Wisdom on SermonAudio

Sermon Points: 1) False wisdom, false godliness 2) Earthly, sensual, and demonic thinking 3) Peace, gentleness, humility, and mercy manifest from proper teaching

Acts 17 has instructed Christian missionaries from the church's beginning. As Western culture is increasingly diluted of Christianity, how can we be effective missionaries to our own culture? We explore this question from Paul's ministry in Athens.

This episode addresses the cultural claim that truth is subjective by arguing that objective truth exists because God created both reality and the human capacity to know it. Drawing primarily from Psalm 19 and Romans 1, the episode explains that while general revelation through creation leaves humanity without excuse, fallen humans often suppress this truth due to sin and a desire for autonomy. The episode contrasts this with special revelation in Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ, who is identified as the ultimate embodiment of truth. It concludes by encouraging believers to approach knowledge with humility, confidence in God's word, and a desire for worship, rather than treating truth as a matter of personal preference or intellectual independence.

How should a church honor its pastors while guarding the integrity of their office? In 1 Timothy 5:17–25, Paul gives us three important responsibilities: pay pastors joyfully, treat them justly, and install them carefully. We honor those who labor faithfully in preaching and teaching by providing for their needs. We protect their reputations by refusing to entertain unfounded accusations, while ensuring that genuine sin is addressed with impartiality and seriousness. And we exercise wisdom when appointing leaders, recognizing that character often becomes clear only over time. These responsibilities matter because pastors shepherd a flock that belongs to Jesus Christ. We honor His under-shepherds because we love the Chief Shepherd, who gave His life for His church.

This sermon concludes a series on 1 Corinthians 7 by examining the final verses regarding widowhood and remarriage, emphasizing the principle of remaining faithful in God's calling in every circumstance. The central message is that while earthly circumstances change, the believer's covenant faithfulness to God must remain constant until the end. The text highlights that Christian liberty is bounded by divine parameters, such as marrying only in the Lord, and that contentment is found not in avoiding difficulty but in trusting God's wisdom. Drawing on Daniel 7 and 1 Corinthians 15, the exposition connects earthly endurance to the eternal hope of Christ's resurrection and the ultimate defeat of death. The tone is pastoral and encouraging, assuring the congregation that God's grace sustains believers through life's transitions and that their perseverance is grounded in Christ's unchanging faithfulness.

This sermon examines James 1:19-20, arguing that the most dangerous obstacle to Christian faith is not external trial but internal sin, specifically pride-induced anger. The message distinguishes between righteous anger, which responds to injustice, and sinful rage, which stems from wounded ego and destroys fellowship. It outlines three benefits of being quick to hear: gaining wisdom, strengthening relationships through genuine attention, and aligning one's thoughts with God's. Conversely, being slow to speak and slow to anger serves as a protective firewall against the destructive power of the tongue and the impulsive nature of human wrath. The sermon concludes by reflecting on God's character as quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, urging believers to imitate this divine restraint to glorify Christ and maintain holy community.

This morning Rev. Christian Brewer explores Paul's prayer in Colossians, emphasizing that believers should boldly ask God for spiritual wisdom and understanding rather than limiting their requests out of fear.

This sermon examines the second woe in Isaiah, focusing on God's judgment against Jerusalem and the futility of relying on human alliances rather than divine protection. The exposition highlights the historical siege by Assyria and the spiritual blindness of the people, who sought political refuge in Egypt instead of trusting in the Lord. The message connects these ancient events to future eschatological conflicts, illustrating that all nations opposing God's city will ultimately fail like a dream. The preacher emphasizes the necessity of living by faith, contrasting the shame of worldly reliance with the joy and clarity that come from hearing God's word. The central call is for believers to abandon their own schemes and embrace the truth, allowing the Holy Spirit to open their eyes to divine wisdom.

The Lord Jesus calls His people to take the Gospel to a hostile world. He calls them to be faithful despite the cost and risk of suffering and persecution. This message looks the promised suffering in the eye and seeks to call Christians and those considering becoming Christians to count the cost and then follow Christ. Because obedience to Christ is worth it!

The sermon examines the instruction in 1 Timothy 5 to avoid hasty ordination, emphasizing that time is the ultimate revealer of a person's true character and integrity. It argues that churches must prioritize godly character over natural ability when selecting elders to maintain the purity of the ministry and avoid sharing in the sins of unqualified leaders. The message further explores the biblical perspective on alcohol, distinguishing between its medicinal and social uses and the clear prohibition against drunkenness. While acknowledging the freedom of Christians to make personal choices regarding social drinking, the speaker offers a pastoral recommendation for abstinence based on the practical wisdom of avoiding an expensive, addictive neurotoxin. The central call is for believers to walk with a clear conscience, relying on the Holy Spirit rather than substances for peace and joy.