Temptation on SermonAudio

The sermon addresses the Christian's struggle with besetting sins by examining Romans 8:9-13 to outline a path toward spiritual victory. It identifies three critical realizations for believers: recognizing that they are no longer in debt to their sinful nature but are obligated to divine grace, understanding the deadly consequences of sin, and accepting the responsibility to put its misdeeds to death through the Holy Spirit. The preacher emphasizes practical steps including radical honesty about one's depravity, affirming death to sin's rule through Christ, and relying on the Spirit's power to replace temptation with fruitfulness. This approach rejects passive indifference or magical solutions in favor of active, grace-dependent sanctification. The central message encourages believers to walk in freedom and holiness by appropriating the provisions of redemption daily.

The writer's mention of Samson in 11:32 highlights the messy nature of a life of faith. Samson was a man who relied on his own power until humiliation forced him to cry out to the Lord in genuine dependence. Despite his moral failures and lack of immediate obedience, Samson is recognized as a hero of faith for ultimately calling upon the Lord's name, a genuine fruit of faith. This narrative assures believers that God remains faithful to His covenant purposes even when human leadership is corrupt or ineffective.

We review a sermon on Psalm 101 called, The Failed Resolutions of King David

We take some time to consider Psalm 101

Midweek Prayer Meeting Speaker: Rev John Armstrong Reading: Matthew 4: 1-11, Luke 11:4

Counsel I - Cleave fast to Christ, and the profession you have formerly made of him, what aspect so ever the times have upon you. Psalm 44:18, 19, 20, 21. "Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from your way, though you have sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death. If we have forgotten the name of the Lord, or stretched out our hands to a strange God: shall not God search this out? for he knows the secrets of the heart." Hence those new converts, who were turned to the Lord in a time of great temptation and persecution, were so earnestly persuaded, Acts 11:23. "That with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord;" that is as they had made a good choice, so now to stick to their choice, and not repent of it, whatever afterward they should meet with.

We take some time to review a sermon on Proverbs 4:23

The sermon explores the Biblical concept of the Kinsman Redeemer, tracing its origins in the Book of Ruth to its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. It explains how the legal provision for relatives to restore family inheritance and protect the vulnerable points forward to the spiritual redemption offered by God. The preacher emphasizes the necessity of the Incarnation, arguing that Jesus had to become fully human to qualify as a kinsman while remaining fully divine to possess the power to save. This dual nature allows Christ to act as both Redeemer and High Priest, having experienced human weakness and temptation to intercede effectively for believers. Finally, the message connects this completed work of redemption to the future hope of bodily resurrection, encouraging faith in God's superior promises beyond current imagination.

The sermon exhorts believers to embrace the cost of discipleship by denying themselves and taking up their cross, contrasting the temporary comforts of the world with eternal rewards. It highlights the critical importance of daily Bible engagement for spiritual health, citing statistics on biblical illiteracy and promoting audio Bibles to reach those who cannot read. Through harrowing accounts of missionaries martyred in Peru, the message illustrates that true faith often involves suffering and sacrifice rather than ease or prestige. The preacher warns against the temptation to seek a pain-free Christian life, noting that even Peter was rebuked for desiring glory without suffering. The true story of a kidnapped missionary, Kevin Rideout, in Niger was relayed. Ultimately, the sermon calls listeners to repentance and belief in Jesus Christ as the only path to eternal life, urging them to live out their faith with urgency and devotion.