Gratitude on SermonAudio

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:13) *1/ The word of God heard through men. 2/ The Word of God retains its authority though heard through men. 3/ The Word of God received as such effectually works in them that believe.* **Sermon summary:** This sermon examines 1 Thessalonians 2:13 to explore the nature and power of Scripture, emphasizing that God's Word is heard through human instruments yet retains its divine authority. The speaker highlights the importance of giving thanks to God for the spiritual effects of His Word, noting that Paul frequently expressed gratitude for the faith and love observed in the churches he served. The message argues that the Word of God is not merely human opinion but inspired truth that effectually works in believers, producing faith, conviction, and transformation. By contrasting the careless dismissal of Scripture with the reverent reception of the Thessalonians, the sermon calls for a recognition of the Holy Spirit's role in making the Gospel effective. Ultimately, the tone is instructional and encouraging, urging the congregation to acknowledge God's grace as it manifests through the life-changing power of the preached and written Word.

Dr. Andre Schoeffler explores the theological concept of the fear of God, defining it as a profound sense of reverential awe that combines dread, veneration, and wonder. Using a parable of a Marine recruit and a general, the message illustrates how this awe evolves from initial fear into deep respect and gratitude, emphasizing that believers must maintain a sense of God's holiness and authority rather than viewing Him as merely a casual companion.

This sermon explores the imperative for believers to live lives that reflect the character of Christ, grounded in the prayer of Paul for the Colossians. It emphasizes that walking worthy of the Lord requires a prerequisite of spiritual maturity and reliance on the Holy Spirit, rather than human effort alone. The message challenges the congregation to view their daily actions as a serious representation of Jesus, urging consistency, endurance, and excellence in all circumstances. Key outcomes of this faithful walk include bearing fruit in good works, growing in the knowledge of God, and maintaining a joyful, grateful attitude despite hardships. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a steady, forward motion in faith, trusting that God provides the strength to endure and that believers will be judged by how faithfully they have represented His name.

The sermon explores Leviticus 27 as a chapter centred on the serious nature of voluntary vows and commitments made to God, arguing that it is not an anticlimactic postscript but a logical conclusion to the covenant promises in chapter 26. It examines the regulations for dedicating people, animals, and property, emphasising that such vows require careful forethought and carry significant weight because God does not forget. The preacher connects these Old Testament laws to the New Testament reality of salvation by grace, illustrating that believers are purchased by Christ's blood and therefore belong to God. This redemption calls for a life of grateful devotion, in which Christians present themselves as living sacrifices and give their best in worship and service. The message concludes with an exhortation to live with holy purpose, giving to God's work out of thankfulness rather than duty, and striving to glorify Him in all aspects of life.

This sermon examines Paul's opening address to the Corinthian church, highlighting how he prioritises gratitude for God's grace over immediate correction of sin. The central message emphasises that believers are enriched in speech and knowledge, confirmed in the testimony of Christ, and equipped with sufficient spiritual gifts for service. The exposition argues that this divine enrichment is not dependent on human performance but on God's faithfulness, which secures the believer's blamelessness on the day of Christ's return. The tone is pastoral and encouraging, urging the congregation to view the church through the lens of shared privilege and unshakable hope rather than through a critical or judgmental perspective. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a posture of thanksgiving and unity, recognising that the fellowship of believers is grounded in the call of God and the sufficiency of Christ's grace.

This sermon explores the theological depth and practical significance of the Lord's Supper, emphasizing that it is a commanded act of obedience rather than an optional ritual. The message identifies five key aspects of the table: it serves as an act of fellowship and intimacy with God, demonstrates the unity of the body of Christ, proclaims the benefits of the New Covenant, remembers the cost of salvation, and declares faith in the forgiveness of sins. The speaker encourages believers to approach the table with gratitude and a clear understanding of its meaning, avoiding both casual indifference and fearful hesitation. Furthermore, the sermon highlights the forward-looking nature of the communion, reminding the congregation to anticipate the return of Christ with enthusiasm and hope. Ultimately, the Lord's Table is presented as a vital practice for maintaining a close relationship with God and proclaiming the gospel to the world.

The sermon examines the healing of a leper in Mark 1, highlighting the desperate faith of the man who asks Jesus if He is willing to make him clean. The preacher contrasts the leper's bold request with the societal and ceremonial exclusion that leprosy imposed, emphasizing that Jesus reverses the natural order of uncleanness by touching the man and restoring him. A central theme is the tension between the leper's immediate desire to proclaim the news and Jesus's stern command to remain silent and present himself to the priests, illustrating that premature or self-directed proclamation can frustrate the full revelation of the Gospel. Using the modern analogy of a kidney transplant recipient who neglects medication, the message argues that human disobedience often stems from a lack of gratitude and a preference for self-reliance over divine direction. The sermon concludes by challenging the audience to trust God's will completely, recognizing that His willingness to save is limitless, while calling for a response of faithful obedience and gratitude rather than self-serving silence.

La justificación por la fe cierra la puerta al orgullo y deja a Dios con toda la gloria. En Romanos 3:27-31, el apóstol Pablo nos enseña a descansar solo en Cristo, a recibir como hermanos a todos los que creen y a amar la ley de Dios con gratitud. «¿Dónde está, pues, la jactancia? Queda excluida. ¿Por cuál ley? ¿La de las obras? No, sino por la ley de la fe.» (Romanos 3:27, NBLA) Este es el sermón #19 de la serie «El justo por la fe vivirá», predicado en el culto matutino del 11 de octubre de 2026 en la Iglesia Presbiteriana Libre Palabra de Vida (Los Frailes II, Santo Domingo Este). Pablo responde tres preguntas: ¿dónde está la jactancia?, ¿es Dios el Dios de los judíos solamente? y ¿anulamos la ley por medio de la fe? Con ellas veremos una puerta cerrada al orgullo, una sola puerta para todos los pueblos y una ley que queda en pie. Es un mensaje para quien todavía confía en su conducta, su religión, su trasfondo o sus años en la iglesia, y también para el creyente que mide su relación con Dios por su desempeño de la semana.