Grace Bible Church of Conway's Podcast

Michael Seewald's sermon explores the attribute of God's immutability, meaning God's unchangeable nature. Seewald explains that the term "immutable" originates from Latin and Old French, signifying "not changeable." He highlights that while the word's meaning has remained consistent, it is not inherently unchangeable itself, unlike God's nature.

Seewald references Hebrews 6:17-18 to show that God's counsel is immutable, confirmed by an oath. He emphasizes that God's immutability applies to His being, attributes, and divine nature. God's declaration to Moses, "I am that I am," underscores His unchanging essence. Seewald explains that God's perfection cannot increase or decrease, as any change would imply imperfection.

The sermon also addresses God's immutability in His personality, specifically the Holy Trinity. Seewald uses the "Glory Be" doxology to illustrate the eternal and unchanging nature of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He discusses the concept of the Trinity as presented in Scripture, showing its consistent presence from Genesis through the New Testament.

Seewald then discusses God's immutability in His eternal will or decree, highlighting that God's plans are unchangeable and comprehensive. He explains that, unlike humans whose plans can fail due to external factors, God's will encompasses all events, including the actions of men and secondary causes. Seewald uses examples from Scripture, such as Joseph's story and Christ's betrayal by Judas, to illustrate how God's immutable plan works through human actions.

Seewald concludes by addressing seven qualifications to God's immutability, as noted by Greg Nichols:
1. God is active and self-moving, not inactive.
2. God is personal and communicative, not antisocial.
3. God has divine affections, not apathetic.
4. God is not implacable or obdurate.
5. God is approachable and responsive to prayer.
6. God's covenantal relationship with His people shows progressive revelation and development.
7. Christ's divine nature is immutable, while His human nature experienced change.

The sermon ends with a reminder that God's immutability should comfort believers, assuring them of God's unchanging promises and eternal refuge. Seewald transitions to a time of prayer, encouraging the congregation to meditate on God's steadfast nature.

The sermon "Why It Matters" by Jeffrey Johnson examines the biblical directives regarding women wearing head coverings during worship, as discussed in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. Johnson begins by linking his sermon to the story of Jonah and his own avoidance of difficult biblical passages, humorously referring to "3 Corinthians" before diving into the actual text.

He outlines the context of Paul's instructions in Corinth, where cultural norms demanded that married women wear veils or head coverings to signify their marital status and purity. Johnson interprets this as not merely a preference for long hair as a covering, but as a fabric covering used to indicate a woman's submission to her husband, paralleling this to the veils worn on wedding days in Roman culture.

Johnson argues that Paul's insistence on head coverings is rooted in a broader theological framework that includes the order of authority (Christ over man, man over woman), the creation order (man was created first), and the need for clear, visible symbols of this order within the church. He suggests that these practices were meant to communicate important truths about God's design for authority and submission within the family and the church.

The sermon also addresses contemporary issues, questioning whether the church has drifted from biblical teachings by comparing the debate over women pastors in modern times to the first-century context of Paul's letter. Johnson challenges listeners to consider the implications of dismissing such practices as outdated or legalistic, emphasizing the need for obedience to scripture rather than cultural conformity.

Johnson concludes by encouraging a thoughtful, scriptural examination of the role of appearances, customs, and authority structures in worship and daily life, urging a commitment to uphold these principles even if they seem counter-cultural or controversial today. He leaves open the possibility that while the specific practice of wearing head coverings may not be mandated for all times, the underlying principles of authority, submission, and visible symbols of these truths remain relevant.

In his sermon "Transformed By Gazing On Christ," Jeffrey Johnson explores the concept of Christian transformation and sanctification through focusing on Jesus Christ rather than the law. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 3:1-18, Johnson highlights how looking at the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ transforms believers from one degree of glory to another.

Johnson begins by emphasizing the insufficiency of the law to sanctify believers. He explains that while the law, depicted as a "ministry of death" carved in letters on stone, can show us our sinfulness and bring awareness of our spiritual death, it cannot impart life or change our hearts. The law, he argues, is a lifeless legal document that kills, enslaves, and hardens hearts.

