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Luk 20:1 And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, Luk 20:2 And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? Luk 20:3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: Luk 20:4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? Luk 20:5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not? Luk 20:6 But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet. Luk 20:7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. Luk 20:8 And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Jesus is baptized, then tempted. His public ministry begins in Nazareth and Capernaum. Already threatened with death!

Argument: To persuade the Galatians that counterfeit gospel really was counterfeit, 1) he first appealed their own salvation experience wherein the they received the Spirit, accompanied with miracles. 2) He then appealed the Scripture (such as how Abraham was justified by faith). 3) Finally, he gave the example of human covenants. Beware: Of counterfeit gospels. Paul was not opposed to good works, but they have to be on the right side of the salvation equation. Counterfeit gospel: faith + works = saved Genuine gospel: faith = saved + works Who today teaches a counterfeit gospel? Roman Catholicism, Mormons, Jehovah's Witness, those who insist on baptismal regeneration.

This sermon examines the theological distinction between dispensationalism and covenant theology, arguing that the core disagreement lies in hermeneutics rather than specific eschatological details. It defines dispensationalism as a system that views history through distinct eras of divine administration, maintaining a clear separation between Israel and the church, while describing covenant theology as a framework emphasizing the continuity of a single covenant of grace. The speaker defends the dispensational view by advocating for a grammatical-historical method that reads Scripture forward, preserving the original meaning and recipients of God's promises rather than reinterpreting them through later New Testament revelation. By citing passages such as Genesis 12 and Acts 1, the message illustrates how this interpretive approach impacts doctrines like the kingdom, baptism, and church governance. Ultimately, the sermon calls for humility and a commitment to handling God's Word faithfully, asserting that confidence in Scripture's clarity and consistency is essential for every believer.

LORD'S DAY 26

Three Questions Answered By Scripture

The sermon examines the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 as a demonstration of God's sovereign providence and a practical blueprint for evangelism. It highlights six key principles: the honor given to gospel-centered ministry, the necessity of immediate obedience to God's call, the importance of following divine providence, the value of deep Scripture knowledge, the central focus on Jesus Christ, and the practice of believer's baptism. The preacher emphasizes that while God orchestrates every detail, believers are called to be prepared, humble agents who share the truth with gentleness and respect. The narrative serves as a reminder that God often works through unexpected encounters and ordinary people to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.

The sermon centers on the public profession of faith through baptism, highlighting the distinct yet unified testimonies of three individuals who have come to know Jesus Christ. Each testimony illustrates the personal work of the Holy Spirit in convicting sin, granting assurance of salvation, and fostering a deep reliance on Christ's finished work rather than human effort. The narrative emphasizes that baptism is an act of obedience and a visible picture of dying to self and rising to new life in Christ, grounded in the believer's trust in the Gospel. The tone is pastoral and encouraging, reminding the congregation that while individual experiences vary, the source of salvation remains the same. The service concludes with a challenge to believers to examine the genuineness of their current walk with God, using the occasion of baptism as a reminder of divine grace and the secure keeping power of the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Mock explores the NT reference to infant baptism.

This sermon examines the founding of the church in Philippi as recorded in Acts 16, highlighting the conversion of Lydia, the demon-possessed slave girl, and the Philippian jailer. It emphasizes that salvation is a gift of grace received through faith, illustrated by the immediate water baptism that follows belief for each convert. The narrative contrasts the jailer's despair with Paul and Silas's praise in prison, demonstrating that Christian joy is authentic and independent of external circumstances. This testimony of suffering and rejoicing serves as a powerful witness, leading the jailer to ask how to be saved and resulting in the salvation of his entire household. The passage establishes the theological foundation for the later letter to the Philippians, where the theme of rejoicing in the Lord despite hardship is central.