What is the gospel—and are you certain you can explain it from Scripture? Rejoice that God saves sinners by grace through faith in Christ alone, apart from works or human effort. Reject every counterfeit message that adds conditions to the free gift of salvation. Trust the Holy Spirit to use the truth of God's Word as you proclaim the good news with confidence. Grow into Christlikeness through faithful obedience, becoming an example that encourages others to believe and mature in Him.

In this evening sermon Pastor Rockhill traces Peter's missionary travels through the Gentile regions of Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa, showing how the risen Christ continued to build His church through the ministry of His apostle. The central burden is that Peter possessed no power in himself; every mighty work was done in the name and by the authority of the living Jesus Christ, confirming the word of the gospel so that many turned to the Lord. Expounding the healing of the paralyzed Aeneas and the raising of Tabitha, called Dorcas, Pastor Rockhill draws out the faith of Peter and of those he served. He lingers on the meaning of "saints" as ordinary believers made holy by justification through faith, not a special class of super-Christians, and he honors Dorcas as a faithful woman who abounded continually in good works and charitable deeds toward the poor and the widows. Doctrinally the sermon dwells on the sovereignty of God over life and death, the confirming purpose of apostolic miracles, and the fulfillment of Christ's promise in John 14 that His disciples would do His works to the Father's glory. Pastor Rockhill notes how Peter's lodging with Simon the tanner foreshadows the passing away of the old ceremonial order and the gathering of Jew and Gentile into one body in Christ. By way of application, he calls the congregation to live faithfully for the Lord even in small, hidden acts of service, to rest not in signs and wonders but in the Spirit and the truth of God's written Word, and to bear witness so that Christ may draw many to Himself.

This testimony highlights the transformative power of God's sovereign grace through Brother Robert Shettles, who was restored from a life of sin and same-sex marriage to become a member of Ripley Primitive Baptist Church. The narrative emphasizes that salvation is entirely God's work, often unfolding slowly through providence and the faithful presence of spiritual friends rather than human effort. Pastor Louis Sacran illustrates how he navigated this six-year ministry by prioritizing genuine friendship over immediate correction, allowing the Holy Spirit to convict Brother Shettles of his sin. The message warns against the dangers of unthankfulness and entitlement, which lead to deception and spiritual ruin, urging listeners to count the cost of their actions. Ultimately, it offers hope that no one is too far from God's reach, as He faithfully restores broken relationships and brings believers home.

Why does the book of Romans matter, and why do Christians need its message today? Romans gives us a clear, ordered, and Spirit-inspired explanation of the gospel of God. It reveals the holiness and righteousness of God, exposes the universal guilt of sinners, declares justification by faith alone in Christ alone, and explains how the grace that saves also transforms the lives of God's people. In this introductory sermon to the Romans: The Gospel That Changes Everything series, Dave Jenkins provides an overview of the major themes of Romans. He considers the depth of human sin, the righteousness of Christ, union with Christ, life in the Holy Spirit, the sovereign mercy of God, and the gospel-shaped life of the church. Romans brings clarity in a confused age because it directs us away from human effort, cultural approval, and self-righteousness and brings us to Jesus Christ alone. The book of Romans is not merely a theological work to be mastered. It is the Word of God, given to humble, comfort, correct, strengthen, and transform God's people through the gospel. For more from our Romans series please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/category/sermons/romans-the-gospel-that-changes-everything/

The sermon explores the multifaceted role of the Holy Spirit as described in John 14 and 15, identifying Him as the Advocate, Abider, Advisor, Animator, Announcer, and Advancer. It emphasizes that Jesus' departure was necessary for the Comforter to indwell believers, providing the power required to overcome fear and timidity. The central message focuses on the Spirit's work in convicting sinners of unbelief, confirming saints through righteousness, and condemning Satan. Believers are urged to rely on this abiding presence to effectively witness for Christ, utilizing Scripture and divine empowerment rather than human eloquence. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit enables Christians to proclaim the gospel with boldness and assurance across all nations.

How much evidence is enough to resolve unbelief? Mark 8:11–21 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that unbelief is not resolved by more evidence, but by eliminating the unbelief itself. The devotional examines Mark 8:11-21 to find that the root of spiritual blindness is a hardened heart rather than a lack of evidence. The Pharisees' demand for signs results in Jesus's warning against the leaven of unbelief and skepticism. Pastor emphasizes that believers also struggle with doubt, when they judge by external circumstances instead of God's Word, character, and work. True faith requires the Holy Spirit to soften the heart and enable perception. Ultimately, living by faith depends on continual reliance on God's grace to overcome remaining sin.

This sermon distinguishes biblical joy from mere happiness, defining it as the natural result of salvation and the work of the Holy Spirit. I emphasize that true joy is found by abiding in Christ, much like a branch draws life from the vine, rather than through self-effort or worldly circumstances. Key themes include the necessity of Christian fellowship to complete one's joy and the call to choose joy even amidst suffering by focusing on Jesus' sacrifice. The message urges believers to remain connected to God through prayer and obedience, allowing His peace and righteousness to overcome negative emotions. Ultimately, the sermon challenges listeners to display this contagious joy to the world as a testimony of their faith in Christ so that our joy may be complete.

This sermon explores twelve practical tools derived from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 that enable believers to live a holy and confident life in anticipation of Christ's return. The speaker outlines specific instructions for church community, including honoring spiritual leaders, avoiding idleness, comforting the discouraged, and maintaining patience and civility toward all people. Key spiritual disciplines highlighted include rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, giving thanks in all circumstances, and not quenching the Holy Spirit. The message emphasizes that sanctification is a progressive work of God, requiring believers to hold fast to truth, abstain from evil, and trust in God's faithfulness to complete His work in them. Ultimately, the text encourages Christians to rely on God's grace and power rather than their own strength to navigate daily challenges with peace and purpose.

Being baptized is NOT being born again, and being "born of water" is NOT being water baptized!! This message properly defines the phrases "kingdom of God," "born again," "born of the spirit" and "born of water" found at John 3:3-8. The sermon defines the Kingdom of God as a singular spiritual reality accessible only through supernatural regeneration, refuting dual-covenant heresies and literalist interpretations. It argues that being born again involves both water and spirit, identifying the 'water' not as baptism but as the Word of God which cleanses and regenerates the believer. The speaker emphasizes that entrance into Christ's kingdom requires faith in Jesus Christ alone, resulting in a transformed nature characterized by love for truth and fellow believers. This spiritual rebirth distinguishes citizens of God's kingdom from the world, marking a transition from death to life through the incorruptible seed of Scripture. The message concludes by affirming that salvation is entirely a work of the Holy Spirit applying the Gospel to the heart.