Sermons To The Church - Right Response Ministries

Unity of knowledge is not a politically correct concept, especially when it comes to claims about knowing anything about the Son of God. Plenty of churches desire unity when it comes to “common care,” but few churches desire unity when it comes to “common convictions.”

Unity of knowledge is not a politically correct concept, especially when it comes to claims about knowing anything about the Son of God. Plenty of churches desire unity when it comes to “common care,” but few churches desire unity when it comes to “common convictions.”

What was on the mind of Christ right before he came into the world?

What was on the mind of Christ right before he came into the world?

We don't merely need the peace of God, we need the God of peace. The key to overcoming anxiety is believing that “the Lord is at hand.” But what will the Lord do when he is with us? Will he give us the money we need? Will he thwart the plans of the person who is trying to harm us? Will he spare our children from all accidents and disease? We know that at least occasionally the answer to these questions is “NO.” So then what difference does God's presence make when he offers no promises to a wield his power in the ways we would like?

We don't merely need the peace of God, we need the God of peace. The key to overcoming anxiety is believing that “the Lord is at hand.” But what will the Lord do when he is with us? Will he give us the money we need? Will he thwart the plans of the person who is trying to harm us? Will he spare our children from all accidents and disease? We know that at least occasionally the answer to these questions is “NO.” So then what difference does God's presence make when he offers no promises to a wield his power in the ways we would like?

Christ is praying for all his people, and his prayers never fail. 

Christ is praying for all his people, and his prayers never fail. 

Pagan meditation seeks to suppress the analytical side of the mind and focus on the feelings and of the heart, while Christian meditation is so rational, it can actually cause us to regularly contend with our hearts. Christians don't follow (or listen) to their hearts, we preach to our hearts. 

Pagan meditation seeks to suppress the analytical side of the mind and focus on the feelings and of the heart, while Christian meditation is so rational, it can actually cause us to regularly contend with our hearts. Christians don't follow (or listen) to their hearts, we preach to our hearts. 

Like Jacob the Patriarch, real men wrestle with God. They don't pick fights with someone half their size. 

Like Jacob the Patriarch, real men wrestle with God. They don't pick fights with someone half their size. 

A primer on the doctrine of assurance of salvation.

A primer on the doctrine of assurance of salvation.

Christians must learn to meditate, but not like the pagans. There's a massive difference between the two.

Christians must learn to meditate, but not like the pagans. There's a massive difference between the two.

In the second half of verse 2 of our text, John says that Jesus is the propitiation, “not for our [sins] only, but also for those of the whole world.” This little phrase has sparked a lot of theological controversy. Those who oppose the Reformed (Calvinist) view of salvation say that this verse refutes the doctrine of “limited atonement” - that Christ died only for the elect. However, Calvinists rightly respond by pointing out that this verse cannot mean that Christ actually satisfied God's wrath on behalf of every person, or else everyone would be saved. Scripture is clear that the wrath of God abides (remains) on those who do not obey Jesus (John 3:36). Thus they argue that the “whole world” refers to God's elect from every tribe, tongue, and nation, not to every person who has ever lived.

In the second half of verse 2 of our text, John says that Jesus is the propitiation, “not for our [sins] only, but also for those of the whole world.” This little phrase has sparked a lot of theological controversy. Those who oppose the Reformed (Calvinist) view of salvation say that this verse refutes the doctrine of “limited atonement” - that Christ died only for the elect. However, Calvinists rightly respond by pointing out that this verse cannot mean that Christ actually satisfied God's wrath on behalf of every person, or else everyone would be saved. Scripture is clear that the wrath of God abides (remains) on those who do not obey Jesus (John 3:36). Thus they argue that the “whole world” refers to God's elect from every tribe, tongue, and nation, not to every person who has ever lived.

This week, lay-elder Connor Hensley preached on Persistent Prayer in Luke 18:1-8.

This week, lay-elder Connor Hensley preached on Persistent Prayer in Luke 18:1-8.

