Scripture Applied

What do you have right now, as a Christian, that’s not dependent on your feelings or day-to-day life? You have peace with God because you’ve been justified by faith. This peace is not some kind of emotional high or spiritual calm that you experience. It’s solid and unchangeable. It’s an objective and unshakable peace—secured by Christ—that can’t be swept away, “Therefore having been justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ . . .” (Rom. 5:1). God has pronounced you righteous, and “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in” Him (Rom. 8:1). No matter how you “feel” on any given day, you have an unmovable peace with God that will never end. Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/659255a9db5b660593ffe4f6

There’s a kind of woman who foils the plans of the Devil. This kind of woman doesn’t need a stage, applause, or a social media platform. But when she rises in the morning, hell trembles because she knows who she is. She is, as Solomon said, “Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, [and] awesome as an army with banners” (Song of Sol. 6:10). She is hope at sunrise, bringing light to the darkness with a radiant, visible character that burns bright and warm. She wages war fiercely but quietly, carrying the banners of Christ as a devoted nurturer. She doesn’t need to fight like men—she fights by raising children, honoring her husband, teaching younger women, and reflecting Jesus Christ in everything she does. Let’s raise a generation of women like this—women who radiate beauty and terrify the darkness.

Parents—your home is not a democracy. It’s God’s appointed training ground for you to teach your children how to honor their father and mother, “the first commandment with [a] promise” (Eph. 6:2). So, examine your home life. Is it marked by children who reject authority, whine, roll their eyes, and ignore your wishes? Are they slow to obey, which is disobedience? It really matters what you do—how you speak to your children, what you tolerate, and how quickly and effectively you deal with outbursts of dishonor. Here’s the bottom line: It’s your duty to transition your children out of being governed by their emotions to be governed by the Word of God. So, help your children understand parental authority, and make it clear to them the promises they will experience when they truly honor you. Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/68749dd2438c838139e5b3c1

We live in a child-centered culture where emotions are enthroned, and parents are expected to seek approval from their children instead of leading them with their God-given authority. This isn't compassion—it's confusion—and it is hurting our homes and harming the rising generation. The key to turning this around is for parents to disrupt the idolatry of self in the family and uphold the Fifth Commandment, “Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise” (Eph. 6:2). So, parents—stop listening to Freudian psychobabblers and raise your children after God’s Word. Show them what honor looks like, and rebuild the walls of your home with the mortar of authority and truth. Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/686b6318fa360db97f9d7637

Dishonor makes people nomadic – in churches, marriages, friendships, jobs. It makes them keep looking for a better deal. However, Biblical honor is the missing ingredient in broken relationships. But, we live in a dishonorable age where people say and post whatever they want, children talk back to their parents, leave churches, job hop. This flies in the face of God’s direct command that we “give preference to one another” with “honor” (Rom. 12:10). Yet true honor toward others doesn’t happen. It’s the fruit of salvation and a transformed heart. It flows from honoring Christ as we present ourselves as living sacrifices to Him. So, are you cultivating a spirit of honor in your heart toward God and those around you? Or, are you going to keep moving on from one relationship to another? Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/68622894415d2d77bb98b1a1

The most terrifying thing the Devil sees is not a woman in the boardroom, on a political stage, or behind a podcast mic. It’s a woman in the home raising her children in the fear of God, loving her husband, and building the next generation by faith. This is exactly what feminism hates. Instead of enhancing femininity, feminism obliterates it. So, here's the question, sisters: Has the boa constrictor started nibbling at your feet? Are there areas where feminism has crept in to your wardrobe, your schedule, your ambitions, your theology? If so, take aim with the word of God in one hand, and your calling in the other. Stand your ground—raise your children, help your husband, build your home, be a homemaker, be holy. Become the woman God created you to be.

