Salvation is available, don't miss out. The Lord doesn't want anyone lost.

The speaker expresses deep gratitude to Hunt Valley Baptist Church for their support during his tenure, attributing all personal achievements to God's grace. Drawing from Philippians 1, he emphasizes the importance of abounding love, discerning what is excellent, and maintaining sincerity in ministry. He shares his personal testimony of salvation and reflects on the joy of serving alongside a faithful community that values humility and spiritual growth. The message encourages believers to remain authentic and dedicated to their service, ensuring that all efforts bring glory to God rather than seeking human praise. Ultimately, it serves as a farewell tribute that celebrates shared memories and the enduring bonds of fellowship within the body of Christ.

The sermon explores Jesus' strategic method for global evangelism, which relies on calling, appointing, and sending a select few laborers rather than the masses. Drawing from Matthew 9-10 and Luke 10, the speaker identifies eleven characteristics of these men, including being equipped, urgent, compassionate, and hardworking. The central argument emphasizes that true ministry requires men who possess shepherd's hearts and are deeply committed to the harvest of souls. This theological framework serves as a foundation for the church's commitment to training pastors and supporting cross-cultural missions. The message challenges the congregation to pray fervently for more laborers and to support those whom God has uniquely called to this work.

Working through John chapter one, the preacher first shows that the deity of Christ is not confined to verses one and fourteen but runs through the entire chapter, from the Word who was in the beginning to the only begotten Son of God proclaimed by John the Baptist. He then comes to verse thirty-eight, the very first recorded words of Jesus in this gospel, a question: What seek ye? The message examines why the Lord opens with a probing question, how questions are a useful tool in witnessing and in the ministry, and what it reveals about a person's heart when they are asked what they truly want from Christ. Applying it to the church, the preacher contends that many seek entertainment, comfort, or a message that never confronts sin, when what a believer ought to seek is help from sin, the preaching of the word, and a closer walk with the Lord. He closes with the two men who called Jesus Master and asked where He dwelt, and with the Lord's open invitation to come and see.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 1 Text: 1 John 2:28 - 3:10 Ministry of the Word: Why should we live differently in this world? 1. We are children of God 2. We long to meet the Lord 3. We belong to Christ, not to the devil

In 1 Timothy 3:8–13, Paul describes the character God expects from those who serve as deacons. Deacons are not called to be extraordinary people, but ordinary Christians whose lives are being shaped by an extraordinary Savior. They must be people of integrity, proven faith, faithful relationships, and humble service. Their ministry may often happen behind the scenes and go unnoticed, but it is deeply valuable to the health and mission of the church. Ultimately, their model is Jesus, who "came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." This sermon challenges us to value faithfulness over flashiness and reminds us that while not everyone is a deacon, every Christian is called to serve like one.

The sermon examines Matthew 9:35-38 to reveal that God sovereignly prepares both the harvest of believers and the laborers who will gather them. By analyzing Jesus' ministry of healing and teaching, the text highlights a remnant of people whose hearts are broken and ready for redemption. The preacher argues that evangelism is not dependent on human intellect but on divine initiative, as God moves with compassion to draw souls to Himself. Believers are called to be laborers who disciple others and live lives that point to Jesus, relying entirely on earnest prayer to fulfill this mission. Ultimately, the message urges listeners to abandon comfort and selfishness to actively participate in God's global work of salvation.

What does victory in Christ mean for believers today? Through His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ has defeated sin, death, and the powers of darkness. The enemy remains active, but the outcome of the battle is no longer uncertain. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why Christians do not fight to earn victory. Instead, they stand firm in the victory Christ has already secured through His finished work. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/