Debunking the myth of “prevenient grace.”

Debunking the myth of “prevenient grace.”

God sent revival to Nineveh, yet the Prophet Jonah was bitter. Similarly, if God chose to start saving a bunch of hillbillies in flyover country, Russell Moore and David French would probably be among the first to complain.

God sent revival to Nineveh, yet the Prophet Jonah was bitter. Similarly, if God chose to start saving a bunch of hillbillies in flyover country, Russell Moore and David French would probably be among the first to complain.

Total Depravity? Yes. But not for the Christian. So what does the Bible actually teach regarding the relationship between the Christian and sin? 

Total Depravity? Yes. But not for the Christian. So what does the Bible actually teach regarding the relationship between the Christian and sin? 

Romans 1:24-32 is clear, when a society willfully chooses to reject God's truth in exchange for the lie, as well as reject God's glory in exchange for the glory of the creature, God promises to hand them over to their sins and the horrible consequences which will inevitably follow. Romans 1:18 assures us that God has clearly revealed himself to all people, both by his creation and his just wrath toward sinners. So in Romans 1:24-32, the Apostle Paul is merely demonstrating precisely how the wrath of God is revealed. One clear demonstration of the wrath of God is God's choice to hand sinners over to their own lusts, so that they might receive the “due penalty” for their sin (the natural consequences of sin). In other words, sin is its own punishment (not the only/ultimate punishment). Apart from God's “saving grace” (found only in Christ), all people have embraced their own rebellion by casting off the righteous rule of God and his Law. Therefore, on one level, Romans 1:24-32 applies to each and every individual who has been born. However, on another level, Romans 1:24-32 also applies to collective societies and cultures down through human history. At the Tower of Babel, arrogant sinners defied God and incurred his just judgment. At Sodom and Gomorrah, the people were so corrupt that God rained down fire and consumed their cities. Furthermore, when God told Moses and Joshua to utterly destroy the Canaanites, it was because these wicked and godless people had filled up the full measure of God's wrath by committing heinous acts of rebellion for over 400 years (Genesis 15:13-16). In short, when a society abandons God, God will abandon them.

Romans 1:24-32 is clear, when a society willfully chooses to reject God's truth in exchange for the lie, as well as reject God's glory in exchange for the glory of the creature, God promises to hand them over to their sins and the horrible consequences which will inevitably follow. Romans 1:18 assures us that God has clearly revealed himself to all people, both by his creation and his just wrath toward sinners. So in Romans 1:24-32, the Apostle Paul is merely demonstrating precisely how the wrath of God is revealed. One clear demonstration of the wrath of God is God's choice to hand sinners over to their own lusts, so that they might receive the “due penalty” for their sin (the natural consequences of sin). In other words, sin is its own punishment (not the only/ultimate punishment). Apart from God's “saving grace” (found only in Christ), all people have embraced their own rebellion by casting off the righteous rule of God and his Law. Therefore, on one level, Romans 1:24-32 applies to each and every individual who has been born. However, on another level, Romans 1:24-32 also applies to collective societies and cultures down through human history. At the Tower of Babel, arrogant sinners defied God and incurred his just judgment. At Sodom and Gomorrah, the people were so corrupt that God rained down fire and consumed their cities. Furthermore, when God told Moses and Joshua to utterly destroy the Canaanites, it was because these wicked and godless people had filled up the full measure of God's wrath by committing heinous acts of rebellion for over 400 years (Genesis 15:13-16). In short, when a society abandons God, God will abandon them.

This sermon was preached at Covenant Bible Church on the Lord's Day, May 7th, 2023.The Church has long neglected its prophetic role in calling kings and kingdoms to repent of their sins and believe the gospel. 

This sermon was preached at Covenant Bible Church on the Lord's Day, May 7th, 2023.The Church has long neglected its prophetic role in calling kings and kingdoms to repent of their sins and believe the gospel. 

