Spirits on SermonAudio

When God saves a sinner, He immediately forgives, justifies, and reconciles that person to Himself. Yet the Christian life also includes the lifelong work of sanctification. God steadily grows His people in holiness and conforms them to the image of His Son. In this episode, Dave Jenkins explains the difference between justification and sanctification, the believer's active pursuit of holiness, and the Spirit-empowered growth that marks the Christian life. Sanctification is not self-improvement or sinless perfection. It is God's faithful work of making His people increasingly like Christ. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

This devotional explores the concept of spiritual maturity by contrasting infantile reliance on basic truths with the capacity for discernment found in solid food. It argues that true growth is not merely an accumulation of doctrinal knowledge but the practical application of biblical principles through constant practice. The preacher emphasizes that God desires hearts conformed to Christ's image rather than heads filled with contradictory facts. Spiritual maturity is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit, particularly love for God and neighbor, which flows from a life of obedience. Ultimately, believers are assured that God's grace actively works to persevere in their growth until they reach final salvation.

The sermon introduces the first of eight visions in the book of Zechariah, defining resilience as an inner strength grounded in trust that God remains in control. It contrasts Old Testament revelations through dreams and visions with the sufficiency of Scripture in the current dispensation, emphasizing that new supernatural experiences are unnecessary for believers. The speaker explains that biblical understanding requires the illumination of the Holy Spirit, which was not available to prophets before the New Covenant. By examining Zechariah 1:8-13, the message highlights how God uses symbolic imagery to remind His people of His sovereignty and mercy despite their hardships. This study aims to encourage faithfulness and steady trust in God's plan during times of difficulty.

Welcome to another episode of the podcast, where today we dive deep into Jonathan Edwards's foundational revival trilogy to explore how one of history's greatest pastor-theologians navigated the thrilling yet treacherous waters of spiritual awakening. From the remarkable local conversions in Northampton to his razor-sharp diagnostic tests for genuine revival, Edwards offers an unequaled masterclass in discerning the work of the Holy Spirit. Together, we'll examine his searching warnings on undiscerned spiritual pride, the deceptive snare of modern "immediate revelations," and the subtle ways Satan exploits even our most elevated spiritual frames. Whether you are seeking a biblical blueprint for testing spiritual claims or a humbling guide for pastoral discernment, Edwards's timeless insights remain a vital manual for the Church today.

Pastor Don's Books: https://ttwpress.com 2826 - https://www.thetruthpulpit.com

This study explores the profound reality of believers possessing all spiritual blessings in heavenly places through their union with Christ. It contrasts the transient nature of material prosperity with the eternal security of God's spiritual gifts, emphasizing that these blessings are irrevocable and comprehensive. The exposition highlights the source of these blessings in the Father, the means in the Son, and the application by the Spirit, covering past election, present redemption, and future inheritance. The tone is triumphant and pastoral, encouraging believers to find their identity and sufficiency in Christ rather than in worldly circumstances. The message concludes with an exhortation to respond with praise and to set one's affections on eternal things, recognizing that the Christian's true wealth is secure in glory.

This past June, Catholic Archbishop Edward Weisenburger of Detroit attended the grand opening of a mosque and the new headquarters of the Islamic Institute of America. Not only did he praise the building, but he also said that Muslims and Catholics worship the same God. He said he felt a "divine presence" as soon as he arrived at the mosque. He also offered a prayer that this Islamic Center will bring all of humanity "into a deeper communion with our one god." He said "We are members of the same human family. All churches, all mosques, all synagogues, all places where God reaches out and touches with his finger are sacred." Also this past June in Milan, Italy, a Catholic parish set aside space for young Muslims to engage in Islamic prayers during their summer program. One priest defended this by saying that Christians and Muslims "pray to the same God. A priest there said, "I imagine the prayer could conclude with the Islamic formula Bismillah, which invokes the name of God, the compassionate and merciful." He said, "It is always better to help young people to pray: we pray to the same God, certainly within different religious traditions. And recognizing the other's identity is in the spirit of the Gospel." It's been reported that a Muslim prayer room has been set up in the heart of the Vatican City's 500-year-old library. Islamic scholars visiting the Vatican Apostolic Library had requested a room with "a carpet to pray on" and staff heeded their request. Join us as we discuss the question, "Will Islam & Catholicism Unite Toward a Global Religion?" Our guest is Mike Gendron of ProclaimingtheGospel.org.

