Gratitude on SermonAudio

Jesus Christ is the Rock of our salvation. He is always just a prayer away. Listen as we draw out of Psalm 61 the times when we need to get to the Rock.

This sermon introduces the book of Ephesians by exploring its historical context, authorship, and theological significance as the quintessence of Pauline teaching. It highlights the central theme that God's covenant promises, originally given to Abraham, are fulfilled in Christ, creating a new society where Jews and Gentiles are united as one body. The message emphasizes the structural logic of the letter, distinguishing between the indicative mood of what God has done and the imperative mood of how believers respond in faithfulness. By examining the cultural backdrop of ancient Ephesus and the apostolic authority of Paul, the sermon underscores that salvation is entirely by grace, leading to a life of peace and love. The final exhortation calls the congregation to remember their first love and to live out their new identity in Christ with gratitude and unity.

We have been praising God and thanking Him for providing us with this building. We are grateful to the one who owns the buildings on a thousand hills. But the best way to show our gratitude over the long haul is this: make our building a house of prayer. God's house must be called, will be called, a house of prayer for all peoples. If religious ritual were what the human race really needs, there's plenty of it here. We have the slaughtering of animals by the tens of thousands. We have the visible glory cloud of God. We have spectacle; we have beautiful clothes; according to Chronicles, we have an orchestra and choir; we have the noise of animals and tens of thousands of people and blood and guts all over the place. This is a multi-media spectacle beyond the dreams of Hollywood. But Solomon wasn't interested in pantomime, or in letting the ritual speak for itself. He was determined that the house of God be sanctified not by edifying religious spectacle, but by the word of God and prayer. What I want you to take away from this message is simple: The Temple was sanctified by the word of God and prayer. We see this specifically in Solomon's prayer, which is full of interplay between the word of God and prayer. Throughout, this prayer emphasizes the grace of God. We are built up not by spectacle, but by learning the word of God and speaking it back to Him in prayer. So, as Solomon did of old, as Jesus announced in His day too, let us resolve that God's house here at 200 East Eighth Street in Gillette will be a house of prayer.

1. Good Works and Christ's Salvation 2. Good Works and God's Purposes 3. Good Works and Our Motivation The sermon explores the theological necessity of good works, arguing that they are an inherent result of salvation rather than a condition for it. It distinguishes between the redemptive work of Christ on the cross and the renewing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer, emphasizing that true salvation involves a radical transformation that enables and compels godly conduct. The central message asserts that good works are not a threat to sovereign grace but are demanded by it, serving as evidence of faith and a means of glorifying God. The discussion highlights three primary purposes for good works: the glory of God, the assurance of the believer's faith, and witnessing through a godly lifestyle. This instructional and pastoral teaching calls the congregation to examine their motives, moving from a sense of obligation to a heartfelt desire for gratitude and obedience driven by the indwelling Spirit.

This sermon explores the theological reality of believers being adopted into God's family through faith in Christ Jesus, as outlined in Galatians 3. The message emphasizes that this status is not based on ethnic background, social standing, or gender, but solely on the saving work of Jesus and the believer's trust in Him. It distinguishes between God as the Creator of all and the Heavenly Father of the redeemed, highlighting that only those who receive Christ are granted the power to become His sons. The concept of 'putting on Christ' is presented as a change of identity and lifestyle, where believers separate from worldliness not to earn favor, but because their new nature aligns with their divine family. Finally, the sermon concludes by affirming that all believers, Jew and Gentile alike, are included in the Abrahamic promise and are joint heirs with Christ, encouraging a deep sense of gratitude and confidence in this spiritual inheritance.

What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. (Psalms 116:12-14) ~~~~~ This sermon was preached at Bells Yew Green Chapel, Lord's Day afternoon. ~~~~~ *1/ The Lord's benefits towards us. 2/ A question as to what to do. 3/ A two fold answer.* **Sermon summary:** This sermon examines the believer's response to God's spiritual benefits, centring on the question, "What shall I render unto the Lord?" The message distinguishes between temporal provisions and the superior value of soul deliverance, urging listeners to recognize spiritual blessings such as answered prayer, conviction of sin, and the fullness of Christ's covenant. It emphasizes that the appropriate response is a two-fold commitment: privately taking the cup of salvation through thanksgiving and public profession, and publicly paying vows in the presence of God's people. The preacher encourages the congregation to view their life experiences as a unique cup of salvation that testifies to God's grace, culminating in the call for baptism and participation in the Lord's Supper as acts of public faith.

God's Law is a wonderful gift, revealing His holiness and teaching us how to love Him and our neighbors. Yet, like all of God's good gifts, it can be twisted by our sinful hearts to serve our own purposes. This Sunday, we'll consider the beauty of God's Law, the danger of abusing it, and how Jesus fulfilled its demands on our behalf. We are saved not by our obedience, but by Christ's perfect righteousness. And having been saved by grace, we are freed to obey God out of gratitude and love.

In this sermon from 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Rev. Ryan Denton expounds upon the biblical duty of Christian thanksgiving, showing that gratitude is not merely a feeling dependent upon our circumstances, but a duty owed to God because of who He is and what He has done for us in Jesus Christ. Drawing from the Scriptures, the examples of Job, David, the Apostle Paul, and Matthew Henry, Rev. Denton examines the call to give thanks in both prosperity and affliction. He reminds us that God's providence governs every circumstance of our lives, and that even our trials serve His fatherly purposes, refining our faith and directing our hearts toward the glory yet to come. Above all, our thanksgiving is grounded in Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, through whom the curse is removed and believers are reconciled to God. Because of Christ's finished work, we have every reason to rejoice, even in our darkest hours.

Lord's Day 32

This sermon invites listeners to behold Jesus on His road to the cross and discover three defining truths about His character—His unflinching resolve to obey the Father, His self‑giving service that culminates in giving His life as a ransom for many, and His tender mercy that stops for beggars who cry out for help. Through vivid exposition of Mark 10:32–52, it shows how Jesus' perfect obedience becomes our righteousness, how His sacrificial service reshapes our understanding of greatness, and how His compassionate heart welcomes anyone who cries out for mercy. It's a call to see Jesus as He truly is—and to follow Him with humility, gratitude, and confidence in His love.