The word gospel literally means good news. The good news of the gospel is that God himself has come to rescue and renew all of creation in and through the work of Jesus Christ, for the good of his people and to the praise of his glorious grace. So why does all creation, including you and I, need rescuing? The answer is sin. In order to properly understand the good news we must first understand the bad news.

The word gospel literally means good news. The good news of the gospel is that God himself has come to rescue and renew all of creation in and through the work of Jesus Christ, for the good of his people and to the praise of his glorious grace. So why does all creation, including you and I, need rescuing? The answer is sin. In order to properly understand the good news we must first understand the bad news.

This sermon was preached at Covenant Bible Church on the Lord's Day, March 26th, 2023.This sermon is a summary of the entirety of 1 John. It also serves as a comprehensive primer on the Doctrine of the Assurance of Salvation.

This sermon was preached at Covenant Bible Church on the Lord's Day, March 26th, 2023.This sermon is a summary of the entirety of 1 John. It also serves as a comprehensive primer on the Doctrine of the Assurance of Salvation.

This is the first time in the whole book of Hebrews that Jesus is referred to as “the Great Shepherd” (Hebrews 13:20). As the author finishes his letter, he wants to assure his hearers that they are in good hands. Christ will lead us. Christ will protect us. And most importantly, Christ has promised to never lose us.

This is the first time in the whole book of Hebrews that Jesus is referred to as “the Great Shepherd” (Hebrews 13:20). As the author finishes his letter, he wants to assure his hearers that they are in good hands. Christ will lead us. Christ will protect us. And most importantly, Christ has promised to never lose us.

This sermon was preached at Covenant Bible Church on the Lord's Day, March 5th, 2023 by lay-elder Connor HensleyThere are very few faithful pastors today. If you're blessed enough to have one, what should you do?

This sermon was preached at Covenant Bible Church on the Lord's Day, March 5th, 2023 by lay-elder Connor HensleyThere are very few faithful pastors today. If you're blessed enough to have one, what should you do?

It seems as though some of the esteemed leaders within Judaism were not only continuing to require strict observance to the ceremonial laws found in the Old Covenant, but that they were teaching strange doctrines far beyond these ceremonial rituals. These Judaizers were not merely requiring the continuation of priestly/animal sacrifices but teaching that by eating the meat of these sacrifices, grace would be “infused” through food, rather than “imputed” through faith.

It seems as though some of the esteemed leaders within Judaism were not only continuing to require strict observance to the ceremonial laws found in the Old Covenant, but that they were teaching strange doctrines far beyond these ceremonial rituals. These Judaizers were not merely requiring the continuation of priestly/animal sacrifices but teaching that by eating the meat of these sacrifices, grace would be “infused” through food, rather than “imputed” through faith.

In Hebrews 13:5, we are commanded to resist the love of money and to be content with what we have. And the motive immediately provided for obeying this commandment is the unconditional love of Christ towards his elect. In other words, it is foolish to give our hearts to that which can be so easily lost. Rather, let your heart be satisfied with what you cannot lose. Christ can never be lost because Christ has promised never to lose us - “I will never leave you or forsake you.”It's worth noting that this commandment to be content should not be interpreted as a blanket condemnation of all ambition. There is such a thing as “selfish ambition” which must be resisted by the Christian, but there is also such a thing as “righteous ambition” that seeks to glorify Christ and further benefit his people. One particular example of “righteous ambition,” not only permissible but actually commanded in Scripture, is the “righteous ambition” of diligently seeking to free yourself from slavery, in all its various forms.

