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Christians are called to live in the present with eternity in view. In this episode, Dave Jenkins considers 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 and Colossians 3:2, explaining how the sure hope of eternity reshapes our priorities, strengthens perseverance in suffering, and helps us live faithfully for Christ. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Faith-Filled Trademarks This message from 1 Thessalonians 1 centers on the truth that when God genuinely saves a person, His saving work leaves recognizable trademarks upon that life. These marks do not earn salvation; they reveal that Jesus has taken possession of a person and that the Holy Spirit is producing a new direction, allegiance, purpose, and hope. Paul points to the Thessalonian believers as an example or imprint of what gospel transformation looks like. The gospel did not come to them as words only, but "in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance." Paul, Silas, and their companions preached Christ, opened the Scriptures, and demonstrated through their own lives that they were fully persuaded of the gospel they proclaimed. The Spirit then worked in the hearers, convincing them of their need and bringing Christ to light so that they could receive the message by faith. One of the first trademarks was that they gladly received the Word. They welcomed what God revealed without placing restrictions upon Him. Their circumstances were difficult—they received the Word "in much affliction"—yet the Holy Spirit supplied joy. Genuine faith does not mean the absence of trouble; it means that Jesus becomes more precious than the trouble is powerful. The great evidence of their conversion is found in the statement that they "turned to God from idols." Their first movement was toward God. Seeing the worth of Christ exposed the worthlessness of what they had previously worshiped. Biblical repentance and faith therefore belong together: faith turns to Christ, and in turning to Christ we necessarily turn away from whatever competes with Him. Zacchaeus illustrate

The sermon establishes God's righteousness and justice as essential attributes flowing from His holiness, countering accusations that He is responsible for evil. It argues that sin entered the world through Satan's deception and human disobedience, making all people guilty before a holy God. The message highlights Romans 3 to demonstrate that while no one can be justified by the law, God provided a way of salvation through Jesus Christ. By accepting Christ as propitiation, believers are justified freely by grace, allowing God to remain just while justifying those who have faith. The conclusion urges listeners to live in light of this truth by walking in the Spirit and setting their affections on heavenly things.

A brief bit of encouragement for the journey from God's Word. Today's Scripture reading: 2 Samuel 11 To support this devotional ministry: https://faithbaptiststerling.com/give/ Music: "Awaken the Dawn" by Stanton Lanierhttps://www.stantonlanier.com CCLI #20109360

The Canons of Dort Fifth Head of Doctrine – The Perseverance of the Saints Article 5 When the saints fall into grave sin, their faith is weakened and they lose their sense of God's favor until they repent and turn to God again. By such enormous sins, however, they very highly offend God, incur a deadly guilt, grieve the Holy Spirit, interrupt the exercise of faith, very grievously wound their consciences, and sometimes for a while lose the sense of God's favor, until, when they change their course by serious repentance, the light of God's fatherly countenance again shines upon them.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1:1-5) For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself. (John 5:26)