Spirits on SermonAudio

This episode explores the doctrine of the Trinity as defined in the Westminster Confession of Faith, emphasising the unity of substance among three persons of the Godhead. It warns against theological errors such as tri-theism and the misconception that Jesus left heaven upon his incarnation, affirming instead His immutable divine nature. The episode highlights the eternal processions, noting that the Father is unbegotten, the Son is eternally begotten of the Father, and the Spirit eternally proceeds from the Father and the Son. This teaching shows the distinctiveness of each person, that the Father is not the Son, nor is the Father the Holy Spirit, nor is the Son the Father or the Son. The discourse encourages a deeper study of historic creeds and terms to foster a faithful and precise understanding of God's being.

All the Words of This Life The central truth of this message comes from Acts 5:20: "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life." Life in Christ's kingdom is not a vague spirituality or merely a set of religious ideas. This life has words. God has spoken about life, love, wisdom, grace, righteousness, truth, salvation, and how His people are to walk. Therefore, believers are called to build their lives upon what God has revealed rather than upon feelings, cultural opinions, or human definitions. The disciples were always going because Jesus was always working and leading them somewhere. God's mission ordinarily involves a people, a place, a purpose,and a promise. Paul began in Damascus because that was where he was, and the apostles were sent to the temple because that was where the people were. In the same way, believers should recognize the people God has already placed around them and faithfully speak the words of life there. When the Gospel Becomes "Our Gospel" In 1 Thessalonians 1, Paul calls it "our gospel." Not because he invented it, but because the gospel had become inseparable from his life. The Thessalonian believers received the same gospel until it became theirs too. Their faith became known everywhere because they had: • turned to God from idols, • begun serving the living and true God, • and were waiting for His Son from heaven. That is what the gospel does. It changes allegiance. Jesus becomes our King, and our life begins showing that we belong to another kingdom. The Messenger Must Be Genuine Paul reminded the Thessalonians that his preaching did not come through error, uncleanness, deceit, flattering words, co

The devotional centers on the transformative power of God at work in the early church, as seen in Acts 11:21, where a large number turned to the Lord through the compelling testimony of believers. It highlights Barnabas as a model of godly character—dependable, Spirit-filled, and full of faith—qualities that enabled him to be a vessel of divine empowerment. The preacher emphasizes that these attributes are not reserved for a select few but are attainable through intentional pursuit, calling believers to examine their own lives for reliability, spiritual sensitivity, and genuine faith. By cultivating these virtues, individuals become channels through which God's power flows to others, replicating the same revival seen in Jerusalem. The tone is both pastoral and challenging, urging the audience to align their priorities with God's design for a life marked by integrity, dependence on the Spirit, and unwavering trust in divine promises.

The sermon emphasizes the vital importance of local, in-person fellowship within the body of Christ as a counter to the isolation fostered by social media and digital worship. Drawing primarily from Ephesians 4 and Galatians 6, the message defines spiritual maturity not by legalistic adherence but by the ability to restore those overtaken in fault with meekness and love. It contrasts genuine grace-driven community with superficial religious performances and warns against the dangers of false doctrine that distract believers from their primary calling. The preacher highlights that the local church serves as the essential training ground for bearing one another's burdens and practicing the law of Christ through compassionate interaction. Ultimately, the text urges believers to sow to the Spirit by doing good to the household of faith, finding strength in unity rather than individual effort.

This study argues for the deity of Christ by examining biblical evidence that Jesus receives worship and prayer, which are due to God alone. It contrasts this with Roman Catholic practices regarding Mary, asserting that praying to humans or attributing divine mediation to them lacks scriptural support. Jeff utilizes passages from Acts, Corinthians, and Hebrews to demonstrate that the New Testament believers prayed directly to Jesus as Lord. Additionally, the text explores the eternal nature of God, emphasizing His self-existence and role as Creator in both Old and New Testaments. Ultimately, the message affirms that Christ is fully God, co-equal with the Father and Spirit, deserving of equal honor and devotion.

Whatever God does is essential and right. And as he is declared to impute righteousness to the blessed, it must be essential and right; nor can a man be safe without it. Paul knew this right well, and therefore he "suffered the loss of all things, and counted them but dung, that he might win Christ, and be found in him, not having his own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith," Phi 3.8-9. Namely, it is Christ's righteousness imputed to us, which is wrought by God the Son, given by God the Father, revealed by God the Spirit, and received by faith as the soul's justifying dress.

The Holy Spirit - Prefatory Note - Collected Works Volume 3

This comprehensive treatise abounds in more than Owen's usual prolixity;—a feature of the work which may, perhaps, be explained by the consciousness under which the author seems always to labour that he is prosecuting an argument with opponents, rather than dealing with the conscience in a treatise on practical religion. He moves heavily, as if he were panoplied for conflict rather than girt for useful work. As he proceeds, however, the interest deepens; weighty questions receive clear elucidation; practical difficulties are judiciously resolved; and momentous distinctions, such as those between gospel holiness and common morality, and between natural and moral inability, are skilfully given.

The devotional centers on the radical commitment required to follow Jesus, rooted in the principle of surrendering one's own will to God's. Drawing from Luke 9:23 and Jesus' declaration in John 6:38 that He came not to do His own will but the Father's, the message emphasizes that true discipleship begins with denying self and taking up one's cross daily. It challenges listeners to move beyond superficial goals—such as numerical growth or personal success—toward a deeper pursuit of Christ-centered character, intimacy with God, and obedience to His daily will. The sermon underscores that God's plan for each person is singular and specific, requiring continual surrender, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and the daily prayer of 'Not my will, but Yours be done.' Ultimately, walking in God's will brings joy, peace, and empowerment, while resisting it leads to spiritual emptiness and quenching of the Spirit.

The sermon expounds on the doctrine of God's effectual and irresistible call as presented in 1 Corinthians 7:17. It emphasizes that salvation originates entirely from God's sovereign will rather than human effort or free will. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in regenerating spiritually dead sinners, granting them faith to believe in Christ. This divine work ensures that those chosen by God respond willingly to the gospel. The message concludes by affirming that this irresistible grace glorifies God alone as the author of salvation.