John Owen on SermonAudio

Sunday School Hour: studying the John Owen book, Rules for Walking in Fellowship, or The Duties of Christian Fellowship. The focus today are the rules concerning our duty as a church to separate from the world, and engage in spiritual conversation.

Please consider how you can be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ through your financial support to the continued work of His Church in this time. Contributions can be made by PayPal by visiting our website ( faithbiblepres.org ) or by mailing your contribution to: Faith Bible Presbyterian Church 3001 Marian Dr. Trenton Mi 48183 "The Pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both." ~ John Calvin (July 10, 1509 - May 27, 1564). "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." ~ NKJV John 10:27 "Satan's greatest success is in making people think they have plenty of time before they die to consider their eternal welfare" ~ John Owen (1616 - August 1683). "For the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ." ~ NKJV Rev. 1:9 Fᴀɪᴛʜ Bɪʙʟᴇ Pʀᴇsʙʏᴛᴇʀɪᴀɴ Cʜᴜʀᴄʜ ~ Tʀᴜᴇ Worship & Aᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄ Fᴇʟʟᴏᴡsʜɪᴘ ~ Faith Bible Presbyterian Church is a Bible believing and Christ honoring church that is committed to teaching|preaching the Word of God with diligence and authority. We stand for the historic Christian faith, and we welcome you to our services of worship. Won't you join us? faithbiblepres.org

Introduction John Owen - "It is the duty of all professors of the gospel to be continually endeavoring after growth in knowledge, grace, and fruitfulness." Spiritual Immaturity Begins with Dull Hearing (v 11) Spiritual Immaturity Refuses to Grow (vv 12–13) Spiritual Maturity Is Formed Through Constant Practice (v 14) Knowledge Grace Fruitfulness

Please consider how you can be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ through your financial support to the continued work of His Church in this time. Contributions can be made by PayPal by visiting our website ( faithbiblepres.org ) or by mailing your contribution to: Faith Bible Presbyterian Church 3001 Marian Dr. Trenton Mi 48183 "The Pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both." ~ John Calvin (July 10, 1509 - May 27, 1564). "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." ~ NKJV John 10:27 "Satan's greatest success is in making people think they have plenty of time before they die to consider their eternal welfare" ~ John Owen (1616 - August 1683). "For the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ." ~ NKJV Rev. 1:9 Fᴀɪᴛʜ Bɪʙʟᴇ Pʀᴇsʙʏᴛᴇʀɪᴀɴ Cʜᴜʀᴄʜ ~ Tʀᴜᴇ Worship & Aᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄ Fᴇʟʟᴏᴡsʜɪᴘ ~ Faith Bible Presbyterian Church is a Bible believing and Christ honoring church that is committed to teaching|preaching the Word of God with diligence and authority. We stand for the historic Christian faith, and we welcome you to our services of worship. Won't you join us? faithbiblepres.org

In Mark 3:7–19, Jesus is surrounded by a great crowd, confronted by unclean spirits, and followed by disciples. Yet not everyone near Christ stands in the same relationship to Him. The crowds seek His help. The demons confess His identity. The disciples answer His call. The Twelve are appointed to be with Him and to be sent out to preach. Judas, however, remains outwardly near Christ while inwardly false. This passage reveals Jesus as far more than a popular teacher or compassionate healer. He is the sovereign Son of God, the conqueror of Satan, the greater Moses, and the King who gathers the new covenant people around Himself. The sermon considers three central truths: The needy crowd pressing toward Christ The sovereign Christ calling whom He wills The appointed Twelve, with Him and sent by Him The passage warns us that curiosity is not conversion, doctrinal knowledge is not saving faith, and outward nearness to the church is not the same as union with Christ. It also comforts believers with the truth that salvation begins with Christ's gracious call and that His church rests upon His sovereign faithfulness. The great question is not merely whether we have heard about Christ, studied Christ, or stood among Christ's people. The question is whether we have truly come to Him in repentance and faith.

