Grace Bible Church of Conway's Podcast

The sermon by Jeffrey Johnson on 1 Corinthians chapter 7 addresses a significant challenge facing the Christian community: the temptation to sexual immorality. Johnson begins by highlighting that lust is a widespread and potent threat to individuals, evidenced by the downfall of many notable figures throughout history, including biblical examples like King David and contemporary examples among pastors and believers. He identifies sexual immorality as a pervasive issue that requires a biblically grounded response.

Johnson delves into the text of 1 Corinthians 7:1-9, which offers guidance on sexual intimacy within the context of marriage. The Apostle Paul, in addressing questions from the Corinthian church, provides insights into managing desires in a godly manner. Johnson explains the interpretive challenges of the passage, particularly the meaning and context of the phrase "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman," suggesting it relates to the avoidance of sexual immorality through the sanctity of marriage.

The sermon outlines Paul's counsel for both married and unmarried individuals. For the married, Paul encourages intimacy within marriage as a means to combat sexual temptation, emphasizing mutual consent, respect, and responsibility between spouses. Johnson underscores the importance of marital intimacy in safeguarding against temptation, highlighting it as a divine provision for fulfilling sexual desires within the boundaries of marriage.

For singles, Johnson relays Paul's advice on appreciating the gift of singleness while acknowledging the legitimacy of marriage for those who struggle with self-control. He encourages singles to pursue holiness and service to God, utilizing their season of singleness for spiritual growth and ministry.

Johnson also addresses the broader societal context of Corinth, marked by sexual promiscuity, to remind the audience of the relevance of Paul's teachings in a contemporary setting rife with similar challenges. He closes by advocating for a holistic approach to understanding sexual intimacy through a biblical lens, urging both singles and married individuals to seek purity and honor God in their relationships.

In summary, Johnson's sermon on 1 Corinthians 7 provides comprehensive biblical counsel on managing sexual desires, promoting marital intimacy as a safeguard against immorality, and valuing singleness as an opportunity for dedicated service to God. He calls for a commitment to purity and fidelity, reinforcing the relevance of Scripture in addressing modern challenges related to sexual ethics.

James Fetterly's sermon, "The Word of Forgiveness" delves into the profound and multifaceted nature of Jesus Christ's death on the cross. Fetterly begins by reflecting on the nature of Christ's death as both a natural outcome of His incarnation and a unique event. Unlike every other human, Jesus, being sinless, did not die for His own sins but as a spotless lamb, taking upon Himself the sins of humanity. This death was not only unique but also miraculous and supernatural, preordained before the foundation of the world and executed with Jesus's own authority over life and death.

The sermon then moves to an examination of Luke chapter 23, verses 32 through 43, highlighting Jesus's word of forgiveness from the cross despite the merciless insults hurled at Him by various groups: the bystanders, religious leaders, soldiers, and even the criminals crucified alongside Him. Fetterly underscores the mercy and forgiveness Jesus demonstrated, praying for those who persecuted Him in ignorance, fulfilling prophecies, and exemplifying His teachings on forgiveness.

Fetterly points to Acts 2 and 4, noting the fulfillment of Jesus's prayer as thousands in Jerusalem, including religious leaders and possibly soldiers, came to faith after Pentecost, showcasing the power of Christ's forgiveness and the spread of the Gospel.

The sermon further explores the significance of forgiveness as foretold in Isaiah 53 and manifested on the cross, emphasizing Jesus's role as an intercessor for humanity. Fetterly discusses how Jesus, by asking the Father to forgive, shows His identification with humanity and His fulfillment of the divine requirement for atonement for sins, including those committed in ignorance.

Fetterly draws practical insights from Jesus's actions, reminding believers of the importance of praying for others, even in the absence of their repentance, and highlights the human heart's need for forgiveness and redemption through Christ. He concludes with a call to recognize and receive the redeeming love and forgiveness offered by God through Jesus Christ, inviting listeners to embrace the grace that transforms lives and secures eternal fellowship with God.

In summary, Fetterly's sermon on "The Word of Forgiveness" is a deep reflection on the significance of Jesus's death, focusing on the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the transformative power of God's love, as demonstrated through Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

The sermon by Ariandys Aguiar draws a parallel between the historical struggle for Cuban independence in 1895, marked by internal disunity and the contemporary challenges faced by the church in achieving unity and fellowship among its members. Aguiar uses the Cuban fight for freedom from Spanish oppression as a metaphor to highlight how pride, selfishness, and the desire for primacy can hinder collective efforts, both in the historical context and within the church community.

