Grace Bible Church of Conway's Podcast

In this sermon, Preston Kelso focuses on the Great Commission and the Ascension of Christ as described in Acts 1:8-11. He emphasizes the mandate given to the disciples, and by extension to the church, to be witnesses to the ends of the earth, highlighting that this mission is ongoing and unending, with the power of the Holy Spirit as its driving force.

Kelso unpacks the suddenness of Christ's ascension as a dramatic segue from His final charge to His enthronement in heaven, suggesting that the absence of a formal transition underscores the urgency and permanence of the missionary call. He delves into the symbolic significance of the cloud in the Ascension narrative, drawing parallels to its appearances throughout the Bible as a representation of God’s divine presence.

The sermon also contemplates the role of the two men in white robes who appear as Jesus ascends, proposing that they serve as divine witnesses to this pivotal event, much like angels at the tomb after Jesus' resurrection.

Kelso uses the rhetorical question posed by these men—"Why do you stand looking into heaven?"—as a prompt for the disciples, and Christians in general, to turn their gaze from heaven back to earth, where the work of spreading the Gospel awaits. This charge comes with an admonition to live vigilantly in anticipation of Christ's return while also busily engaging in the work of the kingdom here and now.

The sermon concludes with a prayer that emphasizes God’s sovereignty over all creation and a plea for the empowerment of His people through the Spirit to fulfill their mission. Kelso reminds the congregation that they are living in the midst of the ongoing story of God’s work in the world, calling them to actively participate in the expansion of His kingdom until Christ returns.

In the sermon by Jeffrey Johnson, the central theme is the power and wisdom of the gospel message embodied in the cross of Jesus Christ, contrasting it with the world's wisdom and strength. Johnson emphasizes that the true change in a believer’s life, including aspects like marriage, stems not from worldly wisdom but from the humbling message of the cross. He asserts that this message prompts believers to follow Christ’s example of self-denial and sacrificial love.

Johnson encourages believers to:

1. Stand firm in the Gospel: Not to be ashamed of the gospel's simplicity and its power for salvation.
2. Maintain the purity of the Gospel: To resist the urge to make it more intellectually appealing or to bolster it with artificial signs and wonders.
3. Value weakness as God's opportunity: To embrace personal weaknesses and hardships as the contexts in which God’s power is made perfect.

He concludes with a prayer that reflects thankfulness for the gospel message and a doxology that gives all glory to God for the wisdom and power revealed in Jesus. The sermon is a call to hold fast to the essential Christian doctrine of salvation through Christ alone, a theme that resonates with Reformed Baptist principles which prioritize Scripture's authority and the transformative power of the gospel.

The sermon by Preston Kelso unfolds the Christian doctrine of salvation and sanctification through the lens of reformed theology, emphasizing the gravity of sin, the wrath of God, and the grace extended through Jesus Christ's atonement.

The Gravity of Sin and the Wrath of God:
Kelso begins by discussing the dire consequences of sin. He paints a vivid picture of God's wrath—a holy response to sin, underscoring that sin is not merely a minor transgression but a serious offense against the holiness of God. The sermon stresses that God's wrath is not arbitrary but a just response to the rebellion of humanity.

The Atonement of Christ:
The heart of the sermon is the wonder of the gospel—specifically, the atonement. Kelso marvels at how God provided a way for His wrath to be satisfied not upon us, but upon His Son, Jesus Christ. This substitutionary atonement is presented as the central tenet of the gospel, highlighting that Christ bore the punishment that was due to sinners.

Imputed Righteousness:
Kelso then turns to the theological concept of imputed righteousness. This is the doctrine that God, through faith in Jesus Christ, credits righteousness to the believer. Kelso emphasizes the breathtaking nature of this exchange: Christ takes on the sin of humanity and, in return, believers receive the righteousness of Christ.

The Call to Non-Believers:
The sermon moves into an evangelistic appeal, addressing those outside the Christian faith. Kelso calls for a response to the gospel message: to turn away from sin, to acknowledge Christ as Savior, to confess their sins, and to seek God's forgiveness. This is presented not merely as a change of mind but as a complete reorientation of one’s life towards God.

