Prayer 2021 // A Plea for God's Presence

The Israelites have just worshipped a golden calf while Moses is on Mount Sinai with the Lord. God is not pleased with his “stiff-necked people” and decides to no longer go before the Israelites. Moses intercedes for the people and pleads with the Lord and finds his favor. Thanks be to God that he was present with the Israelites, and he is present with us today through Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:6 // Perseverance of the Saints

We have come to our final sermon in our Advent Series: Christmas in the Doctrines of Grace. So far, we have explored from scriptures what God has done from eternity past and how he applies it to us in salvation. But what happens now that we are in Christ? How will we make it to the end when we see Jesus face to face? This biblical doctrine shows us that those God has accepted in Christ can neither totally nor finally fall from God’s grace. They will certainly persevere in grace to the end and be eternally saved, because the gifts and callings of God cannot be revoked.

John 3:1-8 // Irresistible Grace

What is the biblical doctrine of Irresistible Grace: At God’s appointed time, He applies the finished work of Jesus to those God the Father has predestined to life. The Holy Spirit renews their mind and heart, gives them new life, and effectually draws them to Jesus Christ in such a way that by grace and through faith they come to Jesus freely and willingly.

John 10 // Perfect Atonement

The doctrine of Perfect Atonement (also commonly referred to as Limited or Definite Atonement) answers the question: What was the original purpose of God in sending Christ into the world to die on the cross? Was the Father’s purpose to send His Son to die on the cross to make salvation possible? Or did God have a plan of salvation by which, according to the riches of his grace, he designed the atonement to ensure the definitive and perfect salvation of his people?

Ephesians 1:3-6 // Unconditional Election

In Ephesians 1:3-6, Paul reminds us that God’s children were chosen before the creation of the world to be his through Christ. God did this as he does all things, for his glory. It is essential for God’s people to understand unconditional election so we can properly grasp the good news of Christ’s redemption.

Romans 3:9-18 // Total Depravity

Romans 3 provides an honest and brutal assessment of the human condition. According to Paul, we are not merely decent people who sometimes do bad things. Instead, we are wretched sinners who have turned away from God. It is essential for God’s people to understand the bad news of depravity so we can properly grasp the good news of Christ’s redemption.

Romans 12:17-21 // Overcome Evil with Good

We close our study of Romans 12 with verses 17 through 21. Paul’s final notes on living a transformed life focus on how to respond to evil and to live at peace with others. Let us take all that we have learned through Romans 12 and being transformed by the renewing of our minds, present our bodies as living sacrifices, bearing the marks of a true Christian in a fallen world.

Romans 12:15-16 // The Distinguishing Marks of Humility

In Romans 12:15-16 Paul writes, -"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight." Paul teaches us to consider what it means to live with one another in harmony and humility.

Romans 12:12-14 // How To Live Under Pressure

Paul continues to command the Christians in Rome (and us) to live a gospel transformed life. As Christians who live under the constant pressures of a fallen world, we can continue to express the love commanded of us in verse 9 through prayer, patience, generosity, hospitality and blessing which flow out of us in response to Christ’s loving us and sacrificing for us first.

Romans 12:9-11 // How To Love

The Apsotle Paul has laid the foundation for our transformation (the mercies of God in verses 1-2). He has called us to serve one another humbly with the spiritual gifts we have been given (verses 3-8). In verses 9-11 he begins a long list of characteristics that mark the Christian life as we seek to serve one another. First and foremost on this list is love. In order to live lives marked by God's transforming grace, we must love one another with fervency. After all, we have been fervently loved by God in Christ.