Responsibility on SermonAudio

I WAS BLIND, BUT NOW I SEE John 9 is more than the healing of a man born blind; it is a picture of what happens when Jesus opens the eyes of a sinner. The man was physically blind from birth, but his story also mirrors our spiritual condition. We are born unable to truly see Christ until He gives us sight. Jesus saw the man before the man could see Him, and what looked like a lifelong tragedy became a stage for the works and glory of God to be revealed. As the man's eyes were opened, the Pharisees could not deny that something had happened, so they tried to discredit the One who did it and then discredit the man himself. That is often how the world responds to genuine transformation. If people cannot deny the evidence of what Christ has done, they may attack the person who has been changed. But the man stood on the one thing he knew: "Though I was blind, now I see." He did not know everything about Jesus yet, but he knew enough to trust the One who had opened his eyes. His parents, however, were afraid of being rejected by the religious leaders. They could see that something had happened to their son, but fear kept them from openly standing with Jesus. Their response shows how the pressure of acceptance, reputation, family, or community can keep people from confessing Christ even when His work is plainly visible. The formerly blind man grew bolder as the questioning continued. His understanding of Jesus developed from calling Him "a Man," to "a prophet," to recognizing that He must be from God, and finally to confessing, "Lord, I believe," and worshiping Him. That progression beautifully pictures discipleship: Jesus opens our eyes, and as we follow Him, we increasing

2:04 What is the difference between Sin, Transgression and Iniquity? 8:44 Should I evangelize my non-Christian friend's dying son and how should I approach it? 14:29 What is the main difference in Bible translations between thought for thought and word for word and which is the best translation? 22:01 Will only a remnant be Christ's bride? 26:25 In Romans 7:15-20 is Paul talking about before becoming a Christian or after? 29:48 What are our responsibilities after being baptized? 36:06 How do we respond to someone who says, "love is love, let me love whoever I want"? 44:15 Before Jesus comes back where do we go when we die? 49:12 Does only a small remnant of the raptured church make up the bride of Christ? 51:13 Where does it say in the Bible that Joseph's brothers were jealous of him? 53:57 How do I know if I'm truly following Christ in all areas of obedience?

The Righteous: Who…What…Why? We are joined by Renton Rathbun (BJU Press). Topics discussed include: Who are the Righteous? What is Righteousness and What is It Not? What is the Responsibility of the Righteous? Why Does It Matter?

Suffering can make Christians feel alone and distant from God, but Scripture reminds us that our feelings are not the final authority. Psalm 34:18 declares, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." In this weekend reflection from Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why God's nearness does not depend on our circumstances or emotions. God does not merely meet His people after their trials. He is present with them in the middle of pain, confusion, and waiting. Through Psalm 34:18, 2 Corinthians 1:20, and the person and work of Jesus Christ, listeners are encouraged to rest in the unchanging character and promises of God. Suffering is real, but so is God's presence. Even when His nearness is difficult to feel, He remains faithful to His people. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

In contemporary evangelistic practice, the pastoral response to an awakened sinner often seeks immediate emotional relief, offering swift assurances of safety and a bare presentation of gospel facts. In stark contrast, historic Reformed soul-care—exemplified by John Bunyan's Evangelist, Jonathan Edwards's revival treatises, Thomas Scott's annotations, and the lived experience of David Brainerd—operates on the conviction that true saving faith requires a deep, experimental realization of human inability under the Law before gospel comfort can be rightly embraced. Rather than offering premature assurance to those alarmed about their souls, these historic voices advocate holding forth "more light" to dismantle all self-reliant "twigs" of moral reform, enforcing the urgent command to "flee from the wrath to come." By examining Evangelist's seemingly paradoxical counsel alongside Edwards's theology of religious affections and Brainerd's self-examining piety, this study demonstrates that stripping away false security is not ministerial cruelty, but the highest act of spiritual mercy—forcing the sinner out of self-righteousness and driving him toward true, enduring refuge in the cross of Christ.

This sermon explores the biblical mandate for godly womanhood found in Titus chapter two, emphasizing the vital role of older women mentoring younger ones. The preacher outlines seven specific virtues for young women, including love for family, sobriety, purity, and submission to their husbands. He addresses cultural shifts regarding domestic roles, arguing that a woman's primary calling is to manage her household with diligence as a significant ministry in the kingdom. The message encourages younger women to seek mature mentors and older women to embrace their responsibility in discipling the next generation. Ultimately, faithful adherence to these principles serves as a powerful witness to the gospel and honors God within the home.

The sermon warns against spiritual hardness of heart caused by failing to recognize God's miracles and focusing on trivial matters. Drawing from Mark 6 and Mark 8, it explains that the disciples' hearts hardened because they did not consider the feeding of the five thousand, leading them to miss what truly matters. The message urges believers to actively remember past blessings and avoid distraction by worldly concerns or church logistics. By keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus rather than their lacks, individuals can prevent their emotions from becoming callous and dull. Ultimately, the message calls for a renewed awareness of God's goodness to maintain a vibrant and responsive faith.

Psalm 30 is a song of thanksgiving that teaches believers to direct their gratitude not toward blessings themselves, but toward God, the One who gives them. David praises God for rescuing him from the brink of death, likely during a serious illness, and acknowledges that only God could lift him from the pit. His personal deliverance becomes a testimony for the whole community, inviting God's people to worship together. The psalm highlights that while sorrow and weeping may last for a season, God's favor brings joy that ultimately overcomes suffering. The sermon connects this truth to Christ, whose resurrection secures lasting joy for all who trust in Him. The sermon's second half warns against self-reliance and pride. David recalls how prosperity led him to believe he was secure in his own strength, only to discover that everything he possessed depended entirely on God's grace. When God's favor seemed hidden, David was reminded of his dependence on the Lord. Yet in response to repentance and prayer, God transformed his mourning into dancing and clothed him with gladness. The sermon concludes by pointing to Jesus Christ as the greater fulfillment of Psalm 30. Unlike David, Christ conquered death permanently, ensuring that His people will one day experience everlasting joy without sorrow. Therefore, believers are called to continually thank, praise, and trust God in every season, knowing that in Christ, mourning is ultimately turned into eternal joy.