Wednesday Evening service at Calvary Baptist Pastor Tracy Puckett We are an old fashioned, Independent Missionary Baptist Church, with Holy Ghost, King James preaching, and spirit filled singing. We invite you to come and be a part of our church family. Our doors are always open, and we hope that you and your family will come and experience the love of God here at Calvary! "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. (Psalm 122:1)"

This sermon addresses the destructive nature of contention, identifying it as a heart issue rooted in pride and anger that divides communities and honors Satan rather than God. Drawing primarily from Proverbs, the speaker explains how contentious individuals act like fuel for a fire, escalating conflicts through selfishness and a desire to be right. The message contrasts this spirit with the biblical call to humility, urging believers to become peacemakers who overlook minor offenses and respond with soft answers. By surrendering to the Holy Spirit, Christians can overcome their natural tendencies toward strife and actively choose forgiveness and unity in their families, churches, and workplaces. Ultimately, the preacher encourages listeners to leave behind the 'gasoline' of contention and instead carry water to extinguish fires, reflecting the character of Christ.

The sermon emphasizes the absolute necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit rather than human eloquence or intellect for effective preaching and personal salvation. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 2, it argues that spiritual truths are discerned only through the Spirit, rendering natural wisdom insufficient for understanding God's ways. The message challenges believers to examine their faith, ensuring it rests in Christ Himself rather than mere historical professions of faith. It encourages the congregation to pray for the power of the Holy Spirit in ministry and daily life, highlighting that true spiritual growth and revival depend entirely on divine intervention. Ultimately, the gospel remains powerful unto salvation when proclaimed with dependence on God's Spirit.

The sermon contrasts the Old Covenant of law with the New Covenant of grace, using Exodus 32 and 2 Corinthians 3 to illustrate the shift from external standards to internal transformation. It argues that the law serves as a mirror to reveal sin and prepare hearts for faith, while the Holy Spirit writes God's will on human hearts, granting life and righteousness. The preacher emphasizes that true obedience and worship originate from an inward renewal by the Spirit rather than mere outward religious observance. Believers are described as being progressively transformed into the image of Christ through beholding His glory, moving from condemnation to freedom in the Spirit. This ministry of the Spirit exceeds the glory of the old covenant by offering a permanent, internal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

The sermon warns believers against false teaching and worldly influences by urging them to remain vigilant and grounded in Scripture. It contrasts walking after the flesh with walking after the Spirit, emphasizing that while Christians struggle with daily sin, their will must align with God's righteousness. Drawing primarily from Romans 8, the message highlights the freedom from condemnation found in Christ Jesus and the assurance of His intercession. The preacher stresses that salvation requires a continuous battle against temptation, not a license to live in darkness. Ultimately, the call is to keep eyes fixed on Jesus, trusting in His grace while actively fleeing sin and pursuing holiness.

A listener's honest questions about the Holy Spirit, promised power, and why the Christian life today often seems so different from the book of Acts.

The sermon examines the defining characteristics of apostolic preaching as demonstrated by Peter on the day of Pentecost. It emphasizes that true preaching must be rooted in exegesis, properly interpreting and applying biblical texts rather than imposing external ideas. The speaker contrasts this biblical model with modern trends that prioritize entertainment or personal opinion over scriptural authority. Key themes include the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy regarding the Holy Spirit and the proof of Jesus' resurrection through Psalm 16. The message concludes by urging believers to heed the urgent call to repentance and salvation found in the gospel.

Guest Pastor-Scott Neighbors 08-05-26 Wednesday eve 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!!

Pastor Don's Books: https://ttwpress.com 2694 - https://www.thetruthpulpit.com