Spirits on SermonAudio

This sermon examines the interaction between John the Baptist and Jesus, focusing on Jesus' response to John's inquiry about his identity. The central message emphasizes that Jesus validates his messianic claim not through direct assertion but by pointing to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as healing the blind and raising the dead. The text highlights the theological significance of John the Baptist as the greatest prophet born of women, who served as the forerunner to the Messiah, yet remains less than the least member of the kingdom of heaven. The preacher instructs the audience to rely on scriptural evidence rather than preconceived notions of how the Messiah should appear, urging believers to recognize Jesus as the sole fulfillment of God's promises. The tone is instructional and affirming, encouraging confidence in the sufficiency of Scripture and the exclusive nature of Christ's redemptive work.

This sermon examines the parables of the growing seed and the mustard seed to illustrate the sovereign agency of God in the expansion of His kingdom. The central message emphasizes that spiritual growth is a monergistic work of the Holy Spirit, independent of human effort, ensuring that the church grows despite worldly opposition or apparent stagnation. By contrasting the farmer's limited role with God's automatic power, the text highlights the assurance that God builds His house and that the gates of hell cannot prevail against it. The discussion further explores the purpose of parables as both a means of revelation for the elect and a judgment for the unregenerate, underscoring the necessity of divine grace for understanding and salvation. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness to bring about the final harvest and to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that any fruit in their lives is evidence of God's transformative work.

Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee. (Song of Solomon 1:3) *1/ "Thy Name" - Whose and what name? 2/ The reason thy name is as ointment poured forth - "Because of the savour of thy good ointments." 3/ How the name of Jesus is "as ointment poured forth. 4/ The cause of the churches love to Christ - "Therefore do the virgins love thee."* **Sermon summary:** The sermon explores the spiritual significance of the name of Jesus Christ, drawing a parallel between the holy anointing oil described in Exodus 30 and the sweet savour of Christ's character. By examining the seven elements of the tabernacle anointed with this unique oil, the exposition reveals how each aspect of Christ's person and work—such as his incarnation, fulfilment of the law, intercession, and atoning sacrifice—is equally precious and holy. The text emphasizes that the name of Jesus is like ointment poured forth because God has revealed it, making its healing and comforting properties available to believers. This revelation of Christ's fullness and suitability for sinners is presented as the direct cause of the church's love for him, as the Holy Spirit applies these truths to the hearts of the faithful.

PM sermons are preceded by a Confessional, Catechism, Historic Creed lesson, or a lesson from the NT (Usually 5 minutes or so) WCF 17:1 They whom God hath accepted in his Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace; but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved. 2. This perseverance of the saints depends, not upon their own free will, but upon the immutability of the decree of election, flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father; upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ; the abiding of the Spirit and of the seed of God within them; and the nature of the covenant of grace: from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof. 3. Nevertheless they may, through the temptations of Satan and of the world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of the means of their preservation, fall into grievous sins; and for a time continue therein: whereby they incur God's displeasure, and grieve his Holy Spirit; come to be deprived of some measure of their graces and comforts;e have their hearts hardened, and their consciences wounded; hurt and scandalize others, and bring temporal judgments upon themselves. 18: 2. This certainty is not a bare conjectural and probable persuasion, grounded upon a fallible hope; but an infallible assurance of faith, founded upon the divine truth of the promises of salvation, the inward evidence of those graces unto which these promises are made, the testimony of the Spirit of adoption witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of God: which Spirit is the...

The sermon examines James 3:13-18 to distinguish between earthly wisdom, characterized by bitter jealousy and selfish ambition, and the wisdom from above, which is pure, peaceable, and gentle. It warns that harboring resentment leads to physical and spiritual disorder, contrasting this with the fruit of the Spirit which produces a harvest of righteousness. The message emphasizes that true wisdom and peace are found only in Christ, who is the power and wisdom of God, rather than in human intellect or worldly pursuits. Believers are called to reject boasting in their own understanding and instead point others to the cross, where God's saving power is revealed. This instructional tone urges the congregation to cultivate meekness and share the gospel, recognizing that only through Christ can the world find lasting peace.

This sermon explores the biblical mandate for believers to manifest a godly change in their lives, grounded in the liberty found in Christ. It emphasizes that this freedom is not a license for self-indulgence but a call to serve others through love and to walk in the Spirit rather than fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. The message contrasts the visible works of the flesh with the transformative fruit of the Spirit, arguing that genuine salvation produces a discernible difference in character and conduct. It challenges listeners to move beyond mere profession of faith by actively crucifying their sinful nature and allowing the Holy Spirit to govern their daily actions. The tone is convicting yet encouraging, urging believers to pursue spiritual growth and visible godliness as evidence of their new identity in Christ.

This sermon explores the heavy burden of pursuing wisdom in a fallen world, where even a small lapse in judgment can ruin a reputation and the human heart remains fundamentally flawed. The text identifies three aspects of this burden: the demand for perfection, the deep-seated problem of a foolish heart, and the inability to hide one's true nature. The central message offers relief through Jesus Christ, who provides a new heart of wisdom, imputes His perfect righteousness to believers, and removes the eternal consequences of sin. By uniting with Christ, believers are secured in His grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit to pursue godly wisdom. The sermon concludes with the assurance that Christ's yoke is easy and His burden is light, freeing believers to follow His commandments with rest and confidence.

This sermon examines the prophetic shift in Hosea 1 from judgment to restoration, contrasting the Jewish expectation of a future earthly monarchy with the Christian understanding of a spiritual fulfillment. The central argument posits that the 'children of Israel' referred to in the text are not limited to genetic descendants of Abraham but include all believers who share the faith of Abraham, forming the body of Christ. By referencing Romans 9 and Galatians 3, the exposition clarifies that the 'day of Jezreel' signifies the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the inauguration of the New Covenant, where Gentiles and Jews are united under the headship of Jesus Christ. The preacher emphasizes that God's judgment on Old Testament Israel was fulfilled historically, yet His mercy continues through the gospel, calling for a holy response to spiritual unfaithfulness and earnest evangelism toward Jewish people. The tone is instructional and pastoral, urging believers to view the church as the true Israel and to rely solely on the finished work of Christ for salvation.