to Restrain Him 10:19 The Man Needed Christ 12:02 Jesus Intentionally Crossed the Lake 13:45 The Devils Recognize Jesus 15:24 Trusting Christ's Finished Work 17:20 One Jesus Overpowers Legion 18:56 Christ Is Greater Than Darkness 20:41 The Devils Know Judgment Is Coming 22:30 The Demons Beg Jesus 24:14 The Destructive Nature of Evil 25:54 Sitting at Jesus' Feet 27:35 The Peace Christ Provides 29:21 Every Saved Person Is Changed 30:57 Let Others See the Difference 32:47 The People Ask Jesus to Leave 34:16 The Delivered Man Wants Jesus 36:12 Other People Need Salvation 37:49 Jesus Is God 39:39 Jesus Brings Complete Transformation 41:17 I Was Blind, but Now I See 43:06 Praise God for His Goodness 44:48 Judgment Before the Appointed Time 46:19 Do Spirits Need a Host? 48:14 God Accomplishes His Purposes 49:29 Praise the Lord for Deliverance

The sermon explores Nehemiah's transition from repentance to action, emphasizing that genuine faith requires proactive steps toward God's will. It highlights the importance of praying with a heart focused on God's reputation rather than personal desires, trusting in His sovereignty to open doors and provide resources. The preacher contrasts passive religiosity with active obedience, urging believers to seek God's purpose and engage in good works as evidence of salvation. By examining Nehemiah's bold request and the king's favorable response, the message illustrates how God exceeds expectations when His people align their hearts with His glory. Ultimately, the call is for individuals to surrender their comfort and resources to advance the gospel, trusting that nothing is impossible with God's hand upon them.

The sermon explores the character of God through the book of Nahum, emphasizing that He knows every individual's identity and purpose while demonstrating patience, power, and protection. The speaker shares personal anecdotes about missionary work in Albania to illustrate the urgency of evangelism and the need for believers to remain focused amidst spiritual opposition. Key themes include resisting the distractions of the world, fighting the good fight of faith, and finishing one's Christian journey with integrity. The message encourages the audience to trust in God's promises during times of trouble and to actively participate in global missions. Ultimately, it calls for a steadfast commitment to Christ, urging listeners to stay focused on Jesus and complete their spiritual race faithfully.

1. God's Workmanship 2. God's Works 3. God's Purpose

The sermon examines Paul's synagogue sermon in Acts 13 to demonstrate that salvation comes exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ rather than adherence to the Mosaic Law. By analyzing the historical context of Paul's missionary journey and his rhetorical strategy, the text highlights how the gospel fulfills Old Testament prophecy and offers justification to all who believe. The preacher contrasts the inability of the law to save with the transformative power of the good news regarding Christ's death and resurrection. This message serves as a warning against returning to legalism while offering assurance of freedom from sin and eternal condemnation to believers. Ultimately, the transcript urges listeners to rest in the finished work of Christ and respond to the gospel with repentance and trust.