A brief bit of encouragement for the journey from God's Word. Today's Scripture reading: 2 Samuel 19 To support this devotional ministry: https://faithbaptiststerling.com/give/ Music: "Awaken the Dawn" by Stanton Lanier https://www.stantonlanier.com CCLI #20109360

The sermon argues that biblical forgiveness is conditional upon genuine repentance, rejecting the concept of unconditional forgiveness often promoted by secular culture. By examining Old and New Testament scriptures, the preacher demonstrates that God forgives only after sinners turn from their wicked ways, establishing a clear pattern for human relationships. The message emphasizes that true repentance involves a fundamental change of mind and lifestyle, leading to authentic reconciliation between offended parties. Using examples like Joseph and Christ, the text illustrates that while believers are called to love enemies through compassion, forgiveness itself requires the offender's admission of guilt. Ultimately, the central thesis asserts that no repentance results in no forgiveness, making this sequence essential for restoring broken relationships.

The story of Christian and Hopeful's detour into By-path Meadow serves as a poignant warning against seeking easy shortcuts in the face of hardship. Driven by physical discomfort, the pilgrims allowed a seemingly parallel path and false assurances to blind them to the gradual dangers of straying from their true course. Ultimately, their choice illustrates how small, seemingly harmless compromises can subtly lead one away from safety, leaving them vulnerable to the paralyzing grip of doubt, guilt, and despair when trials inevitably arise.

Have you ever wondered why every one of us is a sinner—not merely because we sin, but because we were born that way? God appointed Adam as the covenant head of the human race. The covenant of works was made with him not only for himself but for all who would descend from him. When Adam willfully disobeyed, his guilt was imputed to us and a corrupted nature was conveyed to us. That is original sin: the guilt of Adam's first transgression and the inherited corruption of our whole nature. Death spread to all people because all sinned in Adam. This is not merely a dark doctrine. It is the necessary backdrop that makes the gospel shine. There is a last Adam. Where the first Adam's disobedience made many sinners, the obedience of Jesus Christ makes many righteous. Join us as we open Scripture together on Adam's covenant headship and original sin—and see why this truth drives us to the only Head who can save.

A brief bit of encouragement for the journey from God's Word. Today's Scripture reading: 2 Samuel 16 To support this devotional ministry: https://faithbaptiststerling.com/give/ Music: "Awaken the Dawn" by Stanton Lanierhttps://www.stantonlanier.com CCLI #20109360

And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted. (Isaiah 49:11) *1/ How the LORD made mountains a way for his people Israel through history. 2/ Consider the mountains our Lord made a way in redemption. 3/ Consider the mountains God's people face in experience. 4/ Consider God's highways that are exalted.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon expounds on Isaiah 49:11, illustrating how God transforms insurmountable obstacles into pathways for His glory. It traces this theme through Israel's history, demonstrating divine intervention in impossible situations such as the Exodus and the return from Babylon. The message emphasizes that Christ overcame the spiritual mountains of sin debt and unrighteousness through redemption, providing believers with His righteousness. Additionally, it addresses personal trials like guilt and affliction, affirming that God controls these difficulties to display His grace. Finally, the preacher highlights the exalted highways of salvation, including Christ, Scripture, and mercy, which guide believers safely to glory.

1. Guilt 2. Grace 3. Gratitude & Obedience

Hebrews 9:11–14 teaches that when Christ appeared as the High Priest of the good things to come, He brought a better and perfect sacrifice. Unlike the earthly priests who entered an earthly sanctuary with the blood of animals, Christ entered the greater heavenly sanctuary once for all, offering His own blood. His sacrifice was not temporary or limited—it accomplished eternal redemption for those who believe in Him. This shows us that our salvation does not depend on repeated sacrifices or human efforts, but on the finished work of Jesus Christ. The passage also emphasizes the transforming power of Christ's blood. If the blood of animals could provide outward ceremonial cleansing, how much more can the blood of Christ cleanse our consciences from dead works so that we may serve the living God? When Christ appeared, He dealt not only with the outward effects of sin but with the guilt and burden within us. Therefore, believers can approach God with confidence, knowing that Christ has paid the price completely, cleansed us from sin, and given us freedom to live a life devoted to serving God.

Practical Cases of Conscience - #1 What conviction of a state of sin, and of the guilt of sin, is necessary to cause a soul sincerely to look after Christ? What Jesus Christ doth indispensably call men unto, in order to believing in him, that is indispensably required of them. And this I shall manifest out of two or three places of Scripture:—Mark 2:17, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Now, this calling them unto repentance, is a calling them unto it by the faith which is in him. The apostle saith, 1 Tim. 1:15, "It is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners." What kind of sinners doth Christ call? Whom he calls to repentance, he calls to faith; and whom he calls to faith, that they may truly believe, they are sinners—opposed unto them that are righteous:

In this message, Pastor Byron Chesney examines the healing of the helpless man at the Pool of Bethesda and the life-changing question Jesus asked him. The message shows that, just as the man could not heal himself, sinners cannot free themselves from the guilt and power of sin. Rather than depending upon excuses, human effort, religious traditions, or temporary solutions, every person must respond to the Word of God with obedient faith. Jesus Christ alone can save, restore, and make a person whole, but each individual must decide whether to receive Him by faith or remain in a condition they cannot escape on their own.