Grace Bible Church of Conway's Podcast

The sermon by James Fetterly focuses on the book of Hosea, specifically chapters 4 and 5, and explores the themes of sin, judgment, and the grace of God in the context of the Israelite society. Hosea serves as a "prosecutor" for God, laying out the case against Israel for their spiritual adultery, disobedience, and abandonment of the Lord.

The sermon begins by diving into the root problem of Israel's disobedience: lack of knowledge. The "knowledge of God" is not just intellectual awareness but involves a deep, intimate relationship with God, manifesting in obedience and love for Him. In Hosea 4:1-5, the indictment against Israel includes not only the absence of faithfulness, kindness, and the knowledge of God but also the prevalence of swearing, lying, and murder.

Leadership, both religious and political, is especially called out. The leaders are accused of misleading the people, of being corrupt, and as a result, the whole land mourns. Leaders share a greater responsibility, for they lead not just themselves but the entire community astray. In Hosea 4:10, the society is seen seeking joy in sin, yet failing to find true satisfaction, illustrating how sin only leads to misery.

As for the individuals, they too have turned to other gods, seeking guidance from pieces of wood and engaging in sorcery and unauthorized sacrifices. This collective sin has consequences, impacting future generations and perpetuating the cycle of sin and misery.

However, there is a note of mercy; God holds back the complete judgment they deserve. The focus then shifts from Israel to Judah. Hosea warns Judah not to follow Israel's mistakes. Israel is compared to a stubborn heifer that cannot be led to a better path.

The sermon concludes on a gospel-centered note, highlighting that while everyone has sinned and broken God's covenant, there is hope in Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the covenant. The call is for people to confess their sins and turn to Christ to escape the coming wrath and to find eternal life.

The overarching message is that sin has real, devastating consequences, but God's grace offers a way out for those who repent and turn to Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes the importance of staying true to the covenantal relationship with God, warning of the dire consequences for those who stray, and encouraging a return to faithfulness through Christ. Amen.

The sermon by Tommy Walls delves into the biblical narrative of the covenant between David and Jonathan, as found in the books of 1st and 2nd Samuel. The sermon begins by emphasizing the power of storytelling, particularly the story of the Gospel, which is the greatest story ever told. It then moves on to recount the deep friendship and covenant between David and Jonathan, the son of King Saul. This covenant is framed as a foreshadowing of the New Covenant in Christ.

The sermon details the last meeting between David and Jonathan, where they reaffirm their covenant. It also discusses the animosity between King Saul and David, fueled by Saul's jealousy. After the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, David remembers his covenant and seeks to show kindness to any remaining members of Saul's house for Jonathan's sake. This leads him to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's lame son, who lives in Lodebar, a barren place symbolizing hopelessness.

Mephibosheth is brought to David and is treated with kindness, not because of anything he has done, but because of David's covenant with Jonathan. He is given a place at the king's table and becomes like one of David's sons. The sermon points out that all of this is symbolic of the New Covenant in Christ. Just as Mephibosheth was lame and living in a barren place, humanity is spiritually lame and lives in a barren world due to the Fall. Yet, God, remembering His covenant, shows kindness to humanity for the sake of Jesus Christ.

The sermon concludes by encouraging the congregation to find solace in the cross of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that the kindness shown to them is because of the eternal covenant between God the Father and God the Son. It calls for people to turn from their barren lives and come into the presence of the King, who offers them a place at His table and an inheritance as His children.

The sermon by James Fetterly delves into the Christian doctrine of justification and imputation, focusing on how sinners are made righteous in the eyes of God. Drawing from various books of the Bible, including Isaiah, Genesis, Psalms, and Zechariah, Fetterly paints a vivid picture of the courtroom setting where God declares sinners as righteous, not by their own deeds but by faith in Christ alone.

The sermon begins with a prayer and an introduction to Isaiah 61:10, which speaks of rejoicing in the Lord for He has clothed us with garments of salvation and robes of righteousness. Fetterly emphasizes that this concept is not just a New Testament idea but is rooted in the Old Testament as well.

He then moves to Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve's sin led to their awareness of their nakedness and their attempt to cover themselves with fig leaves. Fetterly points out that God provided them with garments of skins, signifying that something innocent had to die to cover their sin. This act foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the atonement of human sin.

In discussing Abraham's faith in Genesis 15, Fetterly highlights how Abraham's belief in God was "counted" or "imputed" to him as righteousness. This sets the stage for the New Testament doctrine that righteousness comes by faith alone, not by works.

The sermon also covers Psalm 32, where David speaks of the blessedness of having one's sins forgiven and not counted against them. Fetterly emphasizes that this is another example of imputation in the Old Testament.

In Zechariah 3, Joshua the high priest stands accused before God, wearing filthy garments symbolizing sin. God commands that these garments be removed and that Joshua be clothed in pure vestments, illustrating the doctrine of imputation where our sins are removed, and we are clothed in Christ's righteousness.