The Work of the Holy Spirit Volume 3 of Owen's collected works, book three. Chapter 1

Please consider how you can be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ through your financial support to the continued work of His Church in this time. Contributions can be made by PayPal by visiting our website ( faithbiblepres.org ) or by mailing your contribution to: Faith Bible Presbyterian Church 3001 Marian Dr. Trenton Mi 48183 "The Pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both." ~ John Calvin (July 10, 1509 - May 27, 1564). "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." ~ NKJV John 10:27 "Satan's greatest success is in making people think they have plenty of time before they die to consider their eternal welfare" ~ John Owen (1616 - August 1683). "For the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ." ~ NKJV Rev. 1:9 Fᴀɪᴛʜ Bɪʙʟᴇ Pʀᴇsʙʏᴛᴇʀɪᴀɴ Cʜᴜʀᴄʜ ~ Tʀᴜᴇ Worship & Aᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄ Fᴇʟʟᴏᴡsʜɪᴘ ~ Faith Bible Presbyterian Church is a Bible believing and Christ honoring church that is committed to teaching|preaching the Word of God with diligence and authority. We stand for the historic Christian faith, and we welcome you to our services of worship. Won't you join us? faithbiblepres.org

When Jesus enters the synagogue on the Sabbath, He encounters both a man with a withered hand and religious leaders with hardened hearts. While the Pharisees watch for an opportunity to accuse Him, Christ sees a suffering man in need of mercy. In this exposition of Mark 3:1–6, we see Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath, the true Shepherd of His people, and the Savior who restores what sin has withered. The passage warns against cold, outward religion that values rules while neglecting compassion. It also teaches that the Lord's Day is not merely a day of inactivity, but a gracious gift for worship, rest, fellowship, and deeds of mercy. Christ does more than command the helpless man to stretch out his hand. Through His powerful word, He gives the strength to obey. In the same way, Jesus not only calls sinners to repentance, faith, mercy, and obedience, but by His Spirit supplies the grace they need. This sermon calls the weary, spiritually dry, guilty, and hard-hearted to come to Christ, who fulfilled the law, bore the guilt of our sin, rose to bring His people into true rest, and continues to restore all who come to Him by faith.

The devotion emphasizes that spiritual vigor and joy depend entirely on the mortification of sin. Unmortified sin weakens the soul, entangles its affections, and diverts the heart from communion with God. By capturing thoughts and hindering spiritual duties, unaddressed lusts lead to profound spiritual sickness and desolation. The text illustrates how harboring sin displaces the love of God with worldly pursuits. Ultimately, maintaining a healthy spiritual life requires actively breaking the power of unmortified sin.

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. Sermon originally preached by John Owen (1616-1683) on 3rd November 1676 during the reign of Charles II. Read by Mr. F. Rowan.

When the Pharisees accuse Jesus' disciples of unlawful Sabbath-breaking, Christ answers from Scripture and declares His authority over the Sabbath. The controversy is not merely about grainfields or religious regulations. It reveals the identity and authority of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the greater David who defends and feeds His needy people. He is the faithful interpreter of God's law, correcting both careless worldliness and harsh legalism. The Sabbath was made for man as a gracious gift for worship, rest, mercy, sanctification, and spiritual refreshment. Yet man is not lord of the Sabbath. Jesus Christ is Lord even of the Sabbath. This sermon calls believers to receive the Christian Lord's Day as Christ's holy gift. We must not make it common through ordinary commerce, entertainment, recreation, and self-pleasing. Neither must we distort it through man-made rules, censoriousness, or neglect of mercy and necessity. In Christ, weary sinners find true rest, and every Lord's Day becomes a foretaste of the eternal Sabbath that remains for the people of God.

Sunday School Hour: studying the John Owen book, Rules for Walking in Fellowship, or The Duties of Christian Fellowship. The focus today is: Section 2, rules #1 and #1, loving and praying for the brethren - those you've covenanted with in church membership.