In contrast, Johnson asserts that true sanctification and transformation come through Jesus Christ. He outlines four reasons why Christ alone can sanctify:

1. **Christ is Alive:** Unlike the lifeless letter of the law, Christ is a living spirit who gives life.
2. **Christ Illuminates:** Jesus reveals the full nature of God, including His grace, mercy, and compassion, which the law cannot fully convey.
3. **Christ Liberates:** The Spirit of Christ brings freedom, transforming our desires and enabling us to love and obey God from the heart.
4. **Christ Reflects God's Glory:** In Christ, we see the fullness of God's glory, and by beholding Him, we are transformed into His image from one degree of glory to another.

Johnson concludes by encouraging believers to focus on Christ, study His attributes, and behold His glory to grow in holiness. For unbelievers, he urges them to look to Jesus for salvation and transformation rather than relying on the law or their own efforts.

James Fetterly's sermon "The Omniscience of God" focuses on two key practical implications of God's all-knowing nature: invoking awe and worship, and providing comfort in God's infinite knowledge. He elaborates on these points by referencing several biblical passages.

1. **Awe and Worship**: Fetterly begins by emphasizing that understanding God's omniscience should inspire a deep sense of awe and worship. He cites Romans 11:33-36, where Paul praises the unsearchable wisdom and knowledge of God. This passage highlights God's all-encompassing understanding, which surpasses human comprehension, and should lead believers to worship.

2. **Incomparability of God**: Moving to Isaiah 40:13-14, 28, Fetterly underscores that God's wisdom is unmatched and independent of any external counsel or knowledge. This further reinforces the call to worship God for His unique and boundless understanding.

3. **Infinite Knowledge**: Psalm 147:5 states that God's understanding is infinite, likened to the concept of infinity in mathematics. This attribute of God, knowing all things to the smallest and greatest details, should inspire believers to worship.

4. **Personal and Intimate Knowledge**: Psalm 139 illustrates how God's omniscience is both infinite and intimate. He knows every aspect of our lives, from our actions to our innermost thoughts. This comprehensive knowledge of God should bring comfort and lead to worship.

5. **Comprehensive Attributes**: Fetterly points out that Psalm 139 also reveals God's omnipresence, omnipotence, and holiness, all intertwined with His omniscience. Understanding these attributes together enhances the awe and reverence believers should have for God.

6. **Comfort in God's Knowledge**: God's omniscience means He understands all our struggles and is in control of every situation. Fetterly encourages believers to find comfort in God's all-encompassing knowledge and His provision of salvation through Jesus Christ.

7. **Ed Welch's Perspective**: Quoting Ed Welch, Fetterly highlights that God's omniscience, while initially intimidating, is ultimately comforting because it assures us of His holy patience and forgiveness. This should lead us to embrace Him rather than hide from Him.

8. **Call to Unbelievers**: For those who do not believe, Fetterly warns that God's omniscience includes a judgment of all actions, urging them to repent and seek salvation in Christ. 

9. **Characteristics of God's Omniscience**:
   - **Perfect Self-Knowledge**: In the Trinity, each Person knows the others perfectly.
   - **Perfect General Knowledge**: God knows everything external to Himself.
   - **Eternal Knowledge**: God’s knowledge spans from eternity past to eternity future.
   - **Immediate and Simultaneous Knowledge**: God knows everything all at once, without progression or forgetting.
   - **Exhaustive Knowledge**: God’s knowledge covers all people, all stars, and all events.
   - **Penetrating Knowledge**: God sees beyond outward appearances into the heart.
   - **Future Knowledge**: God knows all future events and possibilities.
   - **Possible Knowledge**: God knows all potential outcomes of any given situation.

Fetterly concludes by stressing that God's omniscience should lead believers to worship and trust Him, knowing He works all things for good for those who love Him.

The sermon "Christ: All in All" by Tommy Walls emphasizes the supreme value and completeness found in Christ. Walls begins with analogies of finding hidden treasures to illustrate the excitement of discovering something valuable, paralleling this with the ultimate treasure of wisdom and knowledge hidden in Christ (Colossians 2:3). He highlights the richness of the Scriptures, which consistently point to Christ, and the necessity of the Holy Spirit to truly understand and see Christ in the Word.