This lesson explores the theological framework of human nature as a triune being composed of body, soul, and spirit, explaining the internal conflict between the Adamic nature and the Holy Spirit. It identifies the body as the vessel influenced by the five senses and the world system, while the soul, comprising mind, will, and emotions, serves as the decision-making center where strongholds and lies reside. The teaching emphasizes that salvation justifies the believer but does not remove the sinful nature of the flesh, necessitating a process of sanctification through the renewal of the mind and the tearing down of strongholds. By contrasting the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, the message urges believers to yield to the Holy Spirit rather than relying on self-effort or behavioral modification alone. Ultimately, the sermon presents a holistic view of spiritual growth where transformation occurs from the inside out, enabling believers to walk in the Spirit and overcome the lusts of the flesh.

When the Cloud Moves and Cravings Rise Numbers 9–11 | Following the Lord Without Losing Our Appetite for His Ways This message examines Israel's departure from Mount Sinai, revealing how the Lord prepared, organized, guided, and provided for His redeemed people as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. Although they were surrounded by evidence of His faithfulness, their dissatisfaction soon overshadowed their gratitude, exposing the danger of allowing fleshly desires to govern the heart. God's Preparation and Guidance: Before moving Israel, the Lord established their worship, responsibilities, leadership, and order. When the cloud moved, they moved; when it rested, they rested. Their greatest privilege was not knowing their destination but knowing the One who was leading them. Moses' invitation to Hobab also demonstrates that trusting God's leadership does not eliminate the value of practical wisdom and the help of others. The Danger of Dissatisfaction: Shortly after departing Sinai, the people began complaining. Their cravings caused them to remember Egypt's food while forgetting Egypt's bondage. They despised the manna that sustained them, treating God's daily miracle as insufficient. Their dissatisfaction spread throughout the congregation, revealing how an ungrateful spirit can influence others and distort our understanding of God's goodness. When Cravings Become Our Master: Israel devoted extraordinary effort to gathering the quail they demanded, demonstrating how readily people can pursue fleshly desires while neglecting what God has already provided. The Lord gave them meat, but their rebellion brought judgment. Psalm 106:15 captures the warning: "And he gav

Preached in Hanley, England, UK

John Owen's Works, Volume 3 (Pneumatologia), provides a foundational, Spirit-centered defense of Christian theology that spans the Holy Spirit's distinct personhood, His work in Christ, regeneration, sanctification, and eternal election. Driven by a desire to defend the Spirit's deity against rationalist attacks while rescuing His internal ministry from both formal neglect and fanatical claims, Owen demonstrates that redemption applied by the Spirit is as essential as redemption accomplished by Christ. Through key insights—such as total depravity's darkening of the unregenerate mind (prefiguring presuppositional apologetics over Common Sense realism), the Spirit-wrought use of the means of grace in an awakened sinner without falling into preparationism, the absolute necessity of ongoing actual grace alongside habitual grace for every holy act, and a matured view of mortification—Owen roots all Christian growth in sovereign grace. By grounding these doctrines in both the election of believers unto holiness and the real-world conversion of Augustine, Owen establishes that true Christian living is an unceasing, Spirit-empowered work from initiation to final perseverance.

This sermon explores the historical destruction of Solomon's Temple and the subsequent Second Temple to illustrate God's unwavering faithfulness amidst human failure and idolatry. By examining how God used pagan kings to build a glorious structure that was ultimately rejected by His people, the message highlights the transition from physical buildings to the spiritual reality of the Church as the new temple. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus Christ fulfills the prophecy of greater glory by becoming the true dwelling place of God among humanity. Through personal testimonies, the text demonstrates how believers now serve as living stones, carrying the Holy Spirit and reflecting divine glory in their daily lives. Ultimately, the sermon calls listeners to allow Christ to cleanse their inner sanctuaries from idolatry and to glorify God through their bodies and spirits.

