This sermon explores the appropriate human response when Jesus confronts individuals with their sin or weaknesses, using the healing of the man with the withered hand in Luke 6 as the central text. The preacher contrasts the Pharisees' critical and unteachable spirit, which led to rage, with the healed man's obedient faith, which resulted in restoration. Key themes include the necessity of divine confrontation for spiritual growth, the danger of hiding behind excuses or traditions, and the call to yield pride and selfishness to God's authority. The message urges believers to recognize that God deliberately exposes hidden issues out of love, aiming to sanctify them rather than condemn them. Ultimately, the congregation is challenged to respond with humility and immediate obedience when the Holy Spirit convicts their hearts.

Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ: The Canons of Dort (1618-1619) is not equal to the Bible, but it is a faithful summary of 5 major doctrines in the Bible. Those doctrines were under attack following the Reformation and the church needed to clarify what the Bible actually taught. Those 5 doctrines were: Unconditional Election, Limited (Definite) Atonement, Total Depravity (Inability), Irresistible Grace, and the Perseverance (Preservation) of the saints. You can remember them by the acronym ULTIP, though TULIP is more common. Those 5 false doctrines which were corrected have been having a revival, so we must address them, just as they were addressed 400 years ago. We started looking at the doctrine of Unconditional Election. You saw God did not have to elect anyone, but based on God's love, he chose to elect some to eternal life, and you saw that God works election through preaching. Today we will pick up with how man responds when he hears that Word of God preached and why he responds that way. Our headings are: 1. Responses to the Gospel 2. Reasons some reject the Gospel Our goals are: That you will praise God who gave you faith and his Holy Spirit so you responded and received salvation through Jesus, and you will promote preaching so the elect can hear and believe.

This sermon is part of an ongoing verse by verse study through the epistle of I John. The subject of this sermon is the believing, justified sinner's responsibility to "try the Spirits", a command given by John to Christ's church by inspiration of God the Holy Spirit.

The sermon expounds on Psalm 23:5, portraying the Lord as a gracious host who prepares a lavish table for His people amidst their enemies. It highlights three key aspects of divine provision: the prepared table symbolizing spiritual and temporal sustenance, the anointing with oil representing honour and refreshing, and the overflowing cup indicating abundant grace that exceeds human expectation. The preacher emphasizes that believers are honoured guests invited to feast on Christ's love and faithfulness rather than relying on self-righteousness. This imagery assures Christians of God's unpreventable care and sufficiency in all circumstances, countering complaints of scarcity with gratitude for His bountiful gifts. The message concludes by urging a response of generous giving and ceaseless praise to the Lord who supplies every need.

This sermon addresses the challenge of presenting exclusive Christian truth in a modern pluralistic and postmodern culture that denies absolute moral standards. The preacher argues that while society embraces relativism to justify personal lifestyles, Jesus Christ uniquely claims to be the only path to God through His identity as the way, the truth, and the life. By contrasting historical shifts from pre-modern to post-modern worldviews, the text highlights how contemporary objections to Christianity stem from a rejection of objective truth rather than logical error. The message emphasizes that believers must proclaim this exclusive claim not out of self-righteousness, but as a necessary response to the reality of sin and the offer of salvation by grace alone. Ultimately, the sermon calls listeners to trust in Christ for eternal life before time runs out.

The sermon argues that Christian obedience is not a means to earn God's favor but a grateful response to the mercy already received through Christ. Drawing from Romans 12, it contrasts merit-based religion with the gospel truth that believers are adopted children who do not need to prove their worthiness. Rev. Barnhart emphasizes that the mercies detailed in Romans chapters 1-11 serve as the foundation and motivation for presenting one's body as a living sacrifice. This obedience is described as holy, acceptable, and reasonable because it flows from union with Jesus rather than human effort. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to offer their imperfect lives to God with confidence in His grace.

The sermon emphasizes the critical importance of discipleship as both a personal necessity and a communal responsibility for all believers. Drawing primarily from Matthew 28:19-20, it defines discipleship not merely as salvation but as an active, relational process of teaching others to observe Christ's commands. Through biblical examples such as Levi the tax collector and the repentant prostitute, the message highlights the need for patience, grace, and humility when investing in new believers who may not yet look or act like mature Christians. It challenges the congregation to abandon judgmental attitudes and instead embrace the long-suffering nature of God by actively mentoring others while remaining open to being taught themselves. Ultimately, the central theme is that true faith requires continuous growth and a proactive commitment to making disciples rather than passively waiting for spiritual maturity.

Every Christian faces trials. Some arrive suddenly, while others remain far longer than we would choose. During these difficult seasons, believers often wonder what God is doing and whether their suffering has any purpose. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains what James 1:2–3 and 1 Peter 1:6–7 teach about trials and testing. Scripture shows that trials are not random interruptions to the Christian life. God uses them to test the genuineness of our faith, produce steadfastness, deepen our trust, and lead us toward spiritual maturity. Counting trials as joy does not mean ignoring pain or pretending difficulties are easy. It means trusting that God is faithfully working through circumstances we may not yet understand. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

The sermon interprets the imminent end of all things not as a cause for panic or withdrawal, but as a catalyst for spiritual alertness and purposeful living. It emphasizes that believers must maintain sober-minded clarity to engage in constant, dependent prayer rather than self-reliance. Furthermore, it exhorts the church to practice strenuous, unconditional love that actively covers the multitude of sins committed among believers. This deliberate forbearance prevents strife and reflects the sacrificial nature of Christ's own love for humanity. Ultimately, the message calls Christians to prioritize these virtues as essential responses to living in the final era of history.