Obedience on SermonAudio

The Apostle John gives us three truth tests for whether we are truly born of God. First, sincere love for God's children reveals a heart changed by the Father. Second, willing obedience shows that God's commands are no longer a burden but a delight. Third, overcoming faith trusts that Jesus is the Christ and, through him, overcomes the world. These are not ways we earn new birth; they are the fruit of it. Do our lives bear the marks of transforming grace?

In this solemn commentary on Luke 13:1–5, John Owen urges believers to recognize God's hand in catastrophic national and historical events, viewing them not as random tragedies or signs of self-righteous superiority, but as divine warnings calling every individual and institution to repentance. Owen outlines the nature of impending judgments—ranging from absolute and unalterable decrees to conditional threats that can be diverted—and highlights how God mercifully signals coming wrath through preliminary disasters, natural disturbances, biblical truths, faithful watchmen, and internal societal decay. Ultimately, he warns against spiritual apathy, worldliness, and false security, reminding us that whether facing systemic collapse or divine chastisement, genuine repentance and a return to gospel obedience remain a nation's only true refuge.

Obedience=Faith. In this sermon, we learn how Elijah's obedience to God strengthens his faith.

1. The Obedience 2. The Consequences 3. The Model

In the second part of our look at Psalm 19 we encounter a sharp contrast. Now we focus on how the law of the Lord will lead us to to joy, wisdom, light, endurance and more. We are reminded that we must allow the perfect, sure, trustworthy and right word, law, precepts, decisions, and commands into our live. David provides an example of desiring these above gold and honey and points us toward God reminding us to search ourselves for unintentional sins as well as the deliberate and presumptuous sins and to remain obedient in God's power.

Sermon begins at about 26:10 minutes in

After twenty-five years of waiting, God's promise to Abraham and Sarah is finally fulfilled in the birth of Isaac. Genesis 21:1–7 reveals the unwavering faithfulness of God, who accomplishes His purposes according to His perfect timing, even when His promises appear impossible from a human perspective. Through three movements—God's action, Abraham's obedience, and Sarah's joy—we see how God's covenant faithfulness produces obedient faith and transforms doubt into rejoicing. Abraham responds to God's Word through faithful obedience, while Sarah discovers the joy of experiencing God's goodness firsthand. This passage challenges believers to trust God's promises even when they cannot see their fulfillment. Our hope is not ultimately found in immediate answers to prayer or changed circumstances, but in the sovereign Lord who keeps His Word. In Jesus Christ, all God's promises find their ultimate fulfillment. Scripture: Genesis 21:1–7 Key Themes: God's Faithfulness, Divine Sovereignty, Covenant Promises, Waiting on God, Obedience, Faith, and Joy. For more information on River Community Church and its ministries, please visit https://www.rivercommunity.org