Ecclesiastes 2:11 "Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun." King James Version

Isaiah 11 points to Jesus Christ, the Righteous Branch from the line of David. Dave Jenkins explains how this Spirit-anointed King rules with perfect justice, gathers His people from the nations, and will bring peace and restoration to all creation. For more from Reading the Bible Daily with Dave, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/reading-the-bible-daily-with-dave/

This sermon addresses the tension between personal calling to missions and the lack of institutional support, urging believers to trust God's directive over human approval. It highlights the disproportionate focus of modern missionary efforts on accessible regions rather than the unreached 10-40 window, using historical figures like William Carey and Hudson Taylor as examples of those who answered God's call despite opposition. The central argument is that the Great Commission is a divine command that compels individual responsibility, supported by the love of Christ and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Listeners are challenged to view the church's role as offensive rather than defensive, actively pursuing the evangelization of the world to fulfill the Great Commission. The message concludes with a convicting appeal to reject complacency and embrace the urgency of sharing the gospel with those who have not yet heard.

Guest Pastor-Trey Harper 09-16-26 Follow us on social media-- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@matoakabaptistchurch-bartl6249 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064614887031 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatoakaB Sermon Audio: http://tinysa.com/live/matoakachannel If you were blessed by this sermon, please consider donating here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/MatoakaBaptist We pray God's Holy Spirit quenches yours to eternal life through His everlasting powerful Word. May you be born-again of the incorruptible seed that always yields the fruits of His Holy Spirit and moreover leads to eternal life with Him, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST – The King of King's and the Lord of Lord's – The Alpha and the Omega – The Great "I AM"- The Author and Finisher of our faith – just to name a few. Hallelujah JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN – HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

Pastor Don's Books: https://ttwpress.com 2825 - https://www.thetruthpulpit.com

This lesson examines the nature, date, and recognition of the New Testament canon, arguing that the church functions as a recognizer rather than a creator of Scripture. It refutes the notion that canonical status was arbitrarily assigned by later councils, emphasizing instead that the books possess inherent divine qualities such as apostolic origin, internal unity, and spiritual power. The text highlights how early church fathers and New Testament authors themselves treated these writings as authoritative Scripture, demonstrating that the canon was settled by the fourth century through organic reception. By using the analogy of a thermometer, the sermon clarifies that the church detects the canon without altering it, affirming that the Bible is self-authenticating. The message concludes with a pastoral call for believers to be confident in the authority of Scripture and prepared to defend its distinctiveness against secular critiques.

This sermon examines the events of Pentecost in Acts chapter two, defining the term as simply meaning 'fiftieth' rather than implying any magical properties. The speaker argues that the gift of tongues was a supernatural ability to speak known foreign dialects for evangelism, explicitly rejecting the concept of unknown or ecstatic languages. By analyzing the crowd's reaction and Peter's subsequent sermon, the text highlights the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy regarding the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The central message emphasizes that this power was granted to enable clear communication of the Gospel to diverse audiences, ensuring the message of salvation was understood by all. Ultimately, the passage serves as a call for believers to boldly proclaim the word of God without fear or timidity.

Galatians 3:1-9 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. 5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 6 ¶ Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

This sermon explores the causes of a heavy heart by examining biblical figures like Esau, David, Ahab, and Naomi who experienced rejection, regret, unfulfilled expectations, and loss. It identifies the primary remedy for such sorrow as receiving a good word from God's Word, particularly through Psalms and Proverbs. The preacher emphasizes that choosing joy and maintaining a merry heart acts as spiritual medicine that sustains the spirit and improves physical health. Believers are encouraged to reject negative influences and instead focus on the hope of eternity and God's providence. Ultimately, the message calls for an intentional choice to find gladness in Scripture rather than dwelling in despair.

Pastor Don's Books: https://ttwpress.com 2824 - https://www.thetruthpulpit.com

The sermon urges believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst a darkening world by holding firmly to God's Word and rejecting political polarization. Drawing from Proverbs, the speaker emphasizes that spiritual integrity requires avoiding the paths of the wicked and focusing solely on vertical devotion to Christ rather than horizontal societal debates. The message highlights the promise that as global darkness increases, the light of the church will shine brighter, attracting those seeking truth during times of crisis. Believers are called to be lighthouse keepers who offer courage and hope through the power of the Holy Spirit, regardless of external threats or cultural pressure. Ultimately, the central appeal is for individuals to surrender their lives completely to God, asking Him to glorify His name through their faithful witness and transformed character.

