David Forsyth addresses the real dangers associated with growing up Christian in a believing home. While tremendous blessings accompany a Christian upbringing, children growing up in a Christian environment face the peril of mistaking conformity for genuine conversion. The sermon explores Romans 2:1-29, revealing three critical dangers for those growing up Christian: external morality without heart transformation, Bible knowledge that remains intellectual rather than life-changing, and religious ritual divorced from spiritual reality.Growing up Christian does not guarantee salvation, as Paul's indictment of first-century Jews demonstrates that morality, religious knowledge, and ritual observance are insufficient for right standing before God. Children growing up Christian may appear squeaky clean externally while remaining spiritually dead inside. The message emphasizes that growing up Christian requires more than external conformity—it demands genuine faith in Christ that transforms the heart. Just as Jewish people relied erroneously on their heritage and rituals, children growing up Christian risk trusting in their moral behavior, biblical literacy, and church participation rather than embracing Christ personally.The sermon concludes with a passionate call for those growing up in the Christian faith to move beyond externals and embrace the righteousness that comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. ★ Support this podcast ★
Darrell Harrison delivers a penetrating exposition on the Hypocrisy of the Heart, examining Jeremiah 17:9's declaration that "the heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick." This profound message confronts the reality of indwelling sin that remains even in regenerate believers, dismantles the false doctrine of sinless perfection popularized by Charles Finney, and exposes the frailty of our unredeemed flesh.Harrison challenges the contemporary evangelical assumption that salvation renders believers incapable of sin, instead demonstrating through Scripture and Puritan wisdom that progressive sanctification—not sinless perfection—marks authentic Christian life. This message reveals how our deceitful hearts pursue truce with sin rather than relying on the Holy Spirit's transforming power. ★ Support this podcast ★
Dave Rich explores how believers can engage critics through godly living that demonstrates their identity in Christ. The passage reveals that Christians, though beloved by God and united in Christ, live as sojourners and exiles in a world that opposes them. By abstaining from fleshly lusts and maintaining excellent conduct among unbelievers, Christians adorn the gospel message. This approach to converting the critics involves internal warfare against sin while displaying observable righteousness that may lead to the salvation of those who initially slander believers as evildoers. The process of converting the critics requires consistent Christian character that flows from union with Christ, ultimately glorifying God when former opponents respond positively to the gospel. Through this faithful witness, believers participate in converting the critics by demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel through their conduct. ★ Support this podcast ★
Pastor Cornel Rasor addresses the biblical balance between anticipating Christ's imminent return and fulfilling daily responsibilities. This exposition of 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 demonstrates how believers should approach waiting for Christ's return. Paul corrected the Thessalonians who had become idle while waiting for Christ's return, teaching them to lavish love on fellow believers while maintaining productive lives. The passage reveals three essential elements: excelling in brotherly love, leading quiet lives focused on personal work, and behaving honorably toward outsiders. Christians must balance eschatological hope with practical service, working diligently while eagerly anticipating their Savior's return. This message emphasizes that waiting for Christ's return should inspire faithful service rather than idle speculation. ★ Support this podcast ★
Pastor Jim Osman explores how Peter became an eyewitness to majesty during Christ's Transfiguration, using this divine encounter to refute false teachers who denied the second coming. In 2 Peter 1:16-18, the apostle defends Christ's return through personal eyewitness testimony and Old Testament prophetic revelation. The Transfiguration in Matthew 17 provided Peter, James, and John with a preview of Christ's kingdom glory. Therefore, when false teachers claimed Christ's return was merely "cleverly devised myths," Peter responded as eyewitnesses to majesty who personally witnessed the divine glory accompanying His second coming. Furthermore, this eyewitness account encourages believers that they will share Christ's glory while warning unbelievers of coming judgment. The Christian faith rests not on fabricated stories but on reliable eyewitnesses to majesty who recorded what they experienced. Consequently, Peter's testimony provides unshakeable evidence that Christ will return in power and glory. ★ Support this podcast ★
Pastor Jim Osman expounds on how Peter defends the doctrine of Christ's second coming by appealing to his experience as one of the eyewitnesses to majesty. When false teachers dismissed Christ's return as cleverly devised myths, Peter countered by referencing the transfiguration, where he, James, and John were eyewitnesses to majesty displayed on the holy mountain. This powerful event provided undeniable proof that Christ's parousia—his second coming in power and glory—is sure.Peter argues that the apostles were not following fabricated fables but were genuine eyewitnesses to majesty who saw a preview of Christ's coming kingdom. The connection between denying Christ's return and moral compromise becomes clear as Peter demonstrates how false teachers' rejection of the second coming leads to licentious living. At the same time, believers who embrace this hope as eyewitnesses of majesty are motivated toward godliness and holy conduct. ★ Support this podcast ★
In his final recorded words, the apostle Peter emphasizes the critical importance for believers to remember what you know about biblical truth. Throughout 2 Peter 1:12-15, Peter demonstrates that we are forgetful people who need constant reminders of eternal truths. Studies show that we forget 50-80% of what we hear within 24 hours, making it essential to remember what you know through regular reinforcement. ★ Support this podcast ★
