Ten Commandments on SermonAudio

Consider our Lord's commands of submission and understanding in their simple form according to simple principles we already know, and according to the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Bible makes it clear that our church has a responsibility to send out missionaries in a God honoring manner. Let's make Jesus's last command our first priority as we hear six ways to "Send Missionaries Forward On Their Journey."

The sermon explores the call to radical generosity by examining the early church's communal lifestyle in Acts 4. It contrasts the inherent human tendency toward greed and materialism with the transformative power of a Spirit-filled community that shares all things in common. The preacher clarifies that this biblical account describes a voluntary, grace-driven response rather than a legalistic command or political ideology. True generosity is rooted not in guilt or moral obligation, but in meditating on Christ's supreme sacrifice and His willingness to become poor for the sake of believers. This gospel-centered motivation fuels a selfless witness that attracts others to the faith and reflects God's own generous nature.

God calls you to honor the authorities He has placed in your life—whether in your family, church, or society—as an expression of your love for Him and for others. This doesn't mean obeying commands that contradict God's Word, but it does mean showing respect, humility, and a willing spirit whenever possible. Rather than following the world's attitude of rebellion, you are called to reflect Christ, who perfectly submitted to His Father's will. Your obedience is not a way to earn God's favor, but a grateful response to the grace you have already received in Him.

In Jonah 3, the prophet who once fled God's command receives a second chance after repenting in the belly of the fish, then boldly proclaims a stark message of impending judgment to the violent city of Nineveh; the people—from the king to the least—believe God, turn from their evil ways in genuine repentance, and cry out for mercy, prompting the Lord to relent from the disaster He had announced. This holy pattern of the Word proclaimed, sinners turning, and God showing compassion reveals the heart of a merciful God who still calls us today to hear His Word, repent unto life, rest in the mercy found only in Christ, and carry that same message of warning and grace to others.

The sermon explores the concept of Christian liberty as presented in 1 Corinthians 9, emphasizing how believers must willingly set aside their rights to avoid hindering the gospel. It highlights Paul's decision to waive his financial support from the church, demonstrating that true freedom involves selfless service rather than personal gain. The preacher contrasts mere obedience to God's commands with the joy found in going beyond those obligations for the sake of others. This passage serves as a model for modern Christians to examine their own lives and identify areas where they might need to sacrifice comfort or preference to effectively witness to the lost. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to exercise their freedom with humility and love, prioritizing the spiritual growth of others over personal privilege.

The sermon examines the historical reality of Jonah as a prophet from Gath-hepher who predicted the restoration of Israel's borders under King Jeroboam. It explores Jonah's attempt to flee from God's presence by sailing to Tarshish, illustrating the theological doctrine of omnipresence through Jeremiah and Psalms. The narrative highlights how God used a storm and a great fish to bring Jonah to repentance before commanding him to preach to the wicked city of Nineveh. Upon seeing the Assyrians repent, Jonah becomes angry at God's mercy, leading to a lesson on divine compassion versus human judgment. The message concludes by affirming the reliability of Scripture through its honest portrayal of human flaws and God's sovereign grace.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15, we receive the charge to stand firm. Before Paul's gives that command, he reminds the Thessalonians of the work that the Lord has done. We do not just stand firm as Christians, we specifically stand firm in the light of the perfect character, work, and grace of our God. We stand firm in the truth, realizing He is the One empowering us and holding us all of the way!

"And this second thing you do. You cover the Lord's altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. But you say, 'Why does he not?' Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant." (Malachi 2:13-14, ESV)