Beloved in the Lord Jesus: Jacob and his descendants were given the extraordinary task of establishing God's kingdom around the world, so that the world would bring glory to God. And Jacob wanted to do it, he just wasn't ready yet. Jacob needed to get better prepared. Jacob needed more wealth, more patience, and more skill. In doing this, Jacob endured opposition and then Jacob experienced support! Jacob's opposition came from Laban; Jacob's support came from Yahweh. Today you will hear what Jacob did to prepare to return to Israel and wait for Messiah, what Laban tried to do to oppose him, and what God did to make sure he succeeded. Our headings are: 1. Laban Tried to Limit Jacob's Success 2. Jacob Tried to Increase His Success 3. God Decided to Give Jacob Success Our goals are: That you will learn to fulfill your responsibility, endure opposition, and continue to trust the Lord to bless your labors, so you can bring glory to Jesus.

The sermon examines the destructive nature of unbelief by analyzing the Israelites' rebellion in Numbers 14 and its application in Hebrews 3. It identifies a hardened heart as a primary consequence of failing to trust God, illustrating how repeated exposure to sin callouses the spirit just as physical labor creates calluses on hands. The preacher warns against the deceitfulness of sin, which promises immediate gratification while concealing future judgment. Emphasizing the urgency of spiritual responsiveness, the text urges believers to heed God's voice daily rather than postponing repentance to an uncertain tomorrow. Ultimately, the message calls for active faith and immediate obedience to avoid the tragic fate of those who provoked God in the wilderness.

The sermon explores the distinct nature of biblical hope as a confident, interest-free advance on future joy and peace derived from God's immutable promises. Drawing primarily from Romans 15 and Hebrews 6, it distinguishes hope from faith by highlighting its focus on future good and its role in sustaining emotional endurance during seasons of waiting. The message emphasizes that true hope is anchored in the character of Christ and the certainty of His oath, rather than in earthly outcomes or immediate results. Through personal testimony and biblical examples like Abraham, the preacher illustrates how believers can maintain joy and peace while laboring for God's kingdom, even when fulfillment is delayed. Ultimately, the sermon calls the congregation to share this contagious hope with others and to rest in the assurance that God is mighty to save.

We examine the early church in Thessalonica to highlight the core components of the gospel message, specifically focusing on their radical conversion from idolatry and their expectant waiting for the second coming of Christ. It emphasizes high Christology by identifying Jesus as God's Son who delivers believers from the coming wrath through his sacrificial death. The preacher explains that Paul wrote this letter to defend his ministry against slander and to reassure the persecuted believers that they have not been forgotten despite the apostles' physical absence. By contrasting the false accusations against Paul with his genuine love and labor, the text underscores the authenticity of the apostolic witness. Ultimately, the message provides assurance of salvation and comfort in suffering, reminding listeners that God alone handles vengeance while believers are called to live faithfully in hope.

This week on Wheat Among the Tares, join us as we go back in Christian missions' history to the Pacific Ocean area of the Society Islands and modern-day Tahiti, and the missionary labors of Henry Nott, the bricklayer missionary to the darkened world of the South Seas. The story of this man's incredible faith and persistence in preaching God's word in the face of disappointments and extreme hardships, would finally result in the deliverance of many darkened souls to the light of the Gospel.

The sermon examines the life of Noah to illustrate how believers can maintain integrity in a corrupt culture. It emphasizes that salvation and righteousness begin with God's grace, which enables individuals to walk in obedience despite societal pressure. The preacher highlights Noah's faithfulness over decades as a model for enduring spiritual labor without seeking immediate results. Additionally, the message warns against complacency after victory, reminding listeners that vigilance is necessary to avoid moral failure. Ultimately, the text encourages the audience to remain faithful and humble, trusting God with the outcomes of their service.

Keeping Sunday Holy Read: Hebrews 3, Hebrews 4 Text: Lord's Day 38 I. Rest for the People of God II. Entering the Rest on Sunday III. Laboring to Enter that Rest

The sermon encourages believers engaged in church planting to persevere through exhaustion by trusting in God's sovereignty over the timing of spiritual harvests. Drawing on Galatians 6:9, it reframes weariness not as a sign of failure but as evidence of faithful labor in hard soil, mirroring the historical patterns of biblical figures and the sufficiency of Christ's work. The message asserts that the slowness and resistance encountered in ministry are intentional design features that highlight God's power rather than human inadequacy. By illustrating the concept of due season through natural cycles and the cross, it assures listeners that the outcome is secured by God regardless of immediate visible results. Ultimately, the congregation is called to remain steadfast in their duties, finding comfort in the certainty that they will reap if they do not lose heart.

God gives you the Lord's Day as a gift, not a burden—a weekly invitation to rest in Christ, worship Him, and enjoy fellowship with His people. This day reminds you that your hope is not found in constant work or endless entertainment, but in the new life Christ secured through His resurrection. As you set aside time for God, you learn to rest not only from your labor but also from the power of sin, looking forward to the perfect and eternal rest He has promised.