Reformed Baptist Fellowship of Savannah: Recent Episodes
Do You Do Well to Be Angry? (Jonah 4): Come hear how the prophet who experienced God's rescue from the depths and proclaimed a message that sparked an entire city's repentance ends up furious that the same mercy was shown to others—exposing the danger of self-centered anger that hardens into bitterness, while God's final, piercing question contrasts Jonah's self centered pity with the Lord's tender compassion for a great city of people inviting every listener who has received grace to examine their own heart and respond.
Come discover the heartbeat of authentic gospel ministry in 1 Thessalonians 2, where Paul reveals how true messengers share not only the life-changing word of God but their very selves—with pure motives, mother-like gentleness, fatherly encouragement, hard-working integrity, and deep affection that turns ordinary people into eternal joy and crown at Christ's return. This powerful lesson invites you to examine your own heart, embrace sacrificial relationships, and live a faith that is both bold and tender, so that those you serve become your glory in the presence of the Lord.
Today in our series on Basic Christian Doctrine we begin a new area of study discussing the works of God which are traditionally considered creation, providence, and redemption. Our catechism question is "What is the work of creation?" and we answer affirmatively that "The work of creation is God's making all things of nothing, by the word of His power, for Himself, in the space of six days, and all very good."
The Baptist Catechism catechism question 49 teaches us that we are bound to obedience—not by bare force, not by fear of punishment alone, and not by a cold legalism—but because of who God is and what He has done. Authority, covenant relationship, and redemption together create an unbreakable obligation of love and gratitude between God and His people.
In Jonah 3, the prophet who once fled God's command receives a second chance after repenting in the belly of the fish, then boldly proclaims a stark message of impending judgment to the violent city of Nineveh; the people—from the king to the least—believe God, turn from their evil ways in genuine repentance, and cry out for mercy, prompting the Lord to relent from the disaster He had announced. This holy pattern of the Word proclaimed, sinners turning, and God showing compassion reveals the heart of a merciful God who still calls us today to hear His Word, repent unto life, rest in the mercy found only in Christ, and carry that same message of warning and grace to others.
Grab your Bible and join us as we continue our study in 1 Thessalonians. In Chapter 1, Paul gives heartfelt thanks to God for the Thessalonian believers, highlighting the clear marks of their genuine conversion: their work of faith, labor of love, and steadfast hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. He reminds them that the gospel did not come to them merely in words, but in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full conviction, so that they received the word in much affliction yet with the joy of the Holy Spirit, becoming imitators of Paul and of the Lord.
Join us as we begin our study of 1 Thessalonians—one of the earliest New Testament letters. Written by Paul to a young church in a bustling pagan city, it offers encouragement, correction, and hope to new believers facing pressure, questions about those who died before Christ's return, and the challenge of living holy lives. This short, five-chapter letter is packed with pastoral care and theological depth, revealing what early Christian life looked like just decades after the resurrection. Today, in this introduction we'll explore the author, historical setting, context, and major theological themes addressed in this lively letter..
Many of us know what it is to run from God and end up in dark places. The good news is that His providence still pursues, His appointed mercy still finds, and His grace can swallow us up before we are lost forever. Come open the Scriptures with us to Jonah chapter 2 and hear how the God who disciplines His children is the same God who rescues them by grace.
The story of Jonah is not just about being swallowed by a big fish. It's about an immeasurable God and a small-hearted servant. It's about the relentless grace that pursues us even when we run, and the missionary heart of God that will not let the world go unwarned. May the Holy Spirit awaken us from inwardness, repent of our coldness, and freshly commission us to fulfill the Great Commission. Come and listen to this sermon on Chapter 1—you won't want to miss it!
Grab your Bible and join us as we conclude our study of Paul's letter to the Galatians by recognizing that the "Israel of God" (Galatians 6:14-16) is the body of Christ, all who walk by the rule of the cross and new creation—believing Jews and Gentiles united in Christ by faith alone.
Grab your Bible and join us from Whitemarsh Island Baptist Church as we begin our study of the story of Jonah. This book is not just about being swallowed by a big fish. It's about an immeasurable God and a small-hearted servant. It's about the relentless grace that pursues us even when we run, and the missionary heart of God that will not let the world go unwarned. May the Holy Spirit awaken us from inwardness, repent of our coldness, and freshly commission us to fulfill the Great Commission. Come and listen to this sermon on Chapter 1—you won't want to miss it!
The Scriptures do not merely tell us that God loves. They reveal a special kind of love—covenantal, steadfast, loyal, and consistent across the whole canon. Our catechism question captures it beautifully: 'What do the Scriptures teach about the lovingkindness of God?' The answer: 'The Scriptures teach that it is consistent in His love, grace, and mercy.'"
Today marks the conclusion of our extended journey through the earthly life and ministry of Jesus. But the story does not end here. In our final message from this series, we come to the risen Christ on the mountain in Galilee. Here we are reminded that those who have seen the Lord are now sent by the Lord. The One who appeared to His people now commissions them—and us—to go and serve in His footsteps
In the final chapter of Galatians, Paul instructs the church on practical Christian living in light of the gospel of grace. Believers are called to gently restore those caught in sin while humbly watching themselves, to bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ, and to sow generously to the Spirit rather than to the flesh—knowing that in due time they will reap eternal life if they do not give up. Paul emphasizes supporting those who teach the Word and warns against self-deception, pride, and relying on outward religious performance. He concludes by boasting only in the cross of Christ, declaring that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters, but "a new creation" does. Peace and mercy belong to all who walk by this rule—the Israel of God.
Grab your Bible and join us from the Savannah Mission Bible Training Center as we study the Baptist Catechism Question 48. The preface to the Ten Commandments ("I am the LORD your God who brought you out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery," Exodus 20:1-2) shows that grace always precedes and grounds obedience. The Exodus story— bondage, Passover lamb, Red Sea deliverance, wilderness journey, and law given at Sinai—is a living parable of salvation in Christ: the Passover points to Christ our sacrificed Lamb, the Red Sea to baptismal union with Him, the wilderness to our pilgrimage of dependence and sanctification, and Sinai to Pentecost where the Spirit writes the law on hearts of flesh. Redeemed from sin's bondage, we are called to grateful obedience—not to earn salvation, but as those bought with a price—living as thankful servants who having the blood of Christ applied walk by faith in the Spirit.
Catechism Question 47: What is the sum of the Ten Commandments?, teaches us that the sum of moral law is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Tonight we learn that love is the badge of the true disciple. We are encouraged to walk in love by the power of the One who first loved us.
In Galatians 5:16-26 Paul teaches that true Christian freedom and holy living come not by law-keeping or human effort (the flesh), but by walking in step with the Holy Spirit. The flesh and Spirit are in constant conflict. The works of the flesh—sexual immorality, idolatry, hatred, strife, jealousy, anger, envy, drunkenness, and the like—exclude one from God's kingdom. Those led by the Spirit are no longer under the law's condemnation and instead produce its fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Since we belong to Christ, we have crucified the flesh with its passions. Therefore, let us keep in step with the Spirit—rejecting conceit, provocation, and envy—so that gospel-empowered love and service flow naturally from union with Christ, not legalistic striving.
John 21 is one of the final chapters in that grand story. As we will see, it is a purposeful epilogue that beautifully sums up the life and ministry of Christ the Good Shepherd. Here the risen Lord prepares His disciples—and through them, the church in every age—to be obedient servants, fishers of men, and shepherds of His flock.
We some time today to review a lesson from our Monday night Bible study through Romans with the Chatham Transition Ministry Tuesday class. The discussion works through Romans 5:12-21 and covers the federal headship of Adam in the Covenant of Works and the headship of Jesus Christ in the Covenant of Grace. Are you in Adam or Christ?
Luke 24:13-49 is one of the New Testament's most vivid and theologically rich resurrection accounts. Set on the very day of the resurrection, it bridges the empty tomb and the church's mission. Through dramatic irony, patient exposition of Scripture, physical proofs, and table fellowship, the risen Jesus transforms two discouraged disciples into joyful witnesses. The passage highlights three core truths: the Old Testament finds its fulfillment in the Messiah's suffering and glory; the resurrection is bodily and tangible; and the Lord commissions His people as Spirit-empowered witnesses. This encounter reassures us that God's plan is sovereign, Scripture is utterly reliable, and the risen Christ still meets His people in Word and fellowship.
In Galatians 5:1-15, the Apostle Paul passionately urges the Galatian believers to stand firm in the true freedom Christ has purchased for them and to reject any return to the yoke of slavery under the law. He warns that submitting to any form of legalistic works-righteousness severs one from Christ and obligates a person to keep the entire law — a path that cannot justify. Paul declares that in Christ Jesus the only thing that matters is faith working through love. This freedom is not an excuse for license or fleshly indulgence, but an opportunity to serve one another through love, which fulfills the whole law in the command to "love your neighbor as yourself."
The Scriptures teach that God is absolutely holy, just, righteous, and morally self-consistent. In today's class we will work through 1 Peter 1:13-25 and find that God is Holy and He calls His people to reflect His life, light, and truth in word, thought, and deed.
As we come to the other side of the grave and the resurrection of our Lord and Savior in our study of His life through a harmony of the Gospels, our text (John 20) presents compelling evidence for His resurrection, beginning with the empty tomb discovered by Mary Magdalene and culminating in appearances that confirm faith. This chapter blesses those who believe without seeing and states the Gospel's purpose: these signs are written to foster faith in Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God, leading to life in his name.
Grab your Bible and join us from the Whitemarsh Island Baptist Adult Sunday school class as we continue our study of the Apostles Paul's letter To Galatians. Today we seek to understand Paul's allegory of Hagar and Sarah, embrace our identity as free children of promise through faith in Christ, and reject any form of legalism.
We all know the phrase "the elephant in the room." It means a massive, obvious issue that everyone sees but no one wants to talk about because it's uncomfortable, controversial, or challenging. Today, we talk about the biggest "elephant in the room" in all of Christianity — one that many believers and churches try to step around: God's eternal purpose and sovereign control over all things.
In Galatians 4:1-20, Paul employs the analogy of a minor heir who lives like a slave under guardians and stewards until he reaches maturity. This illustrates how believers were once in bondage under the law and the elemental principles of the world. God sent forth His Son—born of a woman, born under the law—to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because we are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying "Abba, Father!" We are therefore no longer slaves but full heirs.
Jesus is risen—He is risen indeed! This is not just an Easter slogan, but the very heart of the Gospel. In Matthew 28, we witness the unstoppable truth of the empty tomb colliding with desperate lies meant to cover it up. Will we respond like the devoted women that found the empty tomb—with godly fear, great joy, worship, and bold witness? Or will we settle for the world's comforting deceptions and buy into the lie at the cost of truth?
The moral law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments, which serve as God's clear, concise summary of His unchanging expectations for human conduct. These commands, delivered with awe at Sinai and written by God's own finger, did not originate there but were already in force from creation—evident in the lives of the patriarchs and the Noahic covenant. Far from being limited to ancient Israel, they express God's holy character and moral will for all people everywhere, as confirmed by conscience, the New Testament, and their pre-Sinai existence. The law is not a path to salvation but a mirror that exposes our sin and drives us to Christ, who alone fulfilled it perfectly. For believers, it then guides grateful obedience, with each commandment unfolding into rich applications across every sphere of life, equipping us to honor God, love our neighbor, and navigate a morally confused world.
