Solid Words: Recent Episodes
The Living Church: Anniston, AL
Weekly expository sermons emanating from the pulpit of The Living Church, a Koinonia Fellowship congregation, in Anniston, AL.
Big idea – Forgiven people forgive people. Since God forgives us, we are to forgive others.
In this sermon, we examine the fourth petition in the Lord's Prayer, where Jesus instructs His disciples to ask God for daily bread.
One of the most perplexing and often misunderstood questions that Christians (and non-Christians alike) wrestle with is this: What is God’s will for my life? Pastor Ron answers these questions in today's sermon.
In which Israel demands a king to rule over them and be like the pagan nations around them; thus, they reject Yahweh's as their King.
In which we study Samuel's role as a prophet, priest, and judge. He calls the nation to repentance and to put away the false gods from among them.
In which we study the Ark of God among the Philistines. When the Ark is brought into their pagan temple, the Lord destroys their god and He afflicts the Philistines with tumors and causes great suffering. Finally, the Philistines decide to send the Ark of God back to Israel.
Jesus teaches us not only how to pray, but how NOT to pray. He also teaches us whom to pray to and what to pray for. No better teacher of prayer than Jesus. After all, He is God. It behooves us to follow and apply His instructions on prayer. His first instructed shows us that we are to "hallow" His name when we pray. Pastor Ron explains this first petition in this sermon.
The Laodicean church was indifferent to the things of God, They were lukewarm. Therefore, God was disgusted with them. He had no commendations for this church. He calls them to be zealous and repent.
In which Samuel issues his first prophecy, where God calls him to prophesy against Eli's household.
THe Church in Philadelphis was a faithful church because they held to the truths of Jesus despite the paganism surrounding them.
In which we study the corruption of Eli's sons contrasted with the faithfulness of the young Samuel. God announces judgment on Eli and his descendants. God is faithful to raise up a faithful high priest, who is ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
The Church in Sardis received the harshest reprimand from Christ because they were a dead church, though they appeared alive. They appeared to have it together, yet they were not. Christ has no commendations for them at all. Jesus had nothing good to say about this church!
In which we study Hannah's prayer, where she praises God for His sovereignty, provision, and answer to her prayer.
The Church in Thyatira, like the others, especially the church in Ephesus, had a lot going for it. They were growing spiritually, which is more important than growing numerically. However, they were tolerant, which is not a virtue. They tolerated sexual immorality and false teaching.
In which we study the plight of Hannah, the mother of Samuel. She is barren and in her anguish and bitterness, she cries out to God from her soul. The LORD hears and answers her prayer, and Samuel is born. She fulfills her vow to the LORD by giving Samuel to the LORD all the days of his life.
The Church in Pergamum was one who was faithful to the Truth of Christ, but also compromised the truth of Christ. This church was faithful, but worldly. If the Ephesian church was guilty of elevating truth above love, the church at Pergamum had elevated love above truth.
Faithfulness and enduring hardship are one of the hallmarks of a Biblical church. The Church in Smyrna was one who endured tribulation and hardship. They persevered. We must do the same.
The Church in Ephesus had a lot going for it. They were strong in defending the church against false teaching and false apostles. They did not tolerate sin. They worked hard and persevered, enduring hardships. They were strong and busy. However, they were cold in the worst way: toward God.
In this chapter, Ruth works to provide food for herself and Naomi, her mother-in-law, by gleaning wheat in Boaz's field. Providentially, she meets Boaz for the first time.
It is a good practice for Christians to commend other believers who are co-laborers with them in doing Christian work.
Christians are called to live in the watching world in a way that brings glory to Christ.
Elimelech's family goes to Moab to escape famine. He and his two sons die, leaving his wife Naomi and her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah as widows. THis is the setting for the first chapter, where Ruth, a Moabitess, will confess faith in the God of Israel.
Christian employees are called to a higher standard in the workplace. All Christian work is to be done from the heart to the Lord. We do this because we are in Christ and He is Supreme over our lives.
The book of Judges ends tragically, with a war between Benjamin and the other eleven tribes of Israel. The moral degradation of Israel is on full display because God was not honored as King and they did not have an authority over them.
Christ's supremacy should be evident in the Christian family, and it is exemplified in the relationship between children and parents.
The effectual work of Christ in the life of the believer governs the way we live in the home, beginning with biblical marriage.
In which the Levite took for himself a concubine, and she is subsequently men of the city of Gibeah violate her. She subsequently dies. The Levite and the concubine's father are complicit in her rape and death.
In the Church, Prioritize the Peace of Christ, Prioritize Gratitude to Christ, Prioritize the Word of Christ, and Prioritize the Reputation of Christ.