Every church has an aroma about it. So, what your church’s: Is it a lingering scent of bitterness or indifference—or the aroma of love? In Romans 12:10, Paul gives us a blueprint on how to cultivate the latter, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love.” This reveals that the church is not to function like a social club or a business meeting, but like a family where there’s genuine laughter, forgiveness, warmth, and even tears. Such a culture can’t be achieved through clever programs or simply “being busy,” but through showing quiet genuineness and personal love toward each another. So rather than lose affection for, and keep our distance from, those in our congregation, let’s be a church that’s “kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love” (Rom. 12:10). Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/684fb3af544d5fe98a8cdd8b

In a world that celebrates what God hates, how do Christians live a life that pleases God? Romans 12:9 gives a clear roadmap on how to answer this question: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” These three commands tell us is that love is not blind; biblical love hates evil—it clings like glue to what is good. So, are there things in your life that God hates: music, movies, and conversations with corrupt people? If there are, then throw them out and cling to the truth. Don’t just tweak your playlists—transform your affections that create your playlist. Don’t just filter your entertainment—but feed your soul. Glue your life to the word of God, the people of God, and the holiness of God. In this way you’ll learn what true love is. Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/684678fb8bcefa77a87b9bd8

In Romans 12:9, Paul gives this pivotal statement: “Let love be without hypocrisy.” This is a call for our love to be genuine. Hypocrisy, by contrast, is saying nice things when we don’t mean it, or doing good deeds just to get something in return. This sin problem extends to all our relationships, even within the church. So how do we know if our love is hypocritical? 1 John 3:20 gives us a simple guide, “For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart and knows all things.” So we need not need despair: if we’re truly redeemed, God, through his Spirit and His Word, will cut through the confusion and show us our hypocrisy, so that we can genuinely love others as Christ loves us (John 13:34). Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/683d3eb8466c06ff70c715d4

The church is not a spectator sport. It is intentionally personal and requires every member to use their spiritual gifts to build each other up. The secret to this life together is our personal union with Christ. Close intimacy with Him is what leads to a thriving, loving, and relational church. This underground spring gives us inner strength and wisdom which flows forth and blesses others. So put your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ, first, so that your hands will be productive as you minister to the body with love. Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/682ac9b3c4eab1dd78874d6a

What should your attitude be about the local church? It should be to humbly acknowledge that you’re just one part of the body of Christ, and that you’re dependent on the other parts to function well. Consider the fact that there are 200 different types of cells in the human body—and all need each other, working together, for the body to thrive. So it is with the church. Even the weakest member is necessary. So rather than approach local church life causally, we should bring passion, purpose, and urgency to exercise our gifts to benefit the whole church body, remembering that we’re many members, but one body in Christ (Rom. 12:3-5). Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/6824321f981d11c30de4c400

A superior culture in a local church starts with humility. When members have a lowliness of mind—rather than thinking more highly of themselves then they ought (Rom. 12:3)—church body life is transformed, which builds up the oldest to the youngest. It was this virtue that ended the Māori tribe’s Utu culture of revenge, spreading literacy and transforming social structures in New Zealand—all through a wave of humility that recognized that it’s the grace of God that makes us who we are. Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/681854abf78c68570332d30e

What kind of father are you? Are you actively engaged or checked out? Consider this study in contrasts. In 1692, the Salem Witch Trials wreaked havoc on a community because of a passive father and pastor named Samuel Parris. Sadly, this checked out dad allowed a Caribbean slave girl named Tituba to influence his daughters by having séances in their basements and gossiping about local town members. These girls’ false claims of witchcraft led to the senseless execution of leading Christian women in Salem. Job’s fatherhood example is quite the opposite. He rose up early each day to pray for his children and went regularly to his children’s homes to sanctify them. Unlike Samuel Parris, Job was a faithful protector, provider, and prayer warrior. Remember Job, remember Samuel Parris—and be the father God has called you to be. Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/resources/60ca6cb897de084c53254521

Who’s qualified to lead the church? According to Scripture, it’s men who manage their households well (1 Tim. 3:4-5). The truth is, the family is the factory for church leaders. Family life toughens, equips, humbles, and prepares a man to lead the church. It’s like a nursery—a production center that makes him capable of leading a local body of believers. A man whose children are in order shows a trait that is vital to shepherd the household of God. So if you want to build tested spiritual leaders—men who are equipped and ready to serve as elders—then focus on training faithful family shepherds.

