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This sermon examines Paul's argument in 1 Corinthians that God chooses the foolish and weak things of the world to shame the wise and strong, ensuring that no human can boast in their own abilities. The central message emphasizes that salvation is entirely of grace, revealed to those who recognize their spiritual poverty and inability to save themselves. By contrasting the self-sufficiency of the world with the brokenness required for true faith, the exposition highlights that Christ becomes the believer's wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. The tone is both convicting and comforting, urging listeners to abandon pride in their own status or intellect and instead find their identity and glory solely in the Lord. Ultimately, the sermon asserts that God delights in using humble, broken sinners to display the magnitude of His grace and power.

1. Knowledge; 2. Finance; 3. Qualifications.

1. Introduction; 2. Delegated authority; 3. Designated area.

Sunday Evening Service Speaker: Rev. Paul Hanna Title: Boast Not Thyself Of To Morrow Reading: Proverbs 27:1, James 4:1-17

Luke 18:9-14 contrasts the Pharisee and the tax collector to show that true justification comes not from religious performance but from humble repentance. The Pharisee boasts of his goodness and sees no need for mercy, while the tax collector, broken by guilt, pleads, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner." His prayer reflects faith in God's atoning grace, symbolized by the mercy seat and fulfilled in Christ's sacrifice. Salvation is God's work, not human effort—the exalted will be humbled, and the humbled will be exalted—because the gospel calls us not to try harder but to acknowledge our need for Christ.

We continue our study in the book of 2 Corinthians. For more information on the Church of Christian Liberty, visit churchcl.com To learn about our educational ministries, visit christianliberty.com

The sermon explores the concept of an 'area of influence' assigned by God, using Paul's ministry in Corinth as a primary example. It argues that believers should not boast in their own abilities but rather in the Lord, recognizing that true influence begins in the home and extends outward through faithfulness to local assignments. The message emphasizes that expansion of this influence depends on the growth of the church's faith and the practical application of biblical truths, rather than mere eloquence or passive observation. By citing Philippians 4, the speaker urges the congregation to move beyond intellectual assent to active practice of virtues like truth, honor, and purity. This call to action is framed as a necessary response to God's grace, ensuring that the church remains a dynamic force for His glory rather than drifting into spiritual stagnation.

Have you ever believed God's promises with all your heart, prayed hard, and then watched heaven go silent while the wrong people prospered? Psalm 10 opens with that very question, "Why, O LORD, do you stand far away?", and takes us through three rooms: the room where the wicked man boasts that God will never see, the room where David prays, and the throne room, where a runaway servant woman, a cry in Gethsemane, and a Savior who still prays for His people all answer the same question. If God has seemed far away from you lately, come and hear why the psalm ends in a very different place: "O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted."

In this exposition of Romans 9:30-33, the preacher uses a courtroom analogy to show Paul delivering his closing argument: Gentiles who never pursued righteousness received it by faith, while Israel, who pursued the law, failed because they sought it by works rather than faith and stumbled over Christ the cornerstone. The message stresses that true righteousness is imputed through faith in Christ's finished work, not earned by human effort, and that whoever believes in Him will never be put to shame.

The sermon examines the final hours of Jesus' ministry, focusing on the prophetic warning of the disciples' imminent failure and the establishment of the New Covenant during the Last Supper. It highlights the contrast between the disciples' pride, particularly Peter's boastful loyalty, and the sobering reality of their impending denial and scattering. Despite this 'pile of debris,' the message identifies a priceless treasure in Jesus' promise to rise and gather them in Galilee, demonstrating that Christ's love forgives and restores those who fail Him. The preacher emphasizes that true faith relies not on human strength or self-sufficiency but on humble dependence on Jesus, who transforms weak, failing believers into bold witnesses of the Gospel. This narrative serves as a pastoral reminder that God's grace is sufficient for the weak and that His purpose is to refine faith through trials rather than abandon the scattered sheep.

This sermon examines Matthew 16:17 to explore the source of true saving knowledge regarding Jesus Christ. It argues that human nature, described as "flesh and blood," is incapable of discerning spiritual truth due to the darkening effects of sin, as illustrated by the failure of the Pharisees and the natural person in 1 Corinthians. Instead, the text asserts that Peter's confession and any believer's faith are the result of God's sovereign grace and special illumination, not human wisdom or effort. The preacher emphasizes that this divine work removes all grounds for pride or boasting in the believer, replacing them with humility and gratitude. Consequently, Christians are called to share the gospel without fear of failure, trusting that God alone grants faith, while diligently attending to the means of grace such as the Word and sacraments.

In "An Example To Follow", Pastor Richard Caldwell preaches on finishing the Christian race well and leaving a faithful legacy. The Apostle Paul knew his death was near, yet his focus remained fixed on the glory of God. In his final charge to Timothy, Paul evaluates his life not with vain boasting, but with a deep awareness of God's sustaining grace. This passage serves as a conscious passing of the baton to the next generation of faithful believers who will shepherd the local church. Believers are called to view their lives as a sacrificial offering poured out in worship to the Lord. Whether in life or death, our supreme purpose is the exaltation of Jesus Christ and the bold proclamation of biblical truth. We must not live for the fleeting comforts of this present age, but rather fight the good fight of faith. True spiritual maturity recognizes that God sovereignly determines the length of our days. Therefore, we must purposefully run the specific course assigned to us, fiercely guarding the pure doctrines of scripture. Those who trust in Christ can confidently anticipate a triumphant future crowned with the eternal righteousness of the Redeemer. Key Biblical Takeaways: - Your life and ministry must be viewed as a daily sacrifice of worship poured out for the glory of God. - God sovereignly determines the length of your days, but you are responsible to purposefully run the race assigned to you. - True faithfulness requires fiercely guarding the purity of biblical doctrine against the corruption of the world. - Believers can face death with absolute confidence because Christ guarantees a victorious future and the crown of righteousness.