Heart on SermonAudio

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This sermon examines the pivotal encounter between Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10, highlighting the theological transition from a Jewish-centric church to the inclusion of Gentiles. The central message emphasizes that God is no respecter of persons, judging individuals by their character, heart, and moral behavior rather than their ethnic background or religious tradition. The speaker argues that Cornelius's prior righteousness and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit demonstrate that salvation is by grace through faith, with water baptism serving as a secondary act of obedience rather than a means of regeneration. The discussion also addresses the nature of divine communication, asserting that while miraculous signs like speaking in tongues occurred in the early church, God now speaks primarily through the written Word and the conscience. Ultimately, the sermon presents this event as the permanent removal of the barrier between Jews and Gentiles, establishing the universal scope of the Gospel.

Scotland needs Jesus! Please keep praying for God to awaken the hearts of the Scottish people to His precious truth. (Street evangelism/ Tuesday afternoon, 6 October, 2026.)

This sermon argues that Christian worship should begin with the explicit words of Scripture, which serve as a divine summons rather than a casual invitation. It emphasizes that believers are commanded to gather before the living God, a reality made possible by the access granted through Jesus Christ as described in Hebrews. The discussion highlights that this assembly is not merely a social meeting but a sacred encounter where God speaks to His people through His Word, prayer, and song. By using biblical texts to initiate the service, the congregation maintains a God-centered focus, fostering an atmosphere of reverence, joy, and mutual encouragement. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the first words spoken in worship are those of God, directing the hearts of believers toward His glory and sustaining their faith.

The sermon explores the character of Judas Iscariot through the lens of John 12, presenting him not as a distant mythological figure but as a relatable example of human weakness and spiritual failure. It argues that while Judas exhibited criticism, greed, and a desire for preeminence, Jesus remained at the table, demonstrating that even the weak are still welcomed by Christ. The message contrasts the genuine worship of Mary, who prepared for Jesus' burial in faith of his resurrection, with Judas' feigned concern for the poor, which masked his true heart. Listeners are challenged to examine their own 'Judas' tendencies, such as bitterness and criticism, which can poison their relationship with God and the church. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance, urging believers to remove the cancer of resentment and choose the spiritual over the physical to experience the fullness of God's grace.

Pastor Don's Books: https://ttwpress.com 2838 - https://www.thetruthpulpit.com

WALKING IN REVIVAL The message centers on what it means to walk in revival every day, emphasizing that Jesus does more than save sinners from judgment—He reaches us in our sin, removes us from the throne of our own lives, teaches us His ways, and sends us back into the world as glad-hearted reconcilers. Spiritual growth often comes through "victory by degrees," as God patiently reveals what needs to change, removes what does not belong, replaces it with His goodness, renews our minds, and readies us for faithful service. Using David's smooth stones as a picture, the sermon teaches that God can use the trials, storms, and lessons of life to work wisdom into us so we can strengthen others facing their own giants. Gratitude, obedience, and glad-heartedness become visible expressions of praise, allowing believers to shine as lights when darkness comes into the lives of those around them. Luke 24 provides the foundation for this everyday mission: we need the Savior, the Scriptures, the sheep, the Spirit, and sinners in our sights. Ultimately, the message calls believers to live intentionally as everyday missionaries, using whatever God has placed in their hands to bring the hope of Jesus to hurting people. Like the wounded deer, Pickle Pearl, people all around us have been beaten down by life and need someone willing to show mercy, help them up, and point them to the Redeemer. Revival is therefore not merely a meeting we attend, but a life in which Jesus continually transforms us and then works through us to reconcile others to Himself. WALKING IN REVIVAL Victory by Degrees and the Life of an Everyday Missionary Primary passages: Proverbs 28:4; Luke 24:44–49 Central tru

The devotional centers on the importance of authentic, heartfelt prayer over performative spirituality, emphasizing that true prayer is directed to God alone, not to impress others. Drawing from Luke 20:47 and the broader biblical principle of sincerity in prayer, it warns against the danger of using prayer as a display of religious superiority, especially in public settings. The preacher contrasts hollow, eloquent prayers with simple, sincere ones, highlighting that God values the heart more than the words or delivery. Through personal anecdotes and reflections on prayer retreats, the message underscores the privilege of approaching God with humility, honesty, and vulnerability, regardless of one's eloquence. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to prioritize intimacy with God over human approval, reminding them that prayer is a sacred conversation with the sovereign Creator, not a performance for an audience.

God has spoken, and His Word gives Christians a trustworthy foundation in a confused world. Dave Jenkins opens the Theology in a Confused World series by examining divine revelation, the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture, and why biblical authority matters for everyday life. Learn how God's truth renews our minds, steadies our hearts, and equips us to face cultural pressure and changing feelings with conviction, humility, and confidence in Christ. For more from Equipping You in Grace, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

We tend to look at the Bible as 66 different books compiled together, but what if we learned to see it as one great story—the story of God's relationship with humanity? In The God of Story, novelist and biblical scholar Dr. Daniel Schwabauer unpacks five essential elements of story—theme, context, characterization, voice, and plot—to reveal the narrative principles woven throughout Scripture. Using these elements as a lens, he traces the cosmic story arc of God's work in creation, redemption, and restoration, helping readers engage the Bible with greater imagination and recognize God as the Master Storyteller. Stories, old as time, still have the power to transform us. They whet our appetites for truth, but sometimes the deeper meaning isn't as obvious as we expect. Schwabauer shows how the Bible's stories invite us to look more closely, ask questions, and search out what God is revealing beneath the surface. In doing so, he helps us connect the individual stories of Scripture to the larger story God is telling—and ultimately to know Him more intimately. Resources mentioned on the show: The God of Story