When Winning Means Losing

In the final part of our series on repentance and forgiveness, Dr. J. Mark Beach turns to some pastoral questions. What becomes of the believer who cannot name every sin he has committed? How should elders deal with a member who refuses to repent? And how do we examine our hearts without sliding into scrupulosity on one side or carelessness on the other? Dr. Beach argues that justification must stand before sanctification in preaching and pastoral counseling, and that to reverse the order is to cast the sinner back upon themselves instead of upon Christ. He also explains why Calvin is a better guide here than many of the Puritan and Pietist writers. Read Dr. Beach's full article, ⁠"Forgiving Like God? Some Reflections on the Idea of Conditional Forgiveness,"⁠ in the Mid-America