To those who continue to seek to establish their own righteousness, may I invite you to cease? May I invite you to rest in Christ? May I invite you to take up the yoke of Christ whose burden is easy and yoke is light, because He has finished the work of righteousness for you. May I invite you to humble yourself before the Lord, to lean no longer upon your own virtue, your own sense of goodness, and trust wholeheartedly in His? You will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free. Romans 10:1-4 #connect4QC #Foundation #Romans #Works #Faith #Gospel #Grace #BelieveInJesus

Introduction:

• Pastor Brian Smith discusses a recent Super Bowl commercial portraying Jesus washing feet, expressing disappointment in its missed opportunity to share the full gospel message.
• The commercial reflects a common trend of virtue-signaling without acknowledging the depth of sin and the need for salvation through Christ.

Passage: Romans 10:1-4

• Paul's heartfelt desire and prayer for the salvation of his kinsmen, the Israelites.
• Recognition of their zeal for God but lack of saving knowledge.
• Ignorance of God's righteousness leading to the pursuit of self-righteousness.

Key Points:

1. Zeal Without Saving Knowledge:
   • The danger of sincere but misguided zeal, divorced from a true understanding of God's righteousness.
   • Emphasis on the importance of genuine, transformative knowledge of Christ.
2. Seeking to Establish Own Righteousness:
   • The folly of attempting to earn righteousness through works, rather than submitting to God's righteousness.
   • The human tendency to lower God's standard of righteousness and elevate one's own achievements.
3. All Have Sinned:
   • Confronting the uncomfortable truth that all are sinners in need of God's grace, despite the desire for self-righteousness.
   • Accepting the gift of righteousness through faith in Christ, rather than relying on personal merit.
4. The End of the Law:
   • Understanding Christ as both the goal and fulfillment of the Law, offering salvation to all who believe.
   • The transformative power of Christ's righteousness imputed to believers.

Points of Application:

1. Zeal Without Knowledge:
   • Examining the motives behind acts of virtue and ensuring they stem from a genuine relationship with Christ.
   • Guarding against pride and self-righteousness in service to God.
2. Missional Zeal:
   • Desiring and praying for the salvation of all, regardless of their current state or actions.
   • Rejecting fatalism and apathy, and actively participating in sharing the gospel with others.
3. The Sacred Task, Our Delightful Duty:
   • Embracing the responsibility to proclaim the gospel to all, even amidst potential suffering or rejection.
   • Recognizing the privilege of participating in God's work of salvation.

Conclusion:

• Invitation to cease striving for self-righteousness and instead trust fully in Christ's finished work.
• Encouragement to confront pride and embrace humility before God.
• Reminder that true freedom is found in knowing and embracing the Truth of Christ.

Bibliography:

Would you believe me if I said that in Christ, God’s love for you is perfect and unchanging? You’d likely agree, but would you believe? In this passage in Romans, Paul lays out the case that the reason Israel stumbled over Jesus was because they tried to come to God as it were based on works. They thought they could curry God’s favor by doing the right things. That’s not how salvation works and it caused Israel to stumble. Sadly, I’m afraid it still causes religiously devout people to stumble today. We come before God in the righteousness of Christ alone. Listen to hear more about this amazing hope we have in Him!

Introduction:

• The episode delves into Romans 9:30-33, exploring the interplay between faith and works in salvation.
• Discusses the significance of righteousness and the stumbling stone in understanding Paul's message.

Key Points:

1. Gentiles' Attainment of Righteousness:
   • Contrasts Gentiles' unexpected righteousness through faith with Israel's pursuit of righteousness through works.
   • Explores the theological implications of this contrast and its relevance today.
2. Faith vs. Works in Salvation:
   • Analyzes the theological tension between faith and works in the salvation narrative.
   • Examines how Paul addresses this tension and its implications for believers.
3. The Stumbling Stone in Romans 9:
   • Explores the concept of the stumbling stone and its significance in understanding salvation.
   • Discusses how individuals either embrace or stumble over Christ as the cornerstone.

