Spirits on SermonAudio

Do we really dwell upon the fullness of God's love for us in Christ? How much have we grasped the freeness of divine grace? In a sermon of almost relentless focus and intensity, Spurgeon insists upon the freeness of God's grace, of his grace upon grace. He first considers the things the things which are freely given to us by God, ranging across salvation in all its fulness, and concluding with the crowning blessing, which is God giving himself—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—to his chosen ones. However, there is grace upon grace, for not only are these things given, but God also gives us the power to receive them! We could never have grasped these blessings unless the Lord in his mercy had given us grace to receive his grace. However, there is again grace upon grace, for not only do we receive grace to receive grace, but the Spirit also graciously gives us the knowledge of these things, a saving, experiential knowledges of them. With this goes a particular warning, too, about the spirit of the world which contends against the Spirit of God, a spirit which we cannot entertain if we are to receive these blessings. So we come into true possession of "the things that have been freely given to us by God" (1Cor 2:12).

When God saves a sinner, He immediately forgives, justifies, and reconciles that person to Himself. Yet the Christian life also includes the lifelong work of sanctification. God steadily grows His people in holiness and conforms them to the image of His Son. In this episode, Dave Jenkins explains the difference between justification and sanctification, the believer's active pursuit of holiness, and the Spirit-empowered growth that marks the Christian life. Sanctification is not self-improvement or sinless perfection. It is God's faithful work of making His people increasingly like Christ. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

This sermon examines Peter's address in Acts 2 as a definitive example of evangelical preaching, highlighting the theological paradox of Jesus' death and resurrection. The exposition emphasizes that while human agents carried out the crucifixion, it was executed according to God's foreknowledge and determined counsel, fulfilling the prophecies of David and Joel. The message stresses that true conviction arises from hearing the Word of God rather than supernatural signs, leading to a recognition of personal guilt and the necessity of grace. It outlines the sequence of salvation involving the Holy Spirit, conviction, confession, and public baptism, asserting that the gospel rests solely on the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The tone is instructional and pastoral, urging believers to maintain a constant awareness of God's presence and to rely entirely on divine grace for their standing before God.

Who is good enough to go to heaven? Mark 10:17–31 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these fifteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ's goodness is the only goodness good enough to bring us into the kingdom. This devotional examines the encounter between Jesus and the rich young ruler to distinguish between superficial religious effort and true saving faith. The central argument posits that the man's failure stems not merely from his attachment to wealth, but from a fundamental misunderstanding of Jesus' divinity and the depth of God's law, which requires holiness of the heart rather than merely external compliance. The text contrasts the man's sorrow over losing possessions with the Christian's gratitude for gaining everything in Christ, challenging the common assumption that material prosperity or personal sacrifice constitutes spiritual merit. The message urges hearers to recognize their own spiritual poverty and rely entirely on the sufficiency of Christ. The tone is convicting yet pastoral, emphasizing that true salvation is found in knowing Jesus as Yahweh and resting in the grace that provides all spiritual riches.

This sermon examines the personal nature of the Holy Spirit and the believer's capacity to grieve Him through sinful actions such as bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness. It emphasizes that while the Spirit seals the believer for salvation, persistent resistance to His conviction leads to quenching His influence, resulting in spiritual dryness and a perceived absence of God's presence. The message contrasts this negative dynamic with the positive possibility of pleasing the Spirit by cultivating kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness within the body of Christ. The tone is pastoral and convicting, urging believers to actively listen to the Spirit's voice and respond with obedience to maintain a vibrant, joyful communion with God.

The sermon introduces the first of eight visions in the book of Zechariah, defining resilience as an inner strength grounded in trust that God remains in control. It contrasts Old Testament revelations through dreams and visions with the sufficiency of Scripture in the current dispensation, emphasizing that new supernatural experiences are unnecessary for believers. The speaker explains that biblical understanding requires the illumination of the Holy Spirit, which was not available to prophets before the New Covenant. By examining Zechariah 1:8-13, the message highlights how God uses symbolic imagery to remind His people of His sovereignty and mercy despite their hardships. This study aims to encourage faithfulness and steady trust in God's plan during times of difficulty.

Welcome to another episode of the podcast, where today we dive deep into Jonathan Edwards's foundational revival trilogy to explore how one of history's greatest pastor-theologians navigated the thrilling yet treacherous waters of spiritual awakening. From the remarkable local conversions in Northampton to his razor-sharp diagnostic tests for genuine revival, Edwards offers an unequaled masterclass in discerning the work of the Holy Spirit. Together, we'll examine his searching warnings on undiscerned spiritual pride, the deceptive snare of modern "immediate revelations," and the subtle ways Satan exploits even our most elevated spiritual frames. Whether you are seeking a biblical blueprint for testing spiritual claims or a humbling guide for pastoral discernment, Edwards's timeless insights remain a vital manual for the Church today.

What is the real difference between imputed and infused righteousness? An email question launches an examination of a more fundamental claim: does the Holy Spirit actually make Christians increasingly righteous? Before choosing theological sides, we test the assumptions against Scripture, logic, and reality.

This devotional explores the concept of spiritual maturity by contrasting infantile reliance on basic truths with the capacity for discernment found in solid food. It argues that true growth is not merely an accumulation of doctrinal knowledge but the practical application of biblical principles through constant practice. The preacher emphasizes that God desires hearts conformed to Christ's image rather than heads filled with contradictory facts. Spiritual maturity is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit, particularly love for God and neighbor, which flows from a life of obedience. Ultimately, believers are assured that God's grace actively works to persevere in their growth until they reach final salvation.

Pastor Don's Books: https://ttwpress.com 2826 - https://www.thetruthpulpit.com