Spirits on SermonAudio

Pastor Mark Hogan taught from Matthew 6:9-13 on the Lord's Prayer, explaining that Jesus gave this pattern for prayer in the context of warning against two faulty types: performative prayer (like the hypocrites who prayed to be seen) and perfunctory prayer (like the heathen who used vain repetitions). Hogan emphasized that Christian prayer must be real, with hearts and minds engaged in true communion with God. He outlined the prayer's structure: an address ("Our Father in heaven"), six petitions divided into three about God's priorities (hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done) and three about our needs (daily bread, forgiveness, deliverance from temptation), and a conclusion. Hogan stressed the importance of this ordering, correcting both self-focused prayer and the notion that God doesn't care about small needs. He also noted the communal focus through plural pronouns. In the address, Hogan expounded the doctrine of adoption—that through Christ we become God's children and pray with childlike trust and dependence, while also recognizing God's sovereign authority. The phrase "in heaven" balances intimacy with transcendence, teaching us to approach God with both confidence and humble reverence, knowing He alone has power to provide, forgive, and keep us.

The sermon contrasts the Old Covenant of law with the New Covenant of grace, using Exodus 32 and 2 Corinthians 3 to illustrate the shift from external standards to internal transformation. It argues that the law serves as a mirror to reveal sin and prepare hearts for faith, while the Holy Spirit writes God's will on human hearts, granting life and righteousness. The preacher emphasizes that true obedience and worship originate from an inward renewal by the Spirit rather than mere outward religious observance. Believers are described as being progressively transformed into the image of Christ through beholding His glory, moving from condemnation to freedom in the Spirit. This ministry of the Spirit exceeds the glory of the old covenant by offering a permanent, internal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

The sermon emphasizes the absolute necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit rather than human eloquence or intellect for effective preaching and personal salvation. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 2, it argues that spiritual truths are discerned only through the Spirit, rendering natural wisdom insufficient for understanding God's ways. The message challenges believers to examine their faith, ensuring it rests in Christ Himself rather than mere historical professions of faith. It encourages the congregation to pray for the power of the Holy Spirit in ministry and daily life, highlighting that true spiritual growth and revival depend entirely on divine intervention. Ultimately, the gospel remains powerful unto salvation when proclaimed with dependence on God's Spirit.

This sermon addresses the destructive nature of contention, identifying it as a heart issue rooted in pride and anger that divides communities and honors Satan rather than God. Drawing primarily from Proverbs, the speaker explains how contentious individuals act like fuel for a fire, escalating conflicts through selfishness and a desire to be right. The message contrasts this spirit with the biblical call to humility, urging believers to become peacemakers who overlook minor offenses and respond with soft answers. By surrendering to the Holy Spirit, Christians can overcome their natural tendencies toward strife and actively choose forgiveness and unity in their families, churches, and workplaces. Ultimately, the preacher encourages listeners to leave behind the 'gasoline' of contention and instead carry water to extinguish fires, reflecting the character of Christ.

Guest Pastor-Scott Neighbors 08-05-26 Wednesday eve Follow us on social media-- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@matoakabaptistchurch-bartl6249 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064614887031 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatoakaB Sermon Audio: http://tinysa.com/live/matoakachannel If you were blessed by this sermon, please consider donating here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/MatoakaBaptist We pray God's Holy Spirit quenches yours to eternal life through His everlasting powerful Word. May you be born-again of the incorruptible seed that always yields the fruits of His Holy Spirit and moreover leads to eternal life with Him, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST – The King of King's and the Lord of Lord's – The Alpha and the Omega – The Great "I AM"- The Author and Finisher of our faith – just to name a few. Hallelujah JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN – HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

A listener's honest questions about the Holy Spirit, promised power, and why the Christian life today often seems so different from the book of Acts.

Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 08/04/2026) is a production of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CARM). Matt answers questions on topics such as: The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, and other issues! You can also email questions to Matt using: [email protected], Put "Radio Show Question" in the Subject line! Answers will be discussed in a future show. Topics Include: Matt Discusses His Guest Appearance on a Podcast with Orthodox Adherents/ A Question about Molinism/Does God "make us" Make Choices?/ Why Did God Take so Long Before Sending Jesus into The World?/ Changing The Lord's Prayer, Just a Little Bit, is it OK?/ What Happens When Matt Drinks Toooo Much Coffee/EO, Do They Have a Unified Bible?/ The Gifts of The Spirit, Specifically Tongues/ August 4, 2026

Proverbs 25 teaches that biblical wisdom is displayed in the ordinary relationships and decisions of life. The wise person avoids self-promotion, speaks graciously at the right time, practices patience, treats enemies with kindness, remains faithful, and exercises self-control. In this episode of Reading the Bible Daily with Dave, Dave Jenkins explains how biblical wisdom governs our words, relationships, responses, and personal discipline. He also considers how Proverbs 25 points us to Jesus Christ, who perfectly demonstrated humility, grace, compassion, faithfulness, and self-control. Through faith in Christ, our sins are forgiven, our hearts are changed, and the Holy Spirit increasingly shapes us into people who reflect the wisdom and character of God. For more from Reading the Bible Daily with Dave, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/reading-the-bible-daily-with-dave/

Pastor Don's Books: https://ttwpress.com 2694 - https://www.thetruthpulpit.com

The sermon examines the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus to demonstrate that religious credentials and moral effort are insufficient for salvation. It emphasizes that entrance into God's kingdom requires a supernatural regeneration initiated solely by the Holy Spirit, which no human can produce or earn. By referencing the bronze serpent in the wilderness, the message illustrates that eternal life is granted through faith in the lifted-up Son of Man rather than personal merit. The central argument asserts that salvation is entirely God's sovereign work, removing the burden of self-justification from the believer. Ultimately, the text calls listeners to abandon reliance on their own righteousness and look to Christ in faith for eternal life.