Conclusion:

• Summarizes key insights from Romans 9:30-33 and its relevance for contemporary believers.
• Encourages listeners to reflect on their own understanding of faith, works, and salvation in light of Paul's teachings.

Learn more about Wildwood Church: https://wildwoodchuch.com/

By His mercy, God has called people who were far from Him to be His beloved children. Those who were “not my people” will be called “sons of the living God.” It is not merely by being associated with God’s people that we are called into His family, but through faith in Jesus Christ.

Overview

Pastor Brian Smith delves into the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in Romans 9-11, emphasizing the need for humility and acknowledging the vastness of God's wisdom.

Key Points

• Metaphorical Dive: Smith uses a deep-sea dive analogy to depict the challenge of understanding divine sovereignty, emphasizing the humility required to navigate this tension.
• Limited Understanding: Drawing parallels with a family vacation at the beach, Smith highlights our limited understanding compared to the vastness of God's wisdom.
• God's Response: Imagining God's response to human attempts to grasp divine mysteries, Smith emphasizes the commendable but limited nature of our efforts.
• Addressing Objections: Exploring Romans 9:19-23, Smith tackles objections about fairness in holding individuals accountable, underscoring the need for humility in the face of God's sovereignty.
• Pot and Potter Theme: Smith introduces the pot and potter theme, emphasizing God's right to shape humanity and illustrating the folly of questioning His choices.
• Conditional Statements: Examining Romans 9:22-23, Smith explores a conditional statement without a conclusive thought, highlighting God's patience with vessels of wrath and the contrasting elements of mercy and wrath.
• Purpose of Patience: The sermon concludes with a discussion on God's patience, emphasizing its purpose for sinners to repent. Smith challenges listeners to avoid an "us versus them" mindset, recognizing humanity's default state as destruction and the necessity of God's mercy for salvation.

Conclusion

Pastor Brian Smith concludes with a call to humility and gratitude for God's sovereign mercy, urging listeners to bring others into the Kingdom of God.

Date: January 21, 2024 Location: Wildwood Church, East Moline, Illinois Pastor: Brian Smith

Summary:

Perhaps no doctrine of the Church is more divisive than the doctrine of election. Predestination, Calvinism, election, and doctrines of grace (TULIP) are hot topics in many Christian circles. When we began the series through Romans 18 months ago, we knew Romans 9 was coming. And with Romans 9, election. Paul didn’t shy away from election and neither should we. We invite you to join us in our study of Romans 9 with a humble heart and open mind, seeking to know what God has revealed in His Word.

Introduction:

• Delve into the divisive nature of the doctrine of election and its prevalence in Christian circles.
• Discuss the relevance of election, predestination, and TULIP (doctrines of grace) in the context of Romans 9.
• Emphasize the importance of approaching the topic with humility and an open mind.

Segment 1: God's Sovereignty Explored

• Explore R.C. Sproul's insights on God's sovereignty over nature, the law, and the contentious domain of granting mercy.
• Address the common objection of fairness in God's selective mercy, drawing attention to the need for humility in understanding divine justice.

Segment 2: Biblical Foundations (Romans 9:14-18)

• Analyze key verses from Romans 9:14-18, addressing the question of injustice on God's part.
• Highlight the significance of divine mercy and compassion in the context of Moses' plea for forgiveness in Exodus 33:19.
• Emphasize the revelation of God's name through His acts of mercy and compassion.

Segment 3: Wrestling with God's Sovereignty

• Discuss the modern tendency to question God's justice and the reversal of roles in perceiving God as the accused.
• Quote C.S. Lewis and Daniel Doriani on the shift in the relationship between man and God in the contemporary mindset.
• Reiterate the profound mercy of God, surpassing the demands of justice.

Segment 4: Human Enmity and God's Sovereignty

• Examine Charles Spurgeon's perspective on human enmity in response to the doctrine of God's sovereignty.
• Explore Romans 9:16 to affirm the exclusion of human will as the fundamental factor in divine election.
• Stress the importance of understanding the order of salvation (ordo salutis) and its impact on the Christian life.

