Grace Family Baptist Church - Conroe

The sermon meditates on the profound theological significance of Christ's crucifixion as recorded in Mark 15, emphasizing that the darkness, desolation, and death experienced by Jesus were not merely historical events but the supernatural outpouring of God's infinite wrath against sin, concentrated in a few hours upon the God-man. Through vivid imagery and scriptural reflection, it underscores that Jesus bore the full weight of divine judgment—experiencing spiritual and eternal death not as a human but as the sinless Son of God, who became sin for us, enduring the forsakenness of the Father so that believers would never face that abandonment. The tearing of the temple curtain symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, declaring that atonement was complete through Christ's willing sacrifice, a truth confirmed by the Gentile centurion's declaration of His divinity. The sermon calls both unbelievers and believers to respond with repentance and faith, reminding the redeemed that Christ's suffering was both the ultimate expression of God's justice and the foundation of their eternal security, compelling a life of gratitude, holiness, and unwavering trust in the finished work of Christ.

This lecture presents a foundational exploration of Reformed Baptist doctrine by tracing the historical roots of the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing the recovery of key theological principles such as justification by faith alone, Scripture alone, grace alone, Christ alone, and the glory of God alone. It contrasts the Reformation's biblical understanding of human depravity, divine sovereignty, and the necessity of God's grace in salvation, contrasted against the Roman Catholic Church's emphasis on human cooperation, free will, and the authority of tradition. The sermon underscores the centrality of Scripture as the ultimate authority, the necessity of liberty of conscience, and the regulative principle of worship, arguing that true worship must be ordered by God's Word rather than human tradition or preference. It also highlights the enduring significance of covenantal theology, the moral law, and the perseverance of the saints, positioning these doctrines as essential to the Reformed Baptist identity and spiritual heritage.

The sermon centers on the theological question of the extent of Christ's atonement, arguing that Jesus died specifically and effectively for the elect—those given to Him by the Father—rather than for all humanity in a general, potential sense. Drawing from Scripture, especially passages in Romans and John, it emphasizes that Christ's death was not merely sufficient but actually efficacious for His people, as evidenced by the inseparable connection between His atoning work, intercession, and the application of salvation through the Spirit. The sermon refutes the notion that a general atonement is more just or merciful, affirming instead that God's sovereignty and grace are fully displayed in His particular redemption, which grounds both assurance and boldness in evangelism. Ultimately, the doctrine is presented not as abstract theology but as a foundation for worship, gratitude, and confidence in God's eternal purpose, where every aspect of salvation—justification, sanctification, and glorification—is secured for those whom God has chosen.

This lecture establishes the historical and theological foundations of Reformed Baptist identity by tracing its roots to the Protestant Reformation and the English Separatist movement, emphasizing that Reformed Baptists are not merely a subset of General Baptists but a distinct expression of the broader Reformed tradition. Drawing from 1 Timothy 4, the preacher underscores the necessity of holding fast to the objective, scriptural truth once delivered to the saints, warning against the dilution of doctrine in modern usage. The narrative highlights how the Particular (Reformed) Baptists, emerging from the same separatist milieu as other reformed traditions, preserved a high view of Scripture, believer's baptism by immersion, and the immediate headship of Christ over the local church, while explicitly affirming their unity with other Reformed traditions through confessions like the 1689 London Baptist Confession. The lecture argues that being a Reformed Baptist means embracing a doctrinal heritage rooted in the Reformation, expressed through a written, historically grounded confession of faith, and committed to both doctrinal precision and ecclesial unity across denominational lines.

The sermon centers on Mark 15:6–15, portraying the crowd's decision to crucify Jesus not as a mere historical event, but as a profound theological paradigm of human guilt and divine sovereignty. Through the 'Markan sandwich' structure, the preacher highlights how the religious crowd, despite possessing the Scriptures and witnessing Jesus' miracles, chose Barabbas—the 'son of the father'—over Jesus, the true Son of God, thereby condemning themselves. The sermon underscores that this moment reveals the tragic irony of human rebellion: the crowd believed they held judgment, but in reality, Jesus stood in judgment over them. It warns against the peril of mob mentality, showing how wicked leaders manipulate religious crowds through fear, nationalism, and greed, yet emphasizes that personal responsibility remains absolute—passive complicity, silence, or apathy carries equal guilt before a holy God. Ultimately, the sermon pivots to grace, affirming that even the most guilty—those who shouted 'Crucify him'—can be forgiven through repentance and faith, as demonstrated by Peter's Pentecost sermon, which calls all to turn from sin and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

This sermon, drawn from Matthew 6:25–34, delivers a pastoral and convicting call to trust in God's sovereign providence amid life's anxieties. Centered on Jesus' teaching to not worry about food, drink, or clothing, it argues that believers—made in God's image—are of greater value than birds or lilies, and thus can confidently rely on a Father who knows their needs. The passage is unpacked through a contrast between worldly anxiety and divine care, emphasizing that seeking God's kingdom and righteousness first leads to His provision. The sermon underscores two vital doctrines: God's absolute sovereignty over all events and His faithful, loving providence in sustaining His people. Application includes rejecting idleness, embracing daily duties, cultivating faith through prayer, and fixing our hope on eternal glory, thereby freeing believers from anxiety and anchoring their lives in the unshakable care of their Heavenly Father.