Truth on SermonAudio

This episode defines a Christian not by external markers such as doctrine, baptism, or moral behavior, but by the fundamental reality of belonging to Jesus Christ. It argues that true conversion involves the Holy Spirit effectually applying Christ's redemption to spiritually dead sinners, resulting in a new union with Him. The episode emphasizes that salvation is entirely by grace through faith, distinguishing saving faith from mere intellectual assent or cultural association. Consequently, this union with Christ becomes the source of justification, adoption, and sanctification, transforming the believer's identity and motivating obedience. The episode concludes by affirming that this belonging to Christ provides ultimate hope and defines the Christian life as a communal discipleship rooted in the resurrection.

The new heaven and new earth will be filled with many glorious breath-taking features. But the most definitive one is the reality that God will dwell with men again. What is the significance of that truth? What will that be like? How should this truth affect our lives today? This Sunday, we will answer those questions by looking at the last two ways God makes all things new. See you then! ADDITIONAL REFERENCES Genesis 1:2, 7; 3:15; Leviticus 26:11-12; Job 15:15; Psalm 74:12-14; 102:25-26; Song of Solomon 2:11; Isaiah 53:4-5; 65:17; 66:22; Daniel 7:3; Jonah 1:17; Matthew 5:18; 24:35; Mark 1:42; 13:31; Luke 21:33; John 4:13-14; 7:37-38; Romans 8:19-23; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 15:54-57; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 2:7; 6:12; Hebrews 11:10, 16; 12:22-23, 26-27; 2 Peter 3:10-12; 1 John 5:4-5; Revelation 1:8; 2:11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 14, 21; 11:2; 13:1; 19:11, 20; 20:10-11, 14-15; 22:1-2, 17

1. A Liar From The Beginning 2. A Liar against Truth 3. A Liar Exposed By Christ 4. A Liar Ruined In Redemption

What makes the Bible the Bible? In this lesson, Pastor Ed Decker takes us back to the foundation of what we believe about the Word of God. The Bible contains 66 books, written by approximately 40 different authors over a period of roughly 1,500–1,600 years, yet these books form ONE BOOK—the Word of God. Pastor Decker looks at the unity of Scripture, the two major divisions of the Bible—the Old Testament and the New Testament—and the relationship between them. The Old Testament points forward in promise, preparation, foundation, and type, while the New Testament reveals fulfillment, presentation, the building, and the truth. The lesson then moves into the doctrine of inspiration. What does it mean that the Holy Spirit moved human writers so that they recorded the very words and sense of God while writing in their own literary styles? Pastor Decker examines both the human and divine aspects of Scripture and introduces the important truths of confluent and verbal inspiration. If we are going to know what we believe—and why—we must first know what we believe about the Book upon which our faith rests.

WHAT MEAN YE BY THESE STONES. Joshua 4:1-24 KJVAfter God miraculously brought Israel across the Jordan River on dry ground, He commanded Joshua to take twelve stones from the river and establish a memorial. Those stones were more than rocks—they were a testimony. When future generations asked, "What mean ye by these stones?", God's people were to tell them what the Lord had done.In this opening lesson we examine why God established memorials and why remembering His works matters. The twelve stones reminded Israel of God's power in the past, His presence in the present, and His faithfulness for the future. They also gave parents an opportunity to teach their children the mighty works of God.Every generation needs its own "stones of remembrance"—testimonies of answered prayer, salvation, deliverance, provision, and the faithfulness of God. We must never allow the next generation to inherit our buildings, traditions, and Bibles without also hearing the story of what God has done."What mean ye by these stones?" — Joshua 4:6 KJVThe stones could not speak for themselves. Someone who remembered what God had done had to tell the story.Joshua 4 does not end with Israel merely crossing a river.It ends with a testimony being established.The water would begin flowing again.The footprints in the riverbed would disappear.The generation that crossed Jordan would eventually pass away.But the stones remained.Why?Because God knew something about us:We have a tendency to forget.We remember the trouble, but forget the deliverance.We remember the night we cried, but forget the morning when God answered.We remember how deep the Jordan looked,, but forget that God made a way through it!

The sermon presents a prophetic analysis of the United States as a modern-day Babylon, drawing parallels between the biblical captivity of Judah and the current geopolitical and moral state of America. It argues that the American Empire, led by a figure identified as the Antichrist, is engaging in unjust wars and enabling genocide, particularly in Gaza and Iran, which aligns with the descriptions of the 'daughter of Babylon' in Revelation and Jeremiah. The speaker contends that these actions are part of a divine plan to bring about global tribulation and the eventual destruction of the empire, citing specific political events and military actions as evidence of this trajectory. The message calls for spiritual discernment, urging believers to recognize the evil of these global powers and to look forward to the return of Christ and the establishment of the heavenly Zion. The tone is urgent and convicting, challenging Christians to reject nationalistic pride and align themselves with biblical truth in the face of impending judgment.

Thinkers and Doers of the Word Philippians 4:8-9 -Why is thinking so important in the Christian life? How does the world, the flesh, and the devil war against Christians thinking godly? -Make a quick list of the things your mind has been focusing on over the last 24 hours? How does that compare to what the apostle Paul commands us to focus on? -How can the list in v8 serve as filters for your thoughts? What does it look like to take captive a thought and make it obedient to Christ? -How do you seek to apply the truths you are taught? Why does putting truth into practice bring peace? For further study: Ps 42:5; 19:14; 119:11,15,30,36; Mt 7:24-27; Jn 13:17; Rom 6:11; 12:2; 2 Cor 10:5; Eph 4:17; Col 3:2; Jam 1:22.

The profound truth of divine election as presented in John 15, emphasizes that God's choice of believers is rooted in His character and love rather than human merit. The central message highlights that Jesus chose His disciples to be His friends, securing their salvation through His sacrificial death and ensuring their permanent security in Him. The exposition connects this eternal security to the practical command to abide in Christ's love by remaining in His Word and keeping His commandments. It argues that true obedience flows from a heart motivated by love for Jesus, rather than fear of the law, reflecting the intimate relationship He offers. The tone is comforting and pastoral, inviting listeners to rest in the assurance that they are known, loved, and called to share in the fullness of Christ's joy.

The church at Laodicea had nothing to praise! They had become apathetic and lukewarm in their love for Christ. The deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for worldly things choked out the truth of God's Word. Christ called them to repent and live zealous for Him! He issues the same call to His church today!