This sermon examines the personal nature of the Holy Spirit and the believer's capacity to grieve Him through sinful actions such as bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness. It emphasizes that while the Spirit seals the believer for salvation, persistent resistance to His conviction leads to quenching His influence, resulting in spiritual dryness and a perceived absence of God's presence. The message contrasts this negative dynamic with the positive possibility of pleasing the Spirit by cultivating kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness within the body of Christ. The tone is pastoral and convicting, urging believers to actively listen to the Spirit's voice and respond with obedience to maintain a vibrant, joyful communion with God.

Divine simplicity & impassibility

Scripture can be neglected, forgotten, and overlooked, even among God's people. When the Book of the Law was found, King Josiah humbled himself, listened to its message, and led the nation in repentance and renewed obedience. We too must open the Bible with new desire, allowing God's Word to expose our sin, restore our worship, and guide our lives. When we rediscover Scripture, we rediscover God's truth, holiness, mercy, and call to faithful living.

After affirming the doctrine of the eternal security of the true believer, that genuine salvation is a gift of God's power that cannot be lost or forfeited, the message then warns that while salvation is secure, unrepentant sin carries severe consequences for the Christian life. The message identifies seven specific losses resulting from persistent disobedience, including the joy of salvation, personal testimony, God's provision, physical health, spiritual understanding, earthly life, and eternal rewards. By contrasting the assurance of eternal life with the tangible costs of sin, the preacher urges believers to flee temptation and maintain holiness. The tone is both comforting regarding salvation and convicting regarding the necessity of repentance to preserve the fullness of God's blessings.

The sermon explores the concept of excitement in evangelism by analyzing the Greek word for rejoice in Luke 1:47, which implies jumping for joy. It argues that believers should maintain a youthful energy and passion for sharing the gospel, drawing strength from Christ rather than relying on their own abilities. The message outlines ten key aspects of this excitement, including exalting God, practicing charity, walking in integrity, embracing new converts, and trusting in God's mercy and the promise of eternity. It addresses the challenge of rejection by citing Paul and Barnabas, emphasizing that the believer's role is to deliver the truth while the Holy Spirit performs the work of conviction. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging the audience to view evangelism as an urgent and joyful responsibility to warn others and share the free gift of salvation.

The sermon explores the concept of a holy calling and faithful stewardship through the narrative of Ezra transporting sacred vessels to Jerusalem. It argues that a deep understanding of one's separation to God and the weight of spiritual responsibilities motivates believers to live with purpose and avoid the misery of worldly conformity. The text emphasizes that while human effort is necessary, it is insufficient without looking to Jesus for strength and grace to endure the cross of daily discipleship. Additionally, the reality of a future day of accounting before the judgment seat of Christ serves as a powerful secondary motivation for diligence in service. Ultimately, the faithful execution of this calling advances the work of the Lord and brings glory to God through the collective labor of the church.

Guest Pastor-Trey Harper 09-16-26 Follow us on social media-- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@matoakabaptistchurch-bartl6249 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064614887031 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatoakaB Sermon Audio: http://tinysa.com/live/matoakachannel If you were blessed by this sermon, please consider donating here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/MatoakaBaptist We pray God's Holy Spirit quenches yours to eternal life through His everlasting powerful Word. May you be born-again of the incorruptible seed that always yields the fruits of His Holy Spirit and moreover leads to eternal life with Him, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST – The King of King's and the Lord of Lord's – The Alpha and the Omega – The Great "I AM"- The Author and Finisher of our faith – just to name a few. Hallelujah JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN – HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

This sermon addresses the tension between personal calling to missions and the lack of institutional support, urging believers to trust God's directive over human approval. It highlights the disproportionate focus of modern missionary efforts on accessible regions rather than the unreached 10-40 window, using historical figures like William Carey and Hudson Taylor as examples of those who answered God's call despite opposition. The central argument is that the Great Commission is a divine command that compels individual responsibility, supported by the love of Christ and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Listeners are challenged to view the church's role as offensive rather than defensive, actively pursuing the evangelization of the world to fulfill the Great Commission. The message concludes with a convicting appeal to reject complacency and embrace the urgency of sharing the gospel with those who have not yet heard.