The Call to Believers:
Kelso does not leave out those who already profess faith. For believers who have become wayward, he provides a sobering reminder of their covenant relationship with God through the blood of Christ. He calls them to repentance, urging them to abandon pride and idolatry. The return to God is depicted as a restoration of fellowship, a key aspect of the Christian walk.

Concluding Prayer:
The sermon ends with a prayer that captures the essence of Kelso's message. He asks for divine assistance for both himself and the congregation to turn from their sins and pursue God with sincerity and urgency. The prayer encapsulates a recognition of human frailty and the need for God’s grace to live in a way that honors the sacrifice made by Christ.

Throughout, Kelso's sermon is anchored in the reformed understanding of scripture, pointing to the gospel as the ultimate display of God's justice and mercy. It is an exposition designed to provoke both reflection and action among its hearers, compelling them to grasp the significance of Christ's work and respond appropriately to it.

This sermon by Jeffrey Johnson addresses the concern over the Corinthians' misplaced admiration for eloquent preaching and its potential to overshadow the true power of the Gospel. He emphasizes that the transformative power does not reside in the eloquence or philosophical prowess of the preacher, but in the message of the Gospel itself.

Johnson refers to 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 to illustrate that Paul purposefully refrained from relying on lofty speech or wisdom when he preached about Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Paul's own approach was marked by weakness, fear, and trembling, not by confidence in his oratory skills. The apostle wanted faith to rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.

The preacher recounts his own experiences of preparing sermons with prayer and emotion, emphasizing the point that even with all of that effort, it is not the preacher's skill but God's power that is necessary for the true transformation of hearts.

Johnson warns against valuing professionalism, perfect music, or precise speech over the need for God's work in preaching. He cites 1 Corinthians 4:20 and 1 Thessalonians 1:5, underscoring that the Kingdom of God is not a matter of mere words but of power, and the Spirit's role in preaching with full conviction.

The sermon moves on to caution against elevating preachers or their abilities, as Paul dismantles this idea through his first letter to the Corinthians. Unity in the church, Johnson asserts, will not come through external factors but solely through the Gospel's power.

Toward the end, he touches on the contemporary debate within Christendom on Christian nationalism, stressing the importance of unity in the church and a primary focus on the Gospel rather than secondary issues. Johnson calls for a unity that recognizes the need for revival through the work of the Holy Spirit, not through legislation or social efforts.

In closing, Johnson encourages the congregation to come to church with the readiness to hear from God, regardless of who is preaching, because the Word of God, faithfully proclaimed, is what changes lives. He concludes with a prayer that the church would be unified around the Gospel and that they would witness the power of God through the preaching of His Word.

Preston Kelso's sermon delves deeply into the theme of God's judgment and mercy, particularly focusing on the biblical book of Hosea and drawing stark parallels to Israel's historical disobedience. He emphasizes the severity of God's wrath, likening it to a fervor that would make people prefer death to facing the consequences of their idolatry. Despite this, Kelso highlights the patience and kindness of God, underscoring His enduring love even as He disciplines.

The sermon touches on the duality of God's nature, as both just and merciful, through the narrative of Hosea. God's love for Israel is depicted as tender, yet His response to their persistent sin is firm, symbolized by the imagery of a trained calf, Ephraim, who once thrived under God's protection but must now bear the yoke of punishment for its transgressions.

Kelso further reinforces his message by recounting the grim episode from the Book of Judges involving the Levite and his concubine in Gebaiah, a story that reflects Israel's continuous sin from its early days as a nation. He suggests that this history is invoked not only to remind Israel of its longstanding wickedness but to flip the narrative—Israel is no longer the hero, but the perpetrator, akin to the Benjaminites of Gebaiah.

The core of the sermon challenges the listener to confront the harsh reality of sin and the certainty of divine justice. However, it is also an invitation to recognize God's mercy and to understand the consequences of unrepentant idolatry. Kelso's message is a call to both acknowledge the gravity of sin and to embrace the redemptive love offered by God.