As Christ's special people, we are to put on Christlike characteristics. The greatest of these characteristics is love.
Mortification of sinful desires and sinful actions is a lifelong endeavor for the Christian. God, through the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit's indwelling, empower us to put sin to death.
One of the implications of the supremacy of Christ in the life of the believer is actively putting sinful desires to death.
In this chapter, Samson's lust continues to draw him into conflict with the Philistines. He visits a prostitute and then begins his relationship with Delilah, a Philistine. The consequences of his actions place him in captivity to the Philistines.
The antidote to carnal Christianity is to live in light of and be empowered by the work of Christ.
In this chapter, God uses Samson's desire for a Philistine woman, which violated God's command and his Nazarite vow, to bring judgment on the Philistines.
In Part 2 of this passage, we look at five principles that are highlighted as it relates to the believers' completeness in Christ. Because we are complete in Him, we are spiritually circumcised and spiritually alive. Because of this reality, we are not to let anyone judge and condemn us or lead us into legalism. Our sufficiency is in Christ.
Samson, now a grown man, asks his parents to arrange for him to marry a Philistine girl he saw in a nearby town. Also, Samson slays a lion with his bare hands and devised a riddle. The passage then turns to his wedding celebration.
The Angel of the Lord, the pre-Incarnate Christ, appears to Samson's parents. He was chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from bondage to the Philistines.
Man’s philosophy and human traditions are no match for knowledge of God through Christ.
The elders of Gilead seek out Jephthah to lead them against the Ammonites. After the victory, the Ephraimites are upset because they were not included in the battle. A conflict arises between Gilead and Ephraim, which ends tragically.
In this Bible study, Israel falls into apostasy once again, this time for 18 years. They call out to the Lord, but they did not receive immediate deliverance. However, Israel put away the foreign gods from among them and served the Lord, and the Lord had mercy on Israel.
In this sermon, we will answer four questions from this passage: 1) Who is the agent in our reconciliation? 2) What was man’s estate before receiving Christ? 3) How can man be reconciled to God? 4) What does reconciliation do for the Christian? 5) Application: How is reconciled man to live?
In this Bible study, Abimelech assumes power after the death of his father, Gideon. The results are disastrous. He was the anti-deliverer and oppressor of the people, unlike Christ, who delivers those who are oppressed by sin and its misery and condemnation.
After the victory of his 300-man army, Gideon subdues the Midianites, dishonors the priestly office with his ephod, which leads Israel back into idolatry, and after he dies, Israel Israel committed apostasy.
Paul’s prayer in this passage demonstrates what a person who has faith in Christ looks like. Faith in Christ is at the root of a thankful heart. Those with faith in Christ give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (v. 3). That thanksgiving is shown in many areas by Paul in vv. 3-8.
Gideon goes to war against the Midianites with an army of 300. God accomplishes the victory for him.
The supremacy of Christ is evident in the calling of Paul as an Apostle and the Christian as saints
In this Bible study, God calls Gideon to deliver Israel from their captivity under the Midianites. Once again, it is because Israel apostasy that they find themselves in this predicament. They cry out to the Lord, and the Lord chooses Gideon.
The doctrine of the Incarnation, which emphasizes that Jesus is fully man and fully God, holds significant importance in Christian theology. The belief in Jesus' full humanity is grounded in the understanding that, through the Incarnation, God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.
Jesus, the Son of Mary, is not only our Savior from sin. Jesus, the Son of Mary, is Immanuel God with us—up close and personal. Immanuel is also God in us and God behind us and Immanuel is God going before us.
In this Bible study, God calls Deborak and Barack to deliver Israel from Jabin, king of Canaan.
In the genealogy of Jesus, we see King Solomon. Although Solomon did not finish his reign as king of Israel well, Christ, at the greater than Solomon, finished His earthly ministry well by accomplishing our salvation.
In this Bible study, we begin to see a familiar cycle occur: apostasy, punishment, repentance, and deliverance. In failing to drive out the pagans from the Promised Land, Israel has to deal with the consequences. But God is merciful, and he sends them help in the form of judges.
In our second sermon during Advent 2023, Pastor Ron focuses on Jesus as the son of Abraham (Matthew 1:1). He goes back to the account of Isaac and Abraham in Genesis 22, where we see Jesus in the sacrifice of the lamb caught in the thicket. Jesus was the ultimate provision of sacrifice for our sins. Jesus is the Son of Abraham. Jesus is the Son of sacrifice.
