In Jesus' agonizing struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane, we find some insight into the statement in Hebrews that Jesus "learned obedience through the things that He suffered." We also get another glimpse of both the sovereignty and goodness of God.
During His final earthly Passover, Jesus shocks the disciples with the news that a traitor is among them. Yet, this stunning announcement fits with God's eternal sovereign plan of redemption. In addition, we have here a warning against the deceitfulness of sin.
As Jesus concludes His comments to the future saints living during the time of the Great Tribulation, we see another biblical balance between the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man.
In the third and final sermon in this series, Paul models the necessary dependency on prayer.
The life and ministry of Paul illustrates a third requirement for living strategically to the glory of God.
Christians are to live strategically for God's glory. This insightful look into Paul's life and ministry provides four important requirements for accomplishing that goal.
No matter how strong man's opposition is to truth, the Lord overturns that opposition and man's wickedness in order to accomplish His ultimate purposes.
From before time began, God chose to save believers from their sins in order that they might become conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Consequently, every true believer moves inexorably toward perfection in righteousness, as God makes for Himself a people recreated into the likeness of His divine Son who will dwell and reign with Him in heaven throughout eternity. God's supreme purpose in bringing sinners to salvation is to glorify His Son, Jesus Christ, by making Him preeminent in the divine plan of redemption.
The "Passion Week" begins with Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. The crowds spontaneously began to shout "Hosanna" as Jesus rode in on a colt. But did they truly know who He was and why He was there?
In choosing the lowly things of the world, God reveals the foolishness of the wisdom of lost humanity in order to demonstrate his superiority over all creation.
In this doxology that ends 11 chapters of doctrine, we find a summary of the biblical teaching about God: that He is the source, sustainer, and summation of all things.
AW Tozer wrote, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." This "hymn of praise" in Romans provides truth about God that helps us to both think correctly about Him and genuinely worship Him.
God's sovereign grace is the reason anyone is saved at all. This passage exalts this glorious doctrine, but it also warns of the "hardening" that takes place in people who continually resist the message of God's grace.
God, by His grace alone, has saved some Jews out of the entire nation of Israel. Both Paul's own experience, as well as something that God told Elijah in the days of the Old Testament, illustrate the reality of the "saved remnant."
As the supreme sovereign, God has the right to glorify Himself. This is His highest priority. He fulfills this priority by displaying patience to both the reprobate and the elect.
Paul uses an illustration from a scene familiar to those living in ancient times to make the case that God has the right to be Himself. This includes the right to judge all sinners that He chooses to judge, and to show mercy to all sinners that He chooses to save.
God is absolutely free to show mercy to whom He desires (the doctrine of election). He is equally free to pass judgment on those He rejects (the doctrine of reprobation).
The doctrine of election is not about justice -- it is the expression of God's mercy.
The doctrine of election is a source of great joy and assurance to true Christians. In this passage, Paul provides proof from Israel's history of the Lord’s sovereign selection of those who would be His people.
We not only have the promise of the Spirit's help in our prayers when we go through trials, we also have the promise that God is using everything that happens in our lives for His glory and our good. This landmark passage has been an encouragement to Christians throughout the church age. And what we discover here is all part of God’s eternal "Master Plan."
Jesus demonstrates His power over the forces of evil by casting out demons from a possessed man. There are several implications to this story, including recognizing God's sovereignty, His care for man over animals, and the place for miracles.
The topic of hope is continued by examining Abraham's hope in God's promises and trust in His providence.
The choice of the twelve disciples was by the sovereign appointment of Christ. Christ had specific purposes for these men. A brief overview of each disciple is given.
The psalmist highlights God's sovereign rule and yet gracious care for man as two specific ways in which He manifests His majesty so that we too will join in praise to God.
Jesus begins His public preaching ministry. The people were amazed by His authority. Unlike other teachers of His day, Jesus spoke with a firs hand knowledge of scripture. His authority over a posing demon, confirmed His teaching. The people were a astounded. Unfortunately amazement did not equal belief. News of His teaching and power spread.
The gospel is further elaborated upon by highlighting two successive phases of the revelation of Jesus Christ to the world: He is the eternal Son incarnate, and the eternal Son exalted.
Solomon is encouraging a "bullish" attitude about life in his journal. We find a refreshing hope, counsel to be actively involved in life as that is what God expects from us... even when success is not guaranteed in every situation.
The point has been made that we must enjoy life but with an objective view as to how life really is, that God is sovereign. Yet righteous and wise living is no guarantee of earthly success. So what is the payoff? We do what is right because it is right to do and it brings glory to God.
From a high level, Solomon has been dismantling four major philosophies: materialism, epicureanism, humanism, and fatalism. But he now begins to more clearly present the major realities that give life definition and meaning.
Prosperity without the divine gift of enjoyment is nothing. Solomon notes that there is nothing that we can "add" to life to make it more colorful -- these kinds of dreams sets us on a collision course where fantasy hits reality broadside. The subject of God's sovereignty becomes front and center.
How can one focus on God's goodness and sovereignty and rejoice in it when you look around and see all the injustice in the world? Solomon brings two problems and two solutions on the matter of injustice.
Because God has put eternity in our hearts, he has a natural curiosity about the future. Solomon interjects two great truths about God: that he is both good and sovereign.
Because God has put eternity in our hearts, he has a natural curiosity about the future. Solomon interjects two great truths about God: that he is both good and sovereign.
Solomon turns his attention to the one thing each of us has: time. Time is the picture of God's providence; He has placed eternity in our hearts and we can't properly deal with lafe until we are ready for death.
After warnings about the empty deception and false claims of false teachers, attention is called to the freedom we have in Christ. In particular, we have all that we need to live a life to the glory of God.
Sermons posted are copyright of Twin City Bible Church. The sermons may be used freely for the ministry and application of the Word of God. However, written permission must be obtained from Twin City Bible Church before a sermon is broadcast or redistributed in any form.
You can receive new sermons via email, iTunes, or a feed reader of your choice by subscribing to our sermon podcast. We are also listed in the iTunes Podcast store and on SermonAudio.com.
RSS Feed | iTunes Feed
© 2011 Twin City Bible Church | 1337 Ebert Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 | Phone: 336.722.1844 | Email: [email protected]