In part four of his Romans 6 series, David Forsyth unpacks what it truly means to be dead to sin. He stresses that our emancipation from sin’s power is permanent through our union with Christ. Forsyth explains how this theological truth must be understood, believed, and acted upon daily. Believers are called to reckon themselves dead to sin and alive to God—this is the foundation for walking in holiness and victory over sin.

In part three of his Romans 6 series, David Forsyth explains how believers have been delivered from sin's power. He emphasizes that through union with Christ, the old self has been crucified and the body of sin rendered ineffective. This freedom means Christians are no longer slaves to sin. Forsyth urges believers to live out this truth, reminding them they have truly been delivered from sin's power by grace through faith.

In part two of his series on Romans 6:1–14, David Forsyth unpacks what it means to be united with Christ. This union is the foundation for breaking sin’s grip, as believers have been crucified, buried, and raised with Christ. Because they are united with Christ, they now walk in newness of life. Forsyth emphasizes that this union is real, transformative, and central to the Christian identity and sanctification.

In this powerful introduction to Romans 6:1–14, David Forsyth unpacks what it means to have died to sin and how that truth transforms the Christian life. Addressing common misconceptions and bad theology, he explains that sanctification begins with belief—not behavior. Forsyth emphasizes that those in Christ have truly died to sin and no longer live under its dominion. This gospel truth provides the foundation for breaking sin’s grip.

In this Q&A session, Jim Osman addresses the tension between God’s justice and mercy, reconciling how God delights in executing justice (Ezekiel 18:30-32, 33:11) yet takes no pleasure in the wicked’s death, using a personal analogy of disciplining his granddaughter to illustrate that God rejoices in righteousness, not suffering. He explores divine sovereignty and human responsibility, affirming God’s desire for repentance while securing salvation for the elect. He defends a limited atonement—Christ dying specifically for the elect’s sins, not universally—highlighting the Trinity’s unified purpose. Jim also tackles practical questions, speculating that babies in heaven may be made whole or raised in the New Creation, cautioning against AI’s deceptive potential and heretical music like Bethel’s, and offering discernment principles for books and observances like Lent, blending doctrinal depth with actionable wisdom for believers.

List of Questions:

1. How do you reconcile the statement that God delights in executing justice with the teaching of Scripture that God does not delight in the death of the wicked?
2. Any other questions regarding that [God’s justice and mercy]?
3. What state will babies who die be in during the Millennial Kingdom or the eternal state in the new heavens and new earth?
4. Do you know of a Scripture passage that specifically addresses the state of babies in heaven?
5. Is heaven a place of time, given the reference to a tree bearing different fruit every month in the New Creation?
6. Could artificial intelligence be the mark of the beast because of the technology’s capabilities?
7. Why don’t we sing songs written by people who apostatize or heretics, yet our church holds some teachings of Martin Luther, who later had issues with anti-Semitism?
8. Why don’t we sing those songs [by heretical groups] even though we disagree with some of their teachings?
9. Where do you think the line is in personally listening to Bethel music at home?
10. What principles do you apply to reading books—not just for yourself but keeping them in your library, buying them, recommending them wholeheartedly, or recommending them with caution?
11. What is the difference between celebrating observances like Lent and Advent and other cultural or religious observances?
12. What is the difference between those who say Christ died only for the sins of the elect, and yet people prior to their salvation are under the wrath of God, though their sins have been laid upon Christ?
13. Were you asking a question specifically about the difference between the sufficiency of the atonement and the application of the atonement?
14. How do we decide which church we should attend apart from just basing their teachings on the Word of God?

In Matthew 13, David Henke examines the parable of the wheat and tares, highlighting the distinction between the children of God and the children of the devil. He explains how the enemy sows counterfeit believers alongside true followers of Christ, emphasizing the importance of discernment. The sermon challenges listeners to evaluate their faith and ensure they are producing fruit as children of God. In the end, God will separate the righteous from the wicked, bringing eternal reward for the faithful and judgment for the deceivers.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-32) illustrates God’s joy over a repentant sinner through the stories of a lost sheep, a lost coin, and two sons. The younger son rebels squanders his inheritance and falls into despair before returning home in repentance. His father, filled with compassion, welcomes him back with a grand celebration, symbolizing God's grace. Meanwhile, the older son, resentful of his brother’s restoration, represents the self-righteous who struggle to grasp grace. The parable emphasizes that salvation is not earned but freely given, and God rejoices when the lost are found.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates true love and mercy, challenging us to care for others beyond social or cultural barriers. Dave Henke highlights that loving our neighbor requires action, not just sentiment, and emphasizes that salvation isn’t earned through works but received through faith in Christ. The Samaritan’s compassion contrasts with the priest and Levite’s neglect, revealing that true righteousness comes from a heart transformed by God’s grace. Jesus’ message is clear: show mercy and live out God’s love in practical ways.

In Introduction to the Parables (Matthew 13:10-17), David Henke explains the purpose of parables and why Jesus shifted to using them in His teaching. Contrary to popular belief, parables were not meant to simplify the message but to reveal truth to believers while concealing it from those who rejected Christ. Henke highlights how the purpose of parables demonstrates God's sovereignty in granting spiritual understanding to those who seek Him.

In a world shadowed by sin and guilt, Psalm 32 offers a way out—a path marked by forgiveness and restoration. David Forsyth draws from his own experiences and King David's profound reflections to illuminate the six signposts that guide believers from the darkness of sin into the light of God’s forgiveness and joy.

The Six Signposts Out of Darkness

1. Escape Is Possible
   David begins by asserting that forgiveness and freedom from sin are attainable. Quoting verses 1-2, he emphasizes the blessedness of a forgiven life. Forgiveness is rooted in God's mercy, made possible through Christ's atoning sacrifice. True happiness is found when sins are forgiven and peace with God is restored.
2. Guilt Is Wretched
   The burden of unconfessed sin is heavy. Drawing from verses 3-4, David describes how guilt affects the body and soul. Like King David, who endured God's heavy hand before confessing, guilt is a painful but necessary nudge back to God.
3. Confession Is Essential
   Verse 5 reveals the power of confession. To escape sin's misery, one must voluntarily and humbly acknowledge it before God. Confession brings release, as seen in the parable of the prodigal son and echoed in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us."
4. God Is Near
   Verses 6-7 remind us that God is always present, ready to rescue and preserve those who call on Him. Despite fear or shame, we are assured that He will not cast us away but will surround us with songs of deliverance.
5. Resistance Is Foolish
   Verses 8-10 caution against stubbornness, likening it to the irrationality of a mule that requires forceful guidance. The path of wisdom is marked by prompt repentance and trust in God’s loving-kindness, avoiding the needless suffering caused by resistance.