Oak Grove Baptist Church

The sermon explores the often-overlooked reality of Christ's presence between his ascension and second coming, challenging the notion of absence despite scriptural passages suggesting otherwise. Drawing on passages from John, Colossians, and Romans, it reconciles apparent contradictions by emphasizing the indwelling of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—within believers, highlighting that Christ's promise to abide with his followers is fulfilled through the Spirit. Ultimately, the message underscores the profound significance of Christ's ongoing presence and encourages reliance on his character rather than fleeting feelings, affirming the reality of divine indwelling for all who have faith.

The sermon explores the theological concept of God's decrees, emphasizing that God's actions, both in creation and providence, are rooted in His eternal purpose and will, not reactions to external events. Drawing from Scripture, particularly Ephesians 1 and Isaiah 40, it highlights God's sovereignty and predestination, asserting that all things come to pass according to His predetermined plan, while simultaneously affirming the importance of union with Christ and a humble recognition of God's perfect knowledge, ultimately offering a foundation for peace and trust in the face of life's uncertainties.

The sermon ends at 42.54, the recorder was left on by mistake. The sermon explores the concept of changeability in human experience, contrasting it with the immutable nature of God. Drawing from Scripture, particularly Malachi 3 and James 1, it emphasizes God's unchanging essence as Creator and source of all good gifts, offering a refuge and security for believers. It cautions against attributing emotions or passions to God, highlighting His perfect and unwavering love, and underscores the comfort and confidence derived from knowing God's promises and character remain steadfast, offering a foundation for faith and assurance.

The sermon emphasizes the critical distinction between the Creator and the creature, challenging common misconceptions about God's need for human companionship or validation. Drawing on Scripture, particularly Psalm 50 and Acts 17, it argues that God is inherently self-sufficient, independent, and aseity, existing beyond human comprehension and requiring nothing from creation. This understanding profoundly impacts worship, urging believers to recognize God's sovereignty and grace rather than attributing to Him human-like emotions or dependencies, ultimately highlighting His eternal love and saving power that transcends human limitations.

The sermon explores the concept of Christian liberty, distinguishing it from worldly freedom and emphasizing its true meaning as deliverance from sin, Satan, and the condemnation of God's law. It challenges the common misconception of liberty as the right to do as one pleases, instead highlighting it as the freedom to serve God and delight in His commands, ultimately leading to a clear understanding of right and wrong. Drawing on Scripture, including passages from 1 Peter, Matthew, and Colossians, the message underscores that true liberty stems from recognizing Christ's work in believers' lives, fostering a spirit of obedience and sacrificial love rather than a pursuit of permissible boundaries.

The sermon explores the challenging instruction for enslaved individuals within a historical context, emphasizing that their submission to masters, even harsh ones, can glorify God. Drawing from 1 Peter 2, the message highlights Christ's example of enduring suffering without retaliation, demonstrating a commitment to divine judgment and ultimately offering healing and redemption. The speaker underscores that regardless of circumstance, believers are part of Christ's royal family and equally loved, called to live with conscience towards God, reflecting Christ's grace and ultimately returning to Him as Shepherd and Overseer of their souls.

The sermon emphasizes the Christian's responsibility to submit to governing authorities, viewing this obedience as an act of submission to God and a means of demonstrating a positive influence on the world. Drawing from 1 Peter, it explores the importance of honorable conduct among non-believers, highlighting that submission isn't blind but rather a strategic approach to glorify God and potentially lead others to faith. The message underscores the purpose of authority – both punishing wrongdoing and praising good deeds – and cautions against the lust for power, urging believers to engage with civic life responsibly and prayerfully, recognizing their role as ambassadors for Christ within society.

The sermon explores the challenging reality of Christian identity within a world that often misunderstands and opposes faith, drawing from 1 Peter 2. It emphasizes that believers, as sojourners and pilgrims, are fundamentally different and called to abstain from fleshly lusts, maintaining honorable conduct even amidst criticism. The message underscores that good works, though potentially provoking negative reactions, ultimately serve to glorify God, particularly when they contribute to a divine visitation—a moment of spiritual awakening or conversion. Ultimately, the sermon calls for self-control and a life lived in accordance with God's grace, recognizing that every action should reflect and honor His preeminence.

In a time where what someone self-identifies seems to settle things, the reality is what God identifies you takes all precedent. How He identifies the believer is given in these verses.

Jesus rose body and soul, it wouldn't be a true resurrection any other way. Often we look at what He did as if it were some separate miraculous act. Jesus never did anything just for Himself, and the resurrection is a prime example.

According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again.

a New Year Message

This is the third installment on the Servant songs of Isaiah

Isaiah's songs about the work of Christ

Four common conditions prior to salvation.

A Lord's Supper meditation

"Though He justifies the ungodly, He does not justify their ungodliness, He takes us from it, He will not leave us to die in it." John Gill

Goodness and mercy are more than folowing the Christian.

Goodness and mercy are more than folowing the Christian.