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In this series we will begin to look at what real salvation is. It is not found in the doctrines of man, but in the Name of Jesus. In this message we will examine the revelation of salvation.

Pastor Mark Hogan teaches on the public reading of Scripture as an element of worship, not a prelude to the sermon. Arguing that worship includes the whole gathering—call to worship, reading, preaching, singing, prayer, sacraments, and benediction as God-appointed means of grace (per Thomas Vincent and Confession of Faith 22. 5)—he laments that sola scriptura churches often read little Bible aloud and calls for services "swimming in the Bible. " He grounds this in 1 Timothy 4:13 ("the reading" with exhortation and doctrine, as in Acts 13:15; 15:21), Colossians 4:16 and 1 Thessalonians 5:27 (epistles written for public reading), Revelation 1:3's blessing, and Old Testament covenant assemblies (Exodus 24:7; Deuteronomy 31:9–13; Joshua 8), reinforced by Justin Martyr and Tertullian. Theologically, reading is God's covenantal address, identity-forming for the church (Philip Towner), and a means of grace effective through faith, not ex opere operato. Drawing on the Westminster Larger Catechism and Ligon Duncan, he calls hearers to listen with reverent esteem (Isaiah 66:2), conviction it is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16–17), humility seeking illumination (2 Corinthians 3; Emmaus), and desire to obey (Psalm 119), with Samuel's receptive "Speak, Lord" posture. Practically, he urges a maximalist lectio continua approach—sequential readings from both testaments—by readers with clear pacing, enunciation, and no interspersed human commentary (OPC BCO), calling congregations to receive the reading as God's direct address with diligence, reverence, and awe.

This sermon initiates a series on the doctrine of predestination by examining Ephesians 1:3-14, emphasizing that God alone is the author of salvation. The preacher argues that believers are blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places because God chose them in Christ before the foundation of the world, not based on foreseen faith or human merit. This eternal decree highlights God's absolute sovereignty and unconditional grace, ensuring that salvation brings glory to Him rather than boasting to man. The text reveals that faith itself is a gift from God, sealing believers with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their future inheritance. Ultimately, this doctrine fosters humility and dependence on Christ, reminding Christians that their identity and hope are rooted entirely in God's sovereign purpose.

Dave Jenkins continues the Romans series by considering Paul's thanksgiving for the believers in Rome, his continual prayers for them, his desire to strengthen them, and the mutual encouragement found in the body of Christ. Romans 1:8–12 shows that gospel-shaped ministry is marked by thanksgiving, prayerful dependence, faithful strengthening, and shared faith in Jesus Christ.

Pastor Tim covers Acts 12:6-18, detailing the Apostle Peter's miraculous escape from Herod's prison.

Pastor Mark Hogan teaches on the fourth petition of the Lord's Prayer, 'Give us this day our daily bread' (Matthew 6:11), the first petition that addresses physical, temporal needs. He explains that 'bread' is a synecdoche for all bodily sustenance, citing Genesis 3:19, Psalm 104:15, Psalm 132:15, and the Heidelberg Catechism, and notes the request is deliberately modest—today's necessities, not riches—paralleling Agur's prayer in Proverbs 30:8. Hogan says the petition cultivates daily prayer, dependence on God's providence, contentment (1 Timothy 6:8), gratitude modeled on Jesus's mealtime thanksgivings, generosity toward needy believers (James 2), sanctified enjoyment of God's gifts (Psalm 104, Ecclesiastes), and prayerful labor, as in Moses's plea to 'establish the work of our hands'—the opposite of Nebuchadnezzar's boast. Believers should pray this petition confidently (Psalm 37:25; 34:9) and seek provisions so they may hallow God's name and seek His kingdom (1 Corinthians 10:31). Practically, parents should teach children that food on the table is a product of God's beneficence, to be received thankfully without grumbling like Israel craving Egypt's food. He closes with Ursinus's warning that the petition restrains 'raging and boundless desires,' echoing Matthew Henry: 'nature is content with little, grace with less, lust with nothing.'

How can Christians recognize a faithful church in a time when popularity, personalities, programs, and production often shape how churches are evaluated? In this episode of Equipping You in Grace, Dave Jenkins explains the biblical marks of a true church: faithful preaching of God's Word, the right administration of baptism and the Lord's Supper, loving church discipline, qualified biblical leadership, and meaningful commitment within the local body. Christians are not called to find a perfect church. We are called to seek a faithful church where Christ is exalted, the gospel is proclaimed, Scripture is the final authority, and God's people are equipped to grow together in grace and truth. This episode continues the September series, "Home: The Church, the Gospel, and the Grace That Brings You Back." For more from Equipping You in Grace, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

If it was God's grace that saves humanity, will it not be God's grace that keeps His people? This message is good news for the backslider. In this sermon on the perseverance of the saints from Psalm 73:24, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones highlights the grace of God in the believer's future salvation. This doctrine, known as the perseverance of the saints, belongs at the bedrock of the faith. Dr. Lloyd-Jones begins with a proper understanding of God's grace. God's grace saves, restrains, and restores. The backsliding Christian will be restored because God is a God of grace. His grace is the reason all Christians are, remain, and we will be saved. Nothing, therefore, can separate the believer from God's love. First, this doctrine is rooted in God's own character. When God starts a work, He completes it. One finds His rest in this unchangeable person of God. The true believer cannot slide too far from God's saving grace because God's work of redemption doesn't change. Second, this doctrine stems from God's purpose. God has intended to save humanity from their sin for God's own glory. Since saving them from sin is God's purpose, the weak Christian will indeed be saved. Finally, this doctrine rests in the power of God. Listen and know that God not only desires His children to be saved, but He has the ability to save.