Who Is The Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the eternal Spirit of God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son. ~Catechism On Biblical Doctrine
Today's message continues our study of the life of Christ through a harmony of the Gospels and closes the account of Jesus' crucifixion and records His burial. It emphasizes 1). the reality of His death, 2). the fulfillment of Scripture, and 3). the honor given to the King of the Jews even in death. John writes with an eyewitness perspective to strengthen faith, counter false teachers that imply the idea that Jesus only "seemed" to die, and show how God sovereignly overrules events to accomplish His redemptive purposes.
As we continue our study on the Children of Promise, we rejoice in a life- changing truth: through faith in Jesus Christ, we are no longer outsiders but deeply loved members of God's own family. If you belong to Christ, you are Abraham's true seed—adopted as sons and daughters and full heirs of every promise. This brings lasting security, for our inheritance comes by grace alone, not works, freeing us from the burden of performance. We live with great assurance because God always keeps His promises, and Jesus has fully accomplished our redemption, making us reconciled, adopted, and eternally secure.
Question: What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience? Answer: The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience was the moral law. This Catechism question addresses the Law as the foundation of how God expects us to live. It is an expression of His eternal will and His guidance to remind mankind what it looks like to love God and neighbor.
In this lesson we turn our hearts and minds to one of the most profound questions any person can ever ask: Who is the Lord Jesus Christ? This catechism answers it directly and powerfully: "The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit." This is not a mere religious opinion. It is the central claim of the Christian faith, rooted in the clear testimony of Scripture. We will explore this truth through the lens of God's Word, considering 1. His eternal deity, 2. His incarnation as the God-Man, 3. His redemptive work, and 4. why this matters for every human soul.
In this lesson on "The Children of Promise," believers learn that through grace and faith in Jesus Christ—not works of the law—they become Abraham's true seed and rightful heirs according to God's promise (Galatians 3:29). The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12, 15, 17), which promised blessing to all nations through Abraham's offspring, pointed forward to Christ, the singular Seed. In Him, the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile is removed, making all who believe—regardless of ethnicity or background—adopted sons and daughters of God, co-heirs with Christ, and members of one unified family. This truth frees believers from legalism, provides deep assurance that God keeps His promises, fosters unity across all distinctions, and calls them to participate in God's mission of blessing the nations through the Gospel.
This sermon on Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA) proclaims that Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, voluntarily bore the full penalty of humanity's sins as our substitute on the cross, satisfying God's justice and wrath so believers can be forgiven and reconciled. Reflecting on His final hours (Matthew 27:45-56 and parallels), it highlights three key words: "Forsaken"—Jesus' cry of abandonment (Matthew 27:46) as He endured divine judgment in our place amid supernatural darkness; "Finished" (tetelestai)—His victorious declaration that redemption was paid in full, completing the once-for-all sacrifice; and "Confessed"—the centurion's acknowledgment of Jesus as the Son of God after the signs of victory. Because He was forsaken, we are welcomed; because He finished the work, nothing more is needed; and because He was confessed as Lord, we can turn from self-effort to rest in His accomplished redemption as children of promise.
In this lesson, "Holy Father," we confront how our experiences and natural reasoning often distort our view of God and discover the revolutionary Biblical truth that the God of the universe invites us into an intimate, loving relationship as our perfect Heavenly Father.
Grab your Bible and join us as we review our Sunday School material. In Galatians 3 the Apostle Paul delivers an argument defending the gospel of justification by faith alone against the influence of Judaizers who insisted that Gentile believers must observe the Mosaic Law to be fully accepted by God. Paul emphasizes that all who are in Christ—Jew or Gentile—are Abraham's true heirs, redeemed from the curse of the Law, and adopted as sons of God. This chapter is pivotal in Paul's letter, as it dismantles legalism and powerfully affirms Christian liberty and unity in the gospel.
At the cross, two criminals hung on either side of Jesus—one destined for Hell, the other for Paradise. Both guilty and dying, both within reach of the Savior, yet their responses sealed opposite eternities: one mocked Christ in unrepentant hardness, while the other feared God, confessed his guilt, acknowledged Jesus' innocence, and cried out in faith, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom." Jesus answered with astonishing grace: "Today you will be with Me in Paradise." In that divine moment, the cross displayed Forgiveness through Christ's prayer for His crucifiers, Kingdom authority as the dying thief recognized the true King reigning from the cross, and Paradise as the immediate promise of restored fellowship with God. Today we stand in that same place—between Heaven and Hell. The cross still divides humanity: you need no good works or perfect past, only to repent and trust the Savior who died for sinners like us. Will you reject Him or turn to Him in faith? The choice is yours—today can bring forgiveness, Kingdom citizenship, and eternal Paradise.
At the cross, two criminals hung on either side of Jesus—one destined for Hell, the other for Paradise. Both guilty and dying, both within reach of the Savior, yet their responses sealed opposite eternities: one mocked Christ in unrepentant hardness, while the other feared God, confessed his guilt, acknowledged Jesus' innocence, and cried out in faith, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom." Jesus answered with astonishing grace: "Today you will be with Me in Paradise." In that divine moment, the cross displayed Forgiveness through Christ's prayer for His crucifiers, Kingdom authority as the dying thief recognized the true King reigning from the cross, and Paradise as the immediate promise of restored fellowship with God. Today we stand in that same place—between Heaven and Hell. The cross still divides humanity: you need no good works or perfect past, only to repent and trust the Savior who died for sinners like us. Will you reject Him or turn to Him in faith? The choice is yours—today can bring forgiveness, Kingdom citizenship, and eternal Paradise.
Grab your Bible and join us as we work through Galatians 3 where the Apostle Paul delivers an argument defending the gospel of justification by faith alone against the influence of Judaizers who insisted that Gentile believers must observe the Mosaic Law to be fully accepted by God. Paul emphasizes that all who are in Christ—Jew or Gentile—are Abraham's true heirs, redeemed from the curse of the Law, and adopted as sons of God. This chapter is pivotal in Paul's letter, as it dismantles legalism and powerfully affirms Christian liberty and unity in the gospel.
This is a rerecording of our Sunday School class from May 17, 2026. A power surge at the church shut down our computer and cable and we lost the original recording. I took some time this afternoon and took advantage of some beautiful weather to work through Galatians 2 for those who are following along as we study the Epistles in Chronological order.
Don't miss this lesson as we tackle one of the most profound questions in A Catechism of Biblical Doctrine: What do the Scriptures teach concerning the nature of the Godhead? Discover how the Bible reveals the awe-inspiring mystery of one eternal God who exists as three Persons. In this session, we'll clearly define the Trinity, examine powerful Scriptural proof that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each fully God, and learn how this foundational doctrine of orthodox Christianity can transform our daily lives.
Today's sermon is Via Dolorosa (The Way of Suffering). We will be taking a look at the road Jesus walked from His conviction to HIs crucifixion. Grab your Bible and join us a we follow The Way, The Truth, and The Life to the goal of His passion and will of His Father.
Grab your Bible and join us as we take up the vital question: What are the attributes of God? The answer is simple yet profound: The attributes of God are those perfections inherent in the Divine nature which the Bible reveals concerning God. These are not abstract ideas or human inventions. They are the very perfections that make God God. They are coherent, consistent, and without contradiction in His being.
In the trial of Jesus before Pilate (Luke 23:1–25), it wasn't the innocent King who was truly on trial — it was everyone else. Religious leaders, Herod, Pilate, and the crowd all stood guilty before the blameless Christ, who was declared innocent three times yet still condemned. Driven by fear, envy, and self-interest, they chose compromise over truth, Barabbas over Jesus, and political safety over justice. Two thousand years later, the Sanhedrin, Herod's dynasty, and mighty Rome have all crumbled into dust, but Jesus still stands — innocent, risen, and reigning as King of kings. The same urgent question echoes today: What will you do with Jesus? Will you compromise under pressure, or boldly choose the Innocent One whose eternal Kingdom will outlast every human empire?
In Galatians Chapter 1, Paul unleashes a fiery defense of the pure gospel with zero tolerance for compromise. Stunned that the Galatian churches are already deserting the grace of Christ for a distorted "different gospel" of legalism and human effort, he thunders a double curse: even if he or an angel from heaven preaches anything beyond Christ's sacrificial death that rescues us from this evil age, let them be accursed. His gospel wasn't borrowed from the original apostles—he received it by direct revelation from the risen Jesus on the Damascus road. Once the church's fiercest persecutor, Paul was sovereignly set apart by God's grace before birth to proclaim Christ to the Gentiles, needing no human approval. This explosive opening is a timeless battle cry: the gospel is divine revelation, not a human upgrade. Add anything—rules, rituals, or works—to Christ's finished work, and you don't improve salvation—you curse it. Pure grace. Pure faith. All glory to God.
Imagine standing before the King of the universe and hearing Him ask one simple question: "How do you plan to live in My world?" For the past 43 Catechism Questions we have been immersed in glorious doctrine—what we are to believe about God. Now the Catechism turns a corner. We move from "What ought we to believe?" to "How ought we to live?" Grab your Bible and join us as we seek to answer the question "What is the duty which God requires of man?'
The names of God as declared in Scripture are an essential part of His self revelation to humanity. Because we are finite, we could never fully grasp the infinite God on our own, but through His names He has given us sufficient knowledge so that we can truly know Him as He wishes to be known. Join us in our continued look at The Nature, Character, and Purpose of God in Doctrine 101.
Today we take a look at The Baptist Catechism Questions 42 and 43 and discuss the eternal state of the wicked. What happens to non-believers when they die? We will address many of the widely held misconceptions regarding death after death and see what the Bible says about this eternal state.
Today we will consider two men Peter and Judas who walked with Jesus for three years. Both witnessed the blind receive sight, the lame walk, and the dead raised to life. Both were sent out in His name to preach the kingdom and cast out demons. Both had there feet washed in the upper room. On the same fateful night, both failed Him in devastating ways. And both were seized with deep remorse. Yet their stories diverged into two very different endings: one became a pillar of the early church, while the other hanged himself in despair.
Paul wrote Galatians around A.D. 48–55 to churches he had planted in the region of Galatia in Asia Minor. After he left, false teachers known as "Judaizers" infiltrated the congregations. These teachers insisted that Gentile believers must be circumcised and keep the Mosaic Law in order to be truly saved or fully accepted by God. In other words, they were adding works of the law to the gospel of grace. Paul saw this as a complete distortion of the gospel and a direct attack on the finished work of Christ. His purpose was twofold: (1) to defend his apostolic authority and the divine origin of the gospel he preached, and (2) to call the Galatians back to the true gospel—salvation and right standing with God by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
This Chatham Transition Ministry study continues our series on Christian Doctrine. Today we begin to look at a new subject, the Nature, Purpose, and Character of God as revealed to us in His Word. This lesson answers our catechism question "What may we know about God from His Word?", and we find that through the Scriptures "We may know everything we need to know about God to be reconciled to Him, properly worship Him, and live in obedience to His revealed will."
