Landis OPC Morning Service September 20, 2026 Pastor Johnny Serafini Sermon Text: Psalm 22:16 Sermon Outline: 1. The Pain 2. The Purpose

If as God's servants we ignore God's calling, the lost world will suffer more I. As God's servants you have a sacred calling from God II. If you ignore God's sacred calling, the lost world will suffer more

This sermon examines the faith of Moses and his parents as presented in Hebrews 11, emphasizing the necessity of enduring in faith amidst persecution. The central message is that true Christian faith prioritizes God's will over human authority and worldly comfort, illustrated by Moses' parents defying Pharaoh and Moses rejecting Egyptian riches for the sake of God's people. The text highlights that believers must value the reproach of Christ above all earthly treasures, trusting in the eternal reward rather than temporary pleasures. By connecting the Passover blood to the blood of Christ, the sermon underscores that salvation and protection come solely through faith in God's promises. The tone is exhortative, urging the audience to remain steadfast in their confession and to finish their Christian journey with unwavering trust in God.

This sermon examines the final chapter of James, focusing on the warning to the rich who have laid up earthly treasures and the call for believers to exercise patience in suffering. The message emphasizes that while material wealth rots and decays, the coming of the Lord is near, requiring steadfastness and trust in God's compassion, as illustrated by the examples of the prophets and Job. It further instructs the church to respond to suffering and sickness through fervent prayer, citing Elijah as a model of a righteous person whose prayers have great power. The sermon concludes with an urgent exhortation to share the faith and bring back those who have wandered from the truth, highlighting the eternal significance of saving souls from death.

This sermon explores the theological significance of suffering for the believer, drawing primarily from Psalm 94 to argue that days of adversity are often blessings in disguise. The central message asserts that God uses hardship as a tool for spiritual instruction, deepening the believer's understanding of His Word and character. The text emphasizes the unshakeable assurance that God will never abandon His people, citing multiple Old Testament promises to counter feelings of forsakenness. Furthermore, it highlights God's ability to provide inner relief and consolation, even when external circumstances remain difficult. The tone is pastoral and encouraging, urging the audience to trust in God's faithfulness and find joy in the midst of trials.

IN THE SWEAT OF THY FACE.[From Adam's Sweat to the Savior's Blood]Gen 3:17-24 KJV Beginning with Genesis 3:19, this scripture traces a powerful biblical theme from Eden to Gethsemane. Adam's sin brought thorns, sweat, toil, and death into the human experience. Ezekiel's priestly instructions picture ministry before God without garments that cause sweat, reminding us that human effort can never provide the righteousness necessary to approach a holy God. Finally, in Gethsemane, Jesus Christ—the sinless Savior—prays in such agony that His sweat is described as great drops of blood. From Adam's sweat to Christ's blood, Scripture points us to the grace of God and the finished work of Jesus Christ.I. THE SWEAT OF THE FALLEN MAN Sin Turned the Garden into a Place of Toil II. THE SERVICE OF THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD You Cannot Sweat Your Way into the Presence of God III. THE SWEAT OF THE SUFFERING SAVIOUR The One Who Knew No Sin Stepped into the World of Our Curse IN EDEN — MAN SWEATS BECAUSE OF SIN. IN THE SANCTUARY — THE PRIEST IS TOLD NOT TO WEAR WHAT CAUSES SWEAT. IN GETHSEMANE — CHRIST SWEATS AS HE MOVES TOWARD THE CROSS FOR SINNERS.

The sermon challenges believers to examine their spiritual posture by asking who they are truly looking to in a world filled with sin and suffering. It emphasizes that God dwells with those of a broken and contrite spirit, urging Christians to guard their hearts against the deceitfulness of the flesh and the distractions of modern life. By contrasting the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits with the eternal character of Christ, the message highlights that obedience and love for God are superior to religious rituals or self-reliance. The central exhortation is to keep one's eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, rather than on the storms of life or the failures of others. This focus on Christ provides the strength to endure the Christian race, maintain holiness, and ultimately receive the commendation of being a good and faithful servant.