Chita Baptist Church

The sermon centers on the sovereignty of God as revealed in Romans 11:36—'For from Him, through Him, and to Him are all things'—emphasizing that God's control extends not only to the ultimate ends but also to the means by which those ends are achieved. It explores how God, as the divine Potter, shapes both vessels of mercy and vessels of wrath through specific, divinely ordered means, using even evil and human choices as instruments of His providential purposes without being the author of sin. Drawing from passages like 1 Kings 22, where God allows a deceiving spirit to influence prophets to fulfill His judgment on Ahab, the sermon affirms that God controls evil without causing it, using the natural inclinations and hardened hearts of individuals to bring about His righteous ends. It challenges the illusion of free will, arguing that human decisions are shaped by nature and circumstance, yet individuals remain fully responsible for their choices, as seen in the accountability of Pharaoh, Judas, and Ahab. Ultimately, the message calls believers to embrace God's sovereign hand in their lives, recognizing that trials and suffering are not random but part of a redemptive process that produces faith and endurance in the saved, while hardening the unrepentant, and calls for humble gratitude and personal responsibility in response to God's grace.

The sermon centers on the biblical doctrine of assurance, emphasizing that true believers are marked by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who bears witness with their spirit that they are children of God. Drawing from Romans 8, it affirms that salvation is a work of the entire Trinity—Father's predestination, Son's redemption, and Spirit's regeneration—while distinguishing between genuine faith and false assurance. The preacher outlines five types of people in the room, highlighting that even true Christians may struggle with assurance, yet the Spirit's internal testimony provides a sure foundation. Through personal stories and Scripture, the message calls the struggling soul to earnestly seek God through persistent prayer, faith, and repentance, trusting that a loving Father will grant the Holy Spirit to those who ask. Ultimately, assurance is not based on feelings or performance, but on the objective work of God in the heart, leading to a confident hope in eternal life with Christ.

The sermon centers on the sovereignty of God as the foundational truth governing creation, human destiny, and salvation, drawing primarily from Romans 9–11 to argue that divine election is not based on human merit, lineage, or works, but on God's sovereign choice and promise. It emphasizes that God's authority, ability, and purpose are absolute—illustrated through biblical examples like Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau—demonstrating that salvation is not earned but bestowed by grace through divine initiative. The preacher confronts the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility by affirming that God's justice is not compromised, even when His choices appear unjust from a human perspective, and that the ultimate purpose of both mercy and wrath is to display God's glory. Through the metaphor of the potter and clay, the sermon affirms that God has the right to shape humanity according to His will, using even the lives of those destined for destruction as instruments to reveal His power and mercy. Ultimately, the message is one of profound comfort and gratitude: believers are not saved by their own efforts but by God's eternal, purposeful design, and they are called to trust in His wisdom, sovereignty, and faithfulness to bring them to final glory.

The sermon presents a sober and urgent call for believers to recognize, resist, and remember their spiritual warfare against the devil, portrayed as a real, active, and deceptive adversary who prowls like a roaring lion. Drawing from 1 Peter 5:8–11, it emphasizes that the Christian's battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil, requiring vigilance, spiritual sobriety, and steadfast faith. The message underscores the necessity of diligent study of Christ, Scripture, one's own heart, and the enemy's strategies to avoid deception and spiritual defeat. It affirms that while the devil is real and relentless, he is ultimately defeated through Christ's victory, and believers are assured of God's grace to perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle them through suffering. The sermon concludes with a call to stand firm in faith, knowing that all believers are united in the same struggle and that God's power triumphs over evil, bringing glory to His eternal dominion.

The sermon delivers a sobering warning against spiritual apostasy, using Isaiah's prophecy of a diminished harvest and scattered gleanings to illustrate God's judgment on those who abandon Him for false securities. Central to the message is the recurring theme of 'strange slips'—human efforts, self-reliance, and worldly pursuits mistaken for faith—contrasted with the true, divinely ordained planting of the gospel, which bears fruit only through grace, not human effort. Drawing from Scripture, including Jeremiah's lament over Israel's idolatry and the tragic fate of Aaron's sons who offered strange fire, the preacher emphasizes that God demands exclusive devotion and warns against adding to or altering His revealed Word. The ultimate hope lies not in national Israel or earthly achievements, but in the church—the true Israel—where the mystery of God's eternal purpose in Christ is revealed and sustained by the Spirit, not human wisdom. The final call is to abandon all false refuges, trust in Christ as the sure foundation, and rest in His Word, which alone endures the coming flood of judgment.