James Chapter five concludes the Apostles letter with a practical call to authentic faith. He warns the rich who oppress others, urges suffering believers to patient endurance as they await Christ's return, and highlights the power of prayer and confession in every circumstance of life.
Grab your Bible and join us from Whitemarsh Island Baptist Church. In today's message we look at Jesus trial before the Jewish authorities as we continue our study of the life of Christ through a harmony of the Gospels.The irony is staggering: The Word of God was declared a blasphemer by the religious establishment. The Righteous Judge was condemned by men who on the last day will stand as defendants before Him.
Grab your Bible and join us from the Chatham Transition Ministries weekly study. "Do You Obey God's Word? Not out of fear or force… but out of love. God's Word doesn't just inform us—it transforms us into the image of Christ through humble, joyful submission. Are you ready to move from casual hearing to wholehearted obedience? Please feel free to share this lesson with your family and friends and may God continue to use HIs Word and Spirit to conform us to the image of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
This message taken from a harmony of the four Gospel accounts of the betrayal and arrest of Jesus on Betrayal, Obedience, and Sovereignty will stir your heart, confront your hidden disloyalties, and draw you into deeper trust in the sovereign love of the One who was arrested so you could be released. Don't miss this moving journey through Scripture—come and encounter the Savior who turns even the darkest hour into our good and His glory.
In James 4, the apostle delivers a bold challenge against the selfish desires and worldly ambitions that fuel conflict and distance us from God. He warns that friendship with the world is spiritual adultery, confronts our pride and presumptuous plans, and calls us to humble repentance. At the heart of the chapter stands God's gracious invitation: submit to Him, resist the devil, draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Life is short—like a vapor—so instead of boasting about tomorrow, we must live with humble dependence on the Lord's will, doing the good we know to do.
In James chapter 3, the apostle powerfully addresses two essential themes for authentic Christian living: the immense power and danger of the tongue, and the striking contrast between earthly and heavenly wisdom. Grab your Bible and join us as we delve into these truths.
Join us as we follow Jesus and His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane, where the shadow of the cross falls heavily upon the Son of God. After the Passover, Jesus leads His disciples out of Jerusalem, across the Kidron Valley, and up the Mount of Olives to this familiar olive grove. In the darkness of night, we witness the most intense spiritual battle of His earthly life. The hymn has been sung. The meal is finished. The hour has come. Jesus knows exactly what awaits Him—betrayal, abandonment, scourging, and the cross. Yet He does not run. He walks deliberately into the place where Judas will find Him. In this garden we see three powerful realities that must shape every believer's life: submission, anguish, and watchfulness. These are not abstract ideas. They are lived out before our eyes in the prayers of our Savior and the failure of His closest friends. Let us walk through these events together and learn what it truly means to watch and pray.
In a world full of uncertainty—wars, sickness, broken relationships, and the daily grief of living in a fallen creation—where does your ultimate hope rest? For the believer, our hope is not a vague wish; it is a rock-solid promise rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the future resurrection of His people. Grab your Bible and join us as we work through the Baptist Catechism Question 41: What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the Resurrection?
Question: What benefits do believers receive from Christ at their death? Answer: The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves till the resurrection. ~The Baptist Catechism Question 40
Grab your Bible and join us from the Chatham Transition Ministries weekly study. Today, using 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as our foundational text we will see why diligent Bible study is not optional but essential for our spiritual health, the purity of our doctrine, and the consistency of our daily lives. Let's pray that the Holy Spirit would open our hearts to love and obey what He has written.
In Acts 2:22-41, the core of Peter's Pentecost sermon, he proclaims that Jesus of Nazareth performed miracles by God's power, was crucified according to God's plan, and was raised from the dead—death could not hold Him. Peter shows Jesus has been exalted to God's right hand as both Lord and Christ, and has poured out the Holy Spirit. When the crowd asks what to do, Peter urges them: "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the Holy Spirit." This risen Jesus is the foundation of our living hope, calling us to repentance and faith.
The 2026 Easter sermon from Whitemarsh Island Baptist Church. An exposition of 1 Peter 1. The Apostle proclaims to us a living hope that is found in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. This hope is not found in the world but in Christ alone. Do you have this living hope? Do you know the joy of an empty tomb and a heart filled with the love and grace of Christ Jesus and His eternal salvation?
If someone asked you what the Bible teaches, if you had to sum up the central message of Scripture, what would you say? Today's Catechism Question on Biblical Doctrine helps us to understand that "The central message of Scripture is the redemption of sinners through the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ for the glory of God.
In John 17—the High Priestly Prayer—Jesus, on the night before His crucifixion, intercedes as the perfect Priest and Mediator for His own glorification through the cross, the protection and sanctification of His immediate disciples in a hostile world, and the spiritual unity of all future believers (including us) so that the world may know the Father sent the Son and experience God's triune love.
The apparent tension between Paul and James on justification is easily resolved. Paul teaches forensic justification before God: we are declared righteous by grace through faith alone in Christ, apart from works. James combats a dead, works-less faith by showing that genuine faith is vindicated before others through the good works it produces. True saving faith is never alone—it always expresses itself in love and obedience. As James illustrates that we are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.
The entire Bible—from Genesis to Revelation—isn't just a collection of disconnected stories and rules, but one thrilling, unbroken drama with Jesus at its center? On the very day of His resurrection, the risen Lord Himself took two confused disciples on a journey through Scripture and revealed the greatest plot twist in history: every promise, every sacrifice, every king and prophet was quietly pointing to Him all along. Join us from the Chatham Transition Ministries weekly study as we seek to see the Story of Redemption- the Bible as the revelation of God that begins in a garden, climaxes at the cross, and races toward a glorious new creation. This isn't just ancient history… it's your story too!
In the sermon "Sweet Sorrow" from John 16, Jesus warns His disciples of coming persecution from a hate-filled world, yet speaks to keep their faith from failing. Though sorrow now overwhelms them at His departure, it is to their advantage: the Comforter—the Holy Spirit—will come to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, guide believers into truth, and glorify Christ. Their temporary grief, like labor pains, will turn into permanent, unstealable joy at His resurrection, granting direct access to the Father and deep peace amid tribulation—because Jesus has overcome the world. If sorrow, conviction, or unrest burdens you, listen to this message: Jesus invites you to come to Him, receive the Spirit's help, and find abiding joy and unshakable peace in His victory. Come hear how sorrow becomes sweet!
In Chapter 2:1–13, James warns believers against showing favoritism based on wealth or social status—especially preferring the rich while dishonoring the poor—as this violates the royal law to "love your neighbor as yourself," contradicts faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, and makes one a lawbreaker guilty before the whole law. God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, while the rich often oppress believers; partiality reverses God's values, but mercy triumphs over judgment.
Grab your Bible and join us from the Chatham Transition Ministries weekly study. Today we learn that The Bible, as God's written Word, has key attributes reflecting His divine perfections: it is inspired (God-breathed, every word divinely superintended through human authors), authoritative (supreme rule for faith and life, above all else), infallible (incapable of error or deceit), inerrant (wholly true and without error in the originals), sufficient (complete for salvation, godliness, and every good work), canonical (the providentially recognized 66 books), and illuminated (made understandable and life-changing by the Holy Spirit). These qualities—rooted in God's truthfulness, faithfulness, wisdom, holiness, and sovereignty—enable Scripture not only to reveal God but to transform believers into Christ's likeness through faith in His Word.
Today, in part two of our exposition of John 15, we turn the lens from the overarching redemptive story to the personal one—your story and mine. We zoom in on what it means for you, the individual believer, to live as a branch in this true vine. How do we actively abide in Christ day by day? What does staying connected look like in the ordinary moments of life—when pressures mount and temptations pull. We'll explore the practical heart of abiding: remaining in His love, letting His words dwell richly in us, trusting the Father's pruning and depending wholly on Him so that real, lasting fruit—His fruit—emerges naturally through us.
James 1 serves as the opening chapter of this practical New Testament letter, the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church. The chapter focuses on living out authentic faith amid real-life challenges and sets the tone for the entire letter: In it we are reminded that faith that is alive shows itself in how we respond to hardship, seek God, control ourselves, and love others. The chapter emphasizes that genuine faith produces maturity, wisdom, self-control, and active compassion—especially under pressure.
Question: What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification? Answer: The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Spirit, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end. ~The Baptist Catechism Question 39
"What is the Bible? Answer: The Bible is the special revelation of God to man in written form." ~A Catechism On Biblical Doctrine- W.R. Downing On the surface this appears to be a simple question and answer to understand, but a subject of this importance is worthy of our investigation and devoting our time to see what God says about it. Please grab your Bible and join us from the Chatham Transition Ministries weekly study as we continue looking at the important doctrines of the Christian faith.
Today we begin a two-part journey through one of the most beautiful and powerful passages in Scripture: John 15. Jesus spoke these words on the night He was betrayed, just after the Last Supper, as He and the disciples walked toward Gethsemane. In that intimate, final moment, He gave them (and us) a picture that captures the heart of what it means to follow Him: This isn't just nice imagery about gardening or growth. It's the climax of God's entire redemptive story—the grand narrative that runs from Genesis to Revelation, and a reminder of the only source of lasting hope we have in this world, Abiding in Christ as He Abides in us
Today we begin our study of the Book of James. The entire epistle of James is a practical call to live out genuine faith through action, obedience, and wisdom—rather than just intellectual agreement or empty profession. James repeatedly emphasizes that true faith produces visible fruit: enduring trials with joy (ch. 1), showing no favoritism (ch. 2), controlling the tongue (ch. 3), pursuing humble wisdom (ch. 3–4), and persevering in prayer and community (ch. 5). He famously states that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:17, 26), underscoring that saving faith must be active and transformative.
The Scriptures are essential because they are necessary to truly know, serve, enjoy, and glorify God. Human reason, intuition, religious experience, and general revelation through creation are insufficient and fatally defective due to sin's blinding effects on the mind. Only the Bible provides the sufficient, certain, and infallible rule for faith and practice, equipping believers for salvation and every good work. It serves as the presuppositional foundation of all reality, beginning with "In the beginning God", and enables true knowledge of God, ourselves, and how to live for His glory. Without Scripture, our understanding of God and life remains seriously flawed; with it, we gain the revelation needed for reconciliation to God and alignment with His truth.
What is Sanctification? Sanctification is the work of God's free grace whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness. ~The Baptist Catechism Question 38
In John 14:15-31, Jesus comforts His disciples by teaching that genuine love for Him is demonstrated through obedience to His commands, which opens the way for the Father to send "another Counselor"—the Holy Spirit, the permanent Paraclete (Helper, Advocate, Spirit of truth). Unlike Jesus' temporary earthly presence, the Spirit will dwell forever within believers, ensuring they are never left as orphans: He comforts and strengthens, teaches and reminds them of Jesus' words, guides into all truth, testifies to Christ, convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and enables intimate mutual indwelling with the Father and Son. Tied to Jesus' death, resurrection, and return to the Father, this promise replaces fear with transcendent peace, turns sorrow into joy, displays Jesus' sinless obedience and love for the Father (despite Satan's approach), and empowers believers for greater works through the Spirit's ongoing presence and help.