Fetterly concludes by summarizing that justification has both a negative and a positive element: the removal of guilt and the granting of righteousness. He stresses that both are essential for salvation. The sermon ends with a prayer, asking God to encourage those in Christ and convict those who have not yet placed their trust in Him.

The sermon by Jeffrey Johnson delves into the concept of priesthood, particularly contrasting the Old Testament Aaronic priesthood with the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Johnson begins by discussing the Aaronic priesthood, emphasizing its limitations and failures. He points out that the Aaronic priesthood was a covenant of works that only brought more judgment upon Israel. The priests had to bear the sins of the people and offer sacrifices, but these sacrifices were insufficient for true atonement.

Johnson then transitions to the New Testament, focusing on Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest. Unlike the Aaronic priests, Jesus is a priest in the order of Melchizedek, not bound by lineage or the law. Jesus is both fully God and fully man, allowing Him to serve as the perfect mediator between God and humanity. His sacrifice on the cross was once and for all, unlike the repeated sacrifices required by the Aaronic priesthood.

The sermon also explores the concept of the "veil," which Johnson interprets as the human body that separates us from the direct presence of God. Jesus had to die to go "behind the veil," entering heaven itself to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.

Johnson concludes by emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus' priesthood for believers today. Through Christ, we are now a "kingdom of priests," able to approach God with confidence and offer "spiritual sacrifices" that are pleasing to Him because they are sanctified by Christ.

Overall, the sermon underscores the insufficiency of human efforts to attain righteousness and the all-sufficiency of Christ as our High Priest, who not only makes atonement possible but also transforms us into a people who can serve God acceptably.

The sermon by Jeffrey Johnson delves into the complexities of the Mosaic covenant, its relationship to the moral law, and its implications for both Jews and Gentiles. Johnson argues that the Mosaic covenant is an administration of the eternal covenant of works, which is founded on God's moral law. This moral law, encapsulated in the Ten Commandments, is universal and eternal, unlike the civil and ceremonial laws that were specific to the Israelites.

Johnson emphasizes that the Mosaic covenant has become obsolete, as stated in Hebrews 8, due to Israel's failure to uphold it and because of the fulfillment of the law in Jesus Christ. However, the moral law, which is the foundation of the Mosaic covenant, still applies universally. Johnson warns that all people, regardless of their religious background, are under this moral law and will be held accountable for it.

The sermon then shifts focus to the pressing issue of how one can escape the binding contract of the moral law, which condemns all to judgment. Johnson outlines three steps for this:

1. Die to Self: One must realize their hopeless state under the moral law and die to their self-righteousness and self-reliance.
2. Accept Christ's Substitution: Jesus Christ took upon Himself the obligations and curses of the moral law. By faith, one must accept that Christ's death is their death, freeing them from the law's curses.
3. Believe in Jesus: Finally, one must forsake all self-righteousness and believe solely in Jesus Christ for salvation. This faith frees one from the binding contract of the moral law and grants them eternal life.

Johnson concludes by urging his listeners to turn to Jesus Christ, who alone can free them from the eternal contract of the moral law, offering them true rest and salvation.

The sermon by Jeffrey Johnson delves deeply into the Abrahamic Covenant, its implications, and its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Johnson argues that the Abrahamic Covenant is essentially an administration of the Covenant of Works, which required obedience to God's law for the fulfillment of its promises. The covenant was not just about physical circumcision but demanded a circumcised heart, symbolizing full obedience to God's law. The physical descendants of Abraham, the Jews, failed to meet these conditions, breaking the covenant and thereby not inheriting the promises.

Johnson emphasizes that the true fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant comes through Jesus Christ, the "one seed" of Abraham who perfectly obeyed God's law. Christ, therefore, inherits all the promises of the covenant, and through faith in Him, both Jews and Gentiles can become heirs to these promises. This faith unites believers with Christ, making them joint heirs with Him.

The sermon also tackles the misconception that being a physical descendant of Abraham or adhering to the law and circumcision guarantees one's status as God's chosen people. Johnson uses various New Testament passages to show that true children of Abraham are those who have faith, irrespective of their ethnic background.

Johnson concludes by stating that the Abrahamic Covenant is essentially the gospel message. It promises not just a temporal land but an eternal inheritance in a new heaven and a new earth. The covenant is fulfilled not by human works but by God's grace through faith in Christ, ensuring that all glory goes to God.

The sermon by Ryan Bush delves into the book of Hosea, specifically focusing on Hosea Chapter 2. The sermon begins with a prayer and a brief historical context to situate the audience in the timeline of the Old Testament. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the wider context to fully grasp the meaning of the text.

The sermon is divided into two main sections: the first deals with Israel's unfaithfulness to God, and the second discusses God's grace and mercy towards Israel. Hosea is presented as a prophet raised by God to call His people back to Him, warning them of the impending judgment if they continue in their unfaithfulness. The Israelites are shown to have turned to Baal worship, a god of prosperity and human reproduction, which also involved sexual immorality.