Walls recounts the story of Jesus on the road to Emmaus, where Jesus expounded the Scriptures to reveal how they spoke of Him, making the disciples' hearts burn within them as they understood the Scriptures (Luke 24:27). He emphasizes that without the Holy Spirit, one cannot fully grasp the truths of the Bible, but with the Spirit’s illumination, Christ becomes vividly apparent.

The core message focuses on Colossians 3:11, which states that in Christ, there is no distinction between different groups of people—Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian or Scythian, slave or free—because Christ is all and in all. Walls discusses the divisions present in the New Testament times and how Christ breaks down these barriers, uniting believers through His love and truth. This unity in Christ transcends all social, ethnic, and religious distinctions.

Walls underscores the transformative power of Christ, who makes believers new creations. He illustrates how Christ’s presence in one’s life changes everything, promoting love and unity among diverse groups. He passionately declares that Christ is everything—fulfilling all roles, providing complete salvation, and embodying all that is good and true. He emphasizes that in Christ, believers find full redemption, justification, sanctification, and eternal joy.

The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder of Christ’s sacrificial love and resurrection, which secures eternal life and continual intercession for believers. Walls calls for a deepened love and cherishing of Christ, urging believers to fix their eyes on Him, the author and finisher of their faith, to experience transformation and unity in Him.

In Jeffrey Johnson's sermon "Guided by God's Glory," he expounds on 1 Corinthians 10:33 through 11:1, discussing the principles Christians should use to guide their decision-making. Johnson highlights Paul's advice to the Corinthians on eating meat offered to idols, emphasizing the importance of considering the impact of one's actions on others and doing everything for God's glory. He outlines eight questions Christians should ask when making decisions:

1. **Is it lawful?** - Determine if the action is permissible and not sinful.
2. **Is it helpful to others?** - Consider if the action benefits others and builds them up.
3. **Is it unselfish?** - Ensure the decision is not driven by selfish motives but seeks the good of neighbors.
4. **Does it violate my conscience?** - Avoid actions that go against personal convictions.
5. **Does it offend others' consciences?** - Refrain from actions that could lead others to sin or stumble.
6. **Does it bring glory to God?** - Aim to glorify God in all actions, ensuring motives align with His glory.
7. **Is it evangelistic?** - Consider if the action enhances or hinders the witness to non-believers.
8. **Would Paul do it?** - Follow Paul's example as he imitates Christ, living a life of service and selflessness.

Johnson stresses that every decision is a moral one, influenced by the overarching principle of glorifying God and serving others. By asking these questions, Christians can navigate their choices in a way that honors God and benefits their community.

In his sermon "The Importance of the Resurrection," Robert Gunnels emphasizes the centrality of Christ's resurrection in the Christian faith. He begins by referencing the story in Luke 7:36-50, where a sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet with her tears and perfume. This act of devotion highlights the transformative power of Jesus' forgiveness and love.

Gunnels asserts that the resurrection of Christ is the pivotal event in history, underscoring its significance through various scriptural references, such as 1 Corinthians 15:7, which states that without the resurrection, faith is futile. He stresses that Jesus' resurrection assures believers of eternal life and empowers them to live in the strength of Christ daily.

The sermon delves into the story of the woman who, despite being a sinner, is forgiven by Jesus, demonstrating her profound love and gratitude. Gunnels contrasts her actions with the Pharisee Simon's lack of hospitality and understanding of his own need for forgiveness. Through a parable, Jesus illustrates that those who are forgiven much love much, highlighting the woman's deep appreciation for her redemption.

Gunnels reflects on the significance of recognizing one's sinfulness and the need for a Savior, as emphasized by Jesus' mission to call sinners to repentance. He points out that God's love and forgiveness are extended to all, regardless of past sins, as long as they turn to Christ in faith.

The sermon concludes with an application of the resurrection's importance in believers' lives, encouraging them to live in the power of Christ's forgiveness, extend forgiveness to others, and reject feelings of shame and guilt over past sins. Gunnels prays for believers to be transformed by the resurrection, live as new creations in Christ, and embrace God's grace and love.

In Jeffrey Johnson's sermon titled "Idolatry," he reflects on 1 Corinthians 10, emphasizing that the essence of Christianity is a relational connection with God rather than mere adherence to rules. He highlights the importance of loving and enjoying God's presence, reminding us that God delights in our fellowship. Johnson stresses that the ultimate goal is to know and experience God deeply, with love being the central commandment.