In Hebrews 13:5, we are commanded to resist the love of money and to be content with what we have. And the motive immediately provided for obeying this commandment is the unconditional love of Christ towards his elect. In other words, it is foolish to give our hearts to that which can be so easily lost. Rather, let your heart be satisfied with what you cannot lose. Christ can never be lost because Christ has promised never to lose us - “I will never leave you or forsake you.”It's worth noting that this commandment to be content should not be interpreted as a blanket condemnation of all ambition. There is such a thing as “selfish ambition” which must be resisted by the Christian, but there is also such a thing as “righteous ambition” that seeks to glorify Christ and further benefit his people. One particular example of “righteous ambition,” not only permissible but actually commanded in Scripture, is the “righteous ambition” of diligently seeking to free yourself from slavery, in all its various forms.

In Hebrews 13:1, we are not merely commanded to continue in a “universal love” for all people, but in a “brotherly love” for our fellow believers. The same principle of Hebrews 13:1 is continued in Hebrews 13:2-3, and further fleshed out through practical examples. First, we are commanded to “not neglect show[ing] hospitality to strangers.” Hospitality is literally defined as the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. However, the obligation to “strangers” referenced in Hebrews 13:2 must not be understood as a blatant contradiction to what was just commanded in the prior verse, namely, “brotherly love.”34 “The King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”Matthew 25:34-40 ESV9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10 ESV

In Hebrews 13:1, we are not merely commanded to continue in a “universal love” for all people, but in a “brotherly love” for our fellow believers. The same principle of Hebrews 13:1 is continued in Hebrews 13:2-3, and further fleshed out through practical examples. First, we are commanded to “not neglect show[ing] hospitality to strangers.” Hospitality is literally defined as the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. However, the obligation to “strangers” referenced in Hebrews 13:2 must not be understood as a blatant contradiction to what was just commanded in the prior verse, namely, “brotherly love.”34 “The King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”Matthew 25:34-40 ESV9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10 ESV

Jesus does not lower the bar for Christians in the New Covenant. If anything, the bar has been raised exponentially. There are far greater promises for those who have faith in Christ, but terrible warnings for unbelief. Sadly, the American Church today has no shortage of false converts. There are many who “profess” Christ, but do not “possess” Christ. And the threat of judgment for these individuals is terrifying.

Jesus does not lower the bar for Christians in the New Covenant. If anything, the bar has been raised exponentially. There are far greater promises for those who have faith in Christ, but terrible warnings for unbelief. Sadly, the American Church today has no shortage of false converts. There are many who “profess” Christ, but do not “possess” Christ. And the threat of judgment for these individuals is terrifying.

“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.” Hebrews 12:15-16

“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.” Hebrews 12:15-16

This sermon was preached at Covenant Bible Church on the Lord's Day, January 22nd, 2023.“A lame member of the body of Christ, the church... a weak believer; one that is ready to halt, either through the corruption of nature, or through the weakness of grace, or through want of light and judgment, and through instability and inconstancy; lest such a one should, through the irregular walk and conversation of others, be stumbled and offended, and go out of the way, and leave the paths of righteousness and truth. God takes care of, and has a regard to such, and he would have others also. The fallen believer be restored, the weak brother be confirmed, the halting professor be strengthened, and everyone be built up and established upon the most holy faith, and in the pure ways of the Gospel.” -John Gill

This sermon was preached at Covenant Bible Church on the Lord's Day, January 22nd, 2023.“A lame member of the body of Christ, the church... a weak believer; one that is ready to halt, either through the corruption of nature, or through the weakness of grace, or through want of light and judgment, and through instability and inconstancy; lest such a one should, through the irregular walk and conversation of others, be stumbled and offended, and go out of the way, and leave the paths of righteousness and truth. God takes care of, and has a regard to such, and he would have others also. The fallen believer be restored, the weak brother be confirmed, the halting professor be strengthened, and everyone be built up and established upon the most holy faith, and in the pure ways of the Gospel.” -John Gill

“And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.” -Hebrews 12:5 ESV“By which is meant, not vindictive punishment; this would not be speaking to them, nor dealing with them as children, and would be contrary to the love of God towards them; besides, chastisement in this sense has been [laid] upon Christ for them, and it would be unjust to lay it on them again.” -John Gill