The preacher offers practical applications throughout the sermon, warning that sin will eventually be exposed and that God's discipline is for our spiritual good. He also cautions against the dangers of sexual immorality and advises those trapped in sin to seek help.

The sermon then shifts to the grace and mercy of God, describing how God allures Israel back to Him despite their unfaithfulness. This is seen as a representation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that God's mercy is available to all who turn to Him in faith.

The sermon concludes with a prayer, thanking God for His mercy and grace and asking for help to remember, cling to, and rejoice in God's mercy.

The sermon by Jeffrey Johnson delves into the concept of the Covenant of Works as a foundational element in understanding the Bible, the law, death, and the Gospel. Johnson argues that the Covenant of Works is not just an Old Testament concept but is integral to the entire biblical narrative.

1. Understanding the Law: Johnson begins by explaining that the Covenant of Works is essential for understanding the moral law. He cites the Garden of Eden as the first instance where this covenant was established. Adam and Eve were given the freedom to eat from any tree except the Tree of Knowledge. The law was delivered in a covenant form, and God does not enter into any relationships outside of law and covenant law.
2. Understanding Death: Johnson argues that death cannot be understood outside the context of the Covenant of Works. He counters the argument that the term "covenant" is not explicitly mentioned in Genesis by stating that the concept is inherently present. He emphasizes that the Covenant of Works is conditional and was broken when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, leading to spiritual and physical death for humanity.
3. Understanding the Gospel: Johnson contends that the Covenant of Works is foundational for understanding the Gospel and salvation. He points out that just as we are condemned in Adam, we are made righteous in Christ. Christ did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. He obeyed the law and also suffered its penalty on our behalf, redeeming us from the curse of the law.
4. Christ's Fulfillment: Johnson concludes by highlighting how Christ is currently fulfilling the original mandates given to Adam and Eve. Christ is subduing the earth and bringing many sons and daughters to glory, not through procreation but through regeneration.

The sermon ends with a prayer asking God to help us appreciate the glorious truth of what has been done for us in Jesus Christ. Johnson mentions that in the next sermon, he will discuss the covenant God made with Abraham as another administration of the Covenant of Works.

Overall, Johnson argues that the Covenant of Works is not just an archaic or Old Testament concept but is vital for understanding the law, death, and ultimately, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The sermon by Daniel Thursby focuses on the concept of spiritual adoption, emphasizing its significance in the Christian life. Drawing primarily from Romans 8 and Ephesians 1, Thursby outlines the privileges and responsibilities that come with being adopted into God's family. He argues that adoption is not merely a legal transaction but a transformation of identity, where believers take on God's name and become heirs to His glory.

Thursby highlights the contrast between our former "household of sin" under Satan and our new family under God. He explains that adoption provides immediate access to God ("Abba, Father") and the spiritual blessings that come with being His child. This adoption is not just a change in status but a change in identity, akin to receiving a new birth certificate with God's name on it.

The sermon also delves into the theological underpinnings of adoption, citing the Second London Baptist Confession and theologians like John Murray and John Gerudo. Thursby emphasizes that justification is a prerequisite for adoption, and all who are justified will be adopted into God's family.

In terms of practical application, Thursby suggests that adoption should be the lens through which believers view their Christian life. He argues that our primary identity should be as children of God, and this should guide our actions, ethics, and relationships. He also stresses the eternal bond between believers, which is stronger than any earthly familial ties.

Thursby concludes by reflecting on the immense love God has shown in adopting believers as His children, citing 1 John 3:1. He encourages the congregation to live in a manner worthy of this new identity and to remember that the world's rejection is a result of its ignorance of God.

The sermon ends with a prayer, asking God to help believers live up to their new identity and to proclaim the good news of spiritual adoption to the world.

This sermon by Jeffrey Johnson focuses on the importance of community within the Christian faith, specifically the role of believers in restoring those who have strayed from the path. Drawing from the Epistle of James and other scriptures, Johnson underscores the obligation to gently correct brothers and sisters in the faith, always acting in a spirit of humility and love. He warns against the dangers of self-righteousness and emphasizes that correction should not be a source of personal delight but should stem from a genuine concern for the spiritual well-being of others.

Johnson also discusses the role of encouragement and positive reinforcement, especially in addressing "small sins," and highlights the respect due to elders when offering them correction. The ultimate solution to wandering from faith, according to Johnson, is the gospel itself, which offers God's boundless grace and forgiveness. Individuals who have wandered are not beyond redemption; they are precisely the people for whom grace exists.

Furthermore, the sermon touches upon the themes of God's promises, the warnings found in the Book of Hebrews, and the need for balance in seeking assurance of salvation. Johnson advises against placing assurance in a past date of conversion, instead encouraging believers to trust in the stability and promises of Jesus Christ.

The sermon ends by emphasizing that it is both a privilege and responsibility for Christians to be used by God in the preservation and restoration of His people, helping to "save souls from death" and "cover a multitude of sins."