Being identified with Christ reveals the profound spiritual reality that water baptism symbolizes for believers. When Christians are identified with Christ, they participate in His death, burial, and resurrection through God's sovereign choice and the Spirit's transformative work. Those identified with Christ receive eternal blessings secured through Christ's substitutionary work on their behalf. Believers identified with Christ cannot continue living in sin because they have died to sin through their union with Christ. Being identified with Christ means God treats believers as if they personally accomplished Christ's righteous work, granting them His perfect righteousness and eternal life. ★ Support this podcast ★
Jim Osman examines 2 Peter 1:10-11, revealing how believers can never stumble spiritually through diligent virtue cultivation. Moreover, spiritual diligence provides three essential blessings: salvation assurance, preservation from moral failure, and triumphant kingdom entrance. Additionally, pursuing moral excellence, knowledge, and self-control keeps Christians from becoming theological shipwrecks like false teachers. Therefore, those who never stumble spiritually through faithful obedience receive abundant entrance into Christ's eternal kingdom with varying degrees of reward. ★ Support this podcast ★
Jim Osman continues his exposition of 2 Peter 1:10-11, explaining the believer’s assurance of election and calling. This passage highlights the spiritual diligence required to cultivate assurance of election by adding godly virtues to faith. Grounding his teaching in the doctrines of divine calling and sovereign grace, Pastor Jim confronts common misconceptions about election and encourages believers to pursue a life of holiness. The assurance of election is both a humbling and comforting truth for God’s people. ★ Support this podcast ★
Justin Peters examines the sin of partiality in James 2:1-9. He reveals how favoritism contradicts God's impartial nature. Peters uses practical examples to show that showing preference based on wealth dishonors God's image in all people. The sin of partiality betrays a misunderstanding of the gospel. Christians must embrace God's impartial character. They should remember that divine election humbles believers. God chose them by grace alone, not personal merit. ★ Support this podcast ★
Jim Osman unpacks 2 Peter 1:10-11 in this sermon on making election sure. He exhorts believers to pursue spiritual diligence by cultivating Christian virtues, thereby confirming their calling and election. Making election sure offers assurance of salvation, steadiness in faith, and a confident entrance into Christ’s eternal kingdom. Osman's message clarifies that assurance is both possible and desirable for Christians who walk in holiness and trust in Christ alone. ★ Support this podcast ★
Jim Osman contrasts the diligent and the negligent believer in this powerful exposition of 2 Peter 1:8-9. He explains how a fruitful Christian life grows through consistent effort rather than relying on shortcuts or quick fixes. Those who pursue godly virtues with diligence experience a fruitful Christian life marked by usefulness and growth, while others risk becoming spiritually blind and forgetful of God’s grace. ★ Support this podcast ★
In this message, Jim Osman continues his exposition on eight fruitful virtues from 2 Peter 1:5-7. Focusing on perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love, he explains how growth in these areas requires effort and the grace of God. Osman emphasizes the necessity of practicing the eight fruitful virtues with intentionality, highlighting that Christian maturity and usefulness are deeply rooted in these qualities. ★ Support this podcast ★
In this message, Pastor Jim Osman begins a detailed study of eight fruitful virtues from 2 Peter 1:5-7. These qualities—beginning with faith and extending through self-control—are to be cultivated with diligence by every believer. Osman clearly explains how the eight fruitful virtues form a foundation for a Christ-honoring life. This rich teaching encourages self-examination and growth in godliness. ★ Support this podcast ★
Jim Osman teaches that applying all diligence is essential for Christian growth. Believers must cultivate virtues such as moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, and love. By using all diligence, Christians respond to God’s grace earnestly, avoiding legalism and complacency. Osman underscores that this pursuit is not about earning salvation but working it out through sanctification, grounded in faith and empowered by God’s provision. ★ Support this podcast ★
In this message, Jeff Williams explores the Logos revealed in John 1:1-18, showing how Jesus Christ is the eternal Creator who entered creation to dwell with humanity and reveal the Father. The revealed Logos confronts Jewish and Greek worldviews and invites us to respond in faith. Williams highlights how this passage magnifies grace and frames our stewardship as believers in light of Christ’s divine identity. ★ Support this podcast ★
In this sermon, Jim Osman unpacks the precious promises of God found in 2 Peter 1:3-4, showing how they reflect His nature and empower believers to holiness. The precious promises of God are both a revelation of His divine character and a means of escape from the world's corruption. Through them, Christians share in the divine nature and grow in sanctification. ★ Support this podcast ★
In this sermon, Jim Osman explores the effectual call of God and its role in the salvation of sinners. Drawing from 2 Peter 1:3-4, he explains how salvation is not merely a result of hearing the gospel but of being irresistibly drawn by the power and glory of Christ. The effectual call of God transforms the heart, opening spiritual eyes and ears, leading to repentance, faith, and a desire for holiness. This call is central to the believer’s new life and identity in Christ. ★ Support this podcast ★
In this sermon, Jim Osman explains how believers have already been given everything for holiness through Christ's power, person, and promises. Grounded in 2 Peter 1:2-4, Osman emphasizes that Christians are fully equipped to live obedient, godly lives. By highlighting divine sufficiency, he dismantles modern spiritual gimmicks that claim to offer more. Everything for holiness comes from knowing Christ and embracing what God has already provided. ★ Support this podcast ★