The most important things we have received from those who came before us, and the most important things we will entrust to those we leave behind are not genetic or material. It is what the apostle Paul calls "the good deposit." Today we consider the power and gift of leaving a gospel legacy. This sermon was preached on May 9, 2021.

Would God ever oppose His own people? Of course, we're inclined to answer that question with a resounding NO. Think of all the times that the Bible encourages us by telling us that God is for us. But it is precisely BECAUSE God is eternally for His people that He temporarily opposes them. Today we wrestle with God's loving opposition. This sermon was preached on May 2, 2021.

The prophet Amos begins his ministry by telling Israel that God is roaring like a lion. The question is, "At whom is God roaring? Is He like a lion tucked safely away, or is it possible that He could be roaring at His people?" As it turns out, there is a temptation in every generation to be outwardly associated with God and with His people without being genuinely transformed. This is incredibly dangerous for us, and God wants to warn us about it. This sermon was preached on April 25, 2021.

In the midst of the spiritual war being waged around us, God calls us to arm ourselves with the gospel of peace. This is crucial to our preparation. We are not at war with other people. Instead, our aim should be to tell them the good news of what God has done to set aside His hostility against human sin and to reconcile us to Him. Today we examine what God means when He tells us to "Stand therefore, ... as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace."

The basis of our hope in Christ is not only what He did for us in the past, but what He continues to do on our behalf today. He died and was raised, and He always lives to intercede for those who trust in Him. But how do we know that our hope is truly rested in Him? This sermon was preached on April 18, 2021.

There is nothing more consequential than whether or not Jesus was really raised from the dead, which is why all four Gospel-writers give so many pieces of evidence to assure us of its truthfulness. Today we look at John's account and learn why it is significant that the testimony of the earliest Christians was not only, "The tomb is empty," but more specifically, "He is risen, and we have seen Him!" This sermon was preached on April 4, 2021.

The crucifixion and resurrection were not events into which Jesus stumbled accidentally. They were events toward which He walked with clear-eyed determination. That's one of the lessons that Palm Sunday teaches us. And this same Jesus calls us to follow Him. So what does that mean for our lives? This sermon was preached on March 28, 2021.

When it comes to spiritual warfare, God urges us to be prepared before we find ourselves staring down one of Satan's schemes. So it's helpful to know the kinds of tactics the enemy tends to use. Many of Satan's weapons involve some form of temptation and/or accusation. And, as it turns out, God has given us a piece of armor that is fitted precisely to defend against those kinds of attacks. Today we're considering the breastplate of righteousness. What is it? And what does it mean for us to put it on? That's all in this episode of Plain Truth.

All humans instinctively have a sense of the need for justice, and of the need for grace. But how do we handle the desire for both? Human history is filled with an aching for justice, and God has appointed a day when He will judge the world in righteousness. The important thing is knowing that we will be safe on that day. How can we be sure? God gives us an answer through the prophet Joel. This sermon was preached on March 21, 2021.

What is truth? That's a question Pilate posed to Jesus after Jesus told him, "For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” We are constantly bombarded with information, but it can sometimes be difficult to discern what the truth is. Followers of Christ are called not only to believe and profess the truth, but also to live according to it. That is a crucial part of our spiritual warfare against an Enemy whom Jesus calls "a liar and the father of lies." Today we consider what it means to put on the belt of truth.