On our first sermon for Advent 2023, Pastor Ron exposits the genealogy of Matthew 1. Today we begin with this truth—Jesus is the Son of David. “A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David … and Jesse the father of King David … Thus, there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ” (Mt 1:1, 6, 17). Jesus is the Son of David and David is a king. That makes Jesus the King of Kings.
In the last sermon on Ephesians, Pastor Ron recalls 25 ways in which Christians are to walk in their new identity in Christ.
In this Bible study, Israel begins their slide into apostasy by mingling with the Canaanites, who they failed to drive out of their land of inheritance.
Praying at all times with the Spirit's help with all alertness and perseverance is vital as we Christians face our spiritual enemies. We stand against the enemy through prayer.
After the death and burial of Joshua, Israel is faced with completing the conquest of the land Yahweh gave them to possess. Some of the tribes compromised with the Canaanites, and the consequences of this disobedience will plague God's people throughout the rest of the book.
The Christian is called to stand against the principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places with the whole armor of God. He has equipped every believer to stand firm with the truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. This armor is effective in helping the Christian to stand against the evil in our day.
In this passage, Paul exhorts the Ephesian believers to draw their strength from the Lord and His power as they fight their spiritual battles in this world. For the Christian, this is our charge: Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. We need God's strength to live the Christian life.
After Joshua challenges Israel to choose whom they will serve, they vow to Serve the Yahweh because He is their God. Joshua reminds Israel of the consequences of their decision, but Israel resolves to serve the Lord. The covenant with Yahweh is renewed. The chapter ends with the death of Joshua and Eleazar.
In this sermon text, Paul shows the CHristian how he should approach the workplace. In essence, work is worship. As we work, we do so to the glory of God, striving to please Him, despite the conditions under which we work.
In Part 1 of this Bible study in Joshua 24, we study more of Joshua's farewell speech to the leaders of Israel. Israel renews their covenant with Yahweh, and Josua challenges Israel to be faithful to God and serve Him as opposed to the gods of the pagans.
Pastor Ron finishes his exposition of Joshua Chapter 23, where Joshua exhorts Israel to take heed to love the Lord their God. If not, the consequences for Israel will be dire. The Lord will not drive out the Canaanites from among them, but they will be snares, traps, scourges, and thorns to them.
In which Pastor Ron gives some final exhortations concerning Biblical marriage, tracing the institute of marriage to the creation order found in Genesis 2, and Jesus' affirmation of the creation order of marriage in Matthew 19. The authority of Scripture to upholding the Biblical view of marriage.
In this Bible study, we examine Joshua's farewell address to Israel. We look at his giving glory to God, his encouragement to Israel to obey Yahweh and cling to Him, and his warning against disobedience and compromise with the Canaanites who remain in the land.
"Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church" is a gospel command. The onus in marriage is on the husband to love his wife in such a way as to reflect Christ's love the His bride, the Church.
In this Bible study, the eastern tribes return to their land. Also, there is a misunderstanding between the tribes on the east side of the Jordan and the tribes on the west side of the Jordan concerning an altar that was erected by the eastern tribes. Phinehas the high priest and the rulers of the western tribes come to an agreement with the eastern tribes.
What is marriage? Who created marriage? What is the purpose of marriage? How has marriage been perverted by the secular culture? What does it mean for wives to submit? All of these questions are answered in Part 1 of this section in Ephesians 5.
In this Bible study, the rest of the 12 tribes receive their promised inheritance of land. In the midst of possessing the land, a few tribes fail to drive out all the Canaanites. In the end, God proves to be faithful in fulfilling His promise to Israel to possess the land.
As believers, we are called to walk wisely, understand the will of the Lord, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
How do we relate to our godless culture without becoming tainted by it? We are to walk as children of light in this dark world, exposing the deeds of darkness.
In this Bible Study, God leads Israel against the kings of northern Canaan. He encourages Joshua and Israel, and they completely destroy their enemies. At the end of the chapter, God gives Israel rest from war for the time being.
As saints, imitating God by walking in love leads to purity of life, which is distinguished from the life of unbelievers. We are not to even participate with unbelievers in their sinful deeds.
In this Bible study, we see the southern campaign of the conquest of Canaan. God leads Israel in defending Gibeon against the five Canaanite kings, makes the sun stand still, executes the five Canaanite kings, and utterly conquers seven more cities in the southern part of Canaan.
After having put on the new self, who is created after the likeness of God in Christ, as believers, we are to put away any behaviors that will cause harm to the unity that we share in Christ in the context of the local church and beyond.
In this Bible study, six kings come against Israel, but the Gibeonites choose not to fight, but to form a treaty using deceit. The last part of the chapter deals with the consequences of the treaty with the Gibeonites.
