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In Mark 2:18–22, Jesus is asked why His disciples do not fast like the disciples of John and the Pharisees. His answer reveals that the real issue is not merely fasting, but the identity and mission of Christ. Jesus is the Bridegroom who has come for His people. His presence brings joy, yet He also foretells the day when the Bridegroom will be taken away, pointing forward to the cross. Through the images of old garments, new cloth, old wineskins, and new wine, Christ teaches that He cannot be treated as a patch for self-righteous religion. He brings the fulfillment of God's promises, the life of the new covenant, and the joy of sinners welcomed by grace. This sermon calls hearers to come to Christ, not as those trusting in outward religion, but as needy sinners receiving the Bridegroom by faith.

What happens when our public religious lives don't match the hidden corners of our hearts? Today, we're diving into the deep end of the human soul with the help of America's greatest spiritual detectives. From Jonathan Edwards' piercing warning that true faith is verified in the dark, to John Owen's ultimate blueprint for a peaceful, focused mind in a world drowning in distraction, we're pulling back the curtain on performative faith. Even legendary statesman Daniel Webster warned over two centuries ago that without a solid moral compass, a nation slides into chaos. If you've ever wondered whether your inner life matches your outer presentation, or if you're just looking for a little unshakeable peace in a loud world, stay with us—this is a conversation you cannot afford to miss."

John Owen contended in his book, published in 1683, "No man shall ever behold the glory of Christ by sight hereafter who does not in some measure behold it here by faith". He elaborated that our view of the glory of Christ by faith, however dim, is fit to thrive and widen as a river meets the sea, as we come to our end in this world. Such a widening or even a "recovery from decays" (Owen's words) is the purpose of this concluding study as we consider : (1) Glory beheld by faith, (2) Glorious Triune Love, (3) Rejoicing amidst sufferings in "Hope of the Glory of God", (4) The glory yet to be revealed to us, and (5) Christ in you, the hope of glory Colossians 1:26-27.

John Owen contended in his book, published in 1683, "No man shall ever behold the glory of Christ by sight hereafter who does not in some measure behold it here by faith". He elaborated that our view of the glory of Christ by faith, however dim, is fit to thrive and widen as a river meets the sea, as we come to our end in this world. Such a widening or even a "recovery from decays" (Owen's words) is the purpose of this concluding study as we consider : (1) Glory beheld by faith, (2) Glorious Triune Love, (3) Rejoicing amidst sufferings in "Hope of the Glory of God", (4) The glory yet to be revealed to us, and (5) Christ in you, the hope of glory Colossians 1:26-27.

The devotion emphasizes the critical necessity of continually mortifying sin to prevent spiritual ruin. It illustrates how sin begins modestly but gradually hardens the heart and deceives the soul into indifference toward God. Drawing on John Owen's teachings, the message warns that unchecked temptation inevitably escalates into severe transgression. The central argument asserts that only persistent spiritual discipline can wither the root of sin before it takes hold. Believers are urged to remain vigilant in this duty to maintain their standing with God.

This sermon on Mark 2:13–17 considers the calling of Levi, Jesus' table fellowship with tax collectors and sinners, and Christ's declaration that He came not to call the righteous, but sinners. Jesus sees and calls the despised sinner, receives sinners without compromising holiness, and reveals Himself as the Physician for the spiritually sick. The message emphasizes effectual calling, repentance, grace, gospel hospitality, and the church's calling to welcome sinners with holy mercy while proclaiming Christ clearly.

Please consider how you can be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ through your financial support to the continued work of His Church in this time. Contributions can be made by PayPal by visiting our website ( faithbiblepres.org ) or by mailing your contribution to: Faith Bible Presbyterian Church 3001 Marian Dr. Trenton Mi 48183 "The Pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both." ~ John Calvin (July 10, 1509 - May 27, 1564). "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." ~ NKJV John 10:27 "Satan's greatest success is in making people think they have plenty of time before they die to consider their eternal welfare" ~ John Owen (1616 - August 1683). "For the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ." ~ NKJV Rev. 1:9 Fᴀɪᴛʜ Bɪʙʟᴇ Pʀᴇsʙʏᴛᴇʀɪᴀɴ Cʜᴜʀᴄʜ ~ Tʀᴜᴇ Worship & Aᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄ Fᴇʟʟᴏᴡsʜɪᴘ ~ Faith Bible Presbyterian Church is a Bible believing and Christ honoring church that is committed to teaching|preaching the Word of God with diligence and authority. We stand for the historic Christian faith, and we welcome you to our services of worship. Won't you join us? faithbiblepres.org

Please consider how you can be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ through your financial support to the continued work of His Church in this time. Contributions can be made by PayPal by visiting our website ( faithbiblepres.org ) or by mailing your contribution to: Faith Bible Presbyterian Church 3001 Marian Dr. Trenton Mi 48183 "The Pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both." ~ John Calvin (July 10, 1509 - May 27, 1564). "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." ~ NKJV John 10:27 "Satan's greatest success is in making people think they have plenty of time before they die to consider their eternal welfare" ~ John Owen (1616 - August 1683). "For the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ." ~ NKJV Rev. 1:9 Fᴀɪᴛʜ Bɪʙʟᴇ Pʀᴇsʙʏᴛᴇʀɪᴀɴ Cʜᴜʀᴄʜ ~ Tʀᴜᴇ Worship & Aᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄ Fᴇʟʟᴏᴡsʜɪᴘ ~ Faith Bible Presbyterian Church is a Bible believing and Christ honoring church that is committed to teaching|preaching the Word of God with diligence and authority. We stand for the historic Christian faith, and we welcome you to our services of worship. Won't you join us? faithbiblepres.org

Robert Fitzgerald taught from John Owen's Rule 6 on the duty of loyalty to the pastor, emphasizing that church members must remain faithfully at their pastor's side in all trials and persecutions that arise because of the word. He explained that this loyalty must be demonstrated in mind, heart, and action—defending the pastor's sound doctrine when assailed, standing with him when his person is attacked, and supporting him through tangible encouragement. Fitzgerald stressed that this duty applies to all such trials without exception, though not when a pastor suffers for sinful or illegal conduct. He used 2 Timothy 4:16 as a negative example of those who forsook Paul in his trial, and 2 Timothy 1:16-18 as a positive example of Onesiphorus who zealously sought out and refreshed Paul in prison. The application was clear: members must be ready to support their pastor even at personal cost, whether from state persecution, slander from within the church, or other forms of opposition. Fitzgerald warned that such trials may soon become less hypothetical in America, and urged the congregation to be prepared to stand with their pastors as a bulwark against despair, imitating Christ who was forsaken but expects His under-shepherds to receive the support He was denied.