In Due Season This message centers on Galatians 6:6–10 and the truth that what we sow, nurture, and faithfully continue in will eventually produce a harvest. Using Caleb and Joshua as living examples, the message shows that faithfulness requires endurance. Caleb held to God's promise for decades and, at eighty-five years old, was still ready to possess what God had promised. His life illustrates Galatians 6:9: "Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." A major emphasis is that weariness can become weakness if we stop believing and obeying what God has said. Israel's failure in the wilderness was not because they lacked information, but because they allowed their own reasoning, fears, and circumstances to carry more weight than God's Word. Caleb had "a different spirit" because he wholly followed the Lord. The message warns that rejecting God does not always look openly rebellious; sometimes it simply looks like deciding that our opinion, priorities, or logic are more important than what He has revealed. Galatians 6 also teaches that we reap according to what we sow. Continually sowing to the flesh—self-centered thinking, fear, worldly reasoning, bitterness, or unbelief—eventually corrupts how we see God, people, and circumstances. But sowing to the Spirit through the Word produces an everlasting way of seeing life. We learn to trust the One who controls what we cannot control and to view temporary troubles through eternal truth. The message also stresses shared responsibility within the body of Christ. Just as Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh could not simply receive their inheritance and abandon their

This sermon provides an introductory study of Acts chapter one, emphasizing the historical value and supernatural evidence supporting Jesus' resurrection. The speaker details the 'infallible proofs' of Christ's physical return from the dead and distinguishes between water baptism and the subsequent baptism with the Holy Spirit. Attention is given to the ascension event and the angels' promise of Jesus' future return, while clarifying that the timing of this event remains solely under God's authority. The narrative concludes by examining the early church's gathering and the selection of Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot among the apostles.

Structuring the Bible into chapters and verses is a valuable tool that makes it easier to find and reference specific passages. However, we must remember that, though they are helpful conventions, they are the work of man, and are not Spirit-inspired. This brief article explores how verse divisions came to be implemented in editions of Scripture. To read the article: https://www.tbsbibles.org/page/VerseDivisions To learn more about TBS: https://www.tbsbibles.org/ This article was narrated using artificial intelligence.

Pastor Don's Books: https://ttwpress.com 2823 - https://www.thetruthpulpit.com

Justin Peters examines several claims made by Bill Johnson concerning the presence of God, the Holy Spirit's work in believers, Peter's shadow, miraculous healing, and "bringing heaven to earth." Opening Scripture in context, Justin contrasts vague spiritual claims with the clear teaching of God's Word and calls Christians to practice biblical discernment. For more from Justin Peters, visit his Servants of Grace page: https://servantsofgrace.org/justin-peters-sound-theology/ This episode first appeared on Justin's YouTube channel and is posted here with his permission: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNbWniF07ys

The sermon emphasizes the biblical mandate to treat elders with familial respect and to maintain purity in interactions among church members. It highlights the critical role of parents in training children to listen and behave properly within the church setting, linking home discipline to spiritual receptivity. The speaker warns against inappropriate relationships between young men and women, urging all believers to view one another as family with chastity and honor. Additionally, the text stresses the importance of respecting church leadership positions and modeling an excellent spirit for the next generation. Ultimately, the message calls for a commitment to excellence and proper conduct to strengthen the ministry and protect the spiritual formation of children.

I. The Glory of the Old Ministry (7) A. The Glory of Its Message B. The Glory of Its Ministers II. The Surpassing Glory of the New Ministry (8-11) A. The Ministry of the Spirit B. The Ministry of Righteousness C. The Ministry that Abides

This sermon examines the biblical account of King Hezekiah's revival in 2 Chronicles 30, emphasizing that true spiritual renewal begins with a realistic assessment of one's condition and the restoration of communion with God. The preacher highlights the necessity of cleansing the house of God from idolatry and sin as a prerequisite for genuine fellowship and worship. By analyzing Hezekiah's efforts to unify Israel through the Passover, the message underscores that reconciliation requires acknowledging sin and relying on the atoning work of Christ. The narrative illustrates how obedience to God's Word and unified praise lead to a sudden, powerful movement of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the sermon calls listeners to respond to God's initiative by turning back to Him to experience restored joy and spiritual vitality.