Please consider how you can be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ through your financial support to the continued work of His Church in this time. Contributions can be made by PayPal by visiting our website ( faithbiblepres.org ) or by mailing your contribution to: Faith Bible Presbyterian Church 3001 Marian Dr. Trenton Mi 48183 "The Pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both." ~ John Calvin (July 10, 1509 - May 27, 1564). "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." ~ NKJV John 10:27 "Satan's greatest success is in making people think they have plenty of time before they die to consider their eternal welfare" ~ John Owen (1616 - August 1683). "For the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ." ~ NKJV Rev. 1:9 Fᴀɪᴛʜ Bɪʙʟᴇ Pʀᴇsʙʏᴛᴇʀɪᴀɴ Cʜᴜʀᴄʜ ~ Tʀᴜᴇ Worship & Aᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄ Fᴇʟʟᴏᴡsʜɪᴘ ~ Faith Bible Presbyterian Church is a Bible believing and Christ honoring church that is committed to teaching|preaching the Word of God with diligence and authority. We stand for the historic Christian faith, and we welcome you to our services of worship. Won't you join us? faithbiblepres.org

Please consider how you can be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ through your financial support to the continued work of His Church in this time. Contributions can be made by PayPal by visiting our website ( faithbiblepres.org ) or by mailing your contribution to: Faith Bible Presbyterian Church 3001 Marian Dr. Trenton Mi 48183 "The Pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both." ~ John Calvin (July 10, 1509 - May 27, 1564). "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." ~ NKJV John 10:27 "Satan's greatest success is in making people think they have plenty of time before they die to consider their eternal welfare" ~ John Owen (1616 - August 1683). "For the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ." ~ NKJV Rev. 1:9 Fᴀɪᴛʜ Bɪʙʟᴇ Pʀᴇsʙʏᴛᴇʀɪᴀɴ Cʜᴜʀᴄʜ ~ Tʀᴜᴇ Worship & Aᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄ Fᴇʟʟᴏᴡsʜɪᴘ ~ Faith Bible Presbyterian Church is a Bible believing and Christ honoring church that is committed to teaching|preaching the Word of God with diligence and authority. We stand for the historic Christian faith, and we welcome you to our services of worship. Won't you join us? faithbiblepres.org

The devotion critiques the superficiality of modern religious profession by contrasting it with the necessity of true spiritual mortification. It argues that despite the abundance of preaching and religious activity, there is a lack of genuine fruit indicating a transformed heart. The text highlights how sins such as pride, envy, and worldliness remain prevalent among those who claim faith but fail to exhibit spiritual discipline. A call is made for divine intervention to instill a spirit of mortification that cures these spiritual distempers. Ultimately, the message warns that without this inward work, the condition of believers remains dire despite outward appearances.

John Owen on the need for mortification of sin. Neglect of this duty makes the inner man decay instead of renewing him. Paul affirms in 2 Corinthians chapter 4 verse 16 that the inward man is renewed day by day while the outward man perishes. Those who neglect mortification allow the inner man to perish. Grace in the heart must have exercise.

Please consider how you can be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ through your financial support to the continued work of His Church in this time. Contributions can be made by PayPal by visiting our website ( faithbiblepres.org ) or by mailing your contribution to: Faith Bible Presbyterian Church 3001 Marian Dr. Trenton Mi 48183 "The Pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both." ~ John Calvin (July 10, 1509 - May 27, 1564). "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." ~ NKJV John 10:27 "Satan's greatest success is in making people think they have plenty of time before they die to consider their eternal welfare" ~ John Owen (1616 - August 1683). "For the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ." ~ NKJV Rev. 1:9 Fᴀɪᴛʜ Bɪʙʟᴇ Pʀᴇsʙʏᴛᴇʀɪᴀɴ Cʜᴜʀᴄʜ ~ Tʀᴜᴇ Worship & Aᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄ Fᴇʟʟᴏᴡsʜɪᴘ ~ Faith Bible Presbyterian Church is a Bible believing and Christ honoring church that is committed to teaching|preaching the Word of God with diligence and authority. We stand for the historic Christian faith, and we welcome you to our services of worship. Won't you join us? faithbiblepres.org

Mark Hogan teaches on John Owen's final rule for congregational meetings, emphasizing that elders alone have the biblical authority to call such meetings and that members are obligated to attend unless providentially hindered. Drawing from Acts 6 (the appointment of deacons) and Acts 14 (Paul appointing elders and reporting to the Antioch church), Hogan argues that congregational meetings are necessary for admitting and dismissing members, resolving church discipline cases, electing officers, approving budgets, and addressing problems. He applies this by urging members not to view these meetings as burdens but as fulfilling their duty to Christ and honoring their elders. Hogan then suggests two practical changes for Grace Baptist Church: first, removing the constitutional provision allowing 15 members to force a congregational meeting, as it undermines elder authority; second, considering whether church discipline cases should be handled on a separate day rather than on the Lord's Day, to avoid distracting from worship and meditation on the preached word.