He emphasizes the biblical principle that unity and fellowship are vital for the church's mission, leveraging Ecclesiastes 4:4, 9-12 to underscore the importance of Christian unity. Aguiar argues that working together enhances productivity (citing Matthew 9:37-38), provides mutual support in times of failure (referencing Mark 6:7 and Luke 10:1), and fulfills the law of Christ by bearing one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2). The sermon further illustrates the necessity of collective effort through the example of Moses, Aaron, and Hur in Exodus 17, where Moses' upheld arms lead to victory against Amalek, symbolizing the strength found in communal support.

Aguiar continues by discussing the dangers of isolation and the importance of correction and encouragement within the Christian fellowship. He cites Psalms and Hebrews to argue for the need for brothers and sisters in Christ who can offer both encouragement and rebuke, highlighting the role of fellowship in spiritual growth and resistance against sin.

The sermon concludes with a call to unity and fellowship within the church, drawing on the metaphor of the body of Christ to illustrate the interdependence and diversity of its members. Aguiar challenges the church to overlook minor differences and focus on the shared mission, emphasizing that unity strengthens the church's ability to advance the kingdom of God. He encourages the congregation to support each other, delegate responsibilities, and remain united against external and internal challenges, invoking the examples of Paul, Mark, and Barnabas as models of collaboration and mutual support.

The sermon is a powerful reminder of the strength found in Christian unity and fellowship, urging the church to emulate the interconnectedness and mutual support exemplified by the body of Christ. Through historical analogy, biblical references, and practical examples, Aguiar inspires a collective effort towards advancing the kingdom of God, emphasizing the importance of unity in overcoming challenges and fulfilling the church's mission.

In his sermon on 1 Corinthians chapter 6, Pastor Jeffrey Johnson addresses the challenge Christians face in balancing the enjoyment of earthly pleasures with the biblical mandate not to love the world or its temptations. He uses personal examples, like his affection for food and his red Jeep, to illustrate the internal conflict between enjoying life's comforts and adhering to spiritual principles. Johnson questions whether such enjoyments are inherently wrong or if they become problematic when they turn into idols that overshadow our devotion to God.

Johnson identifies two extremes in this struggle: legalism, which outright rejects worldly pleasures, and antinomianism, which indulges in them without restraint. He points out that the Corinthians in the Bible veered towards antinomianism, justifying even sexual immorality. Johnson attributes this to their misinterpretation of Christian liberty and their possible influence by proto-Gnosticism, which undervalued the physical in favor of the spiritual.

He then delves into the teachings of Paul in 1 Corinthians 6, emphasizing that while Christians are free to enjoy life, they must do so without being dominated by worldly pleasures or falling into sin. Johnson explains that our bodies are meant for the Lord, not for immorality. He urges believers to recognize the sacredness of their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and to live in a way that glorifies God. The sermon concludes with Johnson offering practical ways to enjoy earthly blessings while maintaining a godly perspective, stressing the importance of moderation, wisdom, and reverence for God in all aspects of life.

James Fetterly's sermon, "The Death of Christ," profoundly explores the significance of Jesus' crucifixion, affirming it as the focal point of Christian faith, as highlighted by James Montgomery Boyce. Fetterly emphasizes the cross as our hope for salvation, citing Oswald Chambers who categorizes three entities in relation to the cross: heaven, which is interested; hell, which fears it; and humans, who often ignore its meaning. The sermon delves into four aspects of Christ’s death: natural, unnatural, preternatural, and supernatural.

1. **Natural Death**: Fetterly asserts that Jesus experienced a genuine physical death, as evidenced in Acts 20:28 and Philippians 2:8. This underscores the real humanity of Christ and His physical sacrifice.

2. **Unnatural Death**: Christ's death is unique as He was sinless (1 Peter 2:2, 1 John 3:5, 2 Corinthians 5:21), making His death unnatural since death is the wages of sin.

3. **Preternatural Death**: This aspect highlights the predetermined nature of Christ's death as part of God’s salvation plan, as seen in Revelation 13:8 and Romans 3:25. This preordained death was essential for the salvation of humanity.

4. **Supernatural Death**: Fetterly emphasizes the distinctiveness of Christ’s death, marked by His divine nature and authority over His own life and death, as portrayed in John 10:17-18. He had the unique authority to lay down His life and take it up again.