Segment 5: Pharaoh's Role in God's Plan

• Examine the role of Pharaoh in God's plan, referencing Exodus 9:16 and God's purpose in raising him up.
• Emphasize God's supremacy over earthly powers and His use of Pharaoh to manifest His glory.
• Address objections to the perceived unfairness in God's dealings with Pharaoh.

Segment 6: Soli Deo Gloria – Living for God's Glory

• Connect Jesus' proclamation of the Kingdom of God with the purpose of the Church in proclaiming the gospel.
• Stress the significance of living "soli deo gloria" – for the glory of God alone.
• Conclude with the anticipation of every knee bowing to Jesus Christ on judgment day.

Conclusion and Encouragement:

• Offer words of encouragement, highlighting the limitless reach of God's mercy.
• Reassure believers of the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints and God's commitment to completing the work He began.
• Encourage repentance and belief for those who feel hopeless, emphasizing the gospel's transformative power.

Episode Date: January 14, 2024 Speaker: Pastor Brian Smith Church: Wildwood Church, East Moline, Illinois

Introduction:

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a ditch? Perhaps a snow storm had you slipping and sliding and all of a sudden your wheels are spinning and you’re not going anywhere. Being in a ditch is no fun! When it comes to so-called “ditches” on either side of doctrine, none are as treacherous as those surrounding the doctrine of election. How could God choose to save some but not all? That’s a really honest question. It’s a good question, but it’s not the best question. The better question is how is it that God could save any of us?! Join us as we explore Romans 9:6-13.

Scripture Passage: Romans 9:6-13

• Addresses the question: How can God choose to save some but not all?
• Explores the deeper question: How is it that God could save any of us?

Key Points:

1. Understanding God's Faithfulness:
   • Explores Paul's assertion in Romans 9:6 that God's word has not failed.
   • Emphasizes that only God can cause the Gospel to penetrate hearts; our role is to proclaim it.
2. Biology is Not Enough:
   • Draws from the example of Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac to illustrate that biological lineage does not guarantee God's promise.
   • Highlights the significance of being children of the promise, not of the flesh.
3. Children of Promise:
   • Examines the promise to Abraham regarding Sarah's son, emphasizing the selection of Isaac over Ishmael.
   • Further explores the example of Jacob and Esau, showcasing God's purpose in election.
4. God's Purpose in Election:
   • Emphasizes that God's choice is based on His purpose and plan, not human merit.
   • Traces the divine lineage leading to Christ and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Four Points of Application Today:

1. Heritage and Salvation:
   • Warns against placing salvific hope in one's heritage.
   • Urges personal faith over-relying on a godly lineage.
2. Avoid Hasty Judgment of God:
   • Cautions against questioning God's justice in His choices.
   • Encourages humility in understanding God's ways.
3. Responding to Grace:
   • Advises against obsessing over one's election status.
   • Encourages responding to God's grace with faith and repentance.
4. Active Engagement in Evangelism:
   • Counters apathy in evangelism, emphasizing the importance of mission work.
   • Encourages active involvement in spreading the Gospel.

Bibliography:

• F. F. Bruce, D. M. Doriani, Kent R. Hughes, Colin G. Kruse, Richard N. Longenecker, John MacArthur, Douglas J. Moo, Robert Mounce, Thomas R. Schreiner, R. C. Sproul.

Closing Thoughts: The podcast delves into the intricate topic of election, balancing theological depth with practical application for today's audience. By exploring biblical narratives and connecting them to contemporary challenges, Pastor Brian Smith invites listeners to reflect on God's sovereignty and respond with faith and action.

#connect4QC #Foundation #Romans #Election #GodIsSovereign #Grace #Gospel

https://wildwoodchurch.com/messages/chosen-by-grace-gods-purpose-of-election-romans-9-6-13/

Can you imagine saying to God, “I’ll give up Heaven for the sake of my brothers who have rejected me, beat, me, and would ultimately be complicit in my death?!” That’s exactly what the Apostle Paul said in Romans 9:1-5. Romans 9 is all about God’s sovereignty in election and in it Paul says some difficult things. But before he did, he wanted the readers to know that he had a deep, sincere love for his fellow Israelites. We, too, ought to love our enemies and those who persecute us in hopes that one day they will see Jesus as their glorious Savior!

