The story of the walls of Jericho falling down is a testament to the power of faith, obedience, and perseverance. God instructed Joshua and the Israelites to march around the city for six days, then shout on the seventh day, and the walls would fall. This miraculous event is a reminder that God's power is beyond human understanding and that faith in His promises is the key to achieving great things. [... more]

Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17 emphasizes the perseverance of saints, sanctification through truth, and unity among believers. He prays for those given to him by the Father, asking to be kept safe and to be one with them as he is with the Father. Jesus' prayer is answered, as believers are already in a state of unity with Christ and each other through the Holy Spirit. [... more]

The passage from Hebrews 11:29 describes the Israelites' deliverance through the Red Sea as an example of faith, where they passed through on dry ground despite the Egyptians attempting to do so and being drowned. This event demonstrates the power of faith, as the Israelites believed God's promise and obeyed His revelation, resulting in their deliverance and the destruction of the Egyptians. The passage also highlights the distinction between faith that appropriates temporal promises and faith that appropriates spiritual promises, emphasizing that true faith is essential for salvation and that good works alone are not enough to guarantee heaven. [... more]

Jesus' words to his disciples in the Upper Room Discourse reveal the contrast between the world's joy and their sorrow, as he prepares to face his impending death and resurrection. He promises that their sorrow will be turned into joy, and that they will be able to pray to the Father themselves when they enter into the joy of their salvation. [... more]

Christians are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, called to proclaim the praises of God and offer the sacrifice of prayer and praise. The doctrine of predestination is discussed, highlighting the sovereign election of God and the reprobation of those who refuse to bow before Christ. The kingdom of God transcends human borders and is a heavenly nation, where citizens are called to worship and praise God. [... more]

Moses' life serves as an example of how to conquer fears and live a fruitful Christian life. By faith, he departed from Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king, and demonstrated courage and perseverance in the face of opposition. Understanding God's promises and power is key to overcoming fear and living a life of faith. [... more]

Born-again Christians are called to lay aside malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander, and instead, desire the pure milk of the Word of God for spiritual growth and maturity. [... more]

Moses' decision to reject the privileges of Egyptian royalty and identify with the people of God was motivated by his faith in God's promises and his understanding of the temporary nature of worldly delights compared to the eternal rewards of serving God. [... more]

The faith of Moses' parents, Amram and Jacobed, is highlighted in Hebrews 11:23, where they hid their newborn son for three months to protect him from the edict of Pharaoh. Their faith is an example of courage and partnership with God, demonstrating that faith can produce remarkable actions and outcomes. [... more]

The Bible describes the human heart as being dead in sin, enslaved to wicked desires, and morally incapable of choosing righteousness without the intervention of God's grace. The doctrine of original sin, as taught by Augustine, holds that humanity's fallen nature is characterized by moral inability, and that regeneration by the Holy Spirit is necessary for salvation. [... more]

A godly life can have a profound influence on others, but it also comes with a price. Herod Antipas's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of sinning against one's conscience and the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. John the Baptist's courage in the face of danger and his commitment to truth and righteousness ultimately led to his execution, but his legacy continues to inspire and challenge us today. [... more]

The Book of Revelation is a revelation of Jesus Christ, revealing future events and his identity, given to John on the island of Patmos to show his servants things that must shortly come to pass. It is a book of hope and anticipation about the imminent return of Jesus, not meant to scare but to bless, and is a cheat sheet for what the world will be like when Christ comes. [... more]

The pastor reflects on the church's 52nd anniversary and homecoming service, highlighting the importance of divine revelation, the Aaronic priests' benediction, and the church's commitment to expositional preaching. He also discusses the church's transition from independent fundamental Baptists to Reformed Baptists and the impact of this change on their style of worship and understanding of salvation. [... more]

