Ten Commandments on SermonAudio

Text: John 6:15–25 (LSB) Series: I AM Series Speaker: Pastor Rocky Stevenson Church: Benoni Bible Church Sermon Overview: Following the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, John 6:15–25 marks a pivotal transition in the Gospel of John. The crowds, energized by worldly enthusiasm, resolve to seize Jesus by force to crown Him as an earthly "bread-king." Knowing what is in man, Jesus withdraws alone to the mountain, totally rejecting a crossless coronation defined by human expectations. This exposition examines the profound contrast between human religious agenda and divine Christology. As the disciples labor against a fierce storm in open water, Jesus walks across the Sea of Galilee—a direct enactment of Old Testament Yahweh passages (Job 9:8; Psalm 77:19). His self-identification, "Ego Emi" ("It is I" / "I AM"), and His command, "Do not be afraid," serve as a glorious theophany in the midst of dark circumstances. Key Doctrinal Themes: The Sovereignty and Omniscience of Christ: Jesus' refusal to entrust Himself to crowd-driven projects (John 2:24–25; 6:15). Deity of Christ / Ego Emi: Jesus doing what only Yahweh can do by treading the waves and declaring His self-existent covenant name (Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 43:1–2). The Fallacy of Self-Serving Seeking: Exposing the superficial seeking of the crowds who pursue Jesus for earthly provisions rather than His divine person (vv. 22–25). A sobering and encouraging call for believers to examine whether they are seeking the manufactured Jesus of their own terms or worshipping the sovereign I AM.

This sermon is part of an ongoing verse by verse study through the epistle of I John. The subject of this sermon is the believing, justified sinner's responsibility to "try the Spirits", a command given by John to Christ's church by inspiration of God the Holy Spirit.

An examination of the conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees regarding ritual purity versus divine commandments, highlighting how human traditions can obscure God's will. It defines six key aspects of God's law, emphasizing its goodness, its enduring relevance, and the fatal consequences of transgression. The text clarifies that while obedience is essential for sanctification, it plays no role in justification, which rests solely on Christ's righteousness. The preacher warns against two errors: rejecting moral obligation under grace (anti-nomian) and lowering the law to an achievable standard (new-nomian). Believers are encouraged to discern and differentiate God's commands from human expectations through diligent study of Scripture and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

The sermon emphasizes the critical importance of discipleship as both a personal necessity and a communal responsibility for all believers. Drawing primarily from Matthew 28:19-20, it defines discipleship not merely as salvation but as an active, relational process of teaching others to observe Christ's commands. Through biblical examples such as Levi the tax collector and the repentant prostitute, the message highlights the need for patience, grace, and humility when investing in new believers who may not yet look or act like mature Christians. It challenges the congregation to abandon judgmental attitudes and instead embrace the long-suffering nature of God by actively mentoring others while remaining open to being taught themselves. Ultimately, the central theme is that true faith requires continuous growth and a proactive commitment to making disciples rather than passively waiting for spiritual maturity.

In "The Sons of God, Part 2," Pastor Robert McNutt continues his exposition of Romans 8:12-17, moving past how we become sons (rebirth and adoption) to what the term "sons of God" actually implies about us. Sonship first means likeness: as children resemble their parents, believers share the mind and outlook of their Father, possessing "the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16) and imitating His impartial kindness (Matthew 5:43-48; Ephesians 5:1-2), not chiefly for reward but so that the Father is glorified. Sonship also means a peculiar, special love. God takes personal interest in every detail of His children, numbering the hairs of their heads, planning the whole of their salvation from eternity past into glory (Romans 8:30), and chastening them precisely because He loves them (Hebrews 12:5-11). He restrains evil, goes before them in grace, and bids them come to the throne of grace with reverence and childlike confidence (Hebrews 4:14-16). McNutt then asks how a believer may be sure of his sonship, and lets the Apostle answer: all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. As Israel followed the pillar of cloud and fire out of Egypt toward Canaan, Christians are continually being led through the wilderness of this world. But leading is not driving. The Spirit enlightens and persuades the will, so that His commandments are not burdensome and we are guided by His eye rather than by bit and bridle (Psalm 32:8-9). The sermon closes in Psalm 103:11-14: the Father who remembers we are dust removed our transgressions as far as the east is from the west by sending His Son to the cross, and He keeps on loving His children in spite of themselves.

Paul told the Thessalonians that the will of God was their sanctification. We use the example of the blind man which Jesus healed as an example of what happens when someone is born again.

Why do Christians observe the Lord's Supper? In this message from 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, Pastor Robb Brunansky continues a four-part study on the meaning of communion by examining the first two reasons Christ gave His church this ordinance. Rather than treating the Lord's Table as an empty ritual or avoiding it out of fear, believers are called to obey Christ's command and remember His sacrificial death with reverence, gratitude, and faith. Drawing connections from the Passover to the Last Supper, this sermon highlights how communion engages both the mind and the heart, helping God's people continually proclaim the gospel through worship. The message concludes by reflecting on Christ's betrayal—revealing both the depth of humanity's sin and the immeasurable love of God, who sovereignly delivered His Son for our salvation.

The sermon examines the final miracle of Jesus in John 21, where the disciples catch a multitude of fish after failing to do so on their own. This event serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual fruitfulness depends entirely on Christ's power rather than human effort or tradition. The preacher emphasizes that just as the disciples could not succeed without His command, believers must rely on divine strength for effective ministry and salvation. By reflecting on past encounters with God, the congregation is encouraged to trust in His sovereignty and recognize their role as laborers working together with Him. Ultimately, the message affirms that success in the Christian life is found only through abiding in Jesus Christ.