As part of our new nature, as Christians, we are not to walk as the unbelievers walk, but we are to put off the old ways and with a renewed mind, put on the new man who was recreated in Christ.
In this Bible Study, Yahweh leads Israel to defeat Ai, after which Joshua renews the covenant of Israel with Yahweh.
In this Bible study, because of Achan's sin of possessing accursed things, which were forbidden by God, Israel loses the battle at Ai. Eventually, God calls Joshua to sanctify the people to find out who had the accursed things. It turned out to be Achan. As a consequence, he was stoned to death. The Lord's anger was thus turned away from Israel.
In this passage, Paul points out the seven "whys" of unity which makes all believers one: One body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God.
In this Bible study, Israel, led by the Ark of the Lord, destroy the city of Jericho without using any weapons of war. Rahab and her family were saved. God gave them the victory.
After concluding the doctrinal section of his letter, Paul transitions to the practical implications of that doctrine. The first issue he addresses is walking in unity, explaining the "what" and "how" unity is accomplished.
In this doxology, which falls on the heels of his prayer for the Ephesian church, Paul places the focus God's great power at work in believers. Because of this, to Him belongs glory in the church.
Israel finishes crossing the Jordan River and sets up twelve memorial stones as instructed by God.
In this sermon, we examine Paul's prayer for the Ephesian believers. He prays for their strength, depth, apprehension, and fullness.
Paul continues his explanation of the mystery revealed to him by Christ to the church. He also prays for the Ephesians in light of this revelation. We examine the opening line in his prayer.
In this Bible study, Joshua leads Israel across the Jordan River, with the presence of the Lord going before them. As Israel looks to Joshua to lead them, we Christians look to Christ to lead us in this life.
In this sermon, We examine how Paul reveals the mystery of the Church, which was given to him by revelation through Jesus Christ: that Gentiles and Jews are fellow heirs, part of one body, and are partakers of the promises of God in Christ through the gospel.
In this Bible Study, Joshua sends two spies to Jericho on a reconnaissance mission. When they arrive, they encounter Rahab, a harlot. She hides them from men seeking their life. She also confesses faith in the God of Israel.
All the redeemed people of all nations are now fellow citizens, with God's people, and part of the household of God, which is built on the foundation that was laid by Christ. We are now the Holy temple of the Lord.
In this opening chapter in the book of Joshua, the Lord encourages Joshua to draw his strength from Him as he prepares to lead Israel across the Jordan River into the Promised Land. The Lord is with him and will never leave him.
Because of the reconciling work of Christ, He has torn down the wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles and between man and God. Therefore, we who are in Christ have free access to God the Father by means of the Holy Spirit.
We, as Gentiles, are now in Christ and are no longer far off as strangers. We are made near to the blessings of Christ, which are accomplished by His sacrificial death.
In this Bible study, Joshua is consecrated at Israel's new leader, Moses gives the command concerning The Law being read every seven years, and Yahweh predicts Israel's rebellion.
Our salvation by the grace of God does not improve our old nature but it gives us a new nature which in turn does good works to the glory of God.
In this Bible study, Moses presents Israel with a choice concerning obeying the covenant: life or death, good or evil. He cried out for them to choose life.
We are saved by grace through faith. Salvation is a gift from God. We owe all our salvation to the Lord. Therefore, we have no room to boast except in Christ.
In this Bible study, God renews His covenant with Israel, which He originally made with them at the beginning of their wilderness journey 40 years earlier.
In saving us, God makes us alive with Christ, raises us up and seats us together in Christ in order to display His kindness towards us in Christ.
In this Bible study, God issues the covenant blessings and curses on Israel. Obedience = blessed; disobedient = cursed.
Only God can make those who are spiritually dead, alive, and only because of His great mercy and love can this be accomplished.
Before we were called to be saints, we were dead in our sins. We were lost, undone, depraved, children of wrath, and unable to come to God.
In this Bible Study, God commands Israel concerning keeping His commandments, inscribing the law on stones, and living as God's people by obeying His voice. He also pronounces curses upon the people who disobey the Law.
Before we were called to be saints, we were walking according to the principles of this world under the power of Satan. We were slaves to our sinful desires. We were, in our sinful nature, children of wrath, under the righteous judgment of a holy God.
In this Bible study, God gives the last of His commands to Israel before they enter the Promised Land. These commands concern the offering of first fruits, and the command to worship Yahweh as the only God.
Before we were called to be saints, we were dead in our sins. We were lost, undone, depraved, children of wrath, and unable to come to God.
The same power that raised and exalted Christ to His position as head over all is at work in the heart of every believer.
In this Bible Study, God commands Israel concerning divorce and laws pertaining to fairness and Biblical justice.
