Responsibility on SermonAudio

The sermon examines Saul's first test as king in 1 Samuel 11, where he delivers Jabesh-Gilead from the Ammonites. The preacher highlights how the Spirit of God empowers Saul with righteous anger and leadership to unite Israel for battle. This victory demonstrates that success comes solely through divine intervention rather than human strength. Saul's humble response acknowledges God as the source of salvation, contrasting his initial faithfulness with his later pride. The narrative concludes with the renewal of the kingdom at Gilgal, affirming God's chosen leader.

AUGUST 2, 2026 EVENING WORSHIP SERVICE Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:1-14 Text: 2 Corinthians 13:14 Sermon: "Responding to God's Benediction" "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. - 2 Corinthians 13:14 "Responding to God's Benediction" 2 Corinthians 13:14 I. 2 Corinthians 13:14 is one of the best-known benedictions as it stresses: 1) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ 2) The love of God the Father 3) The fellowship of the Holy Spirit II. Our response: Joyful unity and spiritual growth (11-13), which only comes by knowing the blessing of the benediction (14)

1. The insensitive request 2. The incisive response 3. The indignant reaction 4. The incredible reality

This sermon explores Psalm 120 as the opening of the Songs of Ascents, framing the Christian life as a pilgrimage toward heaven. The preacher identifies believers as sojourners dwelling among heathens who are characterized by deceit and hostility toward peace. Two erroneous responses to this cultural opposition are rejected: compromising biblical truth to fit in or using worldly weapons to conquer the culture. Instead, Christians are called to hold high the banner of Christ through faithful witness and prayer. The message concludes with a call to long for the heavenly Jerusalem while trusting God to handle justice against those who oppose His people.

We have a merciful and loving God. Learn more about His character and what our response should be to His kindness.

The sermon explores the biblical principle that the depth of one's love for Christ is directly proportional to the awareness of having been forgiven. Using the narrative of the sinful woman in Luke 7, it illustrates how recognizing the magnitude of personal sin and the completeness of divine pardon compels a grateful and intense response of love. Pastor McKinnon contrasts this with religious hypocrisy, emphasizing that all believers have been fully pardoned through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. By meditating on the cost of redemption and utilizing the Lord's Supper as a reminder, Christians are encouraged to cultivate a deeper affection for their Savior. Ultimately, the message calls both believers and unbelievers to acknowledge their sinfulness and place their faith in Jesus for salvation.

The sermon explores the identity and privileges of the church through the lens of 1 Peter 2, focusing on Jesus Christ as the precious cornerstone upon which believers are built. It highlights the transition of Christians from rejected outsiders to a royal priesthood and holy nation, emphasising their union with Christ. Tomi outlines three key aspects: the value of the chosen Stone, the privileges of the chosen people, and their divine purpose to proclaim God's excellencies. This theological framework encourages believers to find comfort in God's election amidst worldly rejection and persecution. Ultimately, the message calls for a decisive response to Christ, urging listeners to trust in Him as their foundation and live lives marked by worship and witness.

Why does God allow suffering? This is not merely a theological question. It is often asked through tears, sickness, loss, betrayal, loneliness, and deep disappointment. In this episode, Dave Jenkins explains that suffering exists because we live in a world affected by the fall. Yet God is neither absent nor powerless in the suffering of His people. He remains sovereign, present, good, and near to the brokenhearted. Scripture teaches that God uses trials to refine our faith, deepen our dependence upon Him, produce steadfastness, and conform us to the image of Christ. The cross provides the greatest example of suffering with purpose, as Jesus suffered to accomplish the redemption of His people. Christians may not receive an explanation for every painful circumstance, but they are never left without hope. God is at work even when His purposes cannot yet be seen. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

A biblical worldview is not merely something Christians believe or discuss. It should shape how they live every day. Drawing from Colossians 2:6–7, Dave Jenkins explains how walking in Christ affects our relationships, work, conversations, choices, and responses to life's challenges. Christians are called to remain rooted in Christ, established in the faith, and intentional about applying biblical truth to every area of life. Living out a biblical worldview does not require perfection, but it does require direction. As believers depend upon Christ and grow in His Word, their actions should increasingly reflect their convictions. This episode considers how Christians can remain grounded in Scripture, apply biblical truth to everyday decisions, pursue consistency between belief and conduct, and depend upon Christ for lasting spiritual growth. For more episodes and resources from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/