A general overview of Historic and Dispensational Premillennial Eschatology looking at the foundational teachings of: the seven dispensations, literal hermeneutics for prophecy, the Israel-Church distinction, the pre-tribulation rapture, the seven- year Tribulation, Christ's second coming, and the millennial reign with restored Israel.
Question: How may we know and find God? Answer: We may know and find God only as He has been pleased to reveal Himself to us. This lesson "Finding God" explains that humans cannot discover or fully know God on their own due to finite creaturely limits and sin's noetic effects, which darken minds, suppress truth, and fuel rebellion. God reveals Himself progressively through: (1) an innate but distorted sense of the divine, (2) creation's clear testimony of His glory and power (leaving people inexcusable), (3) providential acts in history (often misread as chance), (4) the authoritative Scriptures (God-breathed truth that revives the soul), and supremely (5) Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word who makes the invisible God known. Scripture alone provides definitive knowledge of God, our sin, salvation, and destiny—prompting the challenge: Has God found you as Savior through His revelation?
An exposition of John 14:8-14 from our study of the Life of Christ through a harmony of the Gospels that exposes the trinitarian nature of the teachings Jesus gave to His disciples.
Amillennialism is the eschatological view that sees the "thousand years" in Revelation 20 as symbolizing the present church age—the era of gospel proclamation from Christ's first coming to His second—during which Christ reigns spiritually from heaven with His people (including departed saints), Satan is bound in a way that limits his ability to deceive the nations wholesale (enabling worldwide gospel advance), and the kingdom is already inaugurated but awaits full consummation at Christ's return, with no intervening literal earthly millennium. Amillennarians are, then, 'present-millennarians.'" . The "now and not yet" eschatology.
Today we discussed the purpose of man. Why are we here? Does life have meaning? The Catechism question asks, "What is the chief end of man?" We answered: The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Take a few minutes to enjoy this study.
Brother Bill Polly presented a topical sermon on the importance of Missions in the local Church
Question: What is our only comfort in life and death? Answer: That I with body and soul, both in life and in death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ, who, with his precious blood, hath fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that, without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation: and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready henceforth to live unto him.
This exposition of John. 14:1-7 calls every hearer to move from abstract belief to wholehearted dependence, rejecting all rival paths, falsehoods, and self-generated life, and to come to Jesus as the only Way, Truth, and Life—urging immediate repentance and faith in Christ for salvation and eternal reconciliation with God.
A short devotional addressing the fleeting and temporal nature of life here on Earth and fallen man's unwillingness to recognize his own mortality and the pending judgement to come.
In this first class in a new series on Biblical doctrine we take a look at the Bible as the only inspired, infallible, and inerrant truth for humanity—the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. It alone is sufficient and authoritative for salvation, faith, and obedience. While creation reveals God's existence, only Scripture provides the saving knowledge God committed to writing for preservation and clarity. Its authority rests on God as its Author, evidenced by its heavenly content, powerful teaching, harmony, God-centered focus, and—decisively—the Holy Spirit's internal witness in believers. Salvation's essentials are clearly taught for all to grasp through ordinary means, it should be translated into every language, clearer passages interpret less clear ones, and it remains the final standard over all councils, opinions, and traditions.
This Bible study, based on Baptist Catechism Question 38, explores sanctification as the ongoing work of God's free grace, whereby believers—having been justified by faith in Christ—are progressively renewed in every part of their being (mind, will, affections, and body) to reflect God's image more fully.
This sermon on the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26-29) shows Jesus reinterpreting the Passover elements: He breaks bread, declaring it His body given for us—the spotless Passover Lamb broken on the cross to nourish souls eternally as the Bread of Life. He shares the cup as His blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins, establishing the new covenant with redemption from sin surpassing the exodus from Egypt. The command to "do this in remembrance of Me" calls believers to actively proclaim His death until He returns, linking past atonement, present faith, and future hope. Jesus adds that He will not drink the fruit of the vine again until He does so anew with His people in the Father's kingdom, making Communion a foretaste of the messianic banquet. The message invites believers to partake with repentant, grateful hearts as a means of grace and calls unbelievers to trust in Christ alone for salvation.
A lasting faith is a faith that rests in Christ Jesus and His promise. Today we finish up our look at Hebrews 11 and the hall of faith and summarize what we have been discussing for the last few weeks through the lens of Hebrews 11:32-40
In John 13:21-38, during the Last Supper, Jesus announces Judas's betrayal, issues His new commandment—"Love one another as I have loved you"—and predicts Peter's threefold denial before the rooster crows. Judas departs into the night after a final act of kindness, setting the crucifixion in motion for humanity's salvation. Peter's bold pledge to die for Jesus crumbles under fear, exposing human frailty and the need for grace (later shown in his restoration). Through sovereign love, Jesus turns betrayal and denial into redemptive good: Judas's evil advances the cross, Peter's failure highlights reliance on Christ rather than self, and the command to love—mirroring Jesus' foot-washing, forgiving, sacrificial love—becomes the defining mark of His disciples. This steadfast love, not perfection, identifies believers to the world and flows from Christ's endurance of both sins without retaliation, calling us to self-examination, mutual service in the church, daily self-denial, and trust in His persevering grace (Hebrews 10:39).
This class is an introductory overview of Christian eschatology (study of end times), focusing on interpretations of the "millennium" in Revelation 20:4-6 (the 1,000-year reign with Christ) and the Book of Revelation as a whole. It highlights two main layers of debate: The four basic millennial views — These concern the timing and nature of the 1,000-year "millennium" relative to Christ's return, and whether it's literal or symbolic: The material stresses humility: all views are held by genuine Christians, claim biblical support, and share essential doctrines. Differences arise from hermeneutics interpretation methods, tradition, and speculation.
Hebrews 11:20-31 celebrates the persevering faith of Abraham's descendants—from Isaac and Jacob blessing future generations, to Joseph confidently foretelling the exodus and requesting burial in the Promised Land, to Moses rejecting Egyptian royalty to suffer with God's people, valuing eternal reward over temporary pleasure, instituting the Passover, and leading Israel through the Red Sea. This faith continued as the walls of Jericho fell and Rahab was spared through her trust in God. The "Hall of Faith" shows that true faith—rooted in the unseen God—produces obedience, endurance, and victory, not by human effort but by resting in the Author and Perfecter of faith, Jesus, so believers persevere to the end rather than shrink back (Hebrews 10:39).
Using 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 and Chapter 32 paragraph 3 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith we finish up our study of the creedal statement with one last look at the Judgement day that awaits both the believer and unbeliever alike.
If you had only one week to live, would you indulge yourself or invest in those you love? Today, in our study of the life of Christ through a harmony of the gospels we turn to John 13:1-20. As Jesus approaches the cross, He knows His hour has come to depart and return to the Father. Turning from the rejecting crowds, He focuses entirely on His chosen disciples, pouring out His love for His own to the very end.
The story of Abraham and Sarah, spanning Genesis 11–25 and illuminated in Hebrews 11:8–19, exemplifies a living faith that justifies and transforms. Called by God to leave their homeland for an unknown land of promise, they obeyed in faith, sojourning as strangers and pilgrims in tents while looking forward not merely to earthly inheritance but to a heavenly city designed and built by God. Despite Sarah's barrenness and their advanced age—Abraham "as good as dead" at 100 and Sarah past childbearing—they trusted God's seemingly impossible promises: a son through whom descendants would multiply like stars and sand. Sarah, by considering God faithful, received strength to conceive Isaac, turning her initial laughter of doubt into joy. Their faith endured trials, including impatience leading to Ishmael's birth, repeated deceptions for safety, long waiting, and ultimately Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac in obedience, reasoning that God could raise the dead—a foreshadowing of resurrection hope and the ultimate sacrifice of God's Son, Jesus. Though they died without fully receiving the promises in this life, they greeted them from afar as exiles seeking a better, heavenly country, proving that true saving faith—alone justifying us before God—inevitably produces obedient, persevering works to His glory.
The sermon centers on the present reality of God's kingdom, which Jesus declares is already among humanity, not as a future spectacle but as a spiritual reality accessible only through faith and repentance. Drawing from Luke 17:20–37, it emphasizes that the kingdom is not discerned through external signs or historical speculation, but through spiritual perception—those who reject Christ, like the Pharisees and the people of Noah and Lot's time, remain blind to His presence. The message warns that while Christ's return will be as sudden and undeniable as lightning, it will follow a period of suffering and rejection, and believers must remain vigilant, not clinging to worldly distractions or false hopes, but fleeing from sin and embracing the cross. The story of Lot's wife serves as a stark reminder that attachment to the world, even in the midst of divine deliverance, leads to spiritual ruin, and the final judgment will divide families, workplaces, and lives, with only those who have surrendered to Christ being taken. Ultimately, the kingdom is not built by human effort, politics, or tradition, but by the proclamation of the Gospel and the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit, calling all to turn from the world and prepare for the coming of the King.
As all believers are bound to join themselves to particular churches, when and where they have opportunity so to do; so all that are admitted unto the privileges of a church, are also under the censures and government thereof, according to the rule of Christ. (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 26:12)
Question: Wherein consists Christ's exaltation? Answer: Christ's exaltation consists in his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day. ~The Baptist Catechism Question 31
An exposition of one of the warning passages found in the letter to the Hebrews 10:26-31. Apostasy defined and described. "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
The work of pastors is to give constant attention to the service of Christ in His churches in the ministry of the Word and prayer. They are to watch over the souls of church members as those who must give an account to Christ. The churches to whom they minister must not only give them all due respect but also must share with them from all their good things according to their ability. They must do this so their pastors may have a comfortable living without having to be entangled in secular matters and so they can show hospitality to others. This is required by the law of nature and by the explicit command of our Lord Jesus, who has ordained that those who preach the gospel should earn their living by the gospel.(1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 26.10)
In a powerful narrative drawn from Luke 17:11–19, the sermon centers on Jesus healing ten lepers, only one of whom—a Samaritan, a social and religious outsider—returns to give thanks, illustrating that true healing encompasses both physical restoration and spiritual transformation. The passage underscores the pervasive reality of sin's separation from God, yet reveals Christ's mercy as accessible even to the most marginalized, as seen in the Old Testament story of Naaman and Jesus' own rejection by the Jewish leaders who, despite their religious privilege, failed to recognize divine grace. The sermon emphasizes that while all ten were cleansed physically, only the Samaritan's faith led to genuine gratitude and spiritual salvation, highlighting that God's grace is not merely received but must be responded to with worship and thanksgiving. It warns against the danger of ungratefulness, especially in times of abundance, and calls believers to move beyond mere reception of blessings to active, joyful glorification of God, demonstrating that authentic faith is evidenced not in self-centered benefit but in selfless gratitude and witness. Ultimately, the message affirms that salvation is found not in ethnic or cultural identity, but in faith in Christ alone, whose grace restores not only the body but the soul and renews fellowship with God.