Fetterly further presents seven evidences of the supernatural aspect of Christ's death, including His control over His arrest (John 18:1-11), His statements on the cross (Matthew 27:46, 50), His fulfillment of Scripture (John 19:28), His declaration of completion (John 19:30), His voluntary giving up of His spirit (Luke 23:46, John 19:30), the circumstances of His death (John 19:31-33), and the miraculous events following His death (Matthew 27:51-52).

The sermon concludes with a call to recognize and appreciate the full meaning of the cross, not to ignore it as mere humans, but to embrace it as central to our faith. Fetterly urges believers to glorify Christ for the profound salvation He achieved through His unique, miraculous, and supernatural death.

Jeffrey Johnson's sermon on 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 addresses the struggle many Christians face with sin and the doubts about their salvation it can create. He emphasizes that while sin is a daily battle, it does not define a Christian's identity. Johnson begins by discussing the Corinthians, who were guilty of defrauding each other, an act Paul rebukes. Yet, Paul's words to the Corinthians are not just a rebuke but also a comfort, reminding them of their transformation in Christ.

Johnson then explores the warning Paul gives about habitual sin, emphasizing that certain behaviors are incompatible with inheriting the Kingdom of God. He uses the idea of a syllogism to illustrate that while the Corinthians were acting unrighteously, Paul does not conclude they are damned, but rather, he reassures them of their salvation.

The heart of the sermon is the contrast between the Christian's past life of sin and their current state of redemption. Johnson highlights that Christians, though they may sin, are no longer defined by their sins. They have been washed, sanctified, and justified in Christ. This transformation is not an excuse to continue sinning but an encouragement to live out their new identity in Christ.

Johnson also delves into the doctrines of sanctification and justification. He stresses that salvation is a transformation that changes a person's nature and relationship with sin. Christians are sanctified, set apart as holy, and justified, declared righteous, through Christ. This change is not something Christians achieve by themselves but is a work of God through Jesus Christ.

Towards the end of the sermon, Johnson provides practical applications, urging believers to see themselves as new creations in Christ, forgiven and justified. He encourages them to live in this truth, not being defined or discouraged by their struggles with sin but energized by their new identity in Christ to pursue holiness.

In summary, Johnson's sermon offers a balanced view of Christian life, acknowledging the struggle with sin while emphasizing the transformative power of Christ's salvation. It’s a message of hope and assurance for believers, reminding them that their identity in Christ is not based on their ability to overcome sin but on Christ's redemptive work.

In his sermon, Owen Strachan discusses "The Christian and Hope," the third part of a series on the God-centered life. He challenges the common perception of hope as unrealistic or naive, contrasting it with the true Christian hope that is deeply rooted in the reality of Jesus Christ and God's promises. Strachan emphasizes that hope in Christ is not opposed to realism but complements it, offering an "upswing" to life. He delves into 1 Peter 1:3-5, highlighting the "living hope" born through Jesus' resurrection and the imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance kept in heaven for believers. This hope is grounded not in worldly circumstances but in God's character and actions.

Strachan stresses the importance of understanding God as a Trinity of distinct yet united persons, each playing a vital role in the Christian faith. He particularly focuses on God the Father's great mercy and sovereignty in causing rebirth and offering hope, a hope that remains steadfast regardless of life's trials. This hope, he argues, is not an abstract concept but a tangible reality in the believer's life, secured by God's power and promise.

He further addresses practical applications of this hope in the Christian life. Strachan urges believers to focus on God's goodness rather than their struggles, avoid being consumed by worldly causes, and continually fill themselves with God-centered hope. He warns against letting despair or the world's troubles overshadow God's grace and mercy. In conclusion, Strachan calls for Christians to be people of hope, strengthened by the assurance that the light of Christ shines in the darkness, a light that will never be overcome.

Tommy Walls delivered a sermon focusing on the theme of "The Place of Commanded Blessing," emphasizing the importance of unity among believers. He began by mentioning the absence of Brother Jeff, who was preaching elsewhere, and humorously referenced the congregation's preparation for snow. Walls centered his message on Psalm 133, describing it as a place of unity where God commands blessings. He reflected on the encouragement and promises from Psalm 37 shared in a previous sermon by Pastor Danny, highlighting the importance of trust, delight, and rest in the Lord, especially in the context of evil men seemingly triumphing.