The sermon explores the book of Acts as a continuation of Jesus' ministry through His Spirit-empowered church, emphasizing that the mission rests on the historical reality of the resurrection. It outlines how the Holy Spirit provided the necessary power for believers to become witnesses, starting in Jerusalem and expanding globally despite persecution. The message highlights that the gospel breaks down social and racial barriers, transforming enemies into evangelists and proving that salvation is available to all nations. Ultimately, the text asserts that the church's primary calling is to proclaim the living Christ with urgency and boldness until His return.

Sunday Evening Service

I. Sealed in the Truth II. Sealed in Salvation III. Sealed for Worship

The sermon contrasts the world's loud, self-centered forcefulness with the value of quiet, God-centered wisdom. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 9, it illustrates how true deliverance comes not from outward power but from humble insight rooted in the fear of the Lord. Jesus serves as the perfect example of this quiet wisdom, prioritising others and obedience to God over personal recognition. Believers are urged to pursue this wisdom through Scripture, prayer, and submission to the Holy Spirit rather than seeking worldly acclaim. The message concludes with a call to cultivate humility and earnest desire for divine understanding in daily life.

The sermon calls believers to pursue entire consecration, defining it as a lifelong process of being set apart for God's purpose through the power of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes that while justification delivers one from the penalty of sin, sanctification is an ongoing journey where Christians are delivered from its power and will eventually be freed from its presence. Drawing on Romans 6 and Hebrews 12, the message encourages the audience to view holiness as a marathon rather than a sprint, relying on spiritual weapons and the example of Jesus Christ to overcome sin. The preacher assures listeners that their sanctification is guaranteed by God's promise and sustained through daily engagement with Scripture and prayer. Ultimately, the sermon urges a total surrender of life, will, and resources to God, affirming that He supplies the grace necessary to fulfill His command to be holy.

Why does God write that every other man in Genesis 5 lived and died, and write of Enoch that he walked with God? Read verse 22 and ask what two must have in common before they can walk together. Then find the word after in that verse, and ask when Enoch's walk with God began. And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters.

The Father Regenerates Christians for Holiness: 1. Holy as the Father 2. Holy in Christ 3. Holy Through the Spirit

Do you have ears to hear the call to come bless your Lord for His wonderful works of grace and mercy to you in Christ even more in praise and prayer tonight? May you be more mindful to do so as you remember and reflect on His goodness in your salvation. May you do so even as you look back on trials and suffering, recognizing and proclaiming God's work and good purposes in and through them. Then may you be ever more faithful to keep your vows, and obedient in worship and service to Christ. He is the God who blesses you and works by His Spirit in you to testify of His grace and mercy to others.

I. Know the Security Road Map of Romans 8 II. The Law Could Not Deliver Us from Sin A. No Fault in the Law, which is Good and Holy 1. Reveals God's Holiness, Our Duty 2. Exposes and Condemns Our Sinfulness 3. All the Fault in Us; Leaves Us without Excuse B. The Ultimate Warning against All Works Righteousness Schemes 1. Individual Self-Righteousness: Sneaky, Smug, Self-Oriented 2. Religious Works-Righteousness: Romanism, Cults, Americans III. What God Did for Us: He Sent His Son A. The Son Existed before He Was Sent B. The Father Sent His Son in Love C. The Glorious Grace of God Revealed to Sinners

The sermon explores the practical outworking of walking in the Spirit by contrasting the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. It emphasizes that spiritual growth is gradual, relational, and derived entirely from union with Christ rather than human effort or spiritual gifts. The preacher categorizes the fruit into clusters such as love, joy, peace, and longsuffering, explaining how these virtues manifest in community relationships and daily conduct. A significant portion of the message focuses on the necessity of maintaining repentance and crucifying fleshly passions through the power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the teaching encourages believers to find their identity in Christ alone, thereby overcoming vain glory and living in step with the Spirit's guidance.