We need the enlightening work of the Holy Spirit to fully understand and relate to God. The eyes of our heart need divine focus to perceive more fully God, and His work in us, and for us.
The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ is the eternal hope for the believer. Because God raised Christ from the dead, we have a hope beyond this life. Because Christ ascended back to His glory, seated at the right hand of the Father, we have in Him a faithful High Priest and King who intercedes and advocates for us.
In this chapter, God commands Israel regarding caring for their neighbors, caring for animals, and sexual immorality. These commands were given to separate Israel from the practices of the pagan nations.
Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem is a fulfillment of prophecy concerning His Messiahship.
The Holy Spirit secures the saints' future for us and for God, to the praise of His glory.
In this chapter, God commands Israel concerning warfare. Their wars must be fought with God's strength, with courage, with no distractions, and with no collateral damage.
It Is Gods sovereign will to accomplish our salvation to the praise of His glorious name.
In this Bible study, we examine God's commandments for Israel concerning the cities of refuge for manslayers (and what to do with murderers), personal property, and the role of witnesses (and what to do with false witnesses).
As faithful saints, God has blessed us with wisdom and insight into the mystery of His Will, and what is His Will? That Christ should have the preeminence.
In this passage, God gives Israel the commands concerning their future kings, that they should be a king of His choosing and that the kings should be faithful to Him in their living and in adhering to His Word.
As faithful saints, God has redeemed us from the bondage of sin through the shed blood of Jesus Christ and He has granted us forgiveness of sins.
Chapter 16 describes the festivals of Passover, Weeks, and Booths. Each commemorates an event from Israel's history. Chapter 17 describes how Israel is to relate to each other in regards to transgressors among them.
As faithful saints, God has predestined us to adoption as sons. Because we are adopted into God's family, we are to bear resemblance to God, our Father and His Son Jesus Christ.
In this bible study, God gives commands to Israel concerning their dietary laws, tithing and giving, and how to treat the poor and enslaved among them. The purpose is to separate Israel from the pagan nations around them. Israel is a holy and separate nation and their practices are to reflect that.
In this chapter of Deuteronomy, Yahweh institutes a centralized place of worship for Israel as they transition into the Promised Land.
Choosing obedience, love, and loyalty to God ensures the blessing of God's presence in possessing the Promised Land. Disloyalty to God (by worship false gods) will result in the cursing of God.
God has a calling on every human life at the point of conception. That calling is to always bring Him Glory.
God reminds Israel that it is not because of their righteousness that they will conquer the land (because they rebelled against Him in the wilderness), but because of the wickedness of the nations they will dispossess. Also, it is because of the Lord's faithfulness to the promise He made to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
As Believers who are walking in the Spirit, we are called to humbly help our brother/sister in need, and consistently give to meet the needs of other saints.
That as believers, we are called to use freedom in Christ as an opportunity to walk in the Spirit, not an opportunity to fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
In Deuteronomy 7, the Lord commands Israel to: utterly destroy the Canaanites, not intermarry with them, and destroy their idols because they are His special, chosen people. God also promises Israel blessings for their obedience to His commands and calls them to have confidence in His strength as they proceed to conquer the land.
We as believers are the stand in liberty in which we have been called. We are not slaves to the law but are free to serve Christ as heirs.
Jesus came into the world to save people from their sins. He is the true Savior of Christmas. There is none other.
The OT allegory of Ishmael and Isaac pictures our Freedom accomplished by the Spirit according to God's Promise.
Here, Paul confronts the Galatians because they were turning their backs on the liberty they have in Christ for the bondage of the law. His gospel concern made him an enemy of the Galatians, which troubled him. However, Paul proved to them that he was not self-seeking like the Judaizers, but the was showing pastoral care by arguing with affection to win them back.
In which we conclude our study on Moses' first speech, where Israel reflected on the past 38 years of wilderness wanderings. Our study ended with the appointment of cities of refuge for those who commit manslaughter. One consistent theme we see is God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.
The purpose of the Law is to reveal sin and point man to Christ. The Law cannot make man right with God. Only through the gift of faith can man be justified in the eyes of God.
In this section of Deuteronomy, Moses recalls Israel's rebellion against Yahweh and their subsequent punishment of 38 years of wilderness wanderings. Then, Moses recalls the new generation passing through the nations and defeating Sihon, King of Heshbon, therefore conquesting their territory.
Paul's reception and acceptance by the apostles in Jerusalem affirmed the blessing of liberty in Christ that Paul proclaimed. In other words, the Gospel that Paul preached was the true Gospel.
