Truth on SermonAudio

This sermon was preached on November 1, 2026 at Antioch Presbyterian Church, a congregation of Calvary Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America located in Woodruff, South Carolina. Pastor Zachary Groff preached this sermon entitled "Raise a Contribution" on Exodus 25:1-9. For more information about Antioch Presbyterian Church, please visit ⁠antiochpca.com⁠ or contact us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected].

Today, we delved into Hebrews 4:12, reflecting on the power of God's Word as a living and active force that discerns the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. We connected this truth to the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing how the Scriptures serve as the ultimate authority that transforms lives. Join Pastor Steve as we study God's Word.

The sermon emphasizes that the most critical relationship in a person's life is their standing before God, defined strictly as being either in Christ or out of Christ. Drawing from Ephesians 2, the message outlines three essential truths: the absolute necessity of salvation for all sinners, the exclusive personality of salvation found only in Jesus Christ rather than in human works or church membership, and the urgent need to be saved today rather than delaying until tomorrow. The preacher uses vivid illustrations, including the story of Dr. S.B. Cook and the final lists of the Titanic, to underscore that death can be sudden and that eternity is determined by one's current spiritual status. The tone is convicting and pastoral, urging listeners to stop relying on their own efforts and to immediately accept the finished work of Christ to secure their eternal destiny.

No matter what season of life you are in, money, debt, and finances affect us all. So, for the next 4 weeks in November, during our Adult Sunday School class at 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, elder Lyle Humpton will lead a group discussion on managing these 3 areas with Scripture as our foundation leading to practical application. This will be an open dialogue where no question is a bad question. We hope you will come, participate, and learn how to apply biblical truths to your personal financial management. See you then!

What does it look like when the Word of God has taken root in someone's heart? Jesus answers that question in these verses. He describes a life in which the light of God's Truth is revealed, a life in which spiritual growth continues, and a life in which God's Word governs our priorities and obedience.

Healthy foods scarcely benefit a person who's already ingested poison. So the Christian who attends a weekly Bible study, hears a sermon every week, and enjoys biblically-sound podcasts hinders spiritual growth if the heart is already poisoned. Poisoned? With what? "Therefore, laying aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander..." 1 Peter 2:1 (LSB). All these toxins can show up in relationships with other believers and—if left unchecked—stunt our spiritual growth. Yes, the word of God is powerful to change us, yet our nourishment is impeded by savored sins. That's why Peter links putting away sinful attitudes with an eager appetite for Scripture. A growing hunger for God's Word belongs alongside a growing love for His people. "... like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation...," 1 Peter 2:2. This Lord's Day, we'll turn to 1 Peter 2 and its commands—as well as God's provision—for growing toward spiritual maturity. Join us as we consider, "Homeward Bound: What Do You Crave?" Prepare for Sunday: Read and meditate on 1 Peter 1:22-2:3. How do attitudes such as ill-will, envy, and insincerity affect your appetite for truth? In what ways do Christians settle for impure spiritual nourishment—teaching or counsel that sounds biblical but distorts God's Word? How, specifically, can you become better prepared to take in, and benefit from, the Word of God?

This sermon examines the distinction between intellectual belief and saving faith, anchored in the text of James 2. The central argument posits that mere assent to theological truths, akin to the belief of demons, is insufficient for salvation without the accompanying evidence of works and a transformed life. The message challenges listeners to self-examine their spiritual state, warning against the danger of relying on religious affiliation, creed, or fear of judgment as a substitute for a personal relationship with Christ. Through examples such as Felix, Esau, and the apostates in Hebrews 6, the text illustrates that trembling or conviction without repentance leads to condemnation rather than redemption. The sermon concludes with a pastoral call to abandon counterfeit faith and embrace the grace of Christ, emphasizing that true faith results in a life consistent with the gospel.

The sermon addresses the Corinthian dilemma regarding meat offered to idols by emphasizing that Christian knowledge must be governed by love and humility. It argues that while knowledge is a divine gift, it becomes dangerous when separated from charity, leading to pride and division within the church. The text highlights that genuine understanding of God's truth should result in a deeper recognition of one's own sinfulness and dependence on grace, rather than superiority over others. By contrasting the puffing up of knowledge with the edifying nature of love, the message calls believers to exercise their liberty with tenderness toward weaker brethren. Ultimately, the sermon asserts that the highest privilege is not merely knowing about God, but being known by Him through the redemptive work of Christ.

This sermon explores the theological nature of God's love by examining seven distinct characteristics derived from A.W. Pink's work on the attributes of God. The central message asserts that God's love is not merely an emotion but the very essence of His being, distinguishing it from worldly sentiments that are often influenced by human behavior. The exposition details how this love is uninfluenced by human merit, eternal in duration, sovereign in its choice, infinite in scope, immutable in its consistency, holy in its discipline, and gracious in its provision. By grounding these truths in Scripture, the teaching aims to provide believers with profound assurance and comfort, particularly in times of doubt or affliction. The tone is instructional and pastoral, encouraging the audience to trust in the unchanging and supreme demonstration of divine love found in the cross.