The burial of Jesus marks the beginning of his exaltation, and his resurrection on the third day is a pivotal moment in the story of Holy Week. According to Luke's Gospel, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple and member of the Sanhedrin, requests Jesus' body from Pontius Pilate and gives him a proper burial in a rich man's tomb. However, the women who follow Jesus to the tomb find it empty, and two men in dazzling apparel appear, telling them that Jesus has risen. [... more]

The cosmic event of Jesus' crucifixion is compared to the creation story in Genesis, where God spoke light into existence. The darkness that fell on the day of Jesus' death is seen as a reversal of creation, symbolizing God's judgment and the atonement of Christ. This event is a turning point in human history, allowing access to God's presence through faith in Jesus Christ. [... more]

Jesus' words from the cross reveal His heart of forgiveness and redemption, even for those who crucified Him, highlighting the concept of invincible ignorance and the covenant of redemption that led to His sacrifice. [... more]

Abraham's faith is an example of obedient and persevering faith, demonstrated by his willingness to leave his home and family to follow God's call, even when the destination was unknown. His faith was also heavenward, focused on the eternal city that God would build, rather than the temporary blessings of this world. Through Abraham's story, we learn the importance of faith, obedience, and pilgrimage in our own lives, and how these qualities are essential for a true relationship with God. [... more]

The true purpose of God's law is to reveal His character and our sin, driving us to Christ for salvation. The law serves as a mirror, guardian, and bridle, restraining our natural inclinations to sin and guiding us in pleasing God. [... more]

R.C. Sproul preaches on the importance of justification by faith alone, as seen in the book of Galatians, and how this doctrine is central to the Gospel. He explains how the Roman Catholic Church also believes in justification by faith, but with the addition of works, and how this leads to a misunderstanding of the Gospel. [... more]

The Bible teaches that Christ died for believers, not for all people, and that His atonement was not just to make salvation possible but to ensure the salvation of those for whom He died. The concept of limited atonement is discussed, where God intended to save a remnant of the world and sent His Son to die for His sheep. The love of God is explored, including His benevolence, beneficence, and complacency, and how these concepts relate to the atonement and salvation. [... more]

The Book of Romans reveals that God's wrath is directed against all unrighteousness and ungodliness of men, specifically the sin of suppressing truth. This universal sin is committed by every human being, who takes the truth of God and forces it into their subconscious. The truth that is suppressed is the knowledge of God, which is manifest in nature and clearly seen by all. God's self-existent eternal being is revealed in every leaf, every page, and every inch of the cosmos, making it impossible for humanity to claim ignorance. The refusal to honor God and be thankful defines our fallenness, and the natural man is at enmity with God. [... more]

Apostasy is a serious matter, and the Bible teaches that there are two kinds of faith: superficial and genuine. Genuine faith perseveres through trials and sufferings, and it is a faith that continues to reach out to Christ and praise for that faith to increase. The will of God is what is pursued, and when we have that kind of faith, we receive the promise of salvation. The second coming of Christ is a great motivation to live a life of holiness and perseverance, and Christians are people of faith who must continue to live by faith and not draw back from it. [... more]

Jesus responds to criticism about his disciples not fasting by explaining that as long as he is with them, there is no need for fasting, but when he is taken away, they will fast. He uses the analogy of a bridegroom and a new garment to illustrate that the old ways of the Pharisees cannot contain the newness of his teaching and the kingdom of God. [... more]

R.C. Sproul delivers a Christmas sermon on the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus, explaining the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and the supernatural power of God that overshadowed her womb. [... more]

The church is the pillar and ground of the truth, upholding essential Christian doctrine and proclaiming it in the world. The mystery of godliness is revealed in the incarnation of Christ, who was manifested in the flesh, justified by the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and received up in glory. [... more]

The concept of love and its fulfillment of the law is explored through the teachings of Saint Augustine and the Apostle Paul, highlighting the importance of loving one's neighbor and the distinction between natural and virtuous self-love. [... more]

The doctrine of justification by faith alone is central to the Christian faith, and it's a matter of eternal consideration. R.C. Sproul explores this concept, discussing how God declares people just while they are still sinners, and how this is rooted in the biblical doctrine of the righteousness of Christ. [... more]