Romans 9:1-5

#connect4QC #Foundation #Romans #SovereignGod #Election #Zeal #Nations #Gospel

Shownotes:

Introduction:

• Opening quote: “I’ll give up Heaven for the sake of my brothers” - Understanding Paul's sacrificial love (Romans 9:1-5).
• Setting the stage with Isaiah 46:8-10 - God's sovereignty and purpose.

God's Sovereignty in Election (Romans 9-11):

• Recap of previous chapters: Romans 1-3 (sin), 4-5 (grace), 6-8 (Holy Spirit's work).
• Embracing God's sovereignty as the foundation for confidence (Romans 8:37-39).
• Highlighting Romans 9-11 as a defense of God's sovereignty in election.
• Encouraging repeated reading of Romans 9-11 as a journey through God's wisdom.

Romans 9:1-5 - Paul's Sincere Love:

• Paul's declaration of truth in Christ with the Holy Spirit as a witness (Romans 9:1-2).
• Expressing deep sorrow and anguish for Israel's rejection of the Messiah (Romans 9:2-3).
• The intense desire for Israel's salvation, even to the point of being accursed (Romans 9:3).

The Holy Spirit as Paul's Witness:

• Importance of a clear conscience before speaking hard truths (Romans 9:1).
• Paul's genuine concern for the salvation of his fellow Israelites.
• Parallel with Moses' plea for the forgiveness of Israel (Exodus 32:32-33).

Privileges Squandered by Israel:

• Listing Israel's privileges as the chosen people of God.
• Paul's acknowledgment of the tragic irony in Israel's rejection of Christ.
• The heartfelt desire for Israel to embrace Christ despite their rejection.

Christ Came for All Mankind:

• Emphasizing that Christ, though born an Israelite, came for all who believe.
• High Christology: Jesus as the Christ and God over all (Colossians 1:15-20).
• Affirmation of Jesus' divinity and preeminence.

Genuine Love and Sympathy for the Lost:

• Paul's deep love for the Jews and his desire for their salvation (Romans 10:1).
• Encouraging empathy for those who reject or oppose the Gospel.
• Jesus' command to love enemies and Paul's example of sacrificial love.

Doxological Conclusion:

• Understanding the meaning of "amen" as an affirmation of truth.
• Affirming Jesus Christ as God over all, blessed forever (Colossians 1:15-20).
• Urging listeners to take the Gospel to all nations with sincere love for the lost.

Closing Thoughts:

• Reiterating the joy and duty to share the Gospel globally.
• Filling hearts with zeal for God's glory to cover the earth.
• Acknowledging the Lord's sovereignty in salvation and His invitation to all.

Outro:

• Closing with a call to action: Every Member a Missionary - spreading the Gospel across the street and around the world.
• Inviting listeners to respond with a resounding "Amen" to the truth of Christ's lordship over all.

Learn more: https://wildwoodchurch.com/sermons/

Do You See What I See? | Promised, Precise, Prince of Peace. Galatians 4:4-5

When you think about Jesus at Christmas time, do you think of Him as a baby or as Savior? Make no mistakes, Jesus was born in order to suffer for your sake, die for your sin, and rise again to give you eternal life. Do you see that the baby in the manger is your Savior?!

Podcast Show Notes: "Do You See What I See? The Baby In The Manger Is Your Savior!"

