Read: Genesis 1:26-31; Romans 1:18-32 Text: Lord's Day 3 Don't blame God for the mess you are in. 1. God's good creation 2. Our stubborn rebellion 3. The Spirit's gracious regeneration Questions for reflection: 1. Do you sometimes blame God for your mess? Is that legit? 2. What do the words Eden and Paradise mean? 3. What was it like in the Garden of Eden? 4. According to Romans 1:18, 21-22, 25 and 28, what is the reason for our distress? 5. Are you guilty of doing any of these things? In what areas of your life? What does repentance look like? 6. Do you realise that the way the LORD often rescues out of the mess is by drawing us near to him? What parts of God's character or his mighty deeds can you draw on to help with the mess you are in?

Why Will You Die? (Ezek.18:31-32)

We looked briefly last time at Psalm 1. Psalm 1 describes the blessed, happy man. Verse 1 of Psalm 1. Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. He's contrasted with the ungodly. Psalm 2 continues this same contrast. Psalm 2 gives us a broader view of the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. And the end of Psalm 2 invites the readers and singers of the Psalm to the same blessed, happy experience of trust in the Lord.

Tonight we explore the Parable of the Prodigal Son and his brother to address two distinct audiences: those who have rebelled against God and those who rely on religious self-righteousness. I contend that both the younger son's wild rebellion and the elder son's bitter obedience lead to separation from the Father if not met with genuine repentance and humility. Central to the message is the character of God, who actively seeks out the lost and eagerly welcomes them back with unconditional grace rather than condemnation. I share my personal testimony of realizing that outward religious performance without a true relationship with Christ is equally dangerous as open sin. Ultimately, the sermon calls listeners to recognize their need for God's mercy and to respond by coming to themselves and returning to the Father who is waiting with open arms.

Main Point God remains faithful even when His people are unfaithful. This sermon introduces the book of Hosea, explaining its context among the minor prophets and outlining its central rhythm of sin, judgment, and restoration. The preacher analyzes Hosea's symbolic marriage to Gomer as a living illustration of Israel's spiritual adultery and God's subsequent covenantal response. Key themes include the withdrawal of mercy due to rebellion and the ultimate promise of reconciliation through God's unconditional faithfulness. The message emphasizes that while judgment is necessary for sin, God's primary intent is always restoration and the reclamation of His people as His own. The sermon concludes with an urgent invitation for listeners to repent, trust in Jesus Christ, and rely on God's enduring grace.

In this message, Pastor Byron Chesney examines Israel's idolatry in Exodus 20 and 32 and warns how quickly true worship can be corrupted by worldly influence, human preference, and compromise. This message calls the church to remain holy, reverent, and faithful to God's commands.

This sermon addresses the sin of partiality by contrasting worldly algorithms of favoritism with the gospel's call to treat everyone equally. Drawing from James chapter two, it illustrates how believers often judge others based on wealth and appearance rather than spiritual standing. Kelby emphasizes that Jesus modeled this impartial love by identifying with the poor and marginalized, establishing a kingdom standard that rejects social hierarchy. It warns that showing favoritism violates the royal law of loving one's neighbor and constitutes rebellion against God's unified moral law. Ultimately, the message urges Christians to extend mercy to others because they have received immense grace, tearing down the social curtains that divide people in the church.

The showdown... and the end of Absalom's rebellion. We discuss the basic military strategy and the fact that the terrain did as much as the sword to destroy Absalom's army. https://bbfohio.com