Jeffrey Johnson's sermon emphasizes the Christian principle of stewardship and generosity as taught by Jesus in the Scriptures. He begins with an exploration of the biblical counsel to not store up earthly treasures but rather to focus on eternal riches in heaven. Johnson interprets this as an exhortation to live a life of simplicity and to prioritize giving over accumulating wealth.

He discusses the verse from Luke 12:33, which suggests selling possessions and giving to the needy. While acknowledging that this might seem hyperbolic, Johnson sees it as sound advice when viewed from an eternal perspective. He suggests that this act of selling and giving not only aids those in need but also stores up treasures in heaven—things that are eternal and cannot be taken away, unlike earthly possessions.

Johnson draws a parallel between this teaching and the parable of the unjust steward found in Luke 16, who is commended not for his dishonesty but for his shrewdness in securing his future. The sermon underscores that the steward's wisdom lay in using temporary resources to secure an eternal future, aligning with Jesus' teaching that one cannot serve both God and money.

He shares personal reflections on his own attempts to collect valuables that he thought would appreciate, such as precious metals. Johnson admits that investing in the kingdom of God and the needy would have been a wiser use of resources. He stresses that our approach to money and possessions should be shaped by the knowledge of the eternal lifespan of heavenly treasures compared to the temporal nature of earthly wealth.

Concluding his message, Johnson returns to the heart of the matter: where one's treasure is, there one's heart will be also. He asserts that the true indicator of a person's heart is where they invest their time and money. The sermon calls for a self-reflective examination of one's own investments as a measure of one's affections and priorities, encouraging believers to set their hearts on divine, not material, wealth.

In his sermon on Hosea 9, Daniel Thursby delves deeply into the Israelites' unfaithfulness to God and the subsequent dire consequences. He highlights the chapter's portrayal of God's intense judgment on Israel, emphasizing that this judgment is a direct result of their idolatry and abandonment of true worship.

Thursby particularly underscores Israel's engagement in Baal worship, pointing out their participation in fertility rituals. This deviation, he notes, is met with a severe divine response: God threatens to strip them of their fertility and children. Such passages are challenging to read, but they starkly illustrate the gravity with which God regards His worship. Thursby's interpretation suggests that these actions are not merely punishments but are God's way of reflecting the very sins the Israelites commit back onto them.

However, amidst the grim imagery, Thursby offers a beacon of hope. He passionately encourages believers to turn solely to God with their adversities, emphasizing God's enduring faithfulness. He reminds the congregation of the complete salvation that is available through Jesus Christ, urging them to resist seeking solace in worldly remedies or other deities.

The sermon concludes with a potent message of repentance and devotion. Though Hosea 9 paints a bleak picture, Thursby reassures believers of the imminent hope. This hope, he asserts, is embodied in Jesus Christ, who provides redemption not just for Israel but for all nations, transcending boundaries. This overarching theme serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of heeding God's word and recognizing the profound implications of turning away from Him.

Introduction:
Jeffrey Johnson begins his sermon with a compelling emphasis on the value and profound importance of the Lord's Supper in the Christian faith. He posits that it is not merely a religious ritual but a deep expression of faith and devotion.

The Lord's Supper - Beyond Ritual:
Delving into the significance of this observance, Johnson explains that the Lord's Supper is a direct command from Jesus. It serves as a poignant memorial for believers to remember and reflect upon the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. Moreover, it's a unique opportunity for real communion with Christ, enabling believers to connect with Him on a deeper level.

Unpacking the Concept of 'Presence':
One of the sermon's core themes revolves around the intricate concept of 'presence'. Johnson breaks this down into three distinct levels. The first, 'Presence By Us', is mere physical proximity without any genuine connection. The second, 'Presence To Us', denotes a mental or emotional connection which transcends physical distance. The pinnacle, 'Presence In Us', is described as a profound spiritual connection where Christ is not just with, but within the believers.

The Spiritual Communion:
The heart of the Lord's Supper, according to Johnson, lies in the spiritual presence of Christ. This transcends the physical and elevates the communion to a realm where believers don't just remember Christ, but experience Him. Through genuine faith, Christ resides within the believers. The Lord's Supper, thus, is not about consuming Christ physically but spiritually. Johnson underscores that rituals alone are empty; what matters is a sincere faith and communion with Christ.

