Spirits on SermonAudio

This sermon examines 1 Peter 3:18-22 to clarify the theological meaning of baptism, distinguishing it from physical water immersion and identifying it as the Holy Spirit's work of uniting believers with Christ. By analyzing the Greek term *antitype*, the teaching draws a parallel between Noah's ark as a type of salvation and the believer's identification with Jesus as the antitype. The central argument asserts that this spiritual baptism saves by means of Christ's resurrection, which transfers the believer from the old creation into the new creation headed by the ascended Christ. This doctrine is situated within the broader context of Christian suffering, where believers are called to reflect Christ's character under unjust treatment, demonstrating their alien status in the current world while awaiting the coming kingdom.

The sermon explores the narrative of Thomas in John 20, highlighting how his physical absence from the first appearance of the risen Christ led to eight days of doubt and isolation. It argues that the gathering of the church is essential for receiving the assurance of the Savior's presence and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, contrasting Thomas's initial skepticism with his eventual confession of "My Lord and my God." Drawing on passages from Romans 8, 1 Peter 1, and Habakkuk 3, the message emphasizes that true faith is not dependent on empirical evidence or favorable circumstances but is a trust in God's sovereignty and purpose even amidst suffering and darkness. The preacher encourages believers to remain present in the assembly, continue in prayer and Scripture, and hold fast to the lively hope of resurrection, trusting that God works all things together for good for those who love Him.

This sermon was preached on November 1, 2026 at Antioch Presbyterian Church, a congregation of Calvary Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America located in Woodruff, South Carolina. Pastor Zachary Groff preached this sermon entitled "Raise a Contribution" on Exodus 25:1-9. For more information about Antioch Presbyterian Church, please visit ⁠antiochpca.com⁠ or contact us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected].

Because the Tri-Unity of the Godhead is the basis for one redeemed Church, Christians are to be unified in their walk. 1. The Animation of the Spirit v. 4 2, The Association of the Son v. 5 3. The Authority of the Father v. 6

This sermon explores the theological significance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread in Exodus 12, connecting the removal of leaven to the believer's sanctification and the burial of Christ. The message emphasizes that while the Passover lamb points to redemption, the unleavened bread illustrates the necessity of removing sin from one's life as a response to that grace. It highlights the importance of ordinances like baptism and the Lord's Supper as visible reminders of God's deliverance, urging believers to maintain a consistent holiness throughout the week rather than observing a superficial, Sunday-only piety. The sermon further interprets the application of blood with hyssop as a picture of faith resting on Christ's finished work, and concludes with a call to preserve the story of redemption for future generations through teaching and worship.

This sermon examines the doctrine of the Trinity as revealed in Peter's Pentecost sermon in Acts 2, highlighting the distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the proclamation of the gospel. The Father is identified as the one who promised and gave the Holy Spirit and who raised Jesus from the dead, thereby vindicating Christ and demonstrating divine approval. The Son is presented as the Messiah, the heir to David's throne, and the crucified Lord who is exalted to the right hand of God, serving as the mediator between the Father and the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is described as the agent of salvation who is poured out in abundance, signifying the inauguration of the church and the universal scope of the gospel. The teaching emphasizes that while the persons of the Trinity perform different functions, they share equally in the divine nature and work together to bring about the redemption of humanity.

The spread of the gospel to the nations is entirely dependent on the sovereign will of God, as He directs missionaries to preach according to His plan, illuminates the minds of the hearers, and regenerates hearts. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, preaching is in vain. But the Spirit never works without the Word, but through it for the effectual calling of God's elect from among the nations.

This sermon examines the distinction between external religious performance and genuine, God-centered devotion by analyzing James 1:26-27. It argues that an unbridled tongue reveals a worthless religion characterized by self-deception and a focus on outward appearances rather than the fruit of the Spirit. The message contrasts this with pure religion, which is defined by a humble disposition to care for the marginalized, such as widows and orphans, motivated by the desire to honor Christ rather than to gain human approval. Drawing on Micah 6 and Matthew 25, the exposition emphasizes that true righteousness is not achieved through works or social status but is a result of regeneration by grace. The sermon concludes by urging believers to remain unstained by the world's values and to pursue a faith that is visible in secret acts of love and obedience to God alone.

The sermon centers on the command to be perfect as God is perfect, clarifying that this standard is attainable through the empowering work of the Holy Spirit rather than human effort alone. It distinguishes between devotional application and doctrinal truth, warning against misapplying passages like the Sermon on the Mount or the Book of Acts to personal salvation. The message confronts the popular notion that God loves everyone in a way that guarantees salvation, asserting instead that the wrath of God abides on those who do not accept Christ, while God's love is demonstrated by sending a Savior for all. The preacher emphasizes that true perfection involves loving enemies and living a Spirit-filled life, reflecting God's character through the believer's conformity to the image of His Son. Ultimately, the call is to recognize one's lost state, accept Jesus as the only way to heaven, and allow the Holy Spirit to perfect faith, patience, and attitude in daily life.