Sermons

There are few things greater in the Christian’s life than having the Spirit of God dwell in them. There are few things in the Christian life we forget more than this. Knowing that God is ALWAYS with you ought to shape and change how you live. But, we have to get the category clear first. That is what Paul does in Romans 8:1-11. He is making sure you see that if you are in Christ, His Spirit is in you. And that changes everything.

We all sin. That much is true. But after you sin, what should you do? But that question is important, and Psalm 51 answers it by giving you a process to follow after God convicts you of sin. Psalm 51 is like an instruction manual for dealing with your sin. Anyone who is serious about pleasing God will use it.

In this section of Habakkuk’s oracle, God narrates the prophesied destruction of Babylon, the evil empire that would crush rebellious Judah. Through this description of Babylon’s self-destructive actions and God’s just judgment, we receive timeless lessons on how we ought to live today. As we get ready for a new year, this text vividly showcases the folly of pursuing, placing our hope in, and worshipping idols, and the goodness of trusting in God, our Creator, instead.

This section of Paul’s description of the Christian life highlights an all too common experience - we fail to do the godly things we truly wish to do. And this conundrum baffles Christians time and again. It exists because we live in a spiritual war and the only way to effectually win any battles is by the Holy Spirit. By His grace and power, we can live victoriously over sin.

Perfectionism in the Christian life will drive you to despair. Licence in the Christian life suggests your faith is fake. What are we to make of all the commands to obedience? Is it okay to sin? What is “the flesh?” Is it related to our physical flesh, our bodies? Are we doomed to failure until glory? Is there any point to trying to not sin?

The interpretation of Romans 7 is disputed among Bible scholars. In particular, is Paul talking about a Christian or a person before they become a Christian? And what difference does one’s understanding of that make on what the text means? A key to understanding this chapter is remaining aware of what came just before it and what follows after. In the end, either view will lead us to love Jesus more for all He had done for sinners!

Why does God allow evil to persist? In Habakkuk 1:1-2:5, we find a dialogue between God and his prophet which helps answer that very difficult question. In this ancient conversation, we will be offered clarity and hope for today’s troubled world. While the righteous can make a valid complaint, they have great cause to live by faith in the God who is faithful.

If you’re not a fan of surprises here’s some encouraging news: you can be absolutely certain about what you’re future holds. Psalm 60 instructs us to pray and to wait on God to do what he promised us he would do. Even in our deepest trials, we can be confident God will accomplish his word.

Jesus often taught using stories. Romans 6 can sound a bit complicated at points, but a short story might help you to understand it better. While nowhere near as wise and powerful as Jesus’ stories, perhaps this tale of a Damian living in Thanatos under the tyrannical rule of General Diabolos will remind you of your life before God saved you? And perhaps hearing of Damian’s labours in Beulah for King Soterios will remind you of what the Lord has done for you? Even if it doesn’t, hopefully it will make you love the Lord even more for all He has done for us in Christ.

Having established what it means to be justified by grace through faith, Paul pivots to talk about how we must live as saved sinners. Instead of speaking of us as being living “weapons” of righteousness, now he describes us as slaves to righteousness. In both imageries, he is making clear that once God saves a person, the last thing they will want to do is sin. Instead, the whole object of their life becomes seeking to glorify God by their attitudes and actions. Does this describe you?