A particular church, gathered and completely organized according to the mind of Christ, consists of officers and members; and the officers appointed by Christ to be chosen and set apart by the church (so called and gathered), for the peculiar administration of ordinances, and execution of power or duty, which he entrusts them with, or calls them to, to be continued to the end of the world, are bishops or elders, and deacons. (1689 London Baptist Confession Of Faith)
So from that day on they planned together to kill Jesus. (John 11:53) The sermon examines the divisive nature of Jesus's ministry and the escalating opposition from religious leaders, highlighting the contrast between those who embrace the miraculous and those who seek to extinguish the light of truth. Drawing parallels between the raising of Lazarus and the broader narrative of salvation, the message emphasizes that the gospel is a powerful force that divides, exposing the wickedness of the world while offering redemption through faith. Ultimately, the sermon underscores the importance of proclaiming the gospel boldly, recognizing that the grace of God is the only means of drawing people out of spiritual death and into a life of faith, even as evil seeks to silence the truth.
"We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun at regeneration; and that it is varied on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means- especially the Word of God, self examination, self denial, watchfulness and prayer." ~The New Hampshire Baptist Confession 1833
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26)
Life in the body of Christ is produced through sanctification. Those who are in Christ are conformed to the image of Christ through the means of grace and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Guest speaker Dan Schroeder from Redeemer Baptist Church in Rincon GA preaches from 3 John 1:1-4
Using Philippians 2:1-12 and Hebrews 2:5-18 and the Baptist Catechism question 30 we continue to discuss the significance of Christ's humiliation: Born a man, in a low condition, born under the Law, undergoing the miseries of this life, suffering the wrath of God and the cursed death on the cross, buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.
SUNDAY SCHOOL Using act 2:41-42 and Chapter 26.6 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith as our source material we take a look at membership and life in the body of Christ and find that the members of the church are saints by calling. They visibly display their obedience, and their profession of faith as a lifelong obligation and expression of their regenerated nature. They live for God and neighbor, and they observe the ordinances commanded in the New Testament. We then take a few minutes to look at the opposing views of the ordinances (sacraments) of the Church.
Using Acts 2:37-42 as our text we define Baptism and teach what Baptist' believe regarding the ordinance. We recognize what it looks like to preach the Gospel. We note the response to the Gospel preached. We are reminded of the promises given to those who receive and believe the Gospel. We recognize the results of Peter's Spirit filled message in the salvation of 3,000 souls, and finally we identify the manifestation of regeneration and salvation in the lives of believer's.
A continuation of looking at the warning passages in the Letter to the Hebrews. This class finishes up a 2 part warning against apostasy as described in Hebrews 6:4-12.
Using Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 as our text we begin to work our way through Question 30 of the Baptist Catechism: Wherein did Christ's humiliation consist? Answer: Christ's humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross, in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.
In exercising the authority entrusted to Him, the Lord Jesus, through the ministry of His Word, by His Spirit, calls to Himself out of the world those who are given to Him by His Father. They are called so that they will live before Him in all the ways of obedience that He prescribes for them in His Word. Those who are called He commands to live together in local societies, or churches, for their mutual edification and the fitting conduct of public worship that He requires of them while they are in the world. (1689 LBCF 26.5)
Using Hebrews 5:11-6:3 we are warned of the dangers of apostasy. An apostate is one who seemed to be a believer, was part of the visible Church, participated in the community of faith, and then later rejects Christ and turns away from the truth and leaves the body. In this first of two classes we will see that spiritual immaturity is a major cause of falling away and we are encouraged to strive towards spiritual growth placing all of our faith and trust in God alone to keep and guide us. These warnings and exhortations are profitable for both believers and unbelievers alike.
Question 29: How does Christ execute the office of king? Answer: Christ executes the office of a king, in subduing us to Himself (Acts 15:14, 15, 16), in ruling (Isaiah 33:22), and defending us (Isaiah 32:1, 2), and in restraining and conquering all His and our enemies (1 Corinthians 15:25; Ps. 110.
A continued discussion of Christ being the Head of the Church and identifying those opposed to His truth. Using Chapter 26 paragraph 4 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith and the biblical citations found within we will turn to the Scriptures to reason through these eternal matters and important doctrines of the faith.
In this second warning passage from the Letter to the Hebrews we are reminded that God has always offered a promise of gracious rest to His people and yet most reject and rebel against His offer of Grace. We are warned that a hard heart is a disobedient heart and leads us away from God. We are reminded that there are things we can do to keep from falling away like paying attention to the warning signs, exhorting and encouraging one another, and never stopping or give up looking to God, the author and finisher of our faith, and source of strength and perseverance.
The sermon explores the transformative power of Jesus, the light of the world, through the story of a man born blind, emphasizing the contrast between those who embrace this light and those who reject it. The message highlights the divine grace that opens eyes to spiritual truth, while simultaneously warning against the consequences of willful blindness and the rejection of God's revelation. Ultimately, the sermon underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus as the Son of Man, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the source of salvation, contrasting the joy of belief with the judgment that awaits those who stubbornly refuse to see.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the head of the church. By the Father's appointment, all authority is conferred on Him in a supreme and sovereign manner to call, institute, order and govern the church. The Pope of Roman Catholicism cannot in any sense be head of the church; rather, he is the antichrist, the man of lawlessness, and the son of destruction, who exalts himself in the church against Christ and all that is called God. The Lord will destroy him with the brightness of His coming. ~1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 26.4
The Book of Hebrews includes six warnings to the Church. Hebrews Chapter 2:1-4 is the first warning. This class reminds us to pay attention that we don't drift away from God, and warns us of our natural tendency as fallen human beings to backslide. We are told that God holds us accountable for our actions, and we are taught that God has spoken clearly in HIs word leaving no one with a right to claim ignorance.
Question: How does Christ execute the office of a priest? Answer: Christ executes the office of priest in his once offering up himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice (Heb. 9:14, 28) and reconcile us to God (Heb. 2:17), and in making continual intercession for us (Heb.7:24, 25). ~The Baptist Catechism Question 28 This class explores the significance of Jesus as our great high priest, emphasizing his unique role in mediating between humanity and God. Drawing from the book of Hebrews, the message highlights that Jesus's single, ultimate sacrifice surpasses the repeated rituals of the Levitical priesthood, offering a better hope and eternal redemption. This class underscores the importance of Christ's continual intercession for believers, assuring them of his unwavering advocacy and the assurance of salvation.
The purest churches under heaven are subject to mixture and error. Some have degenerated so much that they have ceased to be churches of Christ and have become synagogues of Satan. Nevertheless, Christ always has had and will have in this world to the very end a kingdom of those who believe in Him and profess His name. (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 26.3) The sermon explores the enduring nature of the church, emphasizing that despite inevitable mixtures of truth and error, Christ consistently builds and preserves His kingdom. Drawing from historical examples like the Pelagians and Reformation figures, the message underscores the importance of returning to Scripture, embracing foundational truths like the Trinity, and standing firm in faith even amidst disagreement. Ultimately, the speaker encourages believers to prioritize Christ's work, recognizing that His promises guarantee the church's perseverance and the ultimate triumph of His truth, even as individuals grapple with evolving beliefs and differing perspectives.
He then answered, "Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." (John 9:25) The sermon explores the encounter between a man born blind and the Pharisees, highlighting the power of God's grace and the blindness of those who reject it. Drawing from John chapter 9, the message emphasizes that while God's truth can open the eyes of the spiritually blind, those hardened by their own understanding and traditions often choose to remain in darkness, demonstrating the importance of proclaiming the gospel even in the face of rejection. The speaker underscores the need to share God's word without expectation of belief, recognizing that only God can open hearts and minds, and that true discipleship involves both receiving and sharing the light of Christ, even when met with opposition and ridicule.
Question 27: How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet? Answer: Christ executes the office of prophet in revealing to us, by his word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation (John 1:18; 1 Pet.1:10,11, 12; John 15:15; and 20:31). This class emphasizes the importance of grounding faith in God's word, contrasting it with reliance on fleeting experiences or opinions. Drawing from Hebrews chapter one and the Baptist Catechism, the message highlights Jesus as the ultimate prophet, creator, and ruler, whose promises offer a firm foundation for believers. It urges listeners to trust in Christ's eternal nature and the unwavering truth of scripture, recognizing that the Bible's authority and power lie in its ability to reveal God's will and offer salvation through faith in Jesus.
The class explores the nature of the church, emphasizing its universal and visible aspects, and highlighting the importance of discerning truth amidst error. The message underscores that while the church is susceptible to mixture and doctrinal deviation, Christ consistently maintains a kingdom of true believers. We learn that the church's responsibility is to articulate and defend biblical truth, recognizing that personal beliefs must align with scripture and that ongoing spiritual growth requires vigilance against false teachings and a commitment to hearing what the Spirit says to the churches.
"We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work. "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:4-5) The sermon explores the transformative power of encountering Jesus, using the story of a man born blind as a central illustration. It emphasizes that suffering isn't necessarily a consequence of personal sin, but rather an opportunity for God's work to be manifested, highlighting the contrast between light and darkness, life and death, and the importance of obedience to God's word. The message underscores the call to share the good news and the promise of new life through faith in Jesus, ultimately revealing that true sight extends beyond the physical, encompassing spiritual understanding and a renewed purpose to proclaim the gospel.
The catholic—that is, universal—church may be called invisible with respect to the internal work of the Spirit and truth of grace. It consists of the full number of the elect who have been, are, or will be gathered into one under Christ her head. The church is the spouse, the body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (1689 LBCF 26.1) This class explores the nature of the church, moving beyond simplistic understandings of a building to define it as the community of believing individuals united under Christ. Drawing from Scripture, the message emphasizes that the church is not only a physical people but a spiritual gathering of the elect, encompassing believers from Alpha to Omega. Christ Jesus is its head and source of salvation. The discussion clarifies that while the church is invisible in its essence, it is also visible through the lives and teachings of its members, encouraging a deeper understanding of belonging to Christ's body and living in accordance with His will.
"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." So the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." (John 8:56-58) The sermon centers on the imperative to hear, believe, and keep the word of Jesus, emphasizing that true faith involves recognizing Him as the ultimate authority and the embodiment of God's truth. Drawing from John 8, the message contrasts the rejection of Jesus by those who claimed to know God with the call to embrace Him as the good shepherd and the source of eternal life, highlighting the contrast between outward religious observance and genuine spiritual devotion. Ultimately, the sermon underscores that hearing, believing, and keeping Jesus's word is the path to eternal life and a rejection of it leads to spiritual destruction, with Jesus's declaration, 'Before Abraham was, I am,' serving as a powerful assertion of His divine nature and eternal existence.
The sermon explores the conflict between genuine faith and superficial adherence to religious tradition, emphasizing that true freedom comes not from inherited privilege or external observance, but from a personal relationship with Christ. Drawing from John 8, the message highlights the distinction between natural and spiritual descendants of Abraham, asserting that only those who abide in Christ's word and practice righteousness are truly children of God, while those who reject His truth remain enslaved to sin and the influence of the devil. Ultimately, the sermon underscores the transformative power of grace and faith, encouraging listeners to recognize their dependence on Christ and to share His message with others, trusting in God's ability to claim those who are lost.