In Mark 2:18–22, Jesus is asked why His disciples do not fast like the disciples of John and the Pharisees. His answer reveals that the real issue is not merely fasting, but the identity and mission of Christ. Jesus is the Bridegroom who has come for His people. His presence brings joy, yet He also foretells the day when the Bridegroom will be taken away, pointing forward to the cross. Through the images of old garments, new cloth, old wineskins, and new wine, Christ teaches that He cannot be treated as a patch for self-righteous religion. He brings the fulfillment of God's promises, the life of the new covenant, and the joy of sinners welcomed by grace. This sermon calls hearers to come to Christ, not as those trusting in outward religion, but as needy sinners receiving the Bridegroom by faith.

What happens when our public religious lives don't match the hidden corners of our hearts? Today, we're diving into the deep end of the human soul with the help of America's greatest spiritual detectives. From Jonathan Edwards' piercing warning that true faith is verified in the dark, to John Owen's ultimate blueprint for a peaceful, focused mind in a world drowning in distraction, we're pulling back the curtain on performative faith. Even legendary statesman Daniel Webster warned over two centuries ago that without a solid moral compass, a nation slides into chaos. If you've ever wondered whether your inner life matches your outer presentation, or if you're just looking for a little unshakeable peace in a loud world, stay with us—this is a conversation you cannot afford to miss."

John Owen contended in his book, published in 1683, "No man shall ever behold the glory of Christ by sight hereafter who does not in some measure behold it here by faith". He elaborated that our view of the glory of Christ by faith, however dim, is fit to thrive and widen as a river meets the sea, as we come to our end in this world. Such a widening or even a "recovery from decays" (Owen's words) is the purpose of this concluding study as we consider : (1) Glory beheld by faith, (2) Glorious Triune Love, (3) Rejoicing amidst sufferings in "Hope of the Glory of God", (4) The glory yet to be revealed to us, and (5) Christ in you, the hope of glory Colossians 1:26-27.

John Owen contended in his book, published in 1683, "No man shall ever behold the glory of Christ by sight hereafter who does not in some measure behold it here by faith". He elaborated that our view of the glory of Christ by faith, however dim, is fit to thrive and widen as a river meets the sea, as we come to our end in this world. Such a widening or even a "recovery from decays" (Owen's words) is the purpose of this concluding study as we consider : (1) Glory beheld by faith, (2) Glorious Triune Love, (3) Rejoicing amidst sufferings in "Hope of the Glory of God", (4) The glory yet to be revealed to us, and (5) Christ in you, the hope of glory Colossians 1:26-27.

The devotion emphasizes the critical necessity of continually mortifying sin to prevent spiritual ruin. It illustrates how sin begins modestly but gradually hardens the heart and deceives the soul into indifference toward God. Drawing on John Owen's teachings, the message warns that unchecked temptation inevitably escalates into severe transgression. The central argument asserts that only persistent spiritual discipline can wither the root of sin before it takes hold. Believers are urged to remain vigilant in this duty to maintain their standing with God.

This sermon on Mark 2:13–17 considers the calling of Levi, Jesus' table fellowship with tax collectors and sinners, and Christ's declaration that He came not to call the righteous, but sinners. Jesus sees and calls the despised sinner, receives sinners without compromising holiness, and reveals Himself as the Physician for the spiritually sick. The message emphasizes effectual calling, repentance, grace, gospel hospitality, and the church's calling to welcome sinners with holy mercy while proclaiming Christ clearly.

