John Owen on SermonAudio

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 4:1–20, Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower and explains why people respond so differently to the preaching of the Word. The problem is not with the seed. The seed is the Word of God. The difference is found in the soil of the human heart. Some hear with hardened hearts, and Satan quickly snatches away the Word. Others receive it with initial enthusiasm but have no root and fall away when obedience becomes costly. Still others hear the Word, but the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and other desires choke it until it becomes unfruitful. But there is also good soil. These hear the Word, receive it, and bear fruit thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and a hundredfold. Jesus therefore confronts every hearer with a searching question: How are you hearing the Word of God? Yet this passage is not simply an exhortation to try harder to become good soil. Christ is the faithful Sower and the living Word. He is the obedient and fruitful Son, and through His death and resurrection He brings forth a harvest of redeemed sinners. By His Spirit He softens hardened hearts, roots His people in Himself, frees them from the thorns of this age, and makes them fruitful by grace. Take care how you hear. Receive the Word. Trust Christ. Abide in Him. Bear fruit to the glory of God.

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 we look at the pace of our modern world, with its relentless noise and constant distractions, it is easy for our spiritual lives to become shallow and reactive. But if we turn to the Puritans—masters of the soul like John Owen, Richard Baxter, and William Gurnall—we discover a timeless truth: the mind is the primary battleground of the faith. They understood that whatever captures our thoughts will ultimately capture our desires, shape our character, and govern our worship. Far from being a passive space, the mind must be actively guarded against the subtle intrusions of worldliness, the sluggishness of mental ease, and the intrusive noise of unwanted distractions. Tonight, we are going to explore this rich Puritan tradition of spiritual psychology, discovering how taking control of our inner thought-life is the essential key to cultivating a heart that truly loves God and finds lasting peace.

This study explores the delicate balance between solemn warning and ultimate triumph in Reformed theology by contrasting John Bunyan's scene at the Delectable Mountains—where the Shepherds soberly observe that "few show their face on these mountains"—with the historic debate over the total number of the redeemed. By examining the rigorous pastoral warnings of Puritans like John Owen, Thomas Shepard, and Jonathan Edwards alongside the expansive, victorious vision of B. B. Warfield, R. L. Dabney, and C. H. Spurgeon, this investigation harmonizes the local, searching reality of Matthew 7 ("narrow is the gate") with the global, eschatological promise of Revelation 7 ("an innumerable multitude"). Ultimately, it demonstrates how classic Reformed theology maintains both a rigorous call to self-examination against false assurance—as embodied in Bunyan's tragic character Ignorance—and an unshakeable confidence in the cosmic, vast scope of Christ's saving victory.

Sudden alterations. As in the case of Job, God takes a man whom he hath blessed with choice of blessings, in the midst of a course of obedience and close walking with himself, when he expected to die in his nest, and to see good all his days;—ruins him in a moment; blasts his name, that he who was esteemed a choice saint, shall not be able to deliver himself from the common esteem of a hypocrite; slays his children; takes away his rest, health, and every thing that is desirable to him. This amazes the soul; it knows not what God is doing, nor why he pleads with it in so much bitterness. A man that either is, or may fall into such a condition, will find that he will never be able to walk with God in it, without humbling himself to the law of His providence.

Join us for Worship Service on Sunday's at 10:30am! Genesis 36:1-37 "The Legacy of a Godless Life" by Pastor Kevin Pulliam OT: Psalm 73:1-10 NT: Hebrews 12:3-11 Consider This: "The most tremendous judgement of God in this world is the hardening of the hearts of men." John Owen #christreformedchurchminot Trinity Hymnal Published by Great Commission Publications CCLI#22311974,22311981

Introduction Augustine - "How can gods be worthy of worship whose own stories portray them as adulterers, thieves, and deceivers?" God's Promise (vv 13-15) God's Oath (vv 16-18) God's Son (vv 19-12) John Owen - "Even heaven itself would be no safe place for us to fix the anchor of our trust and hope in, if Christ were not there, for without Him there would be no throne of grace in heaven.

Sunday School Hour: studying the John Owen book, Rules for Walking in Fellowship, or The Duties of Christian Fellowship. The current section covers our obligations toward other church members, rules 7-9. Rule 7: bear one another's weaknesses with patience, forgiving one another. Rule 8: supporting one another in spiritual and temporal needs, marked by compassion. And Rule 9: willingly sharing our resources so that the love of Christ is visibly expressed in the church.

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 warns against the deception of loving sin more than God, particularly when believers attempt to apply God's grace and mercy to sins they refuse to mortify. Drawing on John Owen's theology, it identifies this attitude as a sign of hypocrisy that perverts divine grace into sensuality rather than holiness. The text contrasts true Christian sincerity with the fleshly reasoning that seeks conditional forgiveness while maintaining sinful habits. By referencing biblical examples like Naaman and Paul's warnings, the message emphasizes that indulging in sin under the guise of mercy is inconsistent with genuine faith. Ultimately, it calls for vigorous opposition to sin, asserting that grace must not be used as a license for continued unrepentance.

In John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, Christian's burden is a vivid theological analogy representing the conscious, crushing weight of guilt and terror of divine judgment that presses upon an awakened sinner when enlightened by God's Law. To the Puritans, this burden is not sin in the abstract, but the painful realization of one's own total depravity, heart-sins, and complete inability to satisfy God's unyielding justice through moral reform or religious duties. Driven by this "law work," the sinner is systematically stripped of self-righteousness, legalism, and mercenary self-trust—such as Christian's terrifying detour under Mount Sinai—until they are emptied of self-sufficiency. Though Christian is truly regenerated and justified upon entering the Wicket Gate, his burden remains until he arrives at the Cross, illustrating the historic Reformed principle (reflected in WLC Q.81 and Owen's exposition of Psalm 130) that a soul may be in a state of grace for some time before the Holy Spirit grants the conscious, liberating sense of pardon and full assurance.

Jesus was misunderstood by His own family and maliciously accused by the religious leaders. His family said He was out of His mind. The scribes claimed that He cast out demons by the power of Satan. Jesus answered by revealing that He is the stronger Man who has entered Satan's house, bound the strong man, and is plundering his possessions. This sermon explains Christ's victory over Satan, His warning concerning blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, His abundant mercy toward repentant sinners, and His gathering of a new and everlasting family. Those who belong to Christ are not saved by their obedience, but those whom He saves are renewed to hear God's Word and do His will. Christ is the faithful Son who obeyed for us, the stronger Redeemer who delivers us, the merciful Savior who forgives us, and the risen Lord who gathers us into the household of God.

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 God's Gospel (vv 1-3) God's Warning (vv 4-8) John Owen - "This is the 'falling away' intended by the apostle,—a voluntary, resolved relinquishment of, and apostasy from, the gospel, the faith, rule, and obedience thereof; which cannot be without casting the highest reproach upon the person of Christ Himself." God's Blessing (vv 9-12) John Owen - "The greatest sorrow and burden you can lay on the Father, the greatest unkindness you can do to Him, is not to believe that He loves you."

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

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.