The sermon centers on Psalm 73, illustrating how the psalmist's initial envy of the wicked's prosperity gives way to a profound spiritual awakening through divine guidance and the renewing of his mind. In the sanctuary and by the Word of God, he comes to see that true wealth is not found in earthly blessings but in God alone, who is the strength of his heart and his eternal portion. The preacher emphasizes that trials and suffering are not signs of divine abandonment but means by which God draws believers closer, proves their faith, and transforms their perspective. Drawing from Scripture, the message affirms the perseverance of the saints—God's faithfulness to keep His people, even when they stumble, because He is the unchanging source of life, glory, and ultimate joy. The call is to reject worldly values, be transformed by the renewing of the mind, and fix one's hope on Christ, the only true and lasting treasure, where all things are fulfilled in His eternal presence.

The sermon centers on the psalmist's struggle with the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the resulting crisis of faith, illustrating how doubt and despair can lead even believers to question God's fairness. Through the lens of Psalm 73, it emphasizes that true stability comes not from circumstances but from abiding in God's presence, where perspective is restored and faith is rekindled. The preacher underscores the necessity of standing firm on God's unchanging character—His goodness, faithfulness, and sovereign control—even amid suffering, using biblical examples like Job, Paul, and Peter to show that trials are not signs of abandonment but instruments of spiritual refinement. The message calls believers to resist the natural tendency to despair, to guard against spiritual complacency, and to rely on the shield of faith and the whole armor of God, especially in times of temptation and confusion. Ultimately, the sermon affirms that God remains faithful, holding believers by the hand, and that perseverance through trials leads to deeper trust, humility, and a transformed heart that finds peace in His sovereign will.

The sermon centers on Psalm 73, tracing the psalmist's journey from envy and despair over the apparent prosperity of the wicked to a profound reaffirmation of God's goodness and faithfulness. It explores the tension between outward circumstances and inward faith, emphasizing that true contentment comes not from material abundance but from resting in God's sovereignty and presence. The preacher underscores the danger of covetousness and the deceptive nature of worldly success, contrasting it with the enduring value of a clean heart and a life rooted in Christ. Drawing on Scripture, including Job, Paul, and Jesus' teachings, the message calls believers to trust God's timing, reject worldly comparisons, and find their identity and hope in Christ alone, even amid trials. Ultimately, the sermon affirms that God's goodness is not contingent on circumstances but is grounded in His unchanging character and redemptive purposes, leading to a life of peace, faith, and worship.

The sermon emphasizes the enduring presence of divine light and guidance, drawing parallels between ancient Israel's experience and the believer's spiritual journey. Rooted in passages from Second Peter and 2 Timothy, the message underscores the importance of actively seeking knowledge of God through Scripture, allowing faith to grow and mature, ultimately leading to a life of virtue, love, and obedience. The speaker encourages listeners to remain steadfast, recognizing that true understanding and spiritual strength come not from personal insight but from the unwavering truth revealed in the word of God, which serves as a "more sure word" illuminating even the darkest circumstances.

Drawing from the imagery of a parched land and a desperate longing, the sermon emphasizes the vital importance of seeking God early and consistently, trusting in His power and lovingkindness even amidst trials. Rooted in Psalm 63, the message encourages listeners to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of strength, salvation, and enduring joy. The speaker underscores the significance of meditating on God's promises, clinging to His presence, and relying on His unwavering support, ultimately finding solace and purpose in His grace, while acknowledging that true dependence on God surpasses earthly comforts and human endeavors.

The sermon explores the trials and tribulations of earthly life, drawing parallels to the Israelites' experience in the wilderness and their encounter with the bitter waters of Mara, to illustrate the pervasive nature of suffering and the fleeting nature of worldly comforts. Grounded in Scripture, particularly Exodus, Ecclesiastes, and Revelation, the message emphasizes the inadequacy of human hope and the necessity of turning to God for true healing and deliverance, symbolized by the tree that sweetened the waters and ultimately pointing to Christ's sacrifice as the source of eternal life and the promise of a future where suffering ceases and God reigns forever.

The sermon centers on the profound significance of the blood of Christ, emphasizing its unparalleled value compared to earthly treasures and sacrifices. Drawing from passages in 1 Peter and Psalms, the message explores the concept of redemption—not through silver or gold, but through Christ's atoning sacrifice—and highlights the transformative power of this blood to cleanse the conscience, reconcile believers to God, and offer eternal life. The preacher underscores the importance of recognizing the preciousness of Christ's blood, urging listeners to apply it to their lives, find solace in its power amidst trials, and embrace the assurance of salvation and everlasting peace.