Thanksgiving on SermonAudio

This sermon examines Hebrews 8:1-6 to establish the superiority of Jesus Christ as a heavenly high priest who ministers in the true tabernacle pitched by God, rather than an earthly one. The exposition highlights that Christ's sitting at the right hand of the Majesty signifies the completion of His redemptive work, His authority, and His role in recording the believer's acquittal. It further explains that while His sacrificial offering is finished, His ongoing ministry involves voluntarily presenting the praise, thanksgiving, and good works of believers to the Father, for which they have no direct access apart from Him. The message contrasts this permanent, sufficient ministry with the temporary Levitical system, urging believers to abandon the shadows of the Old Testament and rest in the assurance of the better covenant mediated by Christ.

A great personal testimony is not defined by self-congratulation or recounting miraculous deliverances, but by the visible evidence of the Holy Spirit's control in one's life. The passage from Genesis 41:38 illustrates this, showing that even a pagan ruler recognized Joseph's Spirit-filled character, not through his words, but through his consistent conduct. True spiritual maturity is marked by a joyful spirit, a grateful heart that thanks God for all circumstances, and a humble submission to others out of reverence for Christ. These qualities—rooted in daily dependence on the Spirit, a mind set on God's Word, and a life of worship and thanksgiving—are the authentic signs of a Spirit-filled life. When believers embody these traits, their character becomes a compelling testimony to both believers and unbelievers alike, reflecting the transformative power of God's presence. This testimony is not self-constructed, but is revealed in how others perceive and describe the believer's life.

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. (Matthew 9:37-38) ~~~~ This sermon was preached at Jireh Chapel Tenterden Harvest Thanksgiving service. ~~~~ *1/ The identity of the Lord of the harvest. 2/ What the Lord of the harvest controls. 3/ The means that the Lord of the harvest uses.* **Sermon summary:** This sermon explores the identity, control, and means of the Lord of the Harvest as presented in Matthew 9:37-38. It emphasizes that God is the sovereign master builder who governs every aspect of the spiritual harvest, from the eternal election of souls to the specific timing of their conversion. The preacher illustrates how God controls the preparation of hearts, the drawing of sinners, and the quickening of faith, ensuring that salvation is entirely His work rather than a human effort. Furthermore, the message highlights that God chooses to use weak means, such as the prayers of His people and the preaching of labourers empowered by the Holy Spirit, to accomplish His purposes. The sermon concludes with an encouragement to trust in God's perfect timing and authority, recognizing that He is actively gathering His people from all nations for His glory.

Isaiah chapter 12 in our midweek Bible study.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

What does God say to the wicked man who would "take my covenant in thy mouth" (Psalm 50:16)? Read verse 17 and ask what that man has done with the words of God, and whether a man can hate the Word of God and still enter heaven. Then read John 1:14 and ask Who the Word is that he has cast behind him. "Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee." (Psalm 50:17)

Pastor Mark Hogan teaches on prayer in Acts in an ongoing Wednesday series, showing that prayer appears in about 19 of 28 chapters and accompanies every advance of the early church, from waiting for the Spirit in Acts 1:12-14 and devotion to the prayers in Acts 2:42 to Scripture-saturated boldness in Acts 4:23-31, deacon appointment in Acts 6:4-7, Stephen's dying prayer in Acts 7:59-60, prayer with laying on of hands in Acts 8, Paul's conversion in Acts 9, Cornelius in Acts 10, Peter's release in Acts 12, and missionary commissioning in Acts 13-14. He also traces prayer at Lydia's riverside meeting, Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail in Acts 16, Paul's kneeling farewells in Acts 20-21, and his thanksgiving in the storm in Acts 27. The main message is that the church lived in an atmosphere of active dependence on God, not mechanical ritual, and that genuine conversion produces a new life of prayer. Pastor Mark Hogan applies this by calling Grace Baptist Church to zealous corporate prayer, elders to prioritize praying for the saints alongside word ministry, and believers to pursue longer corporate prayers, faithful pre-Sunday school prayer, extended family worship, and unceasing prayer for the Holy Spirit's empowering presence for bold witness, even praying like Stephen, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit, with Philippians 4:6 as the summons to make requests known to God.

[Romans-119] Romans 12: Dedication to God out of Thanksgiving - Romans 12:1-2 by Dr. John Brumett Date of Service: Oct 21 2026