Robert Fitzgerald taught from John Owen's Rule 6 on the duty of loyalty to the pastor, emphasizing that church members must remain faithfully at their pastor's side in all trials and persecutions that arise because of the word. He explained that this loyalty must be demonstrated in mind, heart, and action—defending the pastor's sound doctrine when assailed, standing with him when his person is attacked, and supporting him through tangible encouragement. Fitzgerald stressed that this duty applies to all such trials without exception, though not when a pastor suffers for sinful or illegal conduct. He used 2 Timothy 4:16 as a negative example of those who forsook Paul in his trial, and 2 Timothy 1:16-18 as a positive example of Onesiphorus who zealously sought out and refreshed Paul in prison. The application was clear: members must be ready to support their pastor even at personal cost, whether from state persecution, slander from within the church, or other forms of opposition. Fitzgerald warned that such trials may soon become less hypothetical in America, and urged the congregation to be prepared to stand with their pastors as a bulwark against despair, imitating Christ who was forsaken but expects His under-shepherds to receive the support He was denied.

Please consider how you can be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ through your financial support to the continued work of His Church in this time. Contributions can be made by PayPal by visiting our website ( faithbiblepres.org ) or by mailing your contribution to: Faith Bible Presbyterian Church 3001 Marian Dr. Trenton Mi 48183 "The Pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both." ~ John Calvin (July 10, 1509 - May 27, 1564). "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." ~ NKJV John 10:27 "Satan's greatest success is in making people think they have plenty of time before they die to consider their eternal welfare" ~ John Owen (1616 - August 1683). "For the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ." ~ NKJV Rev. 1:9 Fᴀɪᴛʜ Bɪʙʟᴇ Pʀᴇsʙʏᴛᴇʀɪᴀɴ Cʜᴜʀᴄʜ ~ Tʀᴜᴇ Worship & Aᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄ Fᴇʟʟᴏᴡsʜɪᴘ ~ Faith Bible Presbyterian Church is a Bible believing and Christ honoring church that is committed to teaching|preaching the Word of God with diligence and authority. We stand for the historic Christian faith, and we welcome you to our services of worship. Won't you join us? faithbiblepres.org

Please consider how you can be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ through your financial support to the continued work of His Church in this time. Contributions can be made by PayPal by visiting our website ( faithbiblepres.org ) or by mailing your contribution to: Faith Bible Presbyterian Church 3001 Marian Dr. Trenton Mi 48183 "The Pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both." ~ John Calvin (July 10, 1509 - May 27, 1564). "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." ~ NKJV John 10:27 "Satan's greatest success is in making people think they have plenty of time before they die to consider their eternal welfare" ~ John Owen (1616 - August 1683). "For the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ." ~ NKJV Rev. 1:9 Fᴀɪᴛʜ Bɪʙʟᴇ Pʀᴇsʙʏᴛᴇʀɪᴀɴ Cʜᴜʀᴄʜ ~ Tʀᴜᴇ Worship & Aᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄ Fᴇʟʟᴏᴡsʜɪᴘ ~ Faith Bible Presbyterian Church is a Bible believing and Christ honoring church that is committed to teaching|preaching the Word of God with diligence and authority. We stand for the historic Christian faith, and we welcome you to our services of worship. Won't you join us? faithbiblepres.org

The devotion addresses the persistent reality of indwelling sin in believers, refuting the notion that perfect obedience is achievable in this life. It emphasizes that while the inner nature is renewed daily, a struggle remains between the flesh and the Spirit. Consequently, Christians are called to actively mortify sin rather than claim perfection. This ongoing process relies on growth in knowledge of Christ and patience for final deliverance at death. The message encourages humility and persistent spiritual warfare until the believer's earthly journey ends.

Believers may be taught what is the power and effectiveness of that plague of sin that is in and among them by the effects the same plague produces in and among others, the unregenerate—who have not those corrections of its poison and those preservatives from death with which the Lord Jesus Christ has furnished believers. John Owen Indwelling Sin Chapel Library Edition.

In Mark 2:1–12, Jesus reveals that man's deepest need is not merely physical relief, improved circumstances, or earthly help, but forgiveness of sins. When a paralytic is lowered before Him, Christ first speaks to the man's soul: "Son, your sins are forgiven." This astonishing declaration exposes both the faith of those who came to Christ and the silent unbelief of the scribes who questioned Him in their hearts. Jesus then demonstrates His divine authority by commanding the paralytic to rise, take up his bed, and walk. The visible healing confirms the invisible reality: the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. This sermon calls hearers to examine whether they are merely near Christ outwardly, or truly coming to Him in faith for pardon, mercy, and newness of life.