He addresses the issue of idolatry, defining it as anything that diverts our affections from God, and warns against participating in pagan ceremonies. He argues that these ceremonies involve communion with demons, which is incompatible with fellowship with God. Johnson provides four reasons to avoid such practices: they do not represent fleeing idolatry, they involve participation with demons, they create a moral impossibility of simultaneous fellowship with God and demons, and they provoke God's jealousy.

Johnson concludes by applying these principles to contemporary issues, such as attending non-Christian religious services or events that conflict with Christian beliefs. He underscores that Christianity is about a loving relationship with God, and believers should seek communion with Christ and the church while avoiding practices that compromise their faith.

In James Fetterly's sermon "The Holiness of God," he explores the profound attribute of God's holiness and its implications for believers. The sermon begins with a prayer, asking for God's presence and the Holy Spirit's guidance as the congregation delves into understanding His holiness.

Fetterly emphasizes that studying God's attributes, particularly His holiness, helps believers understand who God is and how He reveals Himself. He defines holiness as a state of being set apart and distinct from the common, highlighting the vast difference between the Creator and His creation.

Using Ezekiel 22:26, Fetterly explains that the holiness of God is often profaned when what is sacred is treated as common. The priests in Ezekiel's time failed to uphold God's holy standards, making no distinction between the holy and the common, and disregarding the Sabbath.

Psalm 99 is referenced to illustrate God's sovereign holiness, describing how God reigns with majesty, causing people to tremble and the earth to quake. This psalm, along with other royal psalms, portrays God's sovereignty and the proper response of worship and reverence due to His holiness.

Fetterly also discusses Revelation 4, where God's holiness is depicted through a vision of His throne room. The repeated proclamation of "Holy, holy, holy" by the living creatures underscores the supreme importance of God's holiness. This attribute is raised to the highest level, emphasizing its central role in understanding God's nature.

Further, in Isaiah 6, Isaiah's vision of God on His throne reveals the prophet's response to God's holiness—a recognition of his own sinfulness and the need for atonement. Fetterly stresses that an encounter with God's holiness should lead to worship, confession of sins, and transformation by the Holy Spirit.

Fetterly concludes by highlighting the practical implications of God's holiness for believers. As God's holiness permeates all His attributes and actions, believers are called to reflect His moral character in their lives. This reflection requires a transformation that can only come through the Holy Spirit and results in a life that glorifies God.

The sermon calls believers to worship God for His holiness, recognize their own shortcomings, and seek to live holy lives through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jeffrey Johnson's sermon "Perseverance - Part II" emphasizes the importance of maintaining enduring faith and not relying on past experiences or initial zeal. He begins by sharing a personal story about a young, zealous seminary student who eventually fell away from faith despite initial fervor and theological soundness. This serves as a cautionary tale about the danger of presuming one's salvation based on past experiences.

Johnson then discusses the concept of apostasy, explaining that departing from faith is not uncommon and is often warned against in the Bible. He highlights several biblical examples of individuals who fell away, like Demas and Alexander, and draws parallels to the Israelites who, despite experiencing God's miracles, did not enter the Promised Land due to unbelief and disobedience.

The core message of the sermon revolves around Paul's warnings in 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. Johnson identifies five key pitfalls to avoid in order to persevere in faith:
1. **Relying on past experiences**: Do not depend on past religious experiences or milestones for assurance of salvation. True faith is ongoing and present.
2. **Being presumptuous**: Avoid the attitude of assuming you are secure regardless of your current spiritual state. This includes lusting after the world, engaging in idolatry, sexual immorality, testing Christ, and complaining.
3. **Carelessness**: Do not be overly confident or careless in your Christian walk. Recognize your weakness and the constant need for God's grace.
4. **Discouragement**: While acknowledging the real and present dangers of falling away, Johnson also offers hope. He reassures that God is faithful and provides a way to endure temptations.
5. **Flirting with idolatry**: Actively flee from sin and idolatry rather than merely avoiding them.

Johnson stresses the need for a present and enduring faith, a continuous reliance on Christ, and a lifestyle of repentance and belief. He concludes by encouraging immediate repentance and returning to God, emphasizing that true perseverance involves ongoing faith and vigilance against sin.