Priest on SermonAudio

This sermon explores the distinct theological perspective of the books of Chronicles compared to Samuel and Kings, highlighting how Chronicles serves as an encouragement to post-exilic Israel by focusing on the temple rather than the throne. The central message emphasizes that while God is just and will not clear the guilty, He is also rich in mercy, a duality fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. By examining David's devotion to worship and his preparation for the temple, the text illustrates that God's presence and proper worship are more vital to a nation's prosperity than political power alone. The genealogies and historical accounts are presented not as mere repetition, but as a cohesive narrative pointing to Christ, who fulfills the offices of prophet, priest, and king. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to rest in God's sovereignty and to pursue a life of faithful stewardship and praise, trusting in His faithfulness to fulfill His promises.

This sermon explores the foundational question of why a person is called a Christian, grounding the answer in three distinct marks of genuine faith found in 1 John. The first mark is theological discernment, where believers recognize the truth of Jesus Christ as the Anointed One and reject the spirit of Antichrist that denies His deity and humanity. The second mark is spiritual consecration, defined by the internal anointing of the Holy Spirit, which seals believers and empowers them to serve as prophets, priests, and kings. The third mark is unwavering perseverance, illustrated by the contrast between those who depart and those who abide in the truth they heard from the beginning. The message urges the congregation to move beyond nominal identification with Christ to a deep, enduring relationship characterized by knowing the truth, sharing in the Spirit's anointing, and remaining steadfast in faith until the end.

At the end of this podcast is the answer to the question: What would John Owen say to the Theocast podcast, "Why I left Lordship" salvation." For John Owen, severing the Lordship of Christ from His saving work is a theological impossibility because saving faith receives the undivided Person of the God-Man, who simultaneously executes the offices of Prophet, Priest, and King. In Christologia and Meditations on the Glory of Christ (Volume 1), Owen demonstrates that Christ's Kingly office is not an optional addendum to salvation, but the very mechanism by which He bestows His Spirit, subdues the rebel heart, and delivers His people from the dominion of sin and Satan. True faith involves the voluntary subjection of the soul to Christ's scepter; therefore, a "salvation" that leaves a sinner in active rebellion against King Jesus claims a benefits-only fiction that departs entirely from the genuine gospel.

Luk 20:1 And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, Luk 20:2 And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? Luk 20:3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: Luk 20:4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? Luk 20:5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not? Luk 20:6 But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet. Luk 20:7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. Luk 20:8 And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

A brief bit of encouragement for the journey from God's Word. Today's Scripture reading: Hebrews 7 To support this devotional ministry: https://faithbaptiststerling.com/give/ Music: "Awaken the Dawn" by Stanton Lanier https://www.stantonlanier.com CCLI #20109360