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This sermon was preached on November 1, 2026 at Antioch Presbyterian Church, a congregation of Calvary Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America located in Woodruff, South Carolina. Pastor Zachary Groff preached this sermon entitled "Raise a Contribution" on Exodus 25:1-9. For more information about Antioch Presbyterian Church, please visit ⁠antiochpca.com⁠ or contact us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected].

"WHY CAN'T MANY UNDERSTAND GOD'S WORD?" The Bible reveals that our desires, pride, fears, friendships, worldly influences, and even our willingness to obey can affect our ability to recognize and receive God's truth. One of the most dangerous forms of self-deception is assuming that if a doctrine is true, we will naturally agree with it, like it, and immediately understand it! But what happens when God's Word challenges our cherished beliefs, personal desires, or the opinions of those we love? In this searching Bible study, we examine 13 Biblical reasons why people fail to understand God's Word - including the rejection of earlier light, the fear of man, a lack of meekness, spiritual immaturity, sin, and the absence of a proper fear of God. We will also discover why obedience, humility, and a sincere hunger for truth are so essential to spiritual understanding. Are we seeking to understand God's Word so that we may obey it, or are we seeking ways to avoid truths we do not wish to accept? "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God..." — John 7:17 A challenging message for every Christian who sincerely desires to know and follow the truth, wherever it leads. 📖 WHY CAN'T MANY UNDERSTAND GOD'S WORD?

This sermon examines the sixth commandment, 'Thou shalt not kill,' by defining murder as the unlawful, premeditated taking of innocent life and distinguishing it from accidental death through the Old Testament concept of cities of refuge. The central theological argument rests on the belief that human life possesses inherent sanctity because every person is created in the image of God, making the destruction of life an insult to the Creator. The message then transitions to Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, which upgrades the commandment to include the internal state of the heart, identifying nursed anger without cause and dehumanizing speech as forms of spiritual murder. To avoid breaking this command, the sermon urges believers to view others as God's creations, actively strive for reconciliation to prevent the buildup of hatred, and die to self by surrendering personal rights and reputation to Christ. The tone is convicting yet pastoral, challenging the congregation to examine their speech and attitudes in light of the high value God places on human life.

Adam's testimony and Is. 61

The Green and Golden Prayer Proverbs 16:16-33; emphasis on v. 31

This sermon explores the intersection of biblical geography and scientific discovery, using the example of Matthew Fontaine Maury to illustrate how Scripture contains truths that guide human understanding of the natural world. The speaker examines passages in Job and Genesis to highlight aspects of creation that remain mysterious or distinct from modern scientific models, such as the pre-flood water cycle and the specific layout of the Garden of Eden. By analyzing the directional flow of rivers and the placement of the Tree of Life, the message encourages believers to read the Bible with a mindset of discovery and trust in God's design. The discussion connects these ancient geographical details to the theological significance of the Tabernacle and the New Jerusalem, presenting them as reflections of heavenly realities. Ultimately, the sermon invites the audience to view the physical world through the lens of divine providence and scriptural authority.

This sermon examines the believer's responsibility to hear God's Word with intention and obedience, using the Parable of the Sower as the primary framework. It distinguishes between four types of hearers based on the condition of their hearts, contrasting those who are hardened, shallow, or choked by worldly cares with those who possess a noble and good heart. The message emphasizes that the Word of God is infallible and authoritative, requiring listeners to verify its truth against Scripture rather than accepting it as mere human opinion. It calls for a transformation from passive listening to active doing, urging believers to let the Word take root, produce fruit with patience, and shine as a light in their daily lives. The tone is pastoral and convicting, challenging the congregation to examine their spiritual maturity and ensure their faith is evidenced by visible change and obedience.

In John 6 Jesus reveals his compassion of the multitude.