Spirits on SermonAudio

I. To be in the Flesh: Heart/Mind toward Sin A. Leads to Death B. Hostile to God, Rebellion against his Law C. Cannot Please God II. To be in the Spirit: Heart/Mind toward Spirit A. Life and Peace, Now and Later B. Submits to God, Loves His Word C. Indwelled by God's Spirit III. Let's Put the Question to Our Hearts A. In the Flesh or in the Spirit? B. Warning against Presumption C. Encouragement against Despair D. Receive/Submit to Christ/Spirit!! Glory!!

This sermon examines 1 Corinthians 12 to establish that the primary purpose of spiritual gifts is the common good of the church body rather than individual acclaim. The speaker defines a 'cautionist' stance on the present-day operation of gifts, arguing against definitive cessationism or continuationism while emphasizing the sovereign distribution of abilities by the Holy Spirit. Key theological themes include the distinction between the utterance of wisdom and knowledge, the necessity of discerning spirits, and the hierarchical value of apostolic, prophetic, and teaching roles over miraculous signs. The message concludes with a pastoral exhortation to believers to actively fan into flame their specific gifts, rejecting both timidity and arrogance, so that the collective body of Christ may function effectively and glorify God through the proclamation of His Word.

This sermon explores the metaphor of Jesus as the true vine and believers as branches, emphasizing that spiritual fruitfulness is impossible apart from abiding in Christ. The teaching distinguishes this union from mere religious performance, arguing that godly character is the result of Jesus' indwelling presence rather than human effort. By contrasting Israel's failure as God's vineyard with Jesus' sufficiency, the message highlights that true discipleship is defined by the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, and peace. The preacher urges listeners to shift their motivation from fear-based obedience to a life driven by devotion and love for Jesus. Ultimately, the Christian life is presented as a dynamic relationship of faith and love, where God prunes and sustains the believer to produce lasting character.

This sermon explores the benediction in Hebrews 13, emphasizing that God is the God of peace who has established an eternal covenant through the blood of Jesus Christ. The central message is that believers are no longer under the burden of the Mosaic law but are secured by the finished work of Christ, who satisfied divine wrath and rose victorious. Consequently, God is presently at work in the church, equipping believers with every good thing necessary to do His will. This divine empowerment ensures that obedience is not a matter of human striving but a result of vital union with Christ, where the Holy Spirit produces pleasing works in believers. The passage serves as a profound encouragement, reminding the congregation that they are fully supported and enabled by God to live faithfully in their daily lives.

The sermon explores the narrative of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis 42, illustrating how God uses hardship to bring about unity and reconciliation within the family of God. By referencing Romans 8:28-29, the message emphasizes that God is actively conforming believers to the image of Christ, a process that often involves refining trials and the exposure of past sins. The preacher highlights the theme of accountability, noting that the brothers' confinement forces them to confront their guilt and recognize the consequences of their previous betrayal of Joseph. This spiritual maturation is presented as a necessary step toward true repentance and change, demonstrated by the brothers' eventual defense of Benjamin. The tone is pastoral and encouraging, urging the congregation to trust God's sovereign work in their lives, maintain unity within the church, and rely on the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth of their hearts.

Preaching from John 5:19-30, Pastor Rockhill addresses the modern skeptical charge that Jesus never claimed to be God. His central burden is to show that although Christ never uttered the exact words "I am God," both His works and His words plainly reveal His divine nature to any audience familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures. Pastor Rockhill traces how Jesus, having healed on the Sabbath, deepens rather than softens the claim of His deity. The Son does nothing apart from the Father, not as a mere puppet but in willing, loving submission, for the Father and the Son are one God. Their common work flows from a perfect, mutual love. Jesus then claims two works that belonged to God alone: giving life and executing final judgment. As the fountain of life, the Son grants eternal life to whom He will, raising the spiritually dead through the Word applied by the Spirit, and as the Son of Man of Daniel 7 He is the perfect, righteous Judge of all the earth. He unfolds the sovereignty of God in salvation, showing the one work of the triune God in regenerating sinners, and points to the coming resurrection with its two outcomes, life or condemnation. Pastor Rockhill closes with a searching pastoral appeal built on the two calls of the Son: the gracious gospel call to repent and believe today, and the sober summons to stand before the Judge at the last day. Far better, he urges, to hear Christ's voice now in faith and pass from death into everlasting life for the glory of God alone.

The sermon examines the Reformed theological doctrine of the certain application of redemption, arguing that Christ's death secures salvation for a specific elect people rather than merely making it possible. By analyzing John 6:37, the text highlights key doctrines such as election, effectual calling, and perseverance, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit enables the dead to respond to the gospel through regeneration. The discussion extends to the sacraments, distinguishing baptism as a passive sign and seal of the covenant from the Lord's Supper, which requires an active, credible profession of faith. The preacher warns against sacerdotal views that treat sacraments as magical, while affirming that grace is truly conferred by the Spirit to those who belong to Christ. The tone is instructional and pastoral, aiming to provide confidence in the certainty of salvation while encouraging worthy participation in church ordinances.

1. Calling 2. Purpose 3. Possibility This sermon examines the biblical mandate for husbands to love their wives by modeling their conduct on Christ's relationship with the Church. The central argument posits that true marital love is defined by sacrificial giving, unconditional commitment, and tender care, rather than worldly passion or conditional attraction. By exploring the doctrine of sanctification, the message emphasizes that a husband's role is to spiritually beautify his wife through the daily application of God's Word and family devotion. The tone is convicting and instructional, urging men to measure their performance against the standard of Christ rather than other men, and to rely on divine grace to fulfill this demanding calling. The sermon concludes with the assurance that this high standard is achievable through faith and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.

The sermon explores the account of Jesus casting out a legion of demons from a man in the region of the Gadarenes, emphasizing the reality and severity of spiritual warfare. It contrasts the power of Christ over evil spirits with the pervasive influence of demonic forces in modern culture, specifically addressing issues such as abortion, drug addiction, and societal moral decay. The message highlights that Jesus actively seeks out those who are bound by darkness, offering liberation and restoration that leaves individuals permanently changed. It concludes with a call to remain steadfast in faith and prayer to prevent the return of evil influences, asserting that salvation is found only in Jesus Christ.

What makes Scripture the ultimate treasure for believers? Explore 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and discover the inspiration and sufficiency of God's Word. In this expository sermon on 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Pastor Richard Caldwell examines the divine origin and absolute authority of the written Word of God. Every word of the Old and New Testaments is God-breathed, meaning the whole of the Bible is completely inerrant, trustworthy, and necessary for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. True servants of God are distinguished from spiritual deceivers by their unwavering faithfulness to biblical truth. Because God is the ultimate author of the Bible, there is no substitute for its unique work in the life of a Christian. The Word of God profitably instructs believers in the right path, convicts and rebukes sinful errors, restores the repentant through biblical correction, and trains God's people in ongoing righteousness. Through both the tearing down of sin and the building up in holiness, the Spirit of God uses the sacred writings to mature and protect the church. Ultimately, the faithful stewardship of God's Word thoroughly equips the man of God for every good work in ministry and life. Before the Bible accomplishes its work through faithful men, it must first do its transformative work within them. How we respond to the reproof, correction, and instruction of the Bible reveals our true relationship with Jesus Christ. Key Biblical Takeaways: - The Whole of Scripture is God-Breathed: Every word of the Old and New Testaments originates from God down to the smallest letter and stroke, making the Bible completely inerrant, authoritative, and trustworthy.