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The Scripture is the sword of the Spirit that provides victory over the schemes of the devil. To activate , you must pick up the Word of God, study, and apply it for spiritual growth.

This sermon examines the first day of creation in Genesis 1, affirming the literal truth of God's Word against modern evolutionary theories. The speaker refutes the Gap Theory and the Re-creation Theory, arguing that they lack scriptural support and contradict the plain reading of the text. By drawing on Psalm 33, the message emphasizes that creation was instantaneous and complete, highlighting the majesty of the Triune God who spoke the universe into existence. The sermon further explores the spiritual symbolism of light and darkness, illustrating the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing salvation to sinners and the necessity for believers to remain separate from ungodliness. Ultimately, the teaching calls for a firm confidence in the sufficiency of Scripture and the goodness of God's salvation.

This sermon explores the spiritual condition of humanity as described in John 8, contrasting the pervasive darkness of sin with the illuminating presence of Jesus Christ. The preacher defines spiritual darkness as a state of blindness, coldness, and hopelessness that arises from the absence of Christ, leading to a rejection of God and an inability to perceive the soul's true need. In response to this condition, Jesus declares Himself as the exclusive light of the world, offering forgiveness and life through His sacrificial death on the cross. The message emphasizes that following Christ involves believing in Him, repenting of sin, and trusting in His grace, which dispels the darkness of condemnation. Finally, the sermon invites listeners to accept this light, promising that those who follow Jesus will no longer walk in darkness but will possess the light of life, leading to eternal joy and communion with God.

A brief bit of encouragement for the journey from God's Word. Today's Scripture reading: James 4 To support this devotional ministry: https://faithbaptiststerling.com/give/ Music: "Awaken the Dawn" by Stanton Lanier https://www.stantonlanier.com CCLI #20109360

When we consider ALL that God has created, we seem so small in the grand scheme of things. Yet, in light of all the other things we see in the universe, we are extremely valuable to the Lord and He remembers us and thinks about us! We must stop letting our culture, our society, our 'friends,' and our family chip away, downplay, denigrate, or distract us from the value we possess in the eyes of God! God alone determines our value and worth.

Death is often romanticised, treated lightly, or even portrayed as an escape from suffering. But what does God's Word teach us about death, and where can we find lasting hope when life becomes painful? In this episode, Merle explores the biblical understanding of death as an enemy that entered the world through sin, rather than something to celebrate or treat as though it is ours to control. Through the story of Romeo and Juliet, the way our culture portrays death, and the heartbreaking reality of people who feel they have no way forward, we consider how a worldview that leaves God out can leave us without answers when suffering becomes overwhelming. Scripture reminds us that human life has dignity because we are created by God (Genesis | 1:27; Genesis | 2:7). Yet our sin brings the reality of death and our need for a Saviour (Romans | 5:12; Romans | 6:23). The good news is that Jesus Christ willingly laid down His life to save sinners, rose from the grave, and conquered death. He is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians | 15:20), and for those who belong to Him, death will not have the final word. Whether you are struggling with grief, shame, hopelessness, or questions about eternity, be encouraged to consider what God says about life, death, and the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Listen and reflect on where your hope rests when life hurts.

Justin Peters offers Todd Bentley an urgent appeal to repent and trust in Jesus Christ alone. Drawing on Hebrews 9:27 and Matthew 7:21–23, he warns against false assurance and addresses Bentley's teaching, claims of supernatural experiences, and public ministry. Justin explains why religious activity and restoration to ministry cannot replace genuine repentance and saving faith. He presents the gospel of Jesus Christ, truly God and truly man, who lived in perfect obedience, died for sinners, and rose bodily from the grave. The episode closes with a call to turn from sin, trust Christ alone, and bear the fruit of genuine repentance. This video first appeared at Justin's YouTube and appears here with his permission: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0nsxoSd28Q

In this class we continue to expound the truths revealed in John 1:1-5. John tells us that through Him, "all things came into being" (John 1:3). This is clearly an allusion to Genesis chapter 1. "Came into being" is *egeneto*, which is a form of the Greek word *ginomai*, which means "become." We present overwhelming evidence that John is referencing Genesis 1, since the exact form *egeneto* used here is found 20 times in Genesis 1 in the Septuagint. The English translations of Genesis 1 use "was." John's claim is that the eternal, preexisting Logos brought the creation into being. The Triune God of the Bible existed forever, without beginning. The creation came into being. Furthermore, Christ brought spiritual life and light which confronts the darkness. The Greek word for "life" is *zōē* and is used 36 times in John's Gospel. The word for "light" is *phōs* and is used 23 times in this Gospel. We cite various passages where these words are used about the person of Christ, the eternal Logos. There are key theological issues which are raised in these passages, and we carefully address them. For example, is the "light of men" simply about humans being created in God's image, or is this specific to believers? John points out that there is a conflict between darkness and light and that those who come to Jesus as the Light of the world no longer remain in darkness. Yet the creation theme is also important, and we explain how. This class has a robust discussion of the issues revealed in the first five verses of John 1 and how they impact a Christian worldview.

Today on Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Daniel Schwabauer guides Dr. Mark Hamby and Molly Mayo on a survey of one the Bible's most difficult books: Job. The central question the book asks is "Why does God allow suffering?" But maybe we've been considering the issue the wrong way. What if God has something much greater in mind if we simply had eyes to see? Tune today and prepare to look at Job, and your own life, in an entirely new light.

A brief bit of encouragement for the journey from God's Word. Today's Scripture reading: James 3 To support this devotional ministry: https://faithbaptiststerling.com/give/ Music: "Awaken the Dawn" by Stanton Lanier https://www.stantonlanier.com CCLI #20109360

Taking an in depth look at the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church

Job gives an account of trepidation observed (2–17). Job observed that – it seemed as if, the wicked do get away with everything. He gives three categories of evil: 1. That the wicked exploit the vulnerable (2–4) 2. The poor suffer, while the wicked prosper (5–12) and also: 3. That the wicked love darkness rather than light (13–17). However, Job would have us contemplate the reason why – God being silent can be concerning. How God's silence can be a source of encouragement. But also know, how God's children ought to respond to His seeming silence.

Luke 23:40 "But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?" This sermon examines the narrative of the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus, focusing on the rhetorical question, "Do you not fear God?" The central message urges listeners to evaluate their spiritual state in light of three realities: the sinful life they have lived, the inevitable death they must face, and the eternal consequences they will endure. It emphasises that salvation is by grace through faith rather than works, illustrating that it is never too late to turn to Christ, yet one should not presume on future mercy if the heart remains hardened. The text refutes the doctrine of soul sleep by asserting that the redeemed soul immediately enters paradise upon death, while the unrepentant face immediate torment. The tone is solemn and convicting, challenging the audience to respond to God's call before it is too late.

"Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow." 2 Samuel 23:1-5