In the opening chapter of Deuteronomy, God gives Israel the charge to possess the land. Moses gives his first speech, where he delegates qualified leadership to share the load of responsibility and administer justice.
Any perversion of The Gospel of the Grace of Christ deserves God's strongest condemnation.
As Christians, we must view our bodies through the solid ground of the true standard, the Word of God, not through the shifting sands of the false standard of the culture.
Because the Gospel of grace originates with God, and centers itself in the substitutionary sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ, cling to it and give God Glory
Forming a Biblical Worldview is essential to how we view our bodies. Only through the biblical lens do we form a healthy worldview about our body because they were made for God, not for us.
Paul strengthens their faith, comforts their hearts, and restores their peace by declaring The Truth about The Lord's coming and our gathering together to meet Him.
The message of The Kingdom will either break men in repentance or crush men in their sins.
God's standard of reward is different from human standards of payment. Work in the kingdom is not rewarded based on merit, but on grace.
The two central points of this parable are: 1)The gift of salvation is immeasurably great, and 2)God's mercy is not effectual in unforgiving people.
The actions and attitude of the Shepherd mirror God's and should be present within the community of believers.
Separation in this parable is a major point of emphasis. The Jews could not eat all types of fish (Leviticus 11:9-12). Some were good, or edible, and some were bad, or inedible, and had to be thrown away. Separation also indicated that there are two responses to the gospel: some will receive and believe; others will reject and disbelieve. Jesus will also separate the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:33).
The kingdom of God, which includes Christ, the gospel, etc., is more valuable than anything thing this world has to offer and the kingdom of God is worth giving up all to acquire it.
The kingdom of God, though it seems small and insignificant, grows out of proportion to its original size and its growth is irresistible.
The central point of Christ’s parable is that, until the reapers gather the harvest, the wheat and the tares will grow up together in the same field.
Only a heart, ears, and eyes that have been illumined by the Holy Spirit can bring can bring about a fruitful response to the Word of God.
The Parable of the Sower illustrates that there are only two kinds of soil the seed (the Gospel/Word of God) falls on: unfruitful or fruitful.
The parables of Jesus reveal and conceal the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, they promote divine sovereignty and human responsibility, they fulfill prophecy, and they are a blessing to those who understand them.
As believers, we worship a God who will ultimately turn the tables on His enemies and give His people cause to celebrate His works.
As God's Kingdom advances, the evil schemes of man can be reversed to bring Him glory and save the souls of man.
Esther intercedes before King Ahasuerus on behalf of her Jewish people, implicating Haman in the plot to annihilate the Jews in Persia. When the king hears of this, he has Haman put to death. Justice against this evil plot was meted out. God, in a perfect way, will execute His justice against all His enemies and against all the enemies of His people.
God superintends the affairs of the king and Haman in this chapter. He ultimately turns the tables on the enemies of His people. For the Christian, the beauty of God's unseen hand of Providence provides help and hope for believers in times of distress.
Esther takes action on behalf of her people by visiting the king uninvited, while Haman continues in his hatred toward the Jews.
God's providential choosing of Esther is for such a time as this, when the future of the Jews as a people is in peril. God gives Esther the courage to go before the king, despite the danger she may face.
Haman plots to annihilate the Jewish people because of Mordecai's refusal to bow down to him.
When you try to build a world apart from God, it will not work because it cannot work. Instead, what will transpire is misery upon misery. A world without God will not work. King Ahasuerus attempts to do things his godless way, but it only brings him more misery.
As our Suffering Substitute, Jesus suffers for His people, brings about the new covenant, and brings salvation to His people.
When the Word became flesh, He was not just a mere man, but He was the God-man, fully God, fully man. Part of the Resurrection narrative is that Jesus lived a sinless life because He was God in the flesh. There are major implications for this truth that are a source of comfort for believers and a source of terror and dread for unbelievers.
Nehemiah's final reform concerns the leaders of Israel marrying the women from the pagan nations, which will once again lead the nation into idolatry.
After Nehemiah returned to Persia to continue his service for King Artaxerxes, he receives word that Eliashib, the priest, made the storeroom in the tabernacle into a room for Tobiah, an enemy of God's people. This violated the command God gave to Moses. It was unholy alliance. Upon his return, Nehemiah because righteously indignant and he threw out all of Tobiah's belongings and returned all the items to the storehouse. This unholy alliance spurred Nehemiah to enact a series of reforms, which are chronicled in Chapter 13.
Under the leadership of Nehemiah and the spiritual leaders of Israel, the worship of God is reemphasized as the rededication of the wall takes place.
After the reading of the Law (Chapter 8) and confessing their sins (Chapter 9), Israel turns their attention to renewing their commitment to the Lord.