Communion's Profound Power:
Johnson goes on to discuss the power of this communion. The bread and cup, while mere symbols, are potent tools used by God to bolster and nurture faith. The act of communion draws parallels to the simple act of sharing a meal, highlighting the significance of fellowship and relationship-building among believers.

A Word of Caution:
However, the sermon also strikes a note of caution. Johnson warns against the perils of engaging in pagan rituals, stressing the inherent dangers of inadvertently aligning with demonic forces. The crux of this cautionary message is clear: believers cannot be part of both the Lord's table and the table of demons. Spiritual discernment and unwavering faith are paramount.

Conclusion:
In concluding his sermon, Johnson re-emphasizes the profound importance of the Lord's Supper. He urges believers to not just participate, but to deeply value this observance. It's not about ritualistic consumption; it's about genuine faith and a profound communion with Christ.

1. Introduction: Jeffrey Johnson uses Psalm 51, written by David after his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, as a foundation to discuss repentance, forgiveness, and the nature of sin.
2. Acknowledging Our Sin: David fully acknowledges his sin against God and understands the gravity of his actions. Our sin is always before us, and it's crucial to recognize and confess it.
3. God's Character: God is merciful and loving. It is His nature to forgive, and we should approach Him with our sins because of His steadfast love.
4. Root of Sin: Sin isn't just an action; it's rooted deep within us. David recognized that he was born sinful. We all have this inherent nature.
5. Desire for Purity: David asks God to cleanse him. He wishes to be pure and free from the blemish of sin. We should desire the same purity in our lives.
6. Consequences of Sin: Sin affects our joy, our spirit, and our relationship with God. It's important to approach God with a repentant heart to restore these aspects of our lives.
7. The Necessity of Humility: Pride and self-righteousness are barriers to true repentance. Recognizing our sins and approaching God with a humble heart is the path to restoration.
8. Staying in God's Presence: David fears being cast away from God's presence. We should also fear being away from God and always seek His presence, especially when we sin.
9. Desire for Obedience: David wants the joy of God's salvation and a willing spirit to obey. We should also desire joyful obedience to God's commands.
10. Regaining Usefulness: After repentance and forgiveness, we can be useful in God's service. Our experiences, even failures, can be used to guide and help others.
11. Proper Worship: True worship comes from recognizing our unworthiness and focusing on the worthiness of Christ. Self-righteousness kills genuine worship. After recognizing our sins and experiencing God's forgiveness, we can truly worship Him with a humble heart.
12. Conclusion: Johnson emphasizes the importance of humility, recognizing our sins, and seeking God's forgiveness. Those who approach God with genuine repentance will leave forgiven, cleansed, and filled with joy.

This sermon by James Fetterly focuses on the book of Hosea, specifically Hosea 8, to discuss the themes of God's covenant with His people and the consequences of breaking that covenant. The sermon opens with an exploration of prophecy, emphasizing its dual role in calling both the unregenerate to repentance and the remnant to righteousness.

In Hosea 8, Israel is admonished for its unfaithfulness to God. They have transgressed the covenant by setting up their own idols and altars, despite God giving them His laws and statutes. Even though God would have lavished His laws upon them, they find these laws "strange," reflecting a spiritual apathy and ignorance.

The sermon highlights God's response to Israel's unfaithfulness: He will not accept their sacrifices and will remember and punish their iniquity. Israel is warned that their rebellion will lead them back into bondage, similar to their time in Egypt. They have forgotten their Maker and instead put their trust in their own achievements, like palaces and fortified cities.

Fetterly concludes by urging the listeners to heed the warnings of Hosea. Whether one is unregenerate or part of the remnant, the response to God's impending judgment for unconfessed, unrepentant sin should be the same: repentance. He reassures that God’s scales are tilted toward mercy and His love is unfailing. If people confess their sins, God is faithful and just to forgive them. The sermon ends with a prayer asking for God's Holy Spirit to convict and comfort, praising God for His steadfast love, mercy, kindness, and grace.