The lesson explores the complexities of divorce within a biblical framework, emphasizing that while God hates divorce stemming from sin, He acknowledges its occurrence due to human imperfection and the 'hardness of hearts.' Drawing from passages in Matthew and 1 Corinthians, the message clarifies that divorce may be permissible in cases of sexual immorality or abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, while also highlighting the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness. Ultimately, the sermon underscores the need to balance God's holiness with His grace, recognizing that true restoration and peace are found in Christ, and that individuals should strive to live above reproach, even after experiencing personal failings.
"And I have other sheep, which are not from this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd. (John 10:16)
A continued discussion of Marriage using Chapter 25 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith to point us to a biblical understanding of the Matter.
The sermon explores Jesus' declaration as the "Light of the world," contrasting His divine nature with the blindness of those who cling to earthly understanding. Drawing on Old Testament imagery of light and darkness, the message emphasizes that following Jesus leads to life and truth, while rejecting him results in spiritual death. We are reminded of the importance of believing in Jesus as the sole path to salvation, highlighting the urgency of sharing this light with a world shrouded in darkness and reminding listeners that God's light exposes sin and offers a path to redemption through faith.
Question: What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer? Answer: Christ as our Redeemer executes the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation. ~ The Baptist Catechism Question #26
Question 26: What offices does Christ execute as our Redeemer? Answer: Christ as our Redeemer executes the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation (Acts 3:22; Heb. 12:25; 2 Cor. 13:3; Heb. 5:5, 6, 7; 7:25; Ps. 2:6; Is. 9:6, 7; Mt. 21:5; Ps. 2:8-11). ~The Baptist Catechism The class explores the multifaceted role of Christ as Redeemer, emphasizing his functions as prophet, priest, and king, both during his earthly life and in his current state of exaltation. Drawing from Psalm 2, Psalm 110 and Hebrews, the message underscores the authority and sufficiency of Christ, highlighting his preordained plan of salvation and the eternal nature of his reign. We are encouraged to trust in Christ alone, recognizing him as the ultimate source of truth and guidance, and to reject the pursuit of additional revelation or intermediaries, affirming that Christ's word and presence are all that is needed for a life of faith and obedience.
The sermon explores the momentous occasion of Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, highlighting the crowd's enthusiastic reception and the significance of the donkey as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. It contrasts the disciples' initial lack of understanding with the later revelation of these truths, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discernment over worldly expectations. The message cautions against relying on societal structures or political agendas to advance faith, urging instead a focus on personal relationship with Christ and a commitment to sharing His message, ultimately revealing a larger picture of God's plan encompassing the entire world.
The sermon explores the importance of light and witness to the world in the Christian faith. Drawing from John 8, the message emphasizes Jesus as the light of the world, urging listeners to follow him and share that light with others, while also addressing the significance of understanding God's grace and the consequences of sin, ultimately calling for a turning away from worldly influences and embracing the hope found in Christ.
The sermon explores the complex interplay of sin, justice, and mercy through the lens of the Pericope Adulteress, emphasizing the importance of understanding these theological concepts within the context of grace. The message highlights Jesus's challenge to self-righteous accusers and his compassionate offer of forgiveness to the woman, ultimately demonstrating that true justice is found not in condemnation but in the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. The speaker encourages listeners to recognize their own sinfulness, embrace God's mercy, and extend that same grace to others, fostering a life of repentance and faith.The sermon explores the complex interplay of sin, justice, and mercy through the lens of the Pericope Adulteress, emphasizing the importance of understanding these theological concepts within the context of grace. Drawing on textual criticism to address the passage's authenticity, the message highlights Jesus's challenge to self-righteous accusers and his compassionate offer of forgiveness to the woman, ultimately demonstrating that true justice is found not in condemnation but in the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. The speaker encourages listeners to recognize their own sinfulness, embrace God's mercy, and extend that same grace to others, fostering a life of repentance and faith.
The sermon explores the biblical foundation of marriage, emphasizing its creation as a union between one man and one woman designed for companionship, procreation, and mutual restraint. Drawing from Genesis and Malachi, the speaker highlights marriage as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the church, illustrating how it provides a framework for understanding spiritual unity and responsibility. The discussion also addresses the importance of marriage in preventing immorality and the need for believers to grapple with the complexities of marital relationships, ultimately seeking to foster a deeper appreciation for God's design and purpose in marriage.
Biblically defining sin, justice, and mercy and how important understanding these term are to our salvation and walk with Christ.
The sermon centers on the theological significance of Christ's incarnation, emphasizing his dual nature as fully God and fully man. Drawing from Hebrews 2 and other scriptural passages, the message explores how Jesus, as the Son of God, took on a human body and soul, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, remaining sinless despite sharing in human frailty. The speaker underscores the necessity of Christ's perfect humanity to fulfill the role of high priest and offer a sinless sacrifice, ultimately highlighting the transformative power of his sacrifice for salvation and sanctification, and the importance of understanding these foundational truths for a deeper understanding of the Christian faith.
Civil magistrates being set up by God for the ends aforesaid; subjection, in all lawful things commanded by them, ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but for conscience' sake; and we ought to make supplications and prayers for kings and all that are in authority, that under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty. (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 24.3)
All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be equipped, having been thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
A reminder that our faith and practice must be founded and empowered by the God-breathed Scriptures.
Elder Dan Schroeder of Redeemer Baptist Church brings us a message titled And Such Were Some of You from 1 Corinthians 6:11
God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, has ordained civil magistrates to be under him, over the people, for his own glory and the public good; and to this end has armed them with the power of the sword, for defense and encouragement of them that do good, and for the punishment of evil doers. (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 24.1)
Mary then took a litra of perfume of very costly pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (John 12:3)
Whosoever takes an oath warranted by the word of God, ought duly to consider the weightiness of so solemn an act, and therein to avouch nothing but what he knows to be truth; for that by rash, false, and vain oaths, the Lord is provoked, and for them this land mourns. ~1689 LBCF 23.2
A continued discussion of the Baptist Catechism Question 24 and the subject of the person and nature of Jesus Christ our Lord. Heresy never changes and it is through the God breathed Word of God that we find the path of righteousness and life everlasting.
Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "bIf anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" (John 7:25-39)
A lawful oath is a part of religious worship, wherein the person swearing in truth, righteousness, and judgment, solemnly calls God to witness what he swears, and to judge him according to the truth or falseness thereof. (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 23.1)
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26)
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
The sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering their common affairs aforehand, do not only observe a holy rest all day, from their own works, words and thoughts, about their worldly employment and recreations, but are also taken up the whole time in the public and private exercises of his worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy. ~1689 LBCF 22.8
What is man that You remember him, and the son of man that You care for him? (Psalm 8:4)
"The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I bear witness about it, that its deeds are evil. (John 7:7)
Neither prayer nor any other part of religious worship, is now under the gospel, tied unto, or made more acceptable by any place in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed; but God is to be worshipped everywhere in spirit and in truth; as in private families daily, and in secret each one by himself; so more solemnly in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly nor willfully to be neglected or forsaken, when God by his word or providence calls thereunto. (1689 LBCF 22.6)
But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62)
The reading of the Scriptures, preaching, and hearing the Word of God, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord; as also the administration of baptism, and the Lord's supper, are all parts of religious worship of God, to be performed in obedience to him, with understanding, faith, reverence, and godly fear; (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 22:5)
Believers are encouraged to not live in fear or denial of the realities of death but to rest with faith in the sovereign will of God knowing that all things work together for our good and His glory. We are commanded to warn the lost and dying world that true and eternal life is found in Christ alone.
'Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?' (Matthew 18:33)
Prayer, with thanksgiving, being one part of natural worship, is by God required of all men. But that it may be accepted, it is to be made in the name of the Son, by the help of the Spirit, according to his will; with understanding, reverence, humility, fervency, faith, love, and perseverance; and when with others, in a known tongue. (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 22.3)
Faith is not a work that merits salvation but a gift from God that proves that one is really saved. When one trust in Christ alone for salvation he is resting in the eternal promise of God as declared in Scripture and can be assured that God always keeps that promise.
Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery? God having out of His mere good pleasure, from all eternity elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer. ~The Baptist Catechism Question 23
Religious worship is to be given to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to him alone; not to angels, saints, or any other creatures; and since the fall, not without a mediator, nor in the mediation of any other but Christ alone. 1689 LBCF 22:2
An introduction to Chapter 22 of the London Baptist Confession of Faith: "God, who has lordship and sovereignty over all; is just, good and does good to all; and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart and all the soul, and with all the might."
"Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. "Whoever therefore will humble himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
They who upon pretense of Christian liberty do practice any sin, or cherish any sinful lust, as they do thereby pervert the main design of the grace of the gospel to their own destruction, so they wholly destroy the end of Christian liberty, which is, that being delivered out of the hands of all our enemies, we might serve the Lord without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our lives.
Exposition of Romans 6:1-11t and he truths contained in the apostles Paul's teachings and drawing parallels to the believers unity in Christ through His death, burial, and resurrection.
The liberty which Christ has purchased for believers under the gospel, consists in their freedom from the guilt of sin, the condemning wrath of God, the severity and curse of the law, and in their being delivered from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and dominion of sin, from the evil of afflictions, the fear and sting of death, the victory of the grave, and everlasting damnation: 1689 LBCF 21:1
And Jesus said to him, "'If You can?' All things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the boy's father cried out and was saying, "I do believe; help my unbelief." (Mark 9:23-24
Q. What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell? A. All mankind by their fall lost communion with God are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell for ever. ~Baptist Catechism Question 22
"And at the dinner hour he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is ready now.' (Luke 14:17)
The liberty which Christ has purchased for believers under the gospel, consists in their freedom from the guilt of sin, the condemning wrath of God, the severity and curse of the law, and in their being delivered from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and dominion of sin, from the evil of afflictions,5 the fear and sting of death, the victory of the grave, and everlasting damnation: 1689 LBCF 21.1
Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!" (Luke 9:35)
Q. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell? A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam's first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called original sin; together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it (Rom. 5:12, to the end; Eph. 2:1, 2, 3; James 1:14, 15; Mt. 15:19).
Although the gospel be the only outward means of revealing Christ and saving grace, and is, as such, abundantly sufficient thereunto; yet that men who are dead in trespasses may be born again, quickened or regenerated, there is moreover necessary an effectual insuperable work of the Holy Spirit upon the whole soul, for the producing in them a new spiritual life; without which no other means will effect their conversion unto God. ~1689 LBCF 20.4
An exposition of Matthew 16:21-28. Jesus commands His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him.
An exposition of Luke 13:31-35 and discussion of the resolve of Jesus to carry out HIs Fathers will, a will that includes His dying to redeem a people for Himself.
