What is substitutionary atonement? Dave Jenkins explains that Jesus Christ did not merely die as an example, but as the righteous substitute for sinners. At the cross, Christ bore the judgment sinners deserve, satisfied God's justice, and secured forgiveness, reconciliation, peace, and hope for all who trust in Him. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Better understanding and rooting out resentment helps you move towards recovery. Though the desire of the road to recovery from resentment is that it would be quick and easy, it's often longer and harder than one might expect. Even with sincere desire to do so, pain is often hard to process and release.

The sermon explores the theological significance of Jesus' impending crucifixion during the Passover, contrasting His sovereign control with the futile schemes of religious leaders. It draws parallels between the Old Testament Passover lamb and Christ as the ultimate antitype who offers eternal redemption through His blood. The preacher emphasizes that despite the malicious plotting of Caiaphas and the princes of darkness, Jesus remains in complete authority over His own death and resurrection. This divine sovereignty ensures that salvation cannot be thwarted by evil forces or human opposition. Believers are called to trust in this unstoppable work of God and act as ambassadors of reconciliation to a lost world.

What happened at the cross of Jesus Christ? Dave Jenkins explains that Christ's death was not merely an example of love or a tragic death, but the accomplishment of redemption for sinners. This episode considers the seriousness of sin, Christ's substitutionary atonement, the satisfaction of God's justice, and the forgiveness and reconciliation secured through Christ alone.

This sermon examines the biblical account of King Hezekiah's revival in 2 Chronicles 30, emphasizing that true spiritual renewal begins with a realistic assessment of one's condition and the restoration of communion with God. The preacher highlights the necessity of cleansing the house of God from idolatry and sin as a prerequisite for genuine fellowship and worship. By analyzing Hezekiah's efforts to unify Israel through the Passover, the message underscores that reconciliation requires acknowledging sin and relying on the atoning work of Christ. The narrative illustrates how obedience to God's Word and unified praise lead to a sudden, powerful movement of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the sermon calls listeners to respond to God's initiative by turning back to Him to experience restored joy and spiritual vitality.

Psalm 1 is an introduction to the Psalter, highlighting the stark antithesis between the righteous and the ungodly. True blessing comes from delighting in God's law rather than following worldly counsel or the deceitful human heart. Through the imagery of a tree planted by rivers of water versus chaff driven by the wind, the text illustrates the eternal stability of those who trust in God against the perishable nature of sin. The Psalms ultimately point to Jesus Christ as the only perfect man who fulfills these commands, offering salvation and reconciliation to believers through faith alone. The congregation is encouraged to examine their hearts, rely on God's sovereignty, and find joy in Scripture amidst a fallen world.

Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 17 Article 1 In our culture, where might we see envy in our own hearts? How has that envy been destructive to the peace we experience? The sermon explores the doctrine of the perseverance of saints, emphasizing that God's grace ensures believers are preserved despite their own foolishness or periods of backsliding. Using the narrative of Sheba's rebellion in 2 Samuel 20, the text illustrates how envy and passive aggression can create unnecessary conflict and destroy peace within communities. The preacher contrasts the destructive nature of jealousy with the restorative power of wisdom, highlighted by the wise woman who resolves the crisis through discernment rather than violence. By analyzing the failures of figures like Joab and Amasa, the message warns against assuming villainy where none exists and encourages reliance on God's justice. Ultimately, the teaching calls for contentment in Christ to overcome envy and foster genuine reconciliation among believers.

The sermon explores the profound nature of friendship with Jesus Christ, contrasting His selfless love and care against the deceptive hostility of the devil. By examining key scriptures such as John 15 and Proverbs 18, the message defines true friendship as a choice to be friendly and highlights Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross as the greatest demonstration of this bond. The preacher emphasizes that while the adversary seeks to destroy and deceive, Jesus offers truth, peace, and eternal life to those who humble themselves before God. It stresses that salvation is not achieved through religious effort but by trusting in Christ's finished work and accepting His righteousness. The central call urges listeners to recognize their sinful state and respond by believing in Jesus as the only path to reconciliation with God and everlasting life.

Q: How does God require sin to be truly resolved rather than merely covered over? A: Sin against others is also sin against God, requiring confession, restitution, and atonement, while true reconciliation with God ultimately requires the sacrifice of Christ who saves his people from their sins.

This sermon is the first in a series of messages dealing with the work of God the Holy Spirit as "the Spirit of Truth", taking the things of Christ and revealing them to those the Father chose and Christ redeemed by His obedience unto death. The subject of the series is "THE MIND OF CHRIST."