On the heels of reading the Law of God, the exiles are convicted of their sins and confess them before the Lord.
In this chapter of Nehemiah, we find that true spiritual revival and renewal begins and ends with a commitment to the Word of God and its commands.
With the work on the wall complete, Nehemiah begins to organize the exiles and prepares them for the return to worship the Lord.
Though the Lord's servants will encounter opposition in doing the Lord's work, He will protect them from the assaults of the enemy to carry out His plans for the glory of His name.
Nehemiah, faced with an internal crisis, hears the cries of God’s people, finds a solution that glorifies God, and sets an example that exemplifies Christ.
Nehemiah turns to God in prayer, guidance, and encouragement as the people encounter opposition from their enemies as they rebuild the wall.
Led by Nehemiah, the workers begin their task of rebuilding the wall and gates around Jerusalem.
Nehemiah turns from prayer to his daily work as the king’s servant. So to the Christian mist not use prayer as an excuse for indolence; rather, prayer is the means for the servant of the Lord to go about his daily work.
After hearing the report on the condition of Jerusalem, Nehemiah seeks the Lord in prayer. In his prayer, we see an example of how the Christian can seek the Lord in times of distress.
Man's only hope for redemption from sin is found in the God-Man Jesus Christ, who was born in Bethlehem.
Through the ministry of John the Baptist, God prepared the way for the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Ezra calls Israel to repentance for committing the sin of intermarriage with the women from the pagan nations.
There is a worldly way to confront sin and a godly way to confront sin. From Ezra's example in Chapter 9, we learn God's prescribed way of confronting sin.
With God's protection, He blesses the work of Ezra and the returning exiles as they worship the Him.
(Part 2) - Divine Providence is the good hand of God in the lives of His people, as we see in this Sunday's sermon from Ezra 7. This is Part 2 of Pastor Ron's sermon on this chapter.
Divine Providence is the good hand of God in the lives of His people, as we see in this Sunday's sermon from Ezra 7. This is Part 1 of Pastor Ron's sermon on this chapter.
God’s aim for our joy in Him and His sovereignty is the means for us to know the joy of His provision, His providence, of praising Him, and of purity and obedience to Him.
The work on rebuilding the temple has ceased for 17 years. The people of God are discouraged. Through the prophetic ministry of Haggai and Zechariah, the Lord strengthened Zerubbabel and Jeshua to lead the returning exiles in rebuilding the temple.
Spiritual setbacks are an opportunity to worship God alone, and though the enemy of our souls, Satan, is relentless in his pursuits, God's plans will not ultimately fail.
In his sermon from Ezra 3, Pastor Ron preaches on how the rebuilt altar pointed to the Cross of Christ. The rebuilt altar represented a new beginning of the worship of God by the returning exiles. The Cross of Christ is where we begin/renew our worship of God. The altar was central to Israel. The Cross is central to us.
In Part 2 of his sermon on Ezra 2, Pastor Ron introduces the last two principles from his sermon titled "Lessons from a List."
In Part 1 of his sermon on Ezra 2, Pastor Ron introduces his first of three principles from his sermon titled "Lessons from a List."
In the second part of his sermon on Ezra 1, Pastor Ron covers his last two principles, chiefly that spiritual renewal is according to God's precious promises and spiritual renewal is for God's glorious purpose.
This Lord's Day, Pastor Ron begins his 10 week sermon series on the book of Ezra. In this sermon, he begins a two-part exposition of Ezra 1, where we trace back to how the exile happened and how God used King Cyrus of Persia to bring the exiles back to Jerusalem to begin the rebuilding of the temple and reestablish worship there. Pastor Ron expounded on the first two principles from Chapter 1 in this sermon. Next Lord's Day, he will finish expositing chapter 1.
This Lord's Day, Pastor Ron begins his 10 week sermon series on the book of Ezra. In this sermon, he begins a two-part exposition of Ezra 1, where we trace back to how the exile happened and how God used King Cyrus of Persia to bring the exiles back to Jerusalem to begin the rebuilding of the temple and reestablish worship there. Pastor Ron expounded on the first two principles from Chapter 1 in this sermon. Next Lord's Day, he will finish expositing chapter 1.
"Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified." - Romans 8:30
Those who are truly regenerated, justified, and sanctified will persevere until the end.
Adoption is an act of God where He, through no merit of our own, graciously bestows upon us the status of children.
Justification is that act by God where He imputes (credits) Christ's righteousness, thus erasing the believer's sin record, and believers receive forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the gift of eternal life.
Regeneration is the Christian's "new birth." It happens when God take one who is dead in their sin's and makes them alive, giving them a new heart and a new nature.
