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The sermon examines the marks of grace that distinguish true believers from nominal Christians, focusing on the believer's attitude toward sin. It emphasizes that God is perfectly holy and light, requiring a life consistent with this truth rather than mere verbal profession. True faith involves an ongoing struggle against sin, characterized by repentance and daily confession to maintain fellowship with God. The message highlights Jesus Christ as the propitiation for sins, appeasing God's wrath and providing continuous cleansing through His sacrifice. Ultimately, the text encourages believers to pursue holiness while resting in the assurance of forgiveness and advocacy found in Christ.

~~~~~~~ No 27 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 2 Peter 1:16-21** For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, .....We have also a more sure word of prophecy; .....holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. *1/ Peter and the Apostles made known the power the coming of our Lord. 2/ They were NOT following cunningly devised fables. 3/ They WERE eye witnesses. 4/ They point to a word more sure than visions.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon establishes the absolute authority and reliability of Scripture by contrasting it with human fables and subjective visions. Drawing on 2 Peter 1, the message emphasizes that the apostles were eyewitnesses to Christ's majesty, particularly at the Transfiguration, rather than promoters of invented stories. It argues that while spiritual experiences like Paul's visions are significant, the written Word remains a more sure foundation for faith and doctrine. The preacher urges believers to treat the Bible as a divine light that exposes the darkness of the human heart and reveals Christ clearly. Ultimately, the text affirms that Scripture is God-breathed, historically verified, and sufficient for guiding the church without reliance on private interpretation or extra-biblical revelations.

Nine Marks of a Healthy Church grew out of a sermon series preached by Mark Dever to his congregation at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. First published in 2000 and now in its third edition (2013), the book is a sustained argument that most contemporary churches have confused numerical growth, cultural relevance, and program excellence with genuine health. Dever contends that a truly healthy church is built not on technique but on faithfulness to Scripture across nine identifiable marks. The book is organized in two movements. The first five marks address the content of the church's message — preaching, theology, the Gospel, conversion, and evangelism. The last four address the community of the church — membership, discipline, discipleship, and leadership. Dever writes not as a theorist but as a practitioner who has applied these principles for more than two decades at one congregation, watching them produce a church that is neither liberal, seeker-sensitive, nor merely traditional but genuinely biblical. The third edition was revised in light of nearly twenty years of pastoral experience and includes updated prefaces, a foreword by David Platt, and a more mature reflection on what Dever has learned. The 9Marks ministry (9marks.org) has since grown into a global network of resources, churches, and training rooted in these nine convictions.

A verse-by-verse study through the book of James. What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? There is a worldly wisdom and a Godly wisdom. What is the difference and how do we know which is which? Listen as Pastor Brian answers these questions and more using God's Word.

Satan is real, but he is not equal with God. He is neither all-powerful nor sovereign. Scripture presents him as a created and limited adversary who opposes God, attacks the truth, and works primarily through deception. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins considers what the Bible teaches about Satan and his schemes. Drawing from John 8:44 and 2 Corinthians 11:14, Dave explains Satan's character as a liar, his use of deception, and why Scripture warns that he can disguise himself as an angel of light. Christians should neither ignore Satan nor exaggerate his power. Instead, believers are called to remain alert, exercise biblical discernment, and stay firmly grounded in the truth of God's Word. Satan is real, but he is limited. God alone is sovereign, and Christians can face spiritual warfare with clarity rather than fear because Christ and His grace are sufficient. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

The sermon argues that the New Testament serves as the authoritative guide for interpreting Old Testament promises to Israel, rejecting the dispensational view of a future ethnic national restoration. By analyzing Amos 9 and Jeremiah 31 in light of the NT, the Bible demonstrates that these prophecies find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the church. The preacher contends that limiting Old Testament promises to physical Jews creates a contradiction with the New Testament's clear teaching on the universal scope of the New Covenant. Consequently, believers must allow the New Testament to define the meaning of Old Testament texts rather than forcing the New Testament to fit preconceived literal interpretations.

A brief bit of encouragement for the journey from God's Word. Today's Scripture reading: 2 Samuel 3 To support this devotional ministry: https://faithbaptiststerling.com/give/ Music: "Awaken the Dawn" by Stanton Lanierhttps://www.stantonlanier.com CCLI #20109360

The sermon draws a parallel between God's physical creation in Genesis 1 and His spiritual recreation of the sinner through salvation. It emphasizes that God is the sovereign creator of faith, acting independently of human merit to bring light into the darkness of the soul. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role as the agent of regeneration, awakening dead hearts and illuminating the truth of the Gospel. Salvation is depicted as a monergistic work where God separates believers from darkness, deeming their redemption good and useful for His glory. The message concludes with an urgent call to examine one's heart for evidence of this transformative spiritual rebirth.

In light of the division and quarreling infesting the Corinthian church, Paul reminds them of cornerstone truths about the church. The church belongs to Christ, our superior source of wisdom as His people is found in God, and He has graciously given to us all things through the Lord Jesus Christ. These powerful reminders orient our hearts to be driven to seek His glory in all things!