Cornerstone Baptist Church Findlay, OH http://www.findlay.church/visitor http://www.findlay.church/give http://www.findlay.church

The wrath of God is a dreadful subject to think upon, but we must consider it in order that we might be saved from it.

Over the course of eight weeks, Pastoral Assistant and Intern Steven Tavel will lead us in exploring one of the most beautiful and foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. Covenant theology is not merely a theological system; it is the way the Scriptures teach us about God's gracious relationship with His people. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals one unfolding plan of redemption centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Severn Run Evangelical Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), devoted to the pursuit of Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and worship as we seek to faithfully reach our community for Christ.

The sermon examines James 1:6-8 to warn against the spiritual danger of being double-minded, defined as having divided loyalties and a wavering heart. It illustrates this instability through three examples: believers lacking conviction in prayer, backsliders who desire worldly pleasures alongside Christian blessings, and unconverted individuals unable to fully commit to Christ due to hidden idols. Drawing on biblical figures like Elijah and the rich young ruler, the text emphasizes that compromise leads to spiritual paralysis and hinders one's relationship with God. The preacher urges listeners to examine their own hearts for divided affections and to pursue single-minded devotion to Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the message calls for decisive faith and wholehearted surrender to avoid the instability of a divided spirit.

1. Particulars (v. 1a) 2. Priorities (v. 1b) 3. Prayer (v. 2-3)

2 Peter 1:1–10 In 2 Peter 1:1–10, Peter reminds us that God has already given us everything we need to live a godly life through knowing Jesus Christ. Our salvation is not the end of our journey; it is the beginning of a life of spiritual growth. Peter encourages us to build upon our faith by developing goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. This means that our faith should not only be something we profess with our mouths, but something that can be seen in the way we live, treat others, respond to challenges, and make our daily decisions. God gives us the grace and power to grow, but we must be willing to make every effort to cooperate with Him. The message of this passage is that a genuine faith should produce a changed and growing life. We should not remain spiritually immature or continue living the same way year after year. Even when we face difficulties, we are called to persevere and allow God to use those experiences to strengthen our character. As we grow closer to Christ, His qualities should become more visible in us—especially love. Peter therefore challenges us to examine our lives and make sure that our faith is producing fruit. We may not be perfect, but we should be growing. God has given us what we need; now it is our responsibility to keep growing in His grace and allow Christ to be seen through our lives.