The sermon explores the biblical mandate that vengeance belongs solely to God, urging believers to reject personal retaliation in favor of divine justice. Drawing primarily from Psalm 94 and supporting texts like Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 13, it contrasts the wicked's desire for revenge with the Christian call to love enemies and overcome evil with good. The message emphasizes that God sees all wrongs and will ultimately repay injustice, allowing believers to rest in His righteous judgment rather than seeking their own retribution. It clarifies that while self-defense is permissible, the motive must be protection rather than vengeance. Ultimately, Christ is our greatest example. We are called to trust in God's sovereign rule and judgment. Such a truth provides comfort and freedom from bitterness, calling us as believers "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men." (Romans 12:18) and extend mercy as children of the Most High to those who oppose themselves.

This sermon explores the prophet Habakkuk's journey from questioning God's justice to finding peace through faith. Listen along as Pastor Sargent highlights how Habakkuk wrestled with why God allowed sin in Judah and used a wicked nation for judgment, ultimately receiving the command to live by faith rather than seeking immediate explanations. By examining biblical examples like Moses, Job, and Isaiah, the message emphasizes that God often responds to doubt not with detailed reasons, but with revelations of His character and power. The central theme is that trusting in God's sovereignty allows believers to move from anxiety to exuberant praise, even amidst impending trouble. The sermon concludes by encouraging listeners to rest in the promise that the just shall live by faith, finding strength and joy in God despite uncertain circumstances.

In chapter 13 God reviewed recent history of the nation of Israel during the time of Moses. God directed him to divide the land on the west side of the Jordan between two and half tribes of the nation of Israel. God reminded the nation again of Balaam, a man who was a soothsayer. He was a wicked man who acted as though he knew the true God. He could not curse Israel verbally, but he did counsel the Moabites and the Midianites to intermarry with the Israelites. This would weaken the nation. The devil likes to undermine God's plan if he can. God destroyed Balaam and He reminded the children of Israel of that in the midst of the review of their history.

The sermon explores the profound impact of human communication by examining Proverbs 10:18-21, contrasting the destructive nature of the wicked's speech with the valuable influence of the righteous. It highlights how concealed hatred and slander reveal a corrupt heart, while excessive words can lead even the wise into sin if not carefully restrained. Drawing on James 3 and Philippians 4, the text emphasizes that controlling the tongue requires guarding the mind and heart through divine wisdom. The preacher illustrates that wise speech acts as refined silver that feeds souls, whereas foolishness spreads death and misunderstanding to others. Believers are urged to pray for self-control and purposefully share the gospel, ensuring their words bring life and reflect the wisdom of Christ.

Psalms 53 is almost identical to Psalms 14 because God wants us to know the only hope we have is in Christ, not in what we do. It is not good to say there is no God, because all of will be judged by the only God there is. God has already looked down from heaven and saw every person going away from God. We are in that mass group that denies the existence of God. We need God to open our eyes that we will be able to see our own wicked sins and how horrible we are in the sight of God. Jesus saves, Jesus keeps us saved, Jesus makes us acceptable to God the Father.

The psalmist was distraught because he saw the wicked prospering and he had heard them boast that they will never stand before God in judgment. However, the Bible clearly teaches that the time before the judgment of the wicked is God's mercy and judgment will come to all. Grab your Bible, turn to Psalm 10 and follow along with Pastor Mike.

The sermon exhorts listeners to seek the Lord immediately while He may be found, emphasizing that divine grace is not available indefinitely. It defines true repentance as a comprehensive turning away from sin and a return to God, addressing both inner thoughts and outward actions. The preacher highlights the shocking nature of God's promise to show mercy and abundant pardon specifically to the wicked and unrighteous who forsake their ways. This invitation is grounded in the character of God as compassionate and gracious, fulfilled ultimately through the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross. The message serves as both a urgent call to salvation for non-believers and an encouragement for believers to continually return to God despite their sins.

00:48 How can we freely choose Christ if God is sovereign and has predestined those who will be saved? 08:04 How often should we take communion and can we do it in our home? 12:55 What does Matthew 11:12 mean about the "violent take it by force"? 17:16 Do babies that die and go to heaven stay as babies for eternity? 20:09 Are the people who get saved in the Tribulation part of the New Testament or universal church? 24:04 Why was the angels response to Mary and Zechariah different regarding their disbelief about the Messiah being born? 26:07 In Psalm 9:17 what does it mean "the wicked will return to Sheol"? 28:16 What is the biblical mode of baptism, immersion or sprinkling? 31:37 What is the difference between self-love and self-promotion? 36:54 Why do you use the English Standard Version? 44:04 Will the unrighteous in the final judgment be annihilated or eternally punished? 49:57 Why does God bless Job with even more than he had before? 54:55 Do you have resources in foreign languages? 57:39 How correct does one's theology need to be for salvation?