Wisdom on SermonAudio

In this message, taken from Matthew 22:15-22, we learn from Jesus that Christians live with a dual citizenship in which we normally can honor both human government and God. We also learn some biblical wisdom as to how to cope with living as citizens of the coming kingdom while dealing with human government that contradicts God's commands. Come and hear for yourself the wisdom that God has for believers to live faithfully with this dual citizenship until Christ returns.

This sermon examines the first Roman trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate, highlighting the irony of religious leaders who feared ceremonial defilement while plotting murder. Pastor Bob contrasts the Jews' legalistic obsession with outward purity against their inner hypocrisy, using this historical event to warn against modern reliance on rules rather than faith. Central to the narrative is Jesus' declaration that His kingdom is not of this world, establishing His identity as a king who testifies to the truth. The transcript emphasizes that these events were sovereignly planned by God before creation to fulfill prophecy regarding Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Ultimately, the message calls believers to stand firm for the truth of Christ despite worldly opposition, trusting in the completed work of salvation. Scripture References: John 18:28-38 Isaiah 53:1-7 Matthew 23:23-26 John 12:32 Mark 10:33-34 Matthew 26:67 Benediction May Jesus Christ, our living Lord and Savior, guide each of us, and provide for each of us, through the grace of the Holy Spirit. May He grant us wisdom and humility, and the boldness to speak His truth at every opportunity this week. Amen!

God reveals His glory through creation, but He has given you His Word to reveal the truth you need for salvation and faithful living. Scripture is sufficient and trustworthy, bringing wisdom, joy, and direction as it exposes even the sins you may not recognize in yourself. You are called to treasure God's Word while depending on Christ to forgive your hidden faults and guard you from deliberate sin. Ultimately, your hope rests not in your own faithfulness, but in Jesus, your Rock and Redeemer.

In Proverbs 6:20–35, Solomon shows how godly wisdom protects us from the seductive influence of the strange woman and the devastating consequences of sexual sin. The central question is how believers can recognize temptation before it leads to compromise and destruction. This message explains how wisdom, godly counsel, and a clear view of sin's consequences can guard our purity, marriages, and future.

This class explores the biblical definition of foolishness as the active rejection of God and His revealed truth, contrasting it with wisdom which is the application of God's knowledge. By examining passages from Romans, Matthew, Psalms, and Proverbs, the text establishes that foolishness manifests in denying God's existence, trusting in self-reliance, and ignoring divine correction. The preacher clarifies that while believers are wise in Christ, they can still act foolishly by disobeying His commands or living as if God does not exist. Key characteristics of a fool include arrogance, credulity, and a refusal to submit to Scripture's authority. Ultimately, the message calls for self-examination and reliance on Christ to overcome folly and pursue true wisdom.

The sermon "The Fullness of Deity" warns Christians to remain alert against false teaching, human philosophy, religious traditions, and spiritual deception that promise wisdom or fulfillment apart from Christ. Paul's answer to these competing claims is that the fullness of deity dwells bodily in Jesus Christ, and believers have already been filled in Him; therefore, the world, false religion, and demonic powers have nothing greater to offer. Christians have been united to Christ not through human rituals or works, but through God's work of regeneration and faith, having been made alive with Christ while their entire record of debt was canceled and nailed to the cross. Because Jesus has disarmed the rulers and authorities and triumphed over them, believers should not return to the captivity of a kingdom Christ has already defeated. The sermon therefore calls Christians to grow in discernment, remain grounded in Scripture, and believe what God says about their identity and security in Christ: the debt has been canceled, the enemy has been disarmed, and the King has risen.

Pastor Steve Graham, Pastor Emeritus of Pioneer Valley Baptist Chapel preaches on Paul's conversion.

Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 17 Article 1 In our culture, where might we see envy in our own hearts? How has that envy been destructive to the peace we experience? The sermon explores the doctrine of the perseverance of saints, emphasizing that God's grace ensures believers are preserved despite their own foolishness or periods of backsliding. Using the narrative of Sheba's rebellion in 2 Samuel 20, the text illustrates how envy and passive aggression can create unnecessary conflict and destroy peace within communities. The preacher contrasts the destructive nature of jealousy with the restorative power of wisdom, highlighted by the wise woman who resolves the crisis through discernment rather than violence. By analyzing the failures of figures like Joab and Amasa, the message warns against assuming villainy where none exists and encourages reliance on God's justice. Ultimately, the teaching calls for contentment in Christ to overcome envy and foster genuine reconciliation among believers.