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This devotional examines the biblical principles for disannulling vows as outlined in Numbers 30, emphasizing the role of spiritual authority within the family structure. It explains that a father or husband may cancel a vow made by a daughter or wife if they were unaware of it at the time it was made, provided the cancellation occurs upon hearing of it. The teaching uses a pastoral illustration of a wife whose unrealistic vow to read the Bible for an hour daily was disannulled by her husband, allowing her to maintain a sustainable spiritual discipline. The message extends to the broader importance of integrity, urging parents and leaders to be careful with their words and to teach children the seriousness of keeping promises to avoid causing emotional harm and spiritual confusion.

This sermon examines the biblical qualifications for a 'widow indeed' as outlined in 1 Timothy 5, contrasting her spiritual maturity with the carnal lifestyle of those who live for pleasure. The central message emphasizes that true godliness is demonstrated through a consistent walk of trust in God, persistent prayer, and the fulfillment of familial duties, particularly the obligation of children to care for their aging parents. The text warns against the spiritual deadness that results from prioritizing rest and self-indulgence over the work of the Spirit, citing the church at Sardis as a parallel example. It further instructs the congregation on the importance of maintaining good works, such as hospitality and charity, which serve as evidence of genuine faith and protect the church from being burdened by those who have family support. The tone is instructional and convicting, urging believers to examine their own lives for signs of idleness, gossip, or a lack of duty, and to instead cultivate a character that honors God through practical love and self-sacrifice.

With Election Day just two weeks away, we must be fully cognizant that life vs death, pro-life vs. pro-abortion is on the ballot. Those we elect to office and the ideals they hold will determine what type of policies advance, one to protect life, another to take life. Furthermore, a number of states have a referendum question on the ballot, a constitutional amendment which some states are seeking to enshrine abortion in their state constitution. Jim quoted from an article from LifeNews.com dated October 14, 2026. The article states, "House Democrats' health care working group handed House Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries an 84-page playbook to run if they seize control in November. It maps out what they plan to do in their first 100 hours if they take back control of Congress. At the top of their list? Abortion. In their own words, they want to 'Reestablish a federal right to abortion care and end restrictions that prevent people covered through federal health programs from receiving abortion coverage.' In other words, abortion-on-demand nationwide, and you pay for it." In other words, some will literally be voting whether or not to add life or abortion to their state constitution. On this edition of Crosstalk you also hear about the recent report from the FDA that they will not complete their abortion pill safety review until March of 2027.

Welcome to today's episode, where we step deep into the pastoral architecture of Volume 6 of John Owen's Collected Works, widely known as Temptation and Sin. Edited with meticulous historical and textual care by Scottish scholar William H. Goold, this seminal volume guides the believer through a complete map of spiritual warfare—from the relentless internal fight in The Mortification of Sin and the subtle entanglements of Of Temptation, to the psychological depths of Indwelling Sin and the glorious, covenantal assurance of An Exposition upon Psalm 130. Whether you are navigating the subtle deceitfulness of the human heart, guarding against spiritual presumption in leadership, or seeking a path out of the depths of guilt into gospel forgiveness, Owen's penetrating insights offer an enduring, Christ-centered anchor for the soul.

This sermon explores the biblical foundation for caring for widows, arguing that the church's obligation is rooted in the character and work of God. By examining Deuteronomy 10, the message highlights that God is a just ruler who protects the vulnerable, contrasting this divine standard with a culture that often views the helpless as burdens. The speaker connects the Old Testament redemption of Israel from Egypt to the New Covenant spiritual redemption through Christ, asserting that believers are called to reflect God's compassion by actively supporting those in need. The tone is both convicting and pastoral, urging the congregation to reject societal indifference and instead embody the dignity and care that God extends to every human life.

Are the miraculous gifts of healing and miracles still active in the church today? How can Christians distinguish genuine works of God from the claims of modern faith healers? In this sermon from 1 Corinthians 12:9–10, 28–30, Pastor Robb Brunansky examines the biblical evidence for miraculous healings and spiritual gifts by exploring the ministry of Jesus Christ, the works of the apostles in Acts, and the teaching of the New Testament letters. Through a careful study of Scripture, Pastor Robb identifies six defining characteristics of biblical miracles and healings: they were immediate, occurred both publicly and privately, involved individuals and groups, fulfilled Scripture, were unique in their power, and were certain in their results. This message challenges contemporary claims of miraculous healing, explains the unique role of signs and wonders in authenticating Jesus Christ and His apostles, and demonstrates why the miraculous gifts served a particular purpose in the establishment of the early church. Ultimately, the greatest miracle is not physical healing but the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. The miracles of Scripture point us to the Savior who alone has the authority to forgive sins and reconcile sinners to God.

Paul closes his letter thanking the Philippians for their generosity. What can we learn from these verses about our giving as an act of worship?

When tragedy strikes, God invites his people to cry out to him in grief and lament. Psalm 56 shows us that we can bring our fears, sorrow, and even our cries for justice before the Lord, trusting that he sees our tears, remains faithful through the waiting, and can bring good even from evil. In our deepest pain, we can find hope in the God who cares for us. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

This sermon concludes a study on the doctrine of the church by examining the relationship between local congregations and the broader body of believers. It argues that while each local church is autonomous and self-governing, they are not isolated entities but are bound by a general obligation to pray for and support one another. The text explores the biblical precedent for inter-church connection, citing examples of shared resources and mutual care in the New Testament. The discussion emphasizes the concept of 'holding communion together' as a formal association of like-minded churches that provides counsel and encouragement without exercising jurisdictional authority over individual congregations. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to recognize their regional and global responsibilities while maintaining the distinct authority of the local church.

This sermon explores the theme of God's faithfulness through the lens of Lamentations 3, highlighting how the prophet Jeremiah found hope amidst the devastation of Jerusalem. The message argues that God's faithfulness is unequaled due to His sovereignty and provision, undeserved because of human sin, and unfailing because of His immutable nature. By contrasting the temporary nature of earthly things with the eternal freshness of divine mercies, the sermon encourages believers to trust in God's constant care. It concludes with an appeal to recognize the ultimate provision of salvation through Jesus Christ, urging the congregation to find comfort and assurance in God's unchanging character during times of trial or harvest.

Jerry Pedine, using How Long Oh Lord, examines the common missteps Christians take when confronting suffering and evil, specifically those driven by ignorance and arrogance. Jerry argues that reactions such as demanding immediate security or assuming a 'careful lifestyle' guarantees safety are rooted in a flawed understanding of God's sovereignty. By contrasting these human tendencies with the theological concepts of divine decree and hesed, D. A. Carson emphasizes that God operates on His own schedule rather than human expectations.