Prayer on SermonAudio

The sermon examines the account of Jacob wrestling with the divine figure in Genesis 32 as a paradigm for effectual prayer. It contrasts Jacob's initial, unanswered petition with his subsequent intense, personal encounter with God, highlighting the necessity of solitude, perseverance, and the weakening of the flesh to receive spiritual victory. The message emphasizes that true power with God is achieved through earnest supplication and a willingness to remain in the presence of the Lord until a blessing is secured. This narrative serves as a call for believers to engage in persistent, heartfelt prayer for their families and personal salvation, trusting that God honors such steadfast devotion.

Why do Christians continue to struggle with the same sins, and does God ever grow tired of their failures? In Genesis 20, Abraham repeats a decades-old deception about Sarah, placing his wife and the people of Gerar in danger. Yet despite Abraham's habitual sin and failure to trust God, the Lord intervenes to protect Sarah and preserve His covenant promises. This sermon examines the danger of unrepentant sin, the consequences of worldly thinking, and the responsibility of believers to be a blessing to those around them. Through Abraham's encounter with Abimelech, we also discover the remarkable patience, sovereignty, and steadfast faithfulness of God. Though our sins must be confronted and put to death, God's covenant faithfulness never fails. Even when His people are faithless, He remains faithful. For more information on River Community Church and its ministries, please visit https://www.rivercommunity.org

How doth the Spirit help us to pray? For whom are we to pray?

Ministry is: To offer the sacrifice of sinners to God using the Gospel knife. All believers are priests in Christ's service. As "priests" we have direct access to God through Christ. We intercede for men in prayer. Our "sacrifices" are: Praise (Heb. 13:15-16); our bodies (Rom. 12:1); Service (Eph. 5:2); Worship (1 Pet. 2:5); Converts (Rom. 15:16).