Walls elaborated on the significance of unity, using Psalm 133 to illustrate how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. He compared this unity to precious ointment on Aaron’s beard and dew on Mount Hermon, signifying the anointing and refreshing presence of the Holy Spirit. He challenged the notion that unity is merely a name for some churches, pointing out that true unity transcends differences and disagreements.

The sermon further explored the aspects of unity – a place to dwell, something to behold, and likened to precious ointment and dew. Walls identified love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control as signs of unity, rooted in the Spirit's presence. He discussed what hinders unity, such as bitterness, gossip, and a contentious spirit, and what advances it, including walking worthy of one's calling with humility, long-suffering, and love, as instructed in Ephesians 4.

Walls also emphasized the power of Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17 and the importance of edifying one another, being peaceable, and practicing forgiveness. He concluded by underscoring the significance of unity in witnessing to the world, as a divided church hinders the gospel message. The sermon ended with a call to strive for unity for the glory of Christ and the advancement of His kingdom.

Owen Strachan's sermon focuses on the theme of listening and its importance in the Christian life, drawing on the biblical story of David, Nabal, and Abigail from 1 Samuel 25. The sermon begins with an acknowledgment of the audience and a brief mention of the speaker's background. The core message revolves around the concept of listening as a crucial but often underrated discipline in Christianity.

The sermon explores the narrative of 1 Samuel 25, highlighting the characters and their actions. Nabal is described as an angry, harsh man lacking grace and humility, embodying pride, which leads to his downfall. David, who is on the path to becoming king, is initially ready for violence in response to Nabal's disrespect. However, the focus then shifts to Abigail, Nabal's wife, who is portrayed as discerning, wise, and humble. Abigail's intervention with David, appealing to his better nature and urging restraint, ultimately prevents bloodshed and demonstrates the power of wisdom and humility.

Strachan emphasizes several key points through the story:
1. The danger of pride and the need for a reflective approach to Scripture, seeing oneself in the narrative.
2. The transformative power of humility, as shown by Abigail.
3. The role of godly women as helpers and wise counselors in marriage.
4. The importance of listening to wisdom and being open to godly counsel.
5. The need for vigilance against pride and the potential for growth and humility through Christ.

He concludes with practical applications for Christian life, encouraging openness to wisdom, gratitude for godly spouses, and reliance on Christ for transformation and overcoming pride. The sermon ends with a prayer for wisdom and guidance in Jesus' name.

Owen Strachan's sermon focuses on the theme of "God-centeredness," a three-week series addressing different aspects of Christian living. The first week, covered in this sermon, emphasizes "Christianity and the Gospel." Strachan's main argument is that the gospel should not be seen as a distant, past event relevant only at the moment of conversion, but as a daily, active force in a Christian's life.

Strachan uses the metaphor of a hotel keycard to illustrate how some Christians may view the gospel as something that once granted them access to faith, but is now obsolete. He counters this by citing Romans 1:16-17, emphasizing that the gospel is a continuous source of salvation and righteousness, central to living a Christian life every day.

The sermon outlines four ways the gospel shapes daily Christian life:

1. **Identity:** The gospel redefines our identity, shifting it from our past sins to our new life in Christ. Strachan references 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 to emphasize that Christians are defined not by their past sins but by their sanctification in Jesus Christ.

2. **Sin:** He discusses how the gospel transforms our approach to sin, referencing 1 John 1:7-9. He argues against both perfectionism and defeatism, instead presenting a balanced view where Christians regularly confess sins and rely on God's grace for forgiveness and cleansing.

3. **Growth:** The sermon asserts that Christian growth is primarily driven by gospel grace through the Holy Spirit, rather than just adherence to moral laws. Strachan cites Ezekiel 36:27 and Philippians 2:12-13, stressing that growth is a divine work within believers, facilitated by grace.

4. **Future:** Finally, Strachan speaks about how the gospel influences our perspective on the future, giving hope beyond current circumstances. This hope is rooted in the unchanging nature of the gospel and its promise, as described in Colossians 1:23.

Strachan concludes with practical applications: making the gospel a relentless focus in life, leading in gospel application within families, especially by men through confession and repentance, and being a living testament to the gospel's transformative power. He also cautions against placing hope in political or earthly solutions, emphasizing that true hope lies in Christ alone. The sermon ends with a prayer for divine assistance in living out these principles.