The devotion critiques the superficiality of modern religious profession by contrasting it with the necessity of true spiritual mortification. It argues that despite the abundance of preaching and religious activity, there is a lack of genuine fruit indicating a transformed heart. The text highlights how sins such as pride, envy, and worldliness remain prevalent among those who claim faith but fail to exhibit spiritual discipline. A call is made for divine intervention to instill a spirit of mortification that cures these spiritual distempers. Ultimately, the message warns that without this inward work, the condition of believers remains dire despite outward appearances.

John Owen on the need for mortification of sin. Neglect of this duty makes the inner man decay instead of renewing him. Paul affirms in 2 Corinthians chapter 4 verse 16 that the inward man is renewed day by day while the outward man perishes. Those who neglect mortification allow the inner man to perish. Grace in the heart must have exercise.

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

Mark Hogan teaches on John Owen's final rule for congregational meetings, emphasizing that elders alone have the biblical authority to call such meetings and that members are obligated to attend unless providentially hindered. Drawing from Acts 6 (the appointment of deacons) and Acts 14 (Paul appointing elders and reporting to the Antioch church), Hogan argues that congregational meetings are necessary for admitting and dismissing members, resolving church discipline cases, electing officers, approving budgets, and addressing problems. He applies this by urging members not to view these meetings as burdens but as fulfilling their duty to Christ and honoring their elders. Hogan then suggests two practical changes for Grace Baptist Church: first, removing the constitutional provision allowing 15 members to force a congregational meeting, as it undermines elder authority; second, considering whether church discipline cases should be handled on a separate day rather than on the Lord's Day, to avoid distracting from worship and meditation on the preached word.

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.