Responsibility on SermonAudio

This lesson examines the theological significance of the Fall in Genesis, arguing that the serpent's primary weapon was the introduction of doubt regarding the authority of God's Word. By questioning the command, Satan shifted the burden of proof from the believer to God, replacing settled confidence in divine truth with human judgment and pride. This analysis connects the ancient narrative to contemporary challenges, noting that modern skepticism often demands evidence for biblical truth while rejecting the need to prove atheism. The teacher warns that this shift toward consequentialist thinking and self-reliance is a trap that cannot be escaped through human reasoning alone. Ultimately, the message calls for a return to humility and implicit trust in the reliability of Scripture, contrasting the prideful response of Adam and Saul with the humble submission of Moses and David.

How can a guilty sinner ever be made righteous before an infinitely holy God? This question lies at the heart of Genesis 15, where God reassures Abram that He is both his shield and his exceedingly great reward. Having rejected the riches of Sodom, Abram is reminded that the Lord Himself is the source of his protection and blessing. Yet Abram remains troubled by his childlessness and the apparent impossibility of God's promise to give him countless descendants. In response, God brings Abram outside beneath the night sky and commands him to count the innumerable stars, declaring that his offspring will be just as numerous. Despite his circumstances, Abram believes in the Lord, and God reckons his faith as righteousness. This extraordinary declaration establishes the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone, revealing that righteousness is not earned through human works but credited to the believer through faith in God. The apostle Paul later explains in Romans 4 that this promise was recorded not merely for Abraham's sake but for all who believe in the God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Just as Abraham trusted God to bring life from Sarah's barren womb, sinners must trust in the resurrection of Christ, who bore their transgressions and secured their justification. Through faith, Christ's perfect righteousness is imputed to the believer, granting what no human effort could ever achieve: peace with God.

This sermon explores the concept of trustworthiness as a defining characteristic of genuine Christian faith, rooted in the teachings of 1 John 5. It argues that because God is a trustworthy Father and a faithful Savior who keeps His promises, believers are called to reflect this character trait in their own lives. The message defines faith not as blind belief, but as reasoned trust without reservation, urging believers to obey God's commands regardless of their feelings or circumstances. Using the life of Joseph as a primary example, the sermon illustrates how maintaining integrity and faithfulness in small matters prepares a person for greater responsibilities and impact. Ultimately, the central challenge shifts from asking if one can trust God to examining whether God can trust the believer to be reliable in their current station and resources.

Paul uses questions and answers to convince the Jews that they are responsible for their sin before God.

The humble king rode a colt into Jerusalem to be crucified securing lasting peace. How would you have responded to him? What is your response today?

Grab your Bible and join us as we finish up our study of Paul's letters to the Church at Thessaloniki. Today we will turn to practical matters of church life. Paul requests prayer for the spread and protection of the gospel, expresses confidence in the Thessalonians' obedience, and then addresses a persistent problem in the church: disorderly, idle members who were refusing to work and becoming busybodies. Paul gives clear, loving instructions for discipline while affirming the church's responsibility to continue in faithful labor and peace. The chapter closes with a benediction of peace from the Lord of peace Himself.

The letter to Philemon challenges you to let love guide how you treat others, especially when you have authority or influence over them. Like Philemon, you are called to go beyond simply insisting on your rights and instead show forgiveness, kindness, and genuine concern for others. Whether you are a parent, teacher, employer, or church leader, God calls you to exercise your responsibilities with humility and love rather than selfishness or control. Because Christ has first loved you, you are called to extend that same love to others, demonstrating through your actions what it means to be His disciple.

This sermon opens a study of the five points of Calvinism (the doctrines of grace) by looking at the first: total depravity. It traces the historical roots of the five points to the Synod of Dort's response to Arminius and the Remonstrants. From Scripture it shows that in Adam all mankind fell and inherited a corrupted nature. Sin has touched every faculty of fallen man, his mind, will, and affections, leaving him unable and unwilling to come to God.

What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. (Psalms 116:12-14) ~~~~~ This sermon was preached at Bells Yew Green Chapel, Lord's Day afternoon. ~~~~~ *1/ The Lord's benefits towards us. 2/ A question as to what to do. 3/ A two fold answer.* **Sermon summary:** This sermon examines the believer's response to God's spiritual benefits, centring on the question, "What shall I render unto the Lord?" The message distinguishes between temporal provisions and the superior value of soul deliverance, urging listeners to recognize spiritual blessings such as answered prayer, conviction of sin, and the fullness of Christ's covenant. It emphasizes that the appropriate response is a two-fold commitment: privately taking the cup of salvation through thanksgiving and public profession, and publicly paying vows in the presence of God's people. The preacher encourages the congregation to view their life experiences as a unique cup of salvation that testifies to God's grace, culminating in the call for baptism and participation in the Lord's Supper as acts of public faith.

This sermon explores the narrative of Peter's imprisonment and miraculous release in Acts 12, identifying three central themes: persecution, prayer, and preservation. It highlights the church's response to the execution of James and the arrest of Peter, emphasizing that their primary recourse was earnest, corporate prayer rather than human intervention. The text illustrates God's sovereign power and wisdom, contrasting the fates of James and Peter to demonstrate that God preserves His servants for their appointed work until it is complete. The preacher encourages believers to trust in God's infinite ability to answer prayers, urging them to pray with fervent expectation and humility, acknowledging that God's ways are higher than human understanding.