What is shaping you and where are you headed? To properly answer these questions, you must grasp the two paths that confront every man, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2). So what drives your affections at the core—God or the world? Do you desire to be relieved from sinful bondage and find the pathway of true joy and blessing? Then your course must be this—resist being conformed to the world’s mold, even as you strive to transform your mind and priorities into God’s image. Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/67ea30016200ad542ee6a07b

Men, by nature, are builders. They build companies and families, and they’re called and gifted by God to build His church, following Christ’s perfect lead as the God-man (Matt. 16:18). Rather than take a passive, minimalist approach to the church, men are to position themselves to have a maximalist impact in building up their local church bodies. This requires creating margin in their personal time to prioritize the church’s needs and pursuing an expansionist fruit-bearing ministry to their fellow believers. So where are you, as a man, on this spectrum? Are you checked out, or are you fulfilling your call to lead in the church? Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/resources/60ca7cb123fa965169a3cc30

Moms, by God’s grace, can win the hearts of their sons and raise them to be strong in the Lord. This was true of Timothy, whose mother Eunice and grandmother Lois carefully guided him in the Scriptures from an early age (2 Tim. 1:3-5; 3:14-15). If you’re a mom with a son, recognize that you’re raising a future leader—a boy who will one day become a man who exercises authority as a family shepherd, husband, provider, defender, churchman, and warrior. Show your son quiet, firm boundaries as a velvet-covered brick. Encourage him to be masculine, while governing his emotions. Prepare your heart to be his friend, even as you call him to godly manhood.

If you’re married, don’t be hard to live with, causing needless wear and tear on your spouse. This happens when you’re unforgiving (Col. 3:13), impatient (1 Cor. 13:4), or unmerciful (Rom. 1:31); and when you’re unkind and use harsh or rash words. Instead, be easy to live with, manifesting the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). Show forth the marks of love, which suffers long, is kind, does not envy or parade itself, is not puffed up, doesn’t behave rudely, seek its own, think evil, nor is it easily provoked (1 Cor. 13:4-8). Don’t be hard to live with, but prefer one another in honor. Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/resources/63eff8a3e1ef28e573d78a69

Throughout Scripture, God tells His people to sing, and as we raise our children, we’re to teach them to joyfully obey this command. Here are (8) tips to aid you in this effort. First, sing from the little ones all the way to the older ones. Second, don’t let your children mumble their way through the songs. Third, teach them to open their mouths to project their voices. Fourth, show them proper posture. Fifth, remind them to sing when they forget. Sixth, when your children are too young to know all a songs’ words, have them hum the tune. Seventh, sing the same songs at home, in the car. Eighth, make it fun. Ninth, sing on the way to church, so as you come with your children to the meeting, they’ll be ready to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Rom. 12:1). Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/67ce80846f987cfc0eba618f

David wrote more than 70 divinely-inspired psalms that directly spoke to the highs and lows he experienced as a man. This points to a vital truth—that God, in His kindness, has given us songs for every aspect of our life journey. Here are key singing lessons to draw from this truth. First, sing with your whole heart (Zeph. 3:14). Second, sing to be changed. Third, sing to do battle (Num. 21; Ps. 59; 104). Fourth, sing in every season of life. Fifth, sing to impact people around you (Ps. 95). Sixth, sing the Psalms. Seventh, sing songs of lamentation. And, eighth, sing manly songs as men. In all this, present your bodies as a living sacrifice as you sing praise to God (Rom. 12:1; Ps. 100:2). Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/67ce80846f987cfc0eba618f

Because singing praise to God is part of how we present our bodies as a live sacrifice to Him (Rom. 12:1; Ps. 100:2), we must know how to do it. Here are six key lessons. First, sing to teach one another. Second, sing to admonish one another. Third, sing to help you remember God’s word. Fourth, sing strong with gusto. Fifth, sing to proclaim truth. And, sixth, sing for the unity of the church. Don’t be passive with your children; teach them how to sing! Don’t let them mindlessly sing when they come to church, but help them understand what they’re doing. All of this is for one purpose—to point to Jesus Christ, our only hope in life and death. Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/67c545f36f987cfc0eba616e

