Mediator on SermonAudio

This sermon examines the issue of factionalism within the early Corinthian church, highlighting how believers divided themselves into cliques based on allegiance to specific leaders like Paul, Apollos, or Peter. The central message argues that such divisions are not merely social issues but theological errors that imply Christ is divided, thereby undermining the unity of the body of Christ. By analyzing Paul's rhetorical questions, the text emphasizes that no human leader, however gifted, can replace the unique role of Jesus as the sole mediator and source of salvation. The preacher urges the congregation to guard against the modern tendency to build identity around personalities or specific doctrinal nuances, reminding them that true unity is found only in the shared faith in the crucified and risen Christ. The tone is both convicting and pastoral, calling for a return to the gospel's central focus on the cross rather than on human eloquence or influence.

The sermon examines Hebrews 8:1-6 to demonstrate the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical system, emphasizing that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, signifying the completion of His atoning work. It contrasts the temporary, earthly tabernacle with the true, heavenly sanctuary where Christ serves as a minister, arguing that salvation is secured by faith in His once-for-all sacrifice rather than through ongoing rituals or human mediation. The text refutes theological errors that suggest the need for repeated sacrifices or reliance on earthly priests, affirming instead that believers are united with Christ in heavenly places. This exposition serves as a transition to the New Covenant, highlighting that Christ mediates a better covenant enacted on better promises, which provides ultimate assurance and peace for the believer.

Part 20 in the exposition of the 1689 2LBCF.

The sermon explores the direct access believers have to God through Jesus Christ, contrasting this biblical truth with religious systems that insert human mediators between the sinner and the Father. Drawing primarily from Job 16 and numerous Psalms, the message emphasizes that God hears the cries of the afflicted, regardless of their ability to articulate perfect prayers or maintain flawless righteousness. The speaker highlights the simplicity of faith, asserting that the Holy Spirit intercedes for believers with groanings that cannot be uttered, removing the burden of needing to know exactly what to ask. By citing passages such as Hebrews 4 and Romans 8, the text affirms that there is no condemnation for those in Christ and that God's mercy is available to all who approach the throne of grace with a contrite heart. The tone is pastoral and encouraging, urging the audience to trust in God's provision and to find comfort in the knowledge that their tears are recorded and their cries are heard.

This sermon examines Hebrews 8:1-6 to establish the superiority of Jesus Christ as a heavenly high priest who ministers in the true tabernacle pitched by God, rather than an earthly one. The exposition highlights that Christ's sitting at the right hand of the Majesty signifies the completion of His redemptive work, His authority, and His role in recording the believer's acquittal. It further explains that while His sacrificial offering is finished, His ongoing ministry involves voluntarily presenting the praise, thanksgiving, and good works of believers to the Father, for which they have no direct access apart from Him. The message contrasts this permanent, sufficient ministry with the temporary Levitical system, urging believers to abandon the shadows of the Old Testament and rest in the assurance of the better covenant mediated by Christ.

From Israel to China, from Trump to Talarico, here's a sample of stories from the first quarter hour of this week's News Round-Up & Comment: --5 Israeli's were wounded, including 2 in critical condition, after two terrorists opened fire at a checkpoint at Judea Junction. That's near the Palestinian controlled city of Hebron. --16 people were killed and homes were destroyed after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit China's Tibet region last evening. --A ruptured chemical tank in Ohio billowed a white plume into the air for hours Wednesday, forcing hundreds of residents out of their homes due to fears of toxic release and the possibility of another explosion. --First Lady Melania Trump has successfully negotiated a temporary cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine to allow humanitarian aid and civilian evacuations in the Russian occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky. --Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed, in principle, to resume U.S. mediated peace negotiations with Ukraine next month. --Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday that he is open to freezing the front lines of the war with Russia in an effort to bring the long running conflict to an end. --Federal prosecutors are planning to use DNA evidence to try and prove that Representative Ilhan Omar committed immigration fraud as part of the sprawling investigation into the congresswoman. --The federal search warrant against Ilhad Omar lists her under a different name which indicates that the Justice Department believes she's present in the U.S. under a false identity. --A winery co-owned by Omar's husband was shut down amid the fraud claims according to House Oversight Committee Chairman

What is true religion? Many people say that true religion is whatever makes people feel good, or whatever makes them experience the sense of the divine. But in this sermon from Psalm 84:1–3 titled "The Living God," Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones gives a very different answer. He says that according to God's word, true religion is that which worships and believes the living God. The true God that has revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is beyond human comprehension; Christians can only speak of Him because He has revealed Himself in Scripture. God is holy. How then can sinners approach God? The answer is found in Jesus Christ and His death upon the cross. Jesus makes a way for sinners to be forgiven and come to God as children and heirs. Jesus is the new and better high priest that ever lives to intercede for His people as He rules from heaven. The mediation of Jesus Christ is the only way to approach God.

Pastor Mark Hogan teaches on prayer in Acts in an ongoing Wednesday series, showing that prayer appears in about 19 of 28 chapters and accompanies every advance of the early church, from waiting for the Spirit in Acts 1:12-14 and devotion to the prayers in Acts 2:42 to Scripture-saturated boldness in Acts 4:23-31, deacon appointment in Acts 6:4-7, Stephen's dying prayer in Acts 7:59-60, prayer with laying on of hands in Acts 8, Paul's conversion in Acts 9, Cornelius in Acts 10, Peter's release in Acts 12, and missionary commissioning in Acts 13-14. He also traces prayer at Lydia's riverside meeting, Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail in Acts 16, Paul's kneeling farewells in Acts 20-21, and his thanksgiving in the storm in Acts 27. The main message is that the church lived in an atmosphere of active dependence on God, not mechanical ritual, and that genuine conversion produces a new life of prayer. Pastor Mark Hogan applies this by calling Grace Baptist Church to zealous corporate prayer, elders to prioritize praying for the saints alongside word ministry, and believers to pursue longer corporate prayers, faithful pre-Sunday school prayer, extended family worship, and unceasing prayer for the Holy Spirit's empowering presence for bold witness, even praying like Stephen, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit, with Philippians 4:6 as the summons to make requests known to God.

Hebrews 8:6 "But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." King James Version

Scripture: Psalm 49:7-13; Hebrews 2:14-18 Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 5, Q&A 12-15 Sermon Title: Our Mediator Sermon Theme: Look to Jesus for deliverance from your debt of sin Sermon Points: I. A Debt Owed II. Paid by Us? III. Paid by a Mere Creature? IV. Paid by the God-Man