The revelation of the gospel to sinners, made in divers times and by sundry parts, with the addition of promises and precepts for the obedience required therein, as to the nations and persons to whom it is granted, is merely of the sovereign will and good pleasure of God; 1689 LBCF 20.3
The promise of Christ and salvation by him is only revealed by the Bible. The works of creation and providence, seen with the light of nature, do not reveal Christ or grace by him even in a general or obscure way. It is even more impossible for people without the revelation of Christ by the promise or gospel to be enabled to obtain saving faith or repentance through these works apart from revelation.
An exposition of Matthew 16:5-12 and a warning from Jesus to beware of the false teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Question 20: Into what estate did the fall bring mankind? Answer: The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery. ~The Baptist Catechism
A review of the John 10:1-30 touching on several of the statements made by Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd.
Question 18: What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created?Answer: The sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created, was their eating the forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:6, 12, 16, 17).
God was pleased to give to the people of Israel ceremonial laws, containing several typical ordinances, partly of worship, prefiguring Christ, his graces, actions, sufferings, and benefits; and partly holding forth divers instructions of moral duties. 1689 LBCF 19.3
"The Spirit is the One who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. (John 6:63)
What is sin?Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.~Baptist Catechism Question 17
An introduction to Chapter 19 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession on the subject of the Law of God. The different types of biblical laws and the 3 purposes of the Law are discussed.
"I am the living bread that came down from heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and also the bread which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh." (John 6:51)
Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test? (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Exposition of Chapter 18 paragraph 4 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession. Our assurance may be shaken but can be regained.
It is the duty of every one to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure, that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, in love and thankfulness to God, and in strength and cheerfulness in the duties of obedience, the proper fruits of this assurance.
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. (John 6:35)
Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test? (2 Corinthians 13:5)
This certainty is not a bare conjectural and probable persuasion grounded upon a fallible hope, but an infallible assurance of faith, founded on the blood and righteousness of Christ revealed in the Gospel; and also upon the inward evidence of those graces of the Spirit unto which promises are made, and on the testimony of the Spirit of adoption, witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of God; and, as a fruit thereof, keeping the heart both humble and holy. ~1689 LBCF 18.2
Question 17: What is sin?Answer: Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God (1 John 3:4).~The Baptist Catechism
Exposition of John 10:22-30. Focusing on the word, work and will of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and the hope and assurance for the believer.
Q. Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created?A. Our first parents being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God (Gen. 3:6, 7, 8, 13; Eccles. 7:29).
Introduction and exposition of paragraph 1 of Chapter 18 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith: Of The Assurance of Grace and Salvation
Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered him a prophet. (Matthew 14:5)
They will renew their repentance and be preserved through faith in Christ Jesus to the end. ~1689 LBCF 17:3
For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is bChrist the Lord. (Luke 2:11)
A continued discussion on Chapter 17 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith and the biblical doctrine of the perseverance of the Saints.
Those whom God has accepted in the beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, and given the precious faith of his elect unto, can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved, seeing the gifts and callings of God are without repentance. 1689 LBCF 17.1
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)
"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish—ever; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. (John 10:27-28)
"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. (John 10:11)
Question: What special act of providence did God exercise towards man in the estate wherein he was created? Answer: When God had created man, He entered into a covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience: forbidding him to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon the pain of death. ~Baptist Catechism Question 15
Works done by the unregenerate might be things that God commands and are profitable to both themselves and others, but since they do not come from a heart purified by faith, , they are sinful and not pleasing to God. 1689 LBCF 16.7
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Ephesian 2:10)
"Faith brings an empty hand, receives everything, and can give nothing in return. No grace is so important to the Christian's own soul. By faith we begin. By faith we live. By faith we stand. We walk by faith and not by sight. By faith we overcome. By faith we have peace. By faith we enter into rest." ~J.C. Ryle
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)
The believers ability to do good works is not all of themselves, but wholly from the Spirit of Christ; and that they may be enabled thereunto, besides the graces they have already received, there is necessary an actual influence of the same Holy Spirit, to work in them and to will and to do of his good pleasure; (1689 LBC 16:3)
And Jesus did not let him, but He said to him, "Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you." (Mark 5:19)
When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. (John 10:4)
Good works are only such as God has commanded in his Holy Word, and not such as without the warrant thereof are devised by men out of blind zeal, or upon any pretense of good intentions. ~1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 16.1
And Jesus woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still." And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. (Mark 4:39)
Question 14: What are God's works of providence? Answer: God's works of providence are his most holy, wise and powerful, preserving governing all his creatures, and all their actions. ~The Baptist Catechism
Question 13: How did God create man?Answer: God created man, male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures. ~The Baptist Catechism
"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. (Matthew 14:44)
As repentance is to be continued through the whole course of our lives, upon the account of the body of death, and the motions thereof, so it is every man's duty to repent of his particular known sins particularly. ~1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 15.4
A continuation of our study of the Life of Jesus through a harmony of the Gospels expositing Matthew 13:24-43. The Parable of the Wheat and Tares, the Mustard Seed, and Leaven.
Question: What is repentance unto life?Answer: Repentance unto life is a saving grace (Acts 11:28), whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin (Acts 2:37, 38), and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ (Joel 2:12; Jer 3:22), doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God (Jer 31:18, 19; Ez. 36:3 1), with full purpose of and endeavor after new obedience (2 Cor. 7: 11; Isaiah 1:16-17).~The Baptist Catechism Question 92
A look at the Parable of Ten Minas from Luke 19:11-27 and a discussion of the eternal value of recognizing God's gracious gifts and sharing them with others.
Saving faith, although it be in different stages, and may be weak or strong, yet it is in the least degree of it different in the kind or nature of it, as is all other saving grace, from the faith and common grace of temporary believers; and therefore, though it may be many times assailed and weakened, yet it gets the victory, growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ, who is both the author and finisher of our faith. 1689 LBCF 14:3
"Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. (Matthew 13:13)
"For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother." (Mark 3:35)
By saving faith a Christian believes to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word for the authority of God himself, and also apprehends an excellency therein above all other writings and all things in the world, as it bears forth the glory of God in his attributes, the excellency of Christ in his nature and offices, and the power and fullness of the Holy Spirit in his workings and operations: and so is enabled to cast his soul upon the truth consequently believed;
"For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little." (Luke 7:47)
The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts, and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word; by which also, and by the administration of baptism and the Lord's supper, prayer, and other means appointed of God, it is increased and strengthened. (1689 LBCF 14:1)
Question- What is the work of creation---Answer- The work of creation is God's making all things of nothing, by the word of His power, in the space of six days, and all very good. --Baptist Catechism Question 12
Matthew 11-28 -LSB-- 28 -Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
A study of the doctrine of Sanctification using the Bible and the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith chapter 13 as our source material
Summoning two of his disciples, John sent them to the Lord, saying, -Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else--- -John 7-19-
What is Sanctification---Sanctification is the work of God's free grace whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God.- The Baptist Catechism Question -38
Question- How doth God execute his decrees---Answer God executes his decrees in the works of creation and providence. - Baptist Catechism 11
Jesus heals a Centurions servant and raise a widows son from the dead. An exposition of Matthew 8-5-13 and Luke 7.
All those that are justified, God conferred, in and for the sake of his only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption, by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God, have his name put on them, receive the spirit of adoption, have access to the throne of grace with boldness, are enabled to cry Abba, Father, are pitied, protected, provided for, and chastened by him as by a Father, yet never cast off, but sealed to the day of redemption, and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting salvation. -1689 LBCF 12-1-
Question 10. What are the decrees of God---A. The decrees of God are His eternal purpose, according to the counsel of His will, whereby for His own glory, He has fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass. -Eph. 1-11- Rom. 11-36- Dan. 4-35-
Christ, by his obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those who are justified- and did, by the sacrifice of himself in the blood of his cross, undergoing in their stead the penalty due to them, make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to God's justice in their behalf-
An exposition of Ephesians 1-1-14 seeking to display the goodness and sovereignty of God.
An exposition of Ephesians 1:1-14 seeking to display the goodness and sovereignty of God.
Using Romans 4-4-5 as our foundational text we review paragraph 1 and 2 and exposit paragraph 3 of Chapter 11 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. W recognize that it is in Christ that we are justified and saved.
An exposition of Romans 4 focusing on the continuity of salvation through faith alone, by the grace of God alone. in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. As displayed by both the old and New Testament saints.
Those who heard this asked, -Who then can be saved--- Jesus replied, -What is impossible with men is possible with God.- -Luke 18-26-27-
Being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus- whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation bin His blood through faith, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed- --Romans 3-24-25 LSB-
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written- -Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.- -1 Corinthians 1-30-31-
An exposition of Luke 18-15-25 with the Chatham Transition Ministries Tuesday Bible study.
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them, may-be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. -Matthew 7-24-
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,-through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. -Romans 5-1-2-
-Now, will God not bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them-- -Luke 18-7-
-For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it. -Matthew 7-14-
-All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never cast out. -John 6-37-
What shall we say then-- Is there any unrighteousness with God-- May it never be- -Romans 9-14-
Question 10. How many persons are there in the Godhead---Answer There are three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit- and these three are one God, the same in essence, equal in power and glory.
So then it does not depend on the one who wills or the one who runs, but on God who has mercy. -Romans 9-16-
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some consider slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. -2 Peter 3-9-
-Beware of doing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them- otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. -Matthew 6-1-
Final discussion from a three part series on Free Will using Chapter 9 of the 1689 London Baptist as an outline.
Question 9- Are there more gods than one---Answer- There is but one only, the living and true God.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God- not of works, so that no one may boast. -Ephesians 2-8-9-
What is God----God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.
-Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. -Matthew 5-16-
He saved us, not by works which we did in righteousness, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, -Titus 3-5-
An exposition of Matthew 5-1-12 and the Beatitudes from the preface of the sermon on the mount.
An exposition of Chapter 8 paragraphs 7 and 8 of the 1689 LBCF- The two natures of Christ and the efficacy and application of His redemption to those He died to save.
And Jesus was saying to them, -The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. -Consequently the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.- -Mark 2-27-28-
He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God -1 Peter 1-21-22-
You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. -John 5-39-40-
An old video of an exposition of John 5-31-44 and a testimony of the witnesses of Jesus
Q. 7. What do the Scriptures principally teach---A. The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God and what duty God requires of man.--2 Tim. 3-16-17- John 20-31- Acts 24-14- 1 Cor. 10-11- Eccles. 12-13-
Exposition of John 5-18-29- The evil intent of Jesus' enemies- Jesus is the exact image of His Father, the Author and sustainer of life, and the Judge. Rejecting Jesus is rejecting God. The Bible teaches two resurrection.
A continued study of Jesus Christ the only mediator between God and man using paragraph 4 of Chapter 8 of the 1689 LBCF as our outline.
The now and not yet aspects of the Kingdom of God as displayed in His Mercy and Judgement - Luke 17-20-37
Then Jesus said to him, -Get up- Pick up your mat and walk.- -At once the man was cured- he picked up his mat and walked. -John 5-8-9-
Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever- a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness- therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. -Psalm 45-6-7-
-It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.- -Mark 2-17-
A final exposition of Chapter 8 paragraph 2 of the 1689 LBCF concerning the two natures of Jesus.
