Spirits on SermonAudio

The sermon explores the doctrine of spiritual assurance, arguing that believers can have confidence in their salvation through four vital aspects of faith. These include sincere love for others and God, a clear conscience informed by Scripture, answered prayers aligned with God's will, and abiding union with Christ through the Holy Spirit. The preacher emphasizes that while doubt and condemnation are common experiences, God's omniscience and mercy provide a greater basis for peace than human feelings. Ultimately, true assurance is found not in self-evaluation but in trusting the finished work of Jesus Christ and the internal witness of the Spirit.

The sermon examines the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, emphasizing that true ministry originates from the Holy Spirit's direction through the local church rather than human initiative. It highlights the critical importance of fasting and prayer as the church discerns God's will, warning against rushing ahead of divine guidance or prioritizing secular projects over evangelism. The preacher contrasts the fervent preaching of the gospel with the deceptive influence of false prophets like Elymas, illustrating how spiritual blindness serves as a judgment on those who oppose truth. Ultimately, the message challenges believers to maintain a serious, focused commitment to spreading the gospel, trusting that God can use even opposition to bring about salvation and demonstrate His sovereign power.

Real joy and deep peace are not found in circumstances, possessions, or personality. Instead, they flow from trusting in Christ. Paul prayed that "the God of hope" will fill believers "with all joy and peace in believing." As we rest our complete confidence in the finished work of Christ, God Himself will pour joy into troubled hearts and peace into anxious minds. Faith is the channel, not the cause; God is the source, Christ is the ground, and the Holy Spirit the One who makes these blessings real in our experience, enabling us to "abound in hope" even in hard times.

In this sermon, Pastor Linehan considers the doctrinal truth that God's election of His people is unto their sanctification, by the Spirit.

To be involved in Christ's glorious cause of truth and righteousness is a great privilege which has been given to all His people. To overcome the spiritual forces of darkness that hinder the advance of His kingdom, we must pray. We know that together with the exercise of the graces of faith, hope, and love, which we have been given by Christ Himself, that prayer is our greatest spiritual responsibility. We know this because of the comprehensive language of the verse 18; the "alls" of the text. 1st – The words "praying always". 2nd – The words "with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit". 3rd – The words "being watchful with all perseverance". And 4th – The words "for all the saints". Let me open them up for you one at a time.

In Galatians 5:19–26, 6:7–10, the apostle Paul presents a contrast between worldly living and Christian living. Rev. Bill Fennema preaches the works of the flesh, walking in the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit, and the Christian life.

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