Singing praise to God is part of how we present our bodies as a live sacrifice to Him (Rom. 12:1; Ps. 100:2). Thus, churches and families should seek to create a vibrant culture of singing. This starts with knowing why we sing. First, we sing because we must, in obedience to God’s specific commands. Second, we sing because God made our bodies, including the voice, as musical instruments. Third, we sing because it helps us respond emotionally with our affections. And, fourth, we sing because it's a critical tool for making disciples. Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/67c545f36f987cfc0eba616e

There is nothing we do, as believers, that's more important than to gather with the people of God for the right worship of God. Yet we’re not free to dream up our own ideas on how to do this. The acceptable way of worshiping God is instituted by Him and limited by His revealed will—what’s known as the regulative principle of worship. The normative principle, by contrast, argues that what’s not forbidden in worship is allowed, which is why movie clips, plays, and skits are often used in church. But how thrilling it is for Christians to simply obey God, coming together with one heart and voice, to worship Him as He prescribes! https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/67bc0b7a79981074d5abdfe5

There is nothing we do, as believers, that's more important than to gather with the people of God for the right worship of God. Yet we’re not free to dream up our own ideas on how to do this. The acceptable way of worshiping God is instituted by Him and limited by His revealed will—what’s known as the regulative principle of worship. The normative principle, by contrast, argues that what’s not forbidden in worship is allowed, which is why movie clips, plays, and skits are often used in church. But how thrilling it is for Christians to simply obey God, coming together with one heart and voice, to worship Him as He prescribes! Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/67bc0b7a79981074d5abdfe5

As Christians, we’re justified by faith (Rom. 1-11), but that faith should drive us to make our bodies a living sacrifice, resulting in a vibrant church (Rom. 12-16). That’s Paul’s case in the book of Romans, and in chapter 12, he gives a diagnostic checkup. In every phrase he describes what the people of God must do to create a superior culture of godliness in the local church. Whenever we’re wronged by others, it’s easy for us to e-mail them their faults, or worse, to launch a website and denounce them. But rather than repay evil for evil, we’re called by God to joyfully yield to His authority and demonstrate biblical love for one another. Sermon:

A doxology is a “Song of Praise,” and Romans 11:33-36 gives us one the most thrilling doxologies in all of Scripture. In it Paul proclaims these powerful truths: (1) The riches of God’s wisdom are unfathomable; (2) His mind is beyond our comprehension; (3) His word is final; (4) His grace does not require our merit; and (5) whatever we do, He—not us—will get the glory. What must we do with this great knowledge? First, recognize there’s great comfort in knowing that God, not you, is in control of everything. And, second, walk your children through these precious truths, for if they truly understand God’s supremacy, it will bring them joy for the rest of their lives. Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/67a99672dd0b6aed2f2d4bbf

The miracle of Christianity is that it involves an inward change of the heart. It results in new life, new thinking, and new behavior. Apart from Christ’s work to change your heart of stone to a heart of flesh, there’s no assurance of salvation. Your reputation, your lifestyle, your boasting in God, your knowledge, your approval of what is right, and the fact that you’re well instructed—none of these externals can ever save you. Christianity works from the inside out: so do you love God with all your heart? Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/64d9e942262ff39658bae1ce

In Romans 11, the Apostle Paul reveals God’s Word as a thrilling symphony across the ages as he unveils God’s master plan to save both Jews and Gentiles. Like a master pianist, Paul goes from one end of Scripture to another, moving across the keys of history to expose the beauty of salvation. In so doing, he is following his Maker’s pattern, as Louis Gaussen states, “The Creator is glancing across the range of keys, stretching over three-score centuries, and then He makes it known to our fallen world.” https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/6784ac86239f2b3a92efceba

Antisemitism must have no place in our outlook as Christians. Take Paul’s case in Romans 11 to heart. In the Old Testament, the Jews were the centerpiece of God’s redemptive work. Yet when Christ came, they waged war against Him and his disciples and were, on the whole, rejected; and “Through their fall . . . salvation has come to the Gentiles” (Rom. 11:11). If you’re a Gentile Christian today, don’t pridefully despise the Jews, but be thankful God grafted you into the seed of Abraham. And know their rejection is not final, for “when the fulness of the Gentiles is come,” they will be gathered to Him again (Rom. 11:26-28). Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/6784ac86239f2b3a92efceba

