Spirits on SermonAudio

In the second part of "The Spirit of Adoption" (Romans 8:12-17, with the weight on verse 15), Pastor Robert McNutt argues that the spirit of slavery always precedes the spirit of adoption: no one cries "Abba, Father" who has not first been brought under conviction, the law serving as guardian to drive us to the Savior. Because the adversary readily persuades people they are secure when they are not, this contrast becomes a test of the spirits, separating true adoption from a counterfeit. Two cautions guard the argument: the intensity of conviction varies widely, and no single conversion experience may be made the standard. From Luke 7:36-50 McNutt corrects a common misreading of the sinful woman and Simon the Pharisee. What matters is not the quantity of sin committed but the realization of one's sinfulness, and the forgiveness that answers it; the gospel is never an incitement to sin, and easy believism, merely saying a prayer or affirming facts about the Savior, is no substitute for the Spirit's work. Drawing on John 16:8-11 and 2 Corinthians 13:5, he shows that the Spirit reveals God's holiness and the law's spirituality, and so reveals us to ourselves. The nearer we come to the light, the more darkness we see; growing saints feel their sin more deeply, not less. Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6 illustrates the pattern, "Woe is me" preceding "Here am I, send me," as do the great revivals, where settled church members become newly horrified at sin and newly astonished at the blood of Christ. He closes by pressing self-examination, urging any who lack it to cry out for the Spirit of adoption, and asking whether the congregation itself needs revival.

This sermon outlines the foundational principles of biblical counseling, emphasizing that genuine spiritual progress requires a new heart and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. The speaker distinguishes between true repentance, characterized by godly sorrow and a spirit-motivated desire to honor God, and worldly sorrow or mere behavioral modification. Key scriptures such as Ephesians 4:25 and Romans 8 are used to illustrate that believers must speak truthfully about their struggles while relying on God's unconditional acceptance through the cross. The message asserts that counseling is not long-term therapy but short-term equipping for believers to apply Scripture to their lives within the context of the church family. Ultimately, the absence of a desire to battle sin serves as evidence of a false profession, whereas incremental progress confirms the reality of salvation.

"Praise Yahweh, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples! For His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of Yahweh endures forever. Praise Yahweh!" (Psalm 117:1-2)

Sermon Notes "A Farewell Address: Part III" Acts 20:32-38 I. Trust God and serve one another (32-35) II. Love the flock and pray for all (36-38)

Sermon: A Warning About Unbelief Sermon Text: Hebrews 3:7-12 Sermon Preached at Providence Presbyterian Church Evansville, IN The sermon warns believers against the spiritual danger of unbelief and hardened hearts, using the historical example of Israel's wilderness rebellion to illustrate the consequences of rejecting God's voice. It emphasizes that mere external participation in church life or religious rituals does not guarantee salvation if the heart remains resistant to the Holy Spirit's exhortations. The preacher urges immediate obedience to Scripture, highlighting that true faith is demonstrated through perseverance and the active use of means of grace such as prayer, sacraments, and Bible reading. By contrasting those who fell away with those who entered God's rest, the message clarifies that genuine union with Christ results in a life of faithful obedience rather than casual indifference. Ultimately, the text calls for self-examination to ensure one's soul is aligned with the living God before it is too late.

Sermon: A Warning Against Unbelief Sermon Text: Hebrews 4:12-13 Sermon Preached at Providence Presbyterian Church Evansville, IN This sermon warns believers against the spiritual danger of unbelief and hardened hearts, using the historical rebellion of Israel in the wilderness as a cautionary example. The preacher emphasizes that mere external participation in church life or religious rituals does not guarantee salvation if one fails to hear and obey God's voice today. Drawing from Hebrews 3, the text highlights that true faith is demonstrated through perseverance and a soft heart responsive to the Holy Spirit. The message urges the congregation to actively use the means of grace, such as prayer and Scripture, to guard their souls against apostasy. Ultimately, the sermon calls for urgent self-examination to ensure one's trust rests solely in Christ rather than in religious formality.

The sermon explores the sovereignty of God by examining the throne room vision in Revelation 4, contrasting human political structures with divine authority. It argues that only God is worthy to hold the offices of judge, protector, and ruler because He perfectly balances justice and mercy, symbolized by the red and white stones of His appearance. The text highlights how God exercises judicial wisdom, provides redemption through the Holy Spirit, and rules over all earthly and heavenly powers through angelic hosts. Ultimately, the preacher asserts that true worship arises from recognizing God's exclusive worthiness to rule both the universe and the human conscience. This recognition leads to the conclusion that Jesus Christ is the only King capable of fulfilling these roles with absolute perfection.

Paul wrote to Philippi from house arrest in Rome - not a dungeon, but chained at the wrist to a Roman guard whose shift changed around the clock - and the church was waiting on news of his trial. What he sent back was not a report on his case but a report on the gospel: the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel. This fourth message in the Be Joyful series walks Philippians 1:12-19 in four movements: the progress the chains created, the courage they stirred in other preachers, the priority that kept Paul rejoicing even while rivals preached Christ to spite him, and the provision - their prayers and the supply of the Spirit - that held him steady. Along the way you will hear what the Praetorian Guard actually was and how a chain became a pulpit that reached Caesar's own household, why Paul treated prison as an assignment and not an accident, and a tale of two preachers who watched the same revival - one with envy, one on his knees. If your own plans have collapsed and you cannot yet see what God is doing with the wreckage, this message was preached for you. Paul's plan fell apart; God's plan did not. There are no chains on the gospel.