The Law discovers sin. Sin in the soul is like a secret feverish distemper in the body. Its being unknown and unperceived is one great means of its prevalence. Sin in the soul is like traitors in a civil state: while they lie hidden, they vigorously carry on their design. The greatest part of men in the world know nothing of this sickness, yea, death of their souls. Though they have been taught somewhat of the doctrine of it, yet they know nothing of its power. They know it not so as to deal with it as their mortal enemy. John Owen. Indwelling Sin Chapel Library Edition.

Pastor Robert Fitzgerald teaches on the biblical duty of a local church to provide material and financial support for its pastor and his family, as outlined in John Owen's Rule 5. He emphasizes that this is not optional but a gospel obligation rooted in Scripture, including 1 Timothy 5:17-18, 1 Corinthians 9, and Galatians 6:6-7. The support should be generous and sacrificial, reflecting the pattern of Christ's giving, and should free the pastor from secular entanglements so he can devote himself to ministry. Fitzgerald challenges members to ask whether their giving would adequately support the pastor if everyone gave as they do, urging honest self-examination and adjustment. He stresses that the church must prioritize pastoral support over other expenses and that withholding due support is a serious sin. The ultimate motivation is joyful obedience to Christ, who commands and enables this duty for the advancement of His kingdom.

Indwelling sin brings men into habitual declension by taking men off from their watch against the returns of Satan. When our Lord Christ comes first to take possession of any soul for Himself, He binds that strong man and spoils his goods; He deprives him of all his power, dominion, and interest. Satan being thus dispossessed and frustrated in his hopes and expectations, leaves the soul, as finding it newly mortified to his baits. Owen, John. Indwelling Sin Chapel Library Edition.

Please consider how you can be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ through your financial support to the continued work of His Church in this time. Contributions can be made by PayPal by visiting our website ( faithbiblepres.org ) or by mailing your contribution to: Faith Bible Presbyterian Church 3001 Marian Dr. Trenton Mi 48183 "The Pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both." ~ John Calvin (July 10, 1509 - May 27, 1564). "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." ~ NKJV John 10:27 "Satan's greatest success is in making people think they have plenty of time before they die to consider their eternal welfare" ~ John Owen (1616 - August 1683). "For the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ." ~ NKJV Rev. 1:9 Fᴀɪᴛʜ Bɪʙʟᴇ Pʀᴇsʙʏᴛᴇʀɪᴀɴ Cʜᴜʀᴄʜ ~ Tʀᴜᴇ Worship & Aᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄ Fᴇʟʟᴏᴡsʜɪᴘ ~ Faith Bible Presbyterian Church is a Bible believing and Christ honoring church that is committed to teaching|preaching the Word of God with diligence and authority. We stand for the historic Christian faith, and we welcome you to our services of worship. Won't you join us? faithbiblepres.org

Please consider how you can be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ through your financial support to the continued work of His Church in this time. Contributions can be made by PayPal by visiting our website ( faithbiblepres.org ) or by mailing your contribution to: Faith Bible Presbyterian Church 3001 Marian Dr. Trenton Mi 48183 "The Pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both." ~ John Calvin (July 10, 1509 - May 27, 1564). "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." ~ NKJV John 10:27 "Satan's greatest success is in making people think they have plenty of time before they die to consider their eternal welfare" ~ John Owen (1616 - August 1683). "For the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ." ~ NKJV Rev. 1:9 Fᴀɪᴛʜ Bɪʙʟᴇ Pʀᴇsʙʏᴛᴇʀɪᴀɴ Cʜᴜʀᴄʜ ~ Tʀᴜᴇ Worship & Aᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄ Fᴇʟʟᴏᴡsʜɪᴘ ~ Faith Bible Presbyterian Church is a Bible believing and Christ honoring church that is committed to teaching|preaching the Word of God with diligence and authority. We stand for the historic Christian faith, and we welcome you to our services of worship. Won't you join us? faithbiblepres.org

Consider the fearful eruptions of actual sin that have been in the lives of believers, and we shall find our position regarding indwelling sin evidenced. Should I go through at large with this consideration, I must recount all the sad and scandalous failings of the saints that are left on record in the holy Scripture. However, the particulars of them are known to all so that I shall not need to mention them, nor the many aggravations with which they are attended in their circumstances. chapellibrary org

There are two ways in general by which God thus prevents the bringing forth of conceived sin by working on the will of the sinner. They are a) by restraining grace; and b) by renewing (saving) grace. He does it sometimes the one way and sometimes the other. The first of these is common to regenerate and unregenerate persons, the latter is peculiar to believers. This title is from the Chapel Library, Specially formatted.