Paul declared preaching to be essential to salvation, but also stressed the need for sinners to carefully hear, for “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Rom. 10:17). This is as important today as it was then, and as we raise our children, it’s critical we teach them to be attentive to the preacher. J.C. Ryle gives three helpful rules for listening to a sermon: (1) hear with faith, believing implicitly that every word of God is true and shall stand; (2) hear with reverence, remembering constantly that the Bible is the book of God; and (3) hear with prayer, praying for God’s blessing before the sermon is preached, and for His blessing again when the sermon is over. Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/677b71f4de4544b5dc80f600

While sinners come to Christ in different ways, preaching is God’s primary means to bring about salvation. The Apostle Paul declares, “how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Rom. 10:14). And God, Paul attests, is persistent in crying out to sinners, and so we should be (Rom. 10:20). Often, it’s the cumulative proclamation of God’s word that breaks the stony heart. Every blow matters. So, keep preaching! As a father, keep striking the wedge. As a mother, keep hitting the rock, for “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/677b71f4de4544b5dc80f600

What drives churches into irrelevancy and compromises the family’s integrity at its core? It’s syncretism—mixing the things of God with the things of the world. And one of the greatest syncretizing tools in the world today are our phones. As Christians, we must ask ourselves, “Are these devices making me more or less holy in how I use them?” To avoid syncretism, we must, first, double down on the word of God by saturating our minds in Scripture daily. Second, we must double down on our family—don’t let the enemy kick down your home’s door anymore. And, third, we must double down on the church by faithfully devoting ourselves to its interests. Scripture Reference: Psalm 106:35-36; Deut. 18:9; Isaiah 2:6; Mark 7:8; Jeremiah 10:2; Romans 12:2 Sermon:https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/67037998177b921a763bb898

How can a sinner be saved? In Romans 10 Paul declares that we must, first, “confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus” (Rom. 10:9), which means to fully lay our lives under the authority of Christ’s Lordship. Second, we must “believe in [our] heart that God has raised Him from the dead” (Rom. 10:9). This is not mere intellectual assent, for the demons believe, and tremble (James 2:19). It requires truth faith which completely trusts in God. And, finally, we must “call on the name of the Lord” (Rom. 10:13), which is not simply a prayer in His name, but a prayer of sincere devotion to Him. Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/6756880a4c4226b5b7dfea7b

All are seeking righteousness and fall in one of two camps: They either seek it through faith or through works. In Romans 9:30-33 we learn that the sand of human righteousness cannot save the soul, but only faith on the rock of Jesus Christ, faith that God implants in the heart of man. Faith is not salvation, to be clear; it is the vehicle that gets you there. It is the only channel through which God’s blessings of new life may be received. So do you have faith that saves? Or are you resting on your works which can never make you righteous? Scripture Reference: Romans 9:30-33 Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/674d4da37306b796a738d88c

In our human flesh, Romans 9 can be a hard pill to swallow, because it teaches that God predestinates to both glorification and to damnation. Anticipating this very reaction, the Apostle Paul declared, “O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why have you made me like this?’ Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?” (Rom. 9:20-21). Predestination does not make God a monster. Despite man’s complete inability to save himself, God, in His goodness, saves unrighteous sinners—those whom He wills. And as creatures, we should rejoice in His sovereign plan. Scripture References: Romans 9:14-21 Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/67319e3e1b0faa6670d40722

No one has an excuse to reject God. Why? “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead” (Rom. 1:19). Despite man’s protests to the contrary, he knows— deep down—that there is a God. Yet, “although they [know] God, they [do] not glorify Him as God, nor [are] thankful, but [become] futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts [are] darkened” (Rom. 1:20). This latter point should give us compassion for those who’ve rejected God. Knowing that they’re hearts are darkened, it should drive us to point them to the truth of Him that they’ve buried. Scripture References: Romans 1: 19-23 Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/64992a3e0f22d7bbf463631f

Happy Thanksgiving! Whatever we’re going through during this season, we should “give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever (Ps. 136:1). We should also be grateful for the people He’s placed in our lives—giving thanks, with joy, for fellow believers who love God’s word, remembering them in our prayers (1 Thess. 1:2, 13): “For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God” (1 Thess. 3:9)? Remember—Christians are to be thankful in all things (1 Thess. 5:18), so let’s give thanks to God, this season, for those loved ones He’s blessed us with!