True worship requires faith, assurance, and a clear conscience. Faith is the foundation of worship, and it must be accompanied by a sense of need, an embrace of truth, and a commitment to that truth. Assurance of faith is also essential, as it enables worship and gives believers confidence in their relationship with God. A clear conscience is necessary for worship, as unconfessed sin can hinder a believer's ability to worship God aright. Hope is a specialized compartment of faith, and it involves trusting God for the future and believing in His promises. Biblical hope is not just a feeling, but a firm grip on the promises of God, and it must be maintained through a disciplined consistency. The Bible teaches that God is faithful and that His promises will inevitably come to pass. Therefore, believers can have confidence in their hope and can stir up love and good works in others by exhorting them and demonstrating Christian love. [... more]

The church's foundation is built upon the prophets and the apostles, with Christ as the chief cornerstone, unifying the building and making it a holy temple where Gentiles and Jews are knit together as living stones, a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. [... more]

The doctrine of original sin is a pivotal concept in Christian theology, described in Ephesians chapter 2. According to Saint Augustine, the fall of Adam affected humanity at its core, leaving us in a state of moral inability. This concept is contrasted with the views of Pelagius, who argued that humanity remains morally capable of living lives of perfect righteousness. The order of salvation, or ordo salutis, is also explored, highlighting the role of God's initiative in regeneration and the importance of faith in Christ. [... more]

Jesus shows compassion to a widow who has lost her only son, raising him from the dead and demonstrating His power and authority over death, revealing Himself as the bishop and shepherd of our souls. [... more]

The writer of Hebrews explains how Jesus Christ provides a better cleansing, is a better mediator, and is a better sacrifice than the old covenant. Jesus' sacrifice was once for all, and he secures a better salvation from death and judgment for those who trust in him. [... more]

According to 1 Peter, believers are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, with a special calling to proclaim God's praises and offer the sacrifice of praise. This is in contrast to those who are disobedient and destined for judgment, who stumble over the rock of offense, Jesus Christ. The doctrine of predestination is discussed, highlighting the sovereign election of God and the reprobation of those who reject Christ. [... more]

Born again Christians are to lay aside malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander, and instead desire the pure milk of the Word to grow in their faith and relationship with God. [... more]

Jesus teaches that those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake are blessed and will receive a great reward in heaven. He also explains that the reward is not just for the future, but also for the present, as those who experience persecution are numbered among the prophets of the Old Testament who were also slandered and reviled for their faith. [... more]

The promise of divine blessing for those who are merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers is explored in the Sermon on the Mount. The beatific vision, where believers will see God face to face, is a future promise for those who have purified their hearts. Peacemakers are called to bring true peace without compromising integrity or truth, and their role is crucial in maintaining the unity and purity of the church. [... more]

The Beatitudes, a core teaching of Christianity, emphasize the importance of qualities such as mourning, meekness, and righteousness in a believer's life. Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in Matthew chapter 5, highlights the blessings that come from living a life of humility, compassion, and pursuit of righteousness. [... more]

John the Baptist occupies a unique and significant place in redemptive history, bridging the gap between the Old and New Testament. He preached a message of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, emphasizing the importance of a change of mind that affects one's behavior. His ministry signaled the gospel age of the kingdom, and he prepared the way for the coming of the Messianic King and his kingdom. [... more]

John the Baptist's ministry bridged the gap between the Old and New Testament, preparing the way for the coming of the Messianic King and his kingdom. He preached a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, emphasizing the importance of a change of mind that affects one's behavior. The message of forgiveness is astounding, as God is not obligated to extend mercy and grace, but chose to forgive sinners through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. [... more]

R.C. Sproul begins a sermon series on the Beatitudes, exploring the concept of blessedness and spiritual poverty. He explains that being poor in spirit means having a poverty of arrogance, and that this is a necessary condition for entering the kingdom of God. [... more]