The biblical doctrine of election is that before Creation God selected out of humanity, foreseen as fallen, those whom whom he would redeem in and through Jesus Christ.
Because of the Fall, man is unable, in himself, to believe the gospel unto salvation. It takes the Spirit of God to work in him in order to be born again.
The proof of our total depravity leads to our sinful actions and our rebellion against God.
Total depravity means that sinners have no ability to do spiritual good or work for their own salvation from sin.
Because Adam, our first father, sinned, we all sinned. "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned" - Romans 5:12
When sin entered the created world through Adam, its consequences have been felt ever since. One of the greatest consequences of The Fall was death, which manifests itself spiritually, physically, and judicially.
Each member of the Godhead had roles and relationships, yet that each work in harmony with one another because they are equally God.
The Godhead is such: God is One in essence, with three co-eternal, distinct persons. The Trinity is not three gods, but one God in three persons.
God is one in essence in three persons. He is not 1/3 of each. He is not split into three modes. He is three-in-one. This is simply known as the Trinity. Today, Pastor Ron begins a short series on the Trinity, which is a continuation in the sermon series, "What We Teach." He begins by preaching on the fact that God is One.
God is absolutely righteous in who He is and what He does and His righteousness demands a proper response from us.
The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. God's grace not only leads to salvation, but His applied grace empowers us to live godly lives in this present age.
God is infinitely good. He derives His goodness from no one outside of Himself. He displays His goodness to His creation.
There is nothing that God does not know. He has intimate knowledge of all His creation. He can never learn anything new. He knows the past, present, and future in one span.
God's wrath is both right and just. He hated sin but He loves righteousness. The same God who loves, hates with a holy hatred.
God id eternal. He sees the end from the beginning in one span. Because He is eternal, His promises, His Gospel, and His faithfulness endures to all generations. He is worthy of our worship.
God is unchanging in His Person. He can never improve and He never evolves. He is constant.
God is self-existent. He depends on no other. He sustains Himself by Himself. He is totally independent from creation. He has no needs. He is totally self-existent.
Paul addresses his Colossian letter to the "saints" and "faithful brethren" in Christ. Pastor Ron preaches on the Gospel implications of those two terms.
When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son. He provided redemption for sinful man through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
After the pastoral prayer, Pastor Ron preaches from Luke 2:1-21, where the text says that Christ was born, the angels announce Jesus to the shepherds, and the shepherds visit Jesus.
After the pastoral prayer, Pastor Ron begins his Christmas/Advent sermon series "The Coming Redeemer". In this week's sermon, he preaches from Genesis 3:15, where, after the Fall of Man into sin, God promises a Seed who will crush the head of Satan.
The Red Sea crossing is chronicled. The Lord demonstrates His power over Pharaoh and the Egyptians, who are the enemies of His people.
THe Firstborn Consecrated; the Feast of Unleavened Bread; the Law of the Firstborn; the Wilderness Way
After the pastoral prayer, Pastor Ron preaches on Part Two of "Apostates Predicted" from vv. 18-19.
After the pastoral prayer, Pastor Ron preaches on Part One of "Apostates Predicted" from vv. 16-17a.
After the pastoral prayer, Pastor Ron preaches from Jude 14-15 on the judgment of the apostates.
After the pastoral prayer, Pastor Ron preached from vv. 12-13 in Jude, where Jude exposes the depravity of apostate preachers.
After the pastoral prayer, Pastor Ron preaches on the third principle of the judgment of apostate preachers. Namely, they "speak evil." Then, he transitions to the three examples of these "certain men".
After the pastoral prayer, Pastor Ron resumes his sermon series from the book of Jude, where he exposits on the judgment of apostates from vv. 8-10.
After the pastoral prayer, Pastor Ron preaches on the last two principles from the series, "What is the Church?": The church is a pillar and ground of truth; the church is the kingdom of God.
Pastor Ron takes a short break from preaching through Jude to preach two sermons on the topic, "What Is the Church?" These two sermons are in commemoration of 10 years of church ministry and 10 years of pastoral ministry.
After the pastoral prayer, Pastor Ron preaches from Jude 5-7, where Jude uses three examples of judgment to illustrate the judgment against the false teachers of his day.
After the pastoral prayer, Pastor Ron preaches part two of his sermon from Jude 4, where he points out three more characteristics of false teachers: they are ungodly men, they pervert the grace of God, and they deny the Lord Jesus Christ.
Following the pastoral prayer, Pastor Ron preaches on the first two characteristics of false teachers from Jude 4: They come in unnoticed and they are already marked for condemnation.