Murder on SermonAudio

Leading up to the 4th of July holiday, Jim brought many news stories to the attention of listeners. Here's a sample from the broadcast: --A divided U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Monday that election officials can count mail-in ballots that arrive after election day as long as they are postmarked by or before that date. --A federal judge blocked the President's bid to federalize mail-in voting. --President Trump has called for the Save America Act to be passed after the Supreme Court upheld Mississippi's policy to count mail-in ballots that arrive after election day. --A South Dakota Republican Party's Resolutions Committee approved a censure resolution against Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who represents the state. --The Supreme Court ruled that Title IX allows schools to provide separate sports teams for men and women defined by their gender assigned at birth. --The Supreme Court has also upheld that the executive order restricting automatic birthright citizenship violates the 14th Amendment. --Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin clashed last Sunday with State of the Union host Jake Tapper over temporary, protected status for Haitian and Syrian immigrants. --Amy Curtis of Townhall.com described one of the main planks of the platform of the Democratic Socialists of America as including, "...the dismantling of police and the abolition of prisons. That means every violent criminal will be free to roam society where they can rob, assault, rape, and murder without consequences." --The U.S. and Iran have indirect, technical talks in Doha as they seek to agree on the flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz

This topical message demonstrates that the Declaration of Independence gives founding principles that are rooted in Scripture. The founding principles analyzed in this message include that all men are created equal; all have the right to life and liberty; we should be able to enjoy the fruits of our labor, and leaders must be accountable to God and their people. [The PDF of the sermon has updated and additional material].

Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 15 Article 5 As we look at a verse that clearly reveals the confusing and complicated family relationships involving David, his son, his nephew, and other family members, we may ask ourselves: What could David have done differently in this situation? He has shown great wisdom and deep love for the Lord, yet he was not perfect. Where might he have acted better in this instance? The sermon examines King David's failure to exercise clear and decisive leadership within his family, specifically regarding the murder of Amnon by Absalom. By analyzing 2 Samuel 14, the text highlights how David's indecision and lack of accountability created a toxic environment that allowed resentment to fester. The preacher contrasts this human failure with the perfect justice and reconciliation found in Jesus Christ, who serves as the ultimate King. The message urges believers to pursue specific repentance for their sins and to emulate godly clarity in their own roles as leaders within their homes and communities. Ultimately, the sermon calls for reliance on Christ's righteousness while praying for wisdom and integrity in earthly leadership.

This sermon examines Matthew 2 to reveal the twin themes of persecution and preservation that define the Christian experience. Benjamin argues that just as Christ faced Herod's murderous intent, believers today must expect similar hostility from a world opposed to God. While this conflict inevitably brings deep sorrow and loss, the message offers profound comfort by highlighting God's faithful preservation of His people. Drawing parallels between Israel's exodus and exile, the text assures listeners that God is orchestrating a new salvation through Christ that ultimately overcomes all evil. The central call is to remain steadfast in faith, trusting that God preserves His church despite the temporary nature of suffering.

Outline: 1. God Delights in His People's Worship 2. God Commands His People 3. God Covenants with His People

In this evening message from Acts 9:1-9, Pastor Rockhill traces the dramatic encounter of Saul of Tarsus with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. He sets the scene by showing how the martyrdom of Stephen unleashed a fierce persecution that scattered the church, and how Saul, breathing threats and murder, made it his consuming mission to eradicate the followers of the Way. Pastor Rockhill presents Saul as the unlikeliest of converts, a ruthless enemy of Christ whom many would have judged beyond the reach of the gospel. The central burden of the sermon is the sovereignty of God in salvation. Pastor Rockhill stresses that Saul was not seeking Jesus; rather, the Lord sought out and arrested His chosen enemy, revealing His glory in blinding light and equating persecution of the church with persecution of Himself. Here is grace shown to a man who deserved only judgment, and a calling to become a minister and witness to Jews and Gentiles alike. Pastor Rockhill carefully distinguishes what is common to every conversion from what was unique to Saul. All who are saved are by nature lost enemies whom God graciously calls, yet the bright lights and the visible appearance of Christ were tied to Saul's unique appointment as an apostle. Applying the text, Pastor Rockhill comforts believers whose conversions were quiet or gradual, warns against making Saul's experience the standard, and urges the congregation to bear faithful witness, trusting God to save even those thought unsavable.

The Chapel Library edition with Study Questions. How solemn is this fact: nothing can be concealed from God! "For I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them" (Eze 11:5). Though He be invisible to us, we are not so to Him. Neither the darkness of night, the closest curtains, nor the deepest dungeon can hide any sinner from the eyes of Omniscience. The trees of the garden were not able to conceal our first parents. No human eye beheld Cain murder his brother, but his Maker witnessed his crime. Sarah might laugh derisively in the seclusion of her tent, yet was it heard by Jehovah. Achan stole a wedge of gold and carefully hid it in the earth, but God brought it to light. David was at much pains to cover up his wickedness, but ere long the all- seeing God sent one of His servants to say to him, "Thou art the man"! And to writer and reader is also said, "Be sure your sin will find you out" (Num 32:23).

What may happen to faithful servants? Mark 6:14–29 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that faithful servants of Christ may, in this life, find themselves brutally and treacherously murdered. This devotional examines the tragic execution of John the Baptist to illustrate how faithful and holy believers may suffer despite their righteousness. Pastor analyzes King Herod's sinful self-indulgence and rash oath as catalysts for this injustice, emphasizing that such events do not contradict God's sovereign rule. Believers are encouraged to humble themselves before divine providence rather than placing their hope in earthly success or personal plans. The message urges the hearer to maintain confidence in Christ, and remain steadfast in holiness, regardless of external circumstances. Ultimately, hope is placed in God's secret will and the certainty of salvation rather than immediate earthly vindication.