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Creeds and confessions serve the church by summarizing biblical doctrine, guarding against false teaching, and promoting unity in the truth. Their authority is always subordinate to Scripture. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how faithful doctrinal summaries support teaching, discipleship, and discernment. Drawing on 2 Timothy 1:13–14 and Titus 1:9, he encourages Christians to grow in sound doctrine while testing every confession and teaching by God's Word. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Anchored in the Word Morning Reflection: Season 5 Episode 202 God's Gracious Design: Light 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 #morningreflections #evangelism #discipleship #churchplanting #missions

God declares sinners righteous by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. In this episode, Dave Jenkins explains the biblical doctrine of justification, the righteousness of Christ counted to believers, and the distinction between justification and sanctification. Working through Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, and James, Dave shows why good works are the fruit of saving faith and never the basis of our acceptance before God. Learn how sola fide protects the gospel, strengthens Christian assurance, and encourages a life of grateful obedience. For more from Contending for the Word, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

A brief bit of encouragement for the journey from God's Word. Today's Scripture reading: Hebrews 8 To support this devotional ministry: https://faithbaptiststerling.com/give/ Music: "Awaken the Dawn" by Stanton Lanier https://www.stantonlanier.com CCLI #20109360

Anchored in the Word Morning Reflection: Season 5 Episode 201 God's Gracious Design: Blindness 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 #morningreflections #evangelism #discipleship #churchplanting #missions

Justin Peters examines Jack Graham's congratulatory message to Benny Hinn in light of Scripture's commands concerning false teaching and pastoral responsibility. Reviewing archival investigations, healing claims, and prosperity gospel fundraising appeals, Justin explains why public endorsements matter. From Romans 16:17–18, 2 John 9–11, Titus 1:9, and 1 Timothy 5:22, he calls Christians to test teaching by God's Word and pastors to protect their congregations through sound doctrine. For more from Justin, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/justin-peters-sound-theology/ This video first appeared at Justin's YouTube and is posted here with his permission. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0K8o0O7hOkk

A brief bit of encouragement for the journey from God's Word. Today's Scripture reading: Hebrews 7 To support this devotional ministry: https://faithbaptiststerling.com/give/ Music: "Awaken the Dawn" by Stanton Lanier https://www.stantonlanier.com CCLI #20109360

This sermon explores the wisdom of Solomon in Ecclesiastes, emphasizing that correct interpretation of reality depends on a proper worldview rooted in divine truth. The text addresses the tension between earthly justice and the apparent success of the wicked, asserting that while human systems are flawed and delayed, God's judgment is perfect and eternal. It highlights the limitations of human knowledge, noting that no one can fully comprehend the works of God or control the timing of life and death. The message encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty over history and nature, finding contentment in the present moment rather than anxiety over the future. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a recognition of human finitude and a reliance on the wisdom that discerns both time and judgment.

The sermon emphasizes the necessity for the church to maintain spiritual vigilance and purity, particularly in the aftermath of a revival experience. Drawing primarily from Ephesians 5, the message argues that God values the holiness of the bride of Christ over her fruit, urging believers to remain without spot or blemish. The text uses the narrative of Achan and Joshua to illustrate how individual sin and a lack of prayer can jeopardize the entire congregation, while also warning against false teachers who cause division and serve their own interests. By citing examples of apostasy and false prophecy, the speaker encourages the congregation to rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment and to continue seeking God's face through prayer to sustain the work of the Spirit.

The Lord spoke to Jerusalem and Judah of their sins for which there would be national troubles. He would, however, remember His own people as a remnant to bless them and encourage them to live for Him.

This sermon explores the theological purpose of God's eternal election as presented in Ephesians 1:3-6, arguing that believers were chosen for holiness, adoption, and the praise of God's glory. The message clarifies that salvation is not merely about forgiveness but involves a transformative process where grace produces obedience, countering both legalism and antinomianism. It emphasizes the familial reality of adoption, urging believers to approach God with the confidence of children rather than the fear of outsiders, while grounding their identity in Christ's work rather than fluctuating emotions. The sermon concludes by directing the ultimate end of election toward the worship of God, warning against pride or speculation and encouraging a humble, awe-filled response to the sovereign grace that chose the elect before the foundation of the world.

Christ is "coming again to judge the living and the dead." That is one of the basic truths believers confess. So important is the final judgment that the Bible devotes almost an entire book to that theme. Revelation reveals the closing chapters of the great drama of human history—the conflict between the offspring of the serpent and the offspring of the woman. In the judgment God will affirm his love to his dear children. But upon those who reject him and have sided with Satan will be judged. The seven bowls of God's wrath are Scriptures most intense portrayal of God's judgment. Whatever we feel about the judgment, it is coming. But we ought to feel something about the judgment. More than that, we ought to respond with godly zeal to the warnings God gives about the judgment. In Revelation, the Lord previews for his church "the things that must soon take place" to encourage them as they endure tribulation (Rev. 1:9).

Do you truly trust and believe that God has the power and the love to help you in whatever you are struggling with today? This sermon explores the Westminster Confession of Faith on the assurance of salvation, addressing the common struggle of doubt among believers. By examining David's song of praise in 2 Samuel 22, the text highlights God's power as a refuge against both physical enemies and the final enemy of death. The exposition clarifies the theological concept of being 'clean in God's sight,' explaining that believers are counted righteous not by their own merit but by the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. The message encourages the audience to rest in the certainty of God's protection and delight in them, finding peace in the knowledge that their standing before God is secure through faith in Christ alone.