Pride: Self-Glory vs God's Glory

After his resurrection, Jesus speaks to Peter about the death by which Peter would glorify God. Peter asks about John's future, and Jesus directs him back to his own calling when he says, "You follow me!" (John 21:18–22). On Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how comparison can lead to envy, pride, and dissatisfaction with God's provision. Because our identity is secure in Christ, we can give thanks for what God has given us, rejoice when he blesses others, and faithfully use what he has entrusted to us. More episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

The sermon emphasizes the urgency of preparing for eternity by focusing on the central truth that Jesus Christ came to give His life as a ransom for many. It argues that because God is holy, human sin requires a payment that only Christ could make through His substitutionary death on the cross. The message rejects the idea that good works can secure salvation, asserting instead that faith in Christ is the sole means of entering heaven. With a tone of pastoral concern and conviction, the speaker urges the audience to repent, defined as turning from sin and seeking God's forgiveness, rather than relying on pride or self-righteousness and works. The sermon concludes with a direct appeal to examine one's soul to repent and look to the Saviour.

God used Babylon to chasten His people. Babylon was full of pride and gave no thought to the end of their action. Judgment upon her was to be swift and certain.

This sermon examines the identity, role, and fall of Lucifer by analyzing key passages in Genesis, Job, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Revelation. It challenges the 'gap theory' by arguing that the fall occurred after creation was declared 'very good' but before the temptation in the Garden of Eden, citing Job 38 to show that all angels rejoiced at creation. The speaker describes Lucifer as an 'anointed cherub' created to reflect God's glory and move among the 'stones of fire,' but who fell due to pride and a desire to exalt himself above God. The sermon concludes by placing the final expulsion of Satan and his angels in the context of Revelation 12, emphasizing that believers are to overcome the accuser through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Questions: 1. When did Lucifer fall, and why does the timing matter? 2. What is the Gap Theory, and why does this lesson challenge it? 3. Who was Lucifer before his rebellion? 4. Was Lucifer originally heaven's worship leader? 5. What does it mean that Lucifer was the anointed cherub that covereth? 6. What were the stones of fire that Lucifer walked among? 7. What caused Lucifer to rebel against God? 8. Has Satan already been permanently cast out of heaven? 9. Why are some fallen angels imprisoned while Satan remains free? 10. What should Christians learn from Lucifer's fall?

This sermon examines the fifth petition of the Lord's Prayer, focusing on the radical and voluntary nature of forgiveness as taught in Matthew 6:12. By analyzing Old Testament passages such as Psalm 85 and Psalm 32, the message defines forgiveness not merely as the covering of sin but as a necessary step toward reconciliation and the restoration of fellowship. The teaching contrasts the immense debt humanity owes to God with the minor offenses committed against us, using the parable of the unforgiving servant to illustrate that our capacity to forgive should mirror the grace we have received. It challenges the listener to overcome pride and the desire for vindication, arguing that withholding forgiveness hinders one's relational standing with God, even if it does not affect eternal justification. Ultimately, the sermon calls for an intentional, Christ-like posture of grace, urging believers to forgive others freely and immediately to maintain a close and unimpeded relationship with the Father.

The sermon centers on the biblical mandate for believers to be found faithful in their stewardship of God's mysteries, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 4. It emphasizes that while human judgment is secondary, every individual will ultimately stand before the Lord to give an account of how they used the gifts and positions entrusted to them. The message encourages a spirit of humility, rejecting pride and comparison with others, by recognizing that all abilities and blessings are received from God. It further highlights the assurance that faithful service leads to divine praise rather than mere condemnation, urging the congregation to remain diligent in their specific roles within the church. The tone is pastoral and exhortative, aiming to motivate believers to prioritize their spiritual duties over worldly concerns in anticipation of Christ's return.

Donald Trump says he doesn't forgive his enemies, and he doesn't love them. Should we commend his honesty, or condemn his less-than-Christ-like words? In today's episode, Kevin plays clips from the president's recent interview on 60 Minutes, and a 2015 exchange at the Family Leadership Summit. He responds to Trump's remarks about forgiving and loving his enemies, then asks what gets in the way of asking God for forgiveness. His answer is one word: pride. Jesus said that if we don't forgive others, our Father won't forgive us, and the way to forgiving others is first seeing our own need to be forgiven. Kevin also draws the line between personal vengeance and the God-given role of the civil magistrate in Romans 13. A ruler can punish evil without bitterness, but only if he loves God first. #Generations #KevinSwanson #LoveYourEnemies #Forgiveness #ChristianWorldview #Romans12