Episode Summary: In this powerful Christmas episode, Pastor Brian Smith from Wildwood Church in East Moline, Illinois, explores the significance of Jesus' birth as both a baby and a Savior. The message emphasizes the transformative impact of understanding that the baby in the manger is the Savior of the world, bringing salvation from sin. The show delves into Luke 2:8-20 and encourages listeners to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

Key Points:

1. Introduction:
   • Pastor Brian Smith reflects on the joy of retelling the Christmas story and the awe-inspiring nature of God taking on human form.
   • The focus is on the angelic birth announcement to the shepherds, a unique and impactful part of the Christmas narrative.
2. Luke 2:8-12 - Simple Men on a Routine Night:
   • The shepherds, ordinary men on a routine night, encounter the glory of the Lord through an angelic presence.
   • The angel declares "good news of great joy" – the birth of a Savior in the city of David.
   • The sign for the shepherds is finding a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.
3. Good News of Great Joy:
   • The angel's message is for all people, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the gospel.
   • The baby in the manger is not just a symbol but the Savior, bringing salvation from sin.
4. To Save Us From Our Sin:
   • Pastor Brian challenges common misconceptions about the nature of Jesus' salvation, emphasizing it is soteriological, saving us from the penalty of sin.
   • The Christmas message is for everyone, transcending political or cultural boundaries.
5. The Proper Response:
   • Reflecting on the shepherds' response, the audience is encouraged to share the good news with others and to respond with praise.
   • The shepherds' immediate action and proclamation serve as a model for believers today.
6. Two Lessons from the Shepherds:
   • Go tell somebody: The shepherds spread the message despite potential skepticism, highlighting the importance of faithfulness over fruitfulness.
   • Give the Lord some praise: Reflecting on the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ should elicit joyful worship.
7. Closing Thoughts:
   • Pastor Brian encourages listeners to be a light for Christ, echoing Jesus' statement that He is the light of the world and believers are to shine that light.

Conclusion: As we celebrate Christmas, let's remember that the baby in the manger is not just a charming story but the Savior of the world. Reflecting on this truth should inspire us to share the good news with others and respond with joyful worship.

https://wildwoodchurch.com/messages/do-you-see-what-i-see-the-baby-in-the-manger-is-your-savior-luke-2-8-20/

Do you ever get offended? Does your spouse ever get on your last nerve? If so, check out this sermon, “For Better for Worse - Biblical Principles for Resisting the Spirit of Offense.” I’ll provide three questions that if you’ll ask yourself sincerely the next time you feel yourself getting angry or hurt could revolutionize your relationships!

Podcast Show Notes: "For Better for Worse - Biblical Principles for Resisting the Spirit of Offense"

Introduction: Explore the sermon "For Better for Worse - Biblical Principles for Resisting the Spirit of Offense" as we tackle the common struggle of offense in relationships. Uncover three crucial questions that promise to revolutionize how you approach anger and hurt in your connections.

I. Understanding the Spirit of Offense

• The spirit of offense is not an external force but an internal bitterness rooted in our sin nature.
• It thrives on irritability and a reluctance to embrace radical forgiveness.
• Recognizing that many issues stem from within, the remedy lies in repentance.

II. Beyond Offense: Nurturing a Spirit of Offense

• Distinguishing between being offended and possessing a spirit of offense is crucial.
• The latter occurs when we nurse and foster offenses rather than addressing them.
• Discussion on how a root of bitterness can impact not only us but those around us (Hebrews 12:15).

III. Resisting the Spirit of Offense: Three Key Questions

1. Mismanaged Expectations:
   • Openly discuss expectations to ensure fairness.
   • Explore the mutual responsibility of managing expectations.
   • Emotions like sadness, anger, anxiety, and shame may arise when expectations are not met.
2. Examining My Own Faults:
   • Avoid hypocrisy by examining one's faults before criticizing others.
   • Acknowledge personal sin when critical of others.
   • Recognize that addressing personal faults contributes to healthier relationships.
3. Identifying What I Cling To:
   • Reflect on Philippians 2:5-6, emphasizing letting go of personal rights.
   • Recognize underlying issues such as pride, comfort, attention-seeking, or selfishness.
   • Submit identified issues to Christ for transformation.

Conclusion:

• Christian relationships involve two individuals undergoing sanctification.
• Offenses are inevitable, making biblical handling essential.
• Solutions often involve overlooking minor issues, as it is a glory to do so (Proverbs 19:11).
• When faced with offense, ask these three questions and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance.

https://wildwoodchurch.com/sermons/