Murder on SermonAudio

This Bible study examines the dramatic conversion of Saul, the zealous persecutor of the early church, who encounters the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. The message highlights the exclusivity of Christ as the only way to God, contrasting Saul's murderous intent with the sovereign grace that God demonstrates by calling him into gospel service. Through the narrative of Ananias, the study illustrates God's ability to use unlikely individuals as chosen instruments for His glory, despite their past sins. The tone is instructional and encouraging, emphasizing that no one is beyond the reach of divine mercy and that believers are called to bear Christ's name before all nations, even at the cost of suffering.

David mourns Abner publicly, and Israel recognizes he did not intend Abner's murder. Study and transcript: https://sharonrpc.org/devotions/2-samuel-3-31-39-trust-gods-plan-in-troubled-times

We highly suggest that you READ the TEXT at the link below, as you listen to the audio above. https://gracegems.org/2026/ Feel free to FORWARD this gem to others!

Joab kills Abner in revenge for Asahel's death, and David condemns the murder and its guilt. Study and transcript: https://sharonrpc.org/devotions/2-samuel-3-22-30-reject-revenge-pursue-gods-justice

This week on Wheat Among the Tares, we journey back into church history during the time of the 1800's, when missionaries from Great Britain, Canada and the United States were going into the world to proclaim the Gospel. Join us as we focus on one of these that went, John Geddie, to the islands of the New Hebrides (modern Vanuatu) in 1846, to give the light of the Gospel to this spiritually-darkened people - a people sunken in murder and cannibalism...

A wicked man named Hazael made the man of God cry.

This sermon examines the historical events surrounding the arrest and trial of Jesus as a definitive illustration of the dangers of utilitarian and pragmatic ethics. It argues that the decision to execute Jesus was driven by a consequentialist calculus that prioritized political stability and institutional power over divine law, resulting in the ultimate injustice of condemning the sinless Son of God. The discussion highlights how such moral frameworks remove all restraints on means, allowing deception, perjury, and murder to be justified by perceived greater goods. By contrasting this with the sovereignty of God, who brings good out of evil as seen in the life of Joseph, the sermon emphasizes that human attempts to override moral absolutes lead to spiritual and societal decay. The text concludes by urging believers to maintain their individual conscience against group pressure and to adhere strictly to God's Word rather than adapting to situational expediency.

Theme: Cain Stands in Rejection of God's Promised Savior and of His Grace, and Heads His Family in Evil. I. Cain and Abel Demonstrate their Believing Upbringing – vv. 1-7 A. Adam and Eve Assume that Cain is the Man from God – vv. 1-2 B. God Respects Abel's Offering, but Not Cain's – vv. 3-5a C. Cain was Angry Because God Didn't Accept His Offering – vv. 5b-7 II. Cain Murders Abel and Objects to God's Judgment – vv. 8-16 A. The First Murder and God's Judgment – vv. 8-12 B. Cain's Unbelieving Response to God's Curse on His Sin – vv. 14-16 III. Sorrow in the Sons of Men and Hope in the Sons of God – vv. 17-26 A. Cain's Unbelief Compounded in Future Generations – vv. 17-24 B. Hope in the Genealogy of the Sons of God – vv. 25-26

This sermon uses the narrative of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 27 to illustrate the theological necessity of being covered by Christ's righteousness rather than relying on one's own works or appearance. The preacher contrasts Jacob's deceptive act of disguising himself with Esau's garments to receive a blessing with the believer's need to be clothed in His salvation. By referencing Galatians 3, Romans 13, and Isaiah 61, the message emphasizes that human efforts, such as moral behavior or religious observance, are insufficient for acceptance before God, who sees the true nature of the heart. The text further addresses the danger of self-reliance and displaced anger, urging believers to trust God's justice and grace instead of seeking personal vengeance or validation. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a personal decision to accept the freely offered righteousness of Jesus Christ, ensuring one stands before God not as a sinner, but as a child of the covenant. Questions: 1. Why did God choose Jacob over Esau? What does their story teach us about God's promises and man's attempts to accomplish God's will? 2. Esau was hairy and Jacob was smooth. Beyond their physical differences, what do these two brothers teach us about the different ways sin manifests itself in our lives? 3. Jacob put on Esau's clothing to receive his father's blessing. How does this picture help us understand what it means to "put on Christ" in Galatians 3:27? 4. What does it mean to be clothed in Christ's righteousness? Why can't our own goodness, religious works, or obedience make us acceptable before God? (Isaiah 61:10; Philippians 3:9)