Then Jesus answered and said, -Were there not ten cleansed-- But the nine-where are they-- -Was there no one found who turned back to give glory to God, except this foreigner--- And He said to him, -Stand up and go- your faith has saved you -Luke 17-17-19-
A study of the Life of Christ through a harmony of the Gospels- Exposition of Mark 2-1-13
Exposition of Chapter 8- Paragraph 2 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith- Of Christ The Mediator
Q. 6. May all men make use of the Scriptures---A. All men are not only permitted, but commanded and exhorted, to read, hear, and understand the Scriptures.--John 5-39- Luke 16-29- Acts 8-28-30- 17-11-
An exposition of question 5 of the Baptist Catechism- How do we know that the Bible is the Word of God--
-Be on your guard- If your brother sins, rebuke him- and if he repents, forgive him. -Luke 17-3-
Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. -I am willing,- He said. -Be clean-- -Mark 1-41-
Exposition of Chapter 8-Paragraph 1 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. Of Christ the Mediator
So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Him. -Luke 5-1-11-
An introduction to Chapter 8 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, Christology, and the work of Christ as Mediator.
And Jesus began to say to them, -Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.- -Luke 4-21-
-God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.- -John 4-24-
In the hope of eternal life, which the God who cannot lie promised from all eternity, -Titus 1-2-
Q. 4. What is the Word of God---A. The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, being given by divine inspiration, are the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice.-2 Peter 1-21- 2 Timothy 3-16-17- Isaiah 8-20-
Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst-ever- but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life. -John 4-14-
Q. 3. How do we know there is a God---A. The light of nature in man, and the works of God, plainly declare that there is a God- but His Word and Spirit only, do effectually reveal Him unto us for our salvation.
Final thoughts on Chapter 6 of the 1689 LBCF- Of The Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof.
And He said to them, -You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts, for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God. -Luke 16-15-
-He who believes in the Son has eternal life- but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.- -John 3-36-
-No servant can serve two masters- for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.- -Luke 16-13-
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons by whom we cry out, -Abba- Father-- -Romans 8-15-
-The wind blows where it wishes and you hear its sound, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going- so is everyone who has been born of the Spirit.- -John 3-8-
A discussion of Chapter 5 of the 1689 LBCF- Of God's Providence with scriptural proofs.
- What is the chief end of man---Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.-Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 1
Question 2- Ought everyone to believe there is a God-- -Answer- Everyone ought to believe there is a God- and it is their great sin and folly who do not.- The Baptist Catechism
And the Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. -John 2-13-14-
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. -2 Peter 1-10-11-
Jesus did this in Cana of Galilee as the beginning of His signs, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him. -John 2-11-
But we should always give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. -2 Thessalonians 2-13-14-
-Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom, which has been prepared for you from the foundation of the world. -Matthew 25-34-
Question 1 Who is the first and chiefest being-- -Answer- God is the first and chiefest being.-Isa. 44-6- 48-12- Psa. 97-9.
A discussion on the blessings that come from hearing, believing, and walking in Biblical truth.
On the next day, he saw Jesus coming to him and said, -Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world- -John 1-29-
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. -Matthew 4-1-
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him in love, by predestining us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously bestowed on us in the Beloved. -Ephesians 1-3-6 LSB-
And after being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water- and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon Him, -Matthew 3-16-
-Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other- I am God, and there is no one like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, 'My counsel will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure', -Isaiah 46-9-10-
Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, -Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.- -Matthew 3-1-3-
And because you are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, -Abba- Father-- -Galatians 4-6-
Let us search out and examine our ways, and let us return to Yahweh. -Lamentations 3-40-
And Jesus said to them, -Why is it that you were searching for Me-- Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house--- -Luke 2-49-
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. -2 Corinthians 13-14-
So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet- -Out of Egypt I called my son.- -Matthew 2-14-15 NIV84-
An exposition of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith Chapter 2 paragraph one discussing the attributes of God.
An exposition of Chapter 2 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith- The Attributes of God
-Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.- -Luke 2-14-
A continued discussion of Chapter 2 paragraph 1 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith- Of God and the Trinity
Now all this took place in order that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled. -Matthew 1-22-
Sunday school classes on Christian Doctrines of the Faith as expressed in the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith.
-And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to reproach and everlasting contempt. -Daniel 12-2-
A lecture on paragraph 1 of Chapter 31 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith- Of the State of Man After Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead
-For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it-- -Luke 14-28-
-Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will cprepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple- and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,- says Yahweh of hosts. -Malachi 3-1-
And the master said to the slave, 'Go out into the highways and along the fences, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled. -Luke 14-23-
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham- -Matthew 1-1-
For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. -Hebrews 10-14-
-For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.- -Luke 14-11-
And Jesus said to them, -This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. -Mark 14-24-
-Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you- and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. -I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to do My judgments. -Ezekiel 36-26-27-
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. -John 1-14-
-Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. -Look 13-24-
Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He interpreted to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. -Luke 24-27-
-And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up- -John 3-14-
For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. -Hebrews 10-14-
-Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. -Luke 13-24-
By His will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. -Hebrews 10-10-
-Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. -Luke 13-24-
And as Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and began asking Him, -Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life--- -Mark 10-17-
For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. -1 Corinthians 2-2-
For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. . -Hebrews 10-14-
-And this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for-behold-eighteen years, should she not have been released from this bond on the Sabbath day--- -Luke 13-16-
But when Jesus saw her, He called her over and said to her, -Woman, you are freed from your sickness.- And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made erect again and began glorifying God. -Luke 13-12-13-
For in Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things have been created through Him and for Him. -Colossians 1-16-
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. -1 Timothy 2-5-6-
For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, -1 Timothy 2-5-
In Him, you also, after listening to the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation-having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, -Ephesians 1-13-
-And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him, but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him. -Luke 12-10-
Now when Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee asked Him to have a meal with him. And He went in and reclined at the table. -Luke 11-37-
As the crowds were increasing, Jesus began to say, -This generation is a wicked generation- it seeks for a sign, and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah. -Luke 11-29-
And Jesus said to them, -O foolish ones and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken- -Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory--- -Luke 24-25-26-
Now He said to them, -These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.- Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, -Luke 24-44-45-
Then they called Rebekah and said to her, -Will you go with this man--- And she said, -I will go.- -Gen 24-58-
Because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God, for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so -Romans 8-7-
-But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. -Luke 11-20-
-Pray, then, in this way- 'Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. -Matthew 6-9-
Jesus said to them, -This is what I told you while I was still with you- Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.- -Luke 24-44-
But Jesus said to him, -No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.- -Luke 9-62-
But these men revile the things which they do not understand- and the things which they know by instinct, like unreasoning animals, by these things they are destroyed. Woe to them- For they have gone the way of Cain, and for pay they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. -Jude 10-11-
-This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.- -Matthew 18-35-
-So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish. -Matthew 18-14-
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, -Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven-- -Matthew 18-1-
Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist. -Matthew 17-13-
Resolved- to deal with successfully, to find an answer to, to make clear or understandable, a legal or official determination.
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. -John 1-14-
-The climax of biblical revelation is Jesus, the Son and Servant who God loves and with whom God is well pleased. Even Elijah and Moses assume supporting roles where He is concerned.- -D.A. Carson
Then Jesus said to His disciples, -If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. -Matthew 16-24-
A discussion of the 4th Chapter of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith and exposition of Genesis 1-2
So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. -Romans 9-16-
And Jesus said to them, -Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.- -Matthew 16-6-
-An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign- and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.- And He left them and went away. -Matthew 16-4-
A continued discussion on the eternal decree of God and how it is expressed through His will and Word
And Jesus said to her, -Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.- But she answered him, -Yes, Lord- yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.- -Mark 7-27-28-
But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. -Matthew 15-18-
Using Romans 8-26-39, John 6-26-44, and Chapter 3 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith we introduced and began a discussion of the Decree and Sovereignty of God as the foundation for the entire redemptive narrative of the Church, His body, and the assurance of our salvation.
Jesus said to them, -I am the bread of life- he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. -John 6-35-
God has called His people to be salt and light in a dark and dying world. John the Baptist is a faithful witness and biblical example of what it looks like to be true to our calling.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. -2 Corinthians 13-14-
Jesus came to proclaim and establish the eternal Kingdom. Many of His disciples including John the Baptist struggled with doubt when it appeared that God's promise was not living up to their expectations.
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. -Galatians 5-24-
You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. -Matthew 10-22-
-Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.- -Matthew 9-38-
A well rounded discussion of the who, what, when, where, how, and why's of God's salvation using John 6-26-44 as our context.
A continuation of a harmony of the Gospels looking particularly at Matthew 9-27-31 where Jesus heals two blind men.
First message on the second chapter of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith- Of God and the Holy Trinity
Jesus spoke another parable to them, -The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened.- -Matthew 13-33-
Part 4 of 4 on Holy Scripture- An exposition Chapter 1 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith.
So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. -2 Peter 1-19-
Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, -The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. -Matthew 13-24-30-
-Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him- but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. -Matthew 12-31-
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness- so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. -2 Timothy 3-16-
A look at the healing of a leper and a centurion's servant and the hope found in Jesus and His coming kingdom.
A two part exposition of Chapter 32 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith using Matthew 7-21-23 and Matthew 25-32-46 as our Scriptural points of reference.
Exposition of Matthew 25-31-46 and Chapter 32 paragraph 1 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith.
A two part exposition of Chapter 32 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith using Matthew 7-21-23 and Matthew 25-32-46 as our Scriptural points of reference.
-Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. -Matthew 7-24-
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature- the old things passed away- behold, new things have come. -2 Corinthians 5-17-
Jesus teaches us that the path to eternal life is narrow and those who are on that path walk in Christ.
Christians are called to walk in faith, a faith that contradicts the world, the flesh, and the devil.
For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death. -2 Corinthians 7-10-
For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death. -2 Corinthians 7-10-
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. -Romans 1-16-
But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ -by grace you have been saved-, -Ephesians 2-5-6-
-Ask, and it will be given to you- Seek, and you will find- Knock, and it will be opened to you. -Matthew 7-7-
As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume. -Luke 7-38-
-Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.- -Jesus
-My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.- -Matthew 18-35-
Jesus said to them, -These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you- Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.- Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. -Luke 24-44-45-
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. -2 Timothy 3-16-17-
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. -Romans 11-36-
For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.
As Jesus spoke these things, many believed in Him. So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, -If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.-
In Proverbs 7 we see a Father and His Word, a Son and his will, and a Whore and her way.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. -John 3-14-15-
Most think that our will power is the answer when it reality it is the problem. Jesus teaches us to pray -Thy will be done- for a reason.
He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. -Proverbs 28-13-
A rich young ruler asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. This is an exposition of Mark 10-17-22
God reveals Himself to His creation through natural and specific revelation. This is an exposition of Psalm 19
Jesus answered, -'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'- and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'- -Luke 10-27-
-You are the salt of the earth- but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again- It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. -You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden- -Matthew 5-13-14-
-And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time nor seen His form. -You do not have His word abiding in you, for you do not believe Him whom He sent. -John 5-37-38-
But what does it say- -The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart- -that is, the word of faith that we proclaim-- -because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. -Romans 10-8-9-