Proposing sin as desirable Taking advantage of such seasons, indwelling sin proposes a specific sin as desirable, as exceeding satisfactory to the corrupt part of our affections. It gilds over88 the object by a thousand pretenses that it presents to corrupt lustings. This is the laying of a bait that the apostle in this verse evidently alludes to: "drawn away of his own lust, and enticed"

This video uses the historic London cemetery of Bunhill Fields as a living tapestry to illustrate the enduring impact of faithful, often uncelebrated, Christian ministry across generations. Through the graves of influential figures like John Bunyan, John Owen, William Blake, and the Wesleys, the message underscores how God often raises up humble, dedicated servants—particularly young and unheralded ones—to carry forward His work with lasting influence. The narrative highlights a recurring pattern: the most transformative eras in church history have often followed the model of investing in young, passionate leaders rather than seeking fame or celebrity. The contrast between the church's golden age under C.H. Spurgeon—a young pastor chosen for faithfulness rather than reputation—and its subsequent decline after seeking star power serves as a sobering reminder of the value of spiritual maturity over cultural prominence. Ultimately, the sermon calls the church to prioritize faithful stewardship, continuity, and the quiet power of godly character over the allure of celebrity, drawing strength from the legacy of those who lived and died in faithful service.

In this exposition of Mark 1:40-45, we encounter a desperate leper who approaches Jesus with nothing but his uncleanness and a plea: "If you will, you can make me clean." What follows is a profound picture of the gospel—Jesus, moved with compassion, stretches out His hand, touches the untouchable, and declares, "I will; be clean." This sermon explores the heart of Christ: His willingness to save, His power to cleanse completely, and His gracious authority that calls us to obedience. Through the leper's story, we see how Jesus reverses the curse of sin, bears our exclusion, and restores sinners to fellowship with God. Whether you feel distant from God because of past failures, lingering shame, or repeated weakness, this message proclaims hope: Christ does not recoil from the unclean—He draws near. Key Themes: • Jesus' compassion for the undeserving • Complete cleansing from sin (not partial or probationary) • The cost of grace and the call to obedient faith • How the gospel welcomes those who feel unworthy If you've ever wondered, "Can God still welcome someone like me?" this sermon will encourage your soul and point you to the Willing Savior. Ideal for believers seeking assurance, those battling shame or guilt, and anyone exploring the true meaning of forgiveness in Christ. Listen now to discover how grace changes everything—from desperate appeal to decisive deliverance—and how Christ's work on the cross makes true restoration possible.

Please consider how you can be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ through your financial support to the continued work of His Church in this time. Contributions can be made by PayPal by visiting our website ( faithbiblepres.org ) or by mailing your contribution to: Faith Bible Presbyterian Church 3001 Marian Dr. Trenton Mi 48183 "The Pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both." ~ John Calvin (July 10, 1509 - May 27, 1564). "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." ~ NKJV John 10:27 "Satan's greatest success is in making people think they have plenty of time before they die to consider their eternal welfare" ~ John Owen (1616 - August 1683). "For the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ." ~ NKJV Rev. 1:9 Fᴀɪᴛʜ Bɪʙʟᴇ Pʀᴇsʙʏᴛᴇʀɪᴀɴ Cʜᴜʀᴄʜ ~ Tʀᴜᴇ Worship & Aᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄ Fᴇʟʟᴏᴡsʜɪᴘ ~ Faith Bible Presbyterian Church is a Bible believing and Christ honoring church that is committed to teaching|preaching the Word of God with diligence and authority. We stand for the historic Christian faith, and we welcome you to our services of worship. Won't you join us? faithbiblepres.org

