Spirits on SermonAudio

This sermon is part of an ongoing verse by verse study through I Corinthians 2, dealing with the effectual and necessary work of God the Holy Spirit in revealing Christ as the Word of Life to every object of His eternal love.

Being Strong in the LORD means we are trusting in the LORD, and we are not trusting in anything else. David killed Goliath when he was trusting in the LORD, not himself. We can be strong in the LORD when we trust God, not ourselves. Compare the first 9 words of Luke 1:80 with the first 9 words of Luke 2:40 - These words are exactly the same. Luke 1:80 speaks about John the Baptist and Luke 2:40 speaks about Jesus Christ. Both had to grow physically, and as both grew physically, both waxed (grew) stronger in the spirit. This is exactly how we should be.

The sermon explores the theological concept that God uses affliction and tribulation to perfect a believer's faith, rather than to punish them. Drawing from James 1 and Psalm 119, the message argues that suffering serves as a necessary process to remove self-reliance and allow the Holy Spirit to fill the believer, resulting in patience and spiritual maturity. The preacher emphasizes that this divine work is not about achieving sinlessness but about becoming a vessel fully occupied by God, enabling believers to effectively serve others and witness to His faithfulness. Through examples like John the Baptist and the widow of Zarephath, the text illustrates that even in moments of doubt or hardship, God remains faithful, using trials to refine character and deepen trust in His ultimate purpose.

This sermon examines the theological conflict between Calvinism and Arminianism, tracing their origins in the Reformation and the reaction to John Calvin's emphasis on divine sovereignty. The speaker contrasts the five points of Calvinism with the five articles of remonstrance, highlighting key differences regarding total depravity, election, atonement, and the nature of grace. While acknowledging the historical influence of both doctrines, the presentation argues that both systems overcomplicate the simplicity of Scripture by elevating human academic interpretation above the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit. The central message affirms the Baptist position that salvation is a work of God's grace received through faith, resulting in a new birth that cannot be lost, yet it demands genuine repentance and a transformed life rather than mere intellectual assent or easy believism.

GOD SPEAKS AND WE RESPOND. Psalm 119:30–40 KJV Psalm 119:30–40 teaches that hearing God's truth calls for a response. The psalmist chooses the way of truth, holds firmly to God's testimonies, and determines to run in the way of His commandments. He prays for God to teach him, give him understanding, and help him walk obediently. He also asks God to change his desires, turn his eyes away from worthless things, and establish the Word in his life. Biblical obedience is not an attempt to earn salvation; it is the response of a heart that loves God and trusts His Word. This final lesson brings the How God Speaks series to its central challenge: God speaks through His Word, His Holy Spirit, circumstances, and His church—but hearing is only the beginning. When God speaks, faith listens and obedience responds.

Guest Pastor-Larry Dotson 10-11-26 Sunday morning 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!!

This sermon examines the warning against idolatry in Deuteronomy 4, highlighting the human tendency to create manageable gods rather than worship the invisible Creator. It contrasts the judgment of nations given over to their idols with God's faithful preservation of Israel through the intercession of Moses. The message identifies Jesus Christ as the ultimate and eternal Mediator who stands in the breach, unlike the temporary mediator Moses, and who bore the curse of covenant breaking on the cross. The sermon concludes by urging believers to reject self-made idols and offer worship in spirit and truth, trusting in the unshakable kingdom of Christ who will return in glory.

This sermon explores the theological significance of the title 'Christ' and the identity of believers as 'Christians' through the lens of the Heidelberg Catechism and the Book of Acts. It defines Jesus as the Anointed One who fulfills the threefold office of Prophet, Priest, and King, perfectly revealing God's will, securing salvation through his sacrifice, and governing his people. The text highlights the historical origin of the name 'Christian' in Antioch, where believers were recognized for their distinct devotion to Jesus rather than their ethnic or political affiliations. The preacher urges the congregation to embrace this identity with dignity and conviction, warning against the spirit of antichrist and the hypocrisy that arises when the cost of discipleship is ignored. Ultimately, the message calls for a life of faithful witness, grounded in the assurance that Christ preserves his people through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Barnabas and Saul are sent out by the Holy Spirit and by the church. As we follow them on this first missionary campaign, we simply observe where they went, what they did, who and what they found, what they said, and what the Lord God accomplished. Here is a tale of gospel opportunity and spiritual opposition, of the triumph of the good news of Jesus Christ.