Christian songs, particularly the Psalms, serve as theological instruction for daily living rather than mere musical entertainment or even a tool for corporate worship. In the first three of ten observations (the rest to follow in ensuing sermons), Psalm 106 teaches believers 1) to give thanks to God because He is good and His mercy endures forever, even amidst human failure and sin; 2) that true worship requires a life consistent with justice and righteousness; and 3) corporate and personal confession of sin, relying on God's faithfulness and justice through Jesus Christ for forgiveness, is also a theme of true biblical singing.

Today I would like to resume our study of Christian Watchfulness in relation to Christ's Second Coming. The great value of this particular aspect of Christian Watchfulness is that it will be of help to all true Christians in relation to their stirring up the grace of readiness in their own soul by their watching. Are you watching for Christ's Second Coming? And what does this mean for us since Christ has not returned for 2,000 years, and many generations of Christian people have lived and died not seeing His return? Did they watch in vain? No, I would say, most certainly not! I think that part of the difficulty of Christian Watchfulness in relation to Christ's 2nd Coming is the continual successions of generations of Christians, who have indeed lived their life looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ; and they have not seen Him return during their physical lifetime. What shall we say to this? I would say what I would hope you would say: That they eagerly waited for Him in their particular lifetime and generation. And they were not disappointed when they died that He had not come back yet in His one 2nd Coming. He will in the future appear a second time. But, in His return He will glorify all of His saints. And judge the world in righteousness. And bring this world to an end, and recreate it in the New Heavens and Earth.

Scripture: Romans 3:21-31; Hebrews 11:1-3 Belgic Confession, Article 23 Sermon Title: Faith Alone Sermon Theme: We are right with God through faith alone Sermon Points: I. Faith vs. Unbelief II. Faith vs. Works III. Faith vs. Sight

The sermon expounds on Titus 2:11-14, emphasizing that God's grace is the sole foundation of salvation and the power for holy living. It argues against abandoning the gospel for deeper theological pursuits, asserting that grace instructs believers to deny ungodliness and live righteously. The message highlights the dual reality of Christ's first coming as Savior and His future return as the blessed hope motivating Christian conduct. By examining the incarnation and atonement, the text clarifies that salvation is an unmerited gift received through faith alone, not works. Ultimately, believers are called to pursue sanctification with zeal, anchored in the certainty of Christ's glorious appearing.

I. God's Authority II. God's Purpose III. Our Response

1. Confession must come from a sincere recognition 2. The Lord forgives you... go in peace

The sermon interprets the parable of the pearl of great price to emphasize that Jesus Christ is the only object of true value, requiring believers to die to their own nature and receive Him as their life. By examining the Apostle Peter's journey from self-confidence to reliance on divine grace, the message highlights the necessity of receiving 'the faith of Jesus Christ' rather than trusting in human effort. The preacher uses Peter's denial and subsequent restoration to illustrate that salvation and perseverance depend entirely on this received faith, which serves as an advocate before God at the final judgment. This theological perspective asserts that conversion involves a total transformation into Christ's nature, ensuring believers can face future trials with absolute confidence. Ultimately, the text urges listeners to prioritize this precious relationship over religious routine or self-righteousness.

The New Covenant gives us more than a new heart—it gives us a true and intimate knowledge of God, complete forgiveness, and unshakable assurance through the finished work of Christ. Our salvation does not rest on the quality of our performance but on the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice: He takes our guilt and gives us His righteousness. And because Christ has come, the shadows of the Old Covenant have given way to the substance, as the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus accomplishes what the old system could only point toward.