This is Spurgeon at his most heartfelt, delighting in grace and urging to holiness. Taking quite a substantial text, and holding fast to its substance and arrangement, he brings us face to face first of all with what we are by nature, what we once were in the evils of our minds, our pursuits, and our hearts. Here he urges us to tears of repentance as he ploughs up our souls. Then he considers what the Lord has done for us, ranging over the wonderful declarations of grace contained in the text, and stirring us up to grateful joy, considering not least the merciful works of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit toward us. Then he brings us to the practical punch, that we should be careful to maintain good works. Here he robustly dismisses any suggestion that this is mere legalistic preaching, making clear that to the unbeliever he calls not to good works, but to Christ only. The exhortation to live as a cheerful servant goes not to the slave but to the son, to those who have been redeemed by grace. Inaction here, careless or passive living, brings dishonour to the Lord who has saved us, and so we must embrace this "faithful saying," and show by our good fruit the sweetness of our new root.

The piece warns that religious privileges alone cannot save a soul, using Lot's wife as a cautionary example of someone who enjoyed godly influences yet remained unconverted. It emphasizes that despite having righteous family members and clear divine warnings, she failed to receive the grace of the Holy Spirit, which is essential for true salvation. The text argues that familiarity with sacred things without personal repentance and faith only hardens the heart and increases condemnation. Believers are urged not to rest on external advantages like good preaching or godly company but to seek genuine spiritual transformation. Ultimately, the message asserts that without the inward work of grace, all outward blessings are useless for eternal life.

Overcoming The Trappings of The Temporary This message contrasts the temporary prosperity of the wicked with the enduring faithfulness of God, urging believers not to envy or be disturbed by the success of evildoers. Drawing parallels between Proverbs 24 and Psalm 37, it emphasizes that the steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord and that their falls are not fatal because He continually upholds them. The preacher highlights the internal spiritual battle against the flesh and the necessity of abiding in Christ to manifest His life rather than one's own corrupted nature. Believers are called to trust God, do good, and delight in His faithfulness while actively seeking to deliver those who are drawn toward destructive worldly paths. Ultimately, the message encourages a lifestyle of daily surrender and reliance on divine grace to navigate the struggles of living in a fallen world. Proverbs 24 and Psalm 37 carry the same central warning: do not allow the temporary success of ungodly people to reshape your heart, redirect your steps, or weaken your confidence in the Lord. What appears to be flourishing is not always fruitful, and what appears to be falling is not necessarily finished. The world is naturally drawn toward what looks appealing in the moment because the fallen heart cannot properly see where that road ends. For that reason, believers must guard their affections, refuse to be controlled by either envy or anger, and remember that people are not our enemy. They are broken souls who need the redeeming work of Jesus, just as we did. Psalm 37 tells us not to fret over evildoers because their success is temporary. Instead, we are called to trust in the Lord, d

Jesus said pray a memorized prayer but don't use vain repetitions. Same words are ok. Absentminded words are not. The Lord's prayer is an outline waiting for paragraphs. Slow way down. Let each phrase render praise. This prayer can be the highest activity of the soul.

Daniel Chapter 8 overview. Antiochus IV Epiphanies was in Jerusalem 167-164 B.C. Antiochus is a "near" fulfillment of the little horn.

The sermon warns believers against the spiritual danger of hoarding wealth and exploiting others for personal gain, drawing parallels between ancient injustices described in Amos, Micah, and Isaiah and modern economic practices. It emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated not by bank accounts but by a generous attitude toward money and a proactive commitment to sharing the gospel with others. The preacher argues that material riches are temporary and ultimately serve as evidence against the hoarder on the day of judgment, whereas investing in souls yields eternal rewards. By contrasting the corruption of worldly greed with the call to be a blessing to the nations, the message urges Christians to prioritize spiritual stewardship over self-sufficiency. Ultimately, it challenges the audience to actively support missionary work and evangelism as the primary way to honor God with their resources. What does James 5:1-6 mean? What does the Bible say about rich people? Is it wrong for Christians to be rich? What does the Bible say about greed? What does the Bible say about money? What does the Bible say about storing up treasures in heaven? What does Matthew 6:19-21 mean? What does the Bible say about wealth? How should Christians use their money? What does the Bible say about generosity? What does the Bible say about helping the poor? Can you out-give God? What does Malachi 3:10 mean? What does Luke 6:38 mean? What is biblical stewardship? Does God bless generosity? What does the Bible say about dishonest business practices? What does the Bible say about cheating people? What does the Bible say about oppression? Does God hear the cries of the oppressed?

The worst place to be caught in a storm is the open sea — and that is exactly where Paul ends up, a prisoner on a grain ship the experts insisted was safe to sail. Continuing the study of Acts at Quentin Road Baptist Church, Pastor Jim Scudder walks through Acts 27 and the fourteen days of hurricane-force wind that stripped a ship of everything but the promise of God. You'll follow Luke's remarkably detailed account from Caesarea to Malta, see why the centurion trusted the sailors over the apostle, and watch a prisoner in chains become the calmest man on board — breaking bread and giving thanks while 276 souls brace for the end. Four lessons come out of the wreckage: storms sometimes come when we disobey the will of God, storms have a way of revealing character, even the worst storms cannot prevent the purposes of God, and storms can give us opportunities to serve others and witness for Jesus Christ. Whatever you are sailing through, there is an anchor for your soul. Scripture referenced: Acts 27:1-3; Philippians 4:3; Acts 27:5-44