Every Christian’s had moments where they were ashamed to speak the truth of the gospel. So how can we be delivered from this fear? In Romans 1:16-17, the Apostle Paul gives four words to describe why he’s not ashamed of the gospel: power, salvation, faith, and righteousness. First, the gospel has power—the power of God, not man. Second, it brings salvation—by God’s power, it saves us from the penalty of sin and God’s just wrath. Third, it comes by faith to everyone who believes. And, fourth, it comes by Christ’s righteousness. These four words should embolden us to share the good news of Jesus Christ to others. Scripture References: Romans 1:16; Psalm 60:11 Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/6481f89b35a4375262346721

The doctrine of election is the greatest manifestation of the mercy of God towards sinners. He saves sinners who do not deserve it. It is God who appoints to salvation; man cannot do it on his own. So what should we say about all of this? First, rejoice in your dependence. We could not have turned our own hearts around, but He did, and this should cause us to adore Him. Second, rest in God’s grace. No one deserves to be saved. Yet in God’s mercy, He forgives. What a blessing it is that He elects and changes our heart! Scripture references: Romans 8:28-29, 33 Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/6715eed33ebf0d5043451a37

Election is one of the most hated doctrines of the Bible, because it’s an assault on man-centeredness. Because of this, many find Romans 9 disturbing. In this chapter, the Apostle Paul explains that election is a vindication of the justice of God, yet it’s also an exaltation of His grace in salvation. As we grapple with this text, the question we must ask is this: Would you rather have God who chooses you based on your righteousness or a God who chooses you in spite of your righteousness? The reality is any material advantages you have can’t save you, but Jesus Christ in His mercy is the only way to be rescued from your law-keeping—as you come to Him by faith alone. Scripture References: Romans 9:1-13,;Romans 4:3; Romans 2:28-29 Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/6715eed33ebf0d5043451a37

In today’s world, you can’t escape being confronted with Halloween. Whether you’re shopping with your family, or driving past your neighbor’s lawn, you’ll find its ghoulish images on display. Using Scripture alone, how should Christians think about it, when the word “Halloween” doesn't appear in the Bible? God’s Word declares we’re not to “learn to follow the abominations of [pagan] nations (Deut. 18:9) or “walk in their ordinances” (Lev. 18:3). Because Halloween is an explicitly demonic and pagan practice, how should we think about its dark culture and walk in the light? Scripture References: Psalm 106: 35-37; Deut. 18:9; Leviticus 18:3; Romans 12:2; 1 Peter 2:9

Too often, Christians view the Holy Spirit, narrowly, as the source to set them on fire for God and make them satisfied. Such a view shortchanges the Holy Spirit’s role. The truth is, the Spirit of God is working quietly in the background in every part of the believer’s life. In Romans 8, Paul gives five powerful ways the Spirit ministers to Christians. First, the Spirit makes us free from sin and death. Second, the Spirit changes the things we want to think about. Third, the Spirit puts to death the deeds of the body. Fourth, the Spirit bears witness to our adoption as sons. Fifth, the Spirit helps us in our suffering. And, sixth, the Spirit helps us in our weakness when we don’t know how to pray. What a blessing it is to have the Holy Spirit of God! Scripture Reference: Romans 8 Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/670cb41fd443d6ac8378cf8b

All throughout Scripture, we’re told to “Sing to the Lord.” The church is commanded to sing, and how a church sings is telling. It not only shapes the culture of a church, but it reveals what’s important to God’s people. When we sing together corporately, we’re declaring what kind of God we worship, what kind of gospel we’re proclaiming, and what the basis of our unity is. Remarkably, the very first instrument God created was the human body. He gave our vocal cords as a gift to vibrate and produce sounds like the strings of a guitar. And, barring some physical damage, everyone can learn to sing, so they can join other Christians in praising God. Additional Scripture References: Colossians 3:16

God defines love by the things that He does, and what He does for His people spans the entire arc of history—from His predestinating love, in eternity past, to His ultimate glorification of the believer (Rom. 8:28-30). Nothing can separate God’s elect from His everlasting love: not tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword—nor the threats or accusations of any enemy (vs. 31-39). Thus, as His redeemed, God’s unfailing love for us should stir our hearts to love Him more!