Please consider how you can be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ through your financial support to the continued work of His Church in this time. Contributions can be made by PayPal by visiting our website ( faithbiblepres.org ) or by mailing your contribution to: Faith Bible Presbyterian Church 3001 Marian Dr. Trenton Mi 48183 "The Pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both." ~ John Calvin (July 10, 1509 - May 27, 1564). "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." ~ NKJV John 10:27 "Satan's greatest success is in making people think they have plenty of time before they die to consider their eternal welfare" ~ John Owen (1616 - August 1683). "For the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ." ~ NKJV Rev. 1:9 Fᴀɪᴛʜ Bɪʙʟᴇ Pʀᴇsʙʏᴛᴇʀɪᴀɴ Cʜᴜʀᴄʜ ~ Tʀᴜᴇ Worship & Aᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄ Fᴇʟʟᴏᴡsʜɪᴘ ~ Faith Bible Presbyterian Church is a Bible believing and Christ honoring church that is committed to teaching|preaching the Word of God with diligence and authority. We stand for the historic Christian faith, and we welcome you to our services of worship. Won't you join us? faithbiblepres.org

Mental sloth It is from the deceit of sin that the mind is spiritually slothful, by which it becomes negligent of this duty. The principal discharge of the mind's trust in this matter is expressed by "watching," which is the great caution that the Lord Jesus gave to His disciples in reference to all their dangers from sin and Satan. "I say unto all, Watch" (Mar 13:37). That is, use your utmost diligence and carefulness so that you are not surprised and entangled with temptations.

Sunday School Hour: studying the John Owen book, Rules for Walking in Fellowship, or Duties of Christian Fellowship. The focus today is: Section 1, rules #3 and #4, praying for and esteeming your pastor.

Mark Hogan teaches on the biblical duty of church members to honor, esteem, and respectfully submit to their pastors and elders. He clarifies that this is a relational superiority, not ontological—pastors are not infallible and can be questioned appropriately, but they deserve genuine respect for their Christ-delegated role and sacrificial labor. Drawing from Exodus 20:12, Exodus 22:28, 1 Corinthians 4:1, Philippians 2:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 1 Timothy 5:17, Hebrews 13:17, and 1 Peter 5:5, Hogan emphasizes that elders are to be recognized, esteemed very highly for their work's sake, and obeyed with a willing attitude and action. The motive for this civil esteem is sacred—it arises from honoring Christ and keeping a good conscience before God. Hogan warns against both idolizing pastors and dismissing them, and notes that a church's grace is revealed when pastors are held in high regard. The application is for members to cultivate a humble, obedient mindset toward their leaders, while understanding that elders themselves are accountable to God and will be judged for their faithfulness.

Please consider how you can be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ through your financial support to the continued work of His Church in this time. Contributions can be made by PayPal by visiting our website ( faithbiblepres.org ) or by mailing your contribution to: Faith Bible Presbyterian Church 3001 Marian Dr. Trenton Mi 48183 "The Pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both." ~ John Calvin (July 10, 1509 - May 27, 1564). "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." ~ NKJV John 10:27 "Satan's greatest success is in making people think they have plenty of time before they die to consider their eternal welfare" ~ John Owen (1616 - August 1683). "For the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ." ~ NKJV Rev. 1:9 Fᴀɪᴛʜ Bɪʙʟᴇ Pʀᴇsʙʏᴛᴇʀɪᴀɴ Cʜᴜʀᴄʜ ~ Tʀᴜᴇ Worship & Aᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄ Fᴇʟʟᴏᴡsʜɪᴘ ~ Faith Bible Presbyterian Church is a Bible believing and Christ honoring church that is committed to teaching|preaching the Word of God with diligence and authority. We stand for the historic Christian faith, and we welcome you to our services of worship. Won't you join us? faithbiblepres.org

When sin is resisted by prayer, it puts forth its deceit in its own defense. It labors to divert and draw off the mind from attending to prayer and similar duties. There are, among others, three ways and means by which sin attempts to accomplish its design. a. Weariness of the flesh Indwelling sin makes advantage of its weariness to the flesh. There is an aversion, as has been declared, in the law of sin toward all direct communion with God.

A new MP3 sermon from The Narrated Puritan is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Catholicism: Corruption of Christian Duty Into Force and Coercion Subtitle: The Chamber of Imagery Speaker: John Owen Broadcaster: The Narrated Puritan Event: Audiobook Date: 11/19/2025 Length: 10 min.