In an age of AI, podcasts, Bible software, online teachers, and endless access to biblical information, Christians can begin to feel spiritually self-sufficient. Richard Caldwell explains from Hebrews 13 and 1 Thessalonians 5 why God still calls believers to be humble, teachable members of a local church under faithful pastors who teach the Word, model the faith, lead biblically, and keep watch over their souls. Outside resources can be profitable, but if our learning makes us proud, independent, or resistant to godly leadership, we are not applying Scripture rightly.

This sermon explores the practical instructions in James chapter five regarding Christian conduct, focusing heavily on the power of prayer for healing and restoration. The speaker emphasizes that believers should bring their afflictions to God through earnest prayer and praise, trusting in His sovereignty rather than demanding specific outcomes. A significant portion addresses the role of church elders in praying for the sick with oil, clarifying that healing is God's work alone and not dependent on human faith levels or ritualistic formulas. The message warns against misusing scripture to blame victims for their suffering and instead encourages mutual confession and fervent intercession among righteous believers as a means to experience God's power and grace. Questions: What does James 5:14 mean when it says to call for the elders of the church? Should Christians still anoint the sick with oil today? What kind of oil should Christians use for anointing the sick? What does anointing with oil symbolize in James 5? Does God still heal people today? Does James 5 teach that Christians should have healing services? What is the prayer of faith in James 5:15? Does James 5:15 promise that every sick Christian will be healed? Why does James say the prayer of faith "shall save the sick"? How should church elders prepare to pray for someone who is sick? Is it wrong to pray "if it be God's will" when asking for healing? How do God's sovereignty and the power of prayer work together? Can a lack of faith keep someone from being healed? Why wasn't Paul able to heal everyone who was sick? Why did God not remove Paul's thorn in the flesh?

Luke 24:5-6

This devotional explores the Heidelberg Catechism's teaching on the Lord's Supper, clarifying that partaking in the sacrament requires a believing heart rather than mere ritual observance. It distinguishes between baptism as an initiating covenant sign and communion as a nourishing act dependent on active faith. The preacher explains that eating Christ's body signifies accepting His sacrifice through trust and being spiritually united to Him via the Holy Spirit. By examining passages from John 6, Romans 8, and Ephesians 4, the message emphasizes that true faith involves a deep, transformative union with Christ and the church. Ultimately, the Lord's Supper serves as a means of grace where the Spirit applies the benefits of redemption to believers.

This extensive examination of almost two dozen different Bible passages dispels the false teachings regarding the origin of the church and presents the biblical evidence as to when the church actually started. THE BIBLE Baptist Church of DeLand, Florida Pastor James W. Knox Pastor David A. Brown https://biblebaptistdeland.com For more sermons and Bible study materials, please visit our web store at https://store.jameswknox.org/ DeLand School of THE BIBLE: https://dsbkjv.com

Romans 12:1–2 teaches that the Christian life begins with the mercy of God and calls believers to offer their whole lives to Him in worship. Dave Jenkins explains why Christians must not be shaped by the values of the world, but transformed through the ongoing renewal of their minds by God's Word. This episode considers biblical discernment, the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, and how believers grow in Christlikeness through the gospel. For more from Anchored in the Word, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/anchored-in-the-wordpage/

~~~~~~~ No 30 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 2 Peter 2:10 - 19** But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. ......... While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. *1/ The prominence the Holy Spirit has given in the Word, to warn of the danger of walking after the flesh. 2/ What is said in this text of their practices. 3/ The terrible end of those that walk after the flesh. 4/ How shall we escape being beguiled and allured.* **Sermon Summary:** This sermon issues a solemn warning against those who walk after the flesh and despise divine authority, drawing parallels between the teachings of 2 Peter, Jude, and Romans. The preacher emphasizes that believers must not remain neutral but must actively choose to walk after the Spirit rather than the flesh to avoid spiritual peril. Key themes include the deceptive nature of false teachers who feast within the church and the absolute necessity of being established in biblical truth to resist their allure. The message urges the congregation to mortify sinful deeds, maintain stability in God's word, and hate evil with urgency. Ultimately, it calls for a wholehearted commitment to holiness, relying on the Spirit for deliverance from the corruption of the world.

How can one know that God loves and cares for His children? In this sermon on Psalm 63:1–3 titled "Seeking Certainty," Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones proclaims that Christians can know this by trusting in God's revelation of Jesus Christ. A Christian that is maturing in their faith is one who rests on what Christ has done for them. This mature faith produces assurance that is not simply a passing emotion that comes and goes, but it is an abiding and true experience knowing they belong to God. That belonging is proven in a life of humble obedience. However, Dr. Lloyd-Jones also warns against those who teach an assurance of bare intellectual assent. They say that to simply claim that one believes in Christ and His gospel is all that is needed of assurance. This is shown to be inadequate from the many scriptural passages that show the deep and loving trust that the saints of God can have in the gospel. This is an intimate and personal knowledge that God loves them and has sent his Son to die a cruel death on the cross so that they could be saved. This is certainly intellectual assent to the gospel, but it is more. It is the product of the Holy Spirit working in their lives so that they trust God and His promises in true faith. This should be an experience that all Christians seek and obtain.