Scripture: Romans 8:28 One of the greatest hardships of the human soul is dissatisfaction. It’s easy to get down about the state of your finances, your house, your spouse, your church, a child that you lost, a family feud, or a physical sickness such as cancer. None of these challenges are easy, yet God promises that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). God has designed every step of your life, including the hard things. Just as He did with Joseph—who was hated by his brothers, thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, and then thrown into a prison after being falsely accused—God is working every trial you face for your good. Additional Scripture References: Genesis 50:20, Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 Full Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/66e7ca0261d6ad13516565bd

Have you ever had a Romans 8:26 moment when you didn’t know what to pray? It’s that moment in life when you need help, but you don’t know what to do—whether you should quit that job or take that job; if you should ask that girl to marry you or not. You don’t know what to pray about your cancer diagnosis—whether you should be crying out to God for patience or deliverance. Here’s the good news: when we don’t know what to pray, the “Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26). So, relax. Be patient, for God prays better than we do. His Spirit helps us in our weakness and pleads our cause.

As Christians, our role in the church amounts to more than just “follow your heart.” We have gospel duties to fulfill, and in Romans 1:8-17, the Apostle Paul gives us a powerful template to follow. First, he was thankful, despite the church in Rome being immature and imperfect. Second, he was prayerfully scheming of ways to minister to them more. Third, he was desirous to impart a spiritual blessing to them. Fourth, he was resolved to obtain fruit for their benefit. Fifth, he was large-hearted to all. Sixth, he was determined to preach the gospel. And, seventh, he wasn’t ashamed of the gospel. This window into Paul’s soul should compel us to pursue the Great Commission the way he did.

Justification by faith is not merely a judicial act, but it is a gift of God which brings great assurances and blessings: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:1-2). Peace with God. Access. Grace. Standing with Christ and hope in His glory. It’s present tense. It’s ongoing. It’s unstoppable. This is what justification by faith has accomplished in our lives!

Suffering is the normal experience for all mankind, yet Christians can become shaken, disheartened, and angry—and even slip into apathy and hedonism—when suffering strikes. But rather than respond in self-pity, as believers, we must understand that we're heirs of the sufferings of Christ. Even as we're part of a creation that was subjected to futility by God, we should groan in hope as we wait for glory. How do we do this? First, rejoice that God is in control when suffering comes. Second, set our minds on things above. And, third, trust in God's Word, not in our emotions. This is how we make peace with our suffering.

Is your spirit flagging? Do you feel dull and unmotivated when it comes to the things of God? Here's the reality. You are always limited by what you think and meditate on. If you’re neglecting an earnest pursuit of God’s Word and are, instead, feeding your flesh with Hollywood movies, political podcasts, and other worldly pursuits, your soul will become impoverished. To turn the tide, fervently seek God daily. In the words of J.C. Ryle, “Give your Bible the best and not the worst part of your time.” Seek the things of the Spirit and cultivate godliness. In doing this, your soul will be enriched, and you’ll reap good things.

In Romans 8:14, Paul writes, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.” But what does it mean to be led by the Spirit? It means that God persuades you to seek what is good because He’s given you a new heart. He doesn’t force you; he gives you the desire. You’ve been born again, and now He leads you by His word. Philippians 4:8-9 gives an illustration of this: whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, “if there’s any virtue, if there’s anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.” That’s what you do to be led by the Spirit. So make sure that you don’t fill your mind with worldly movies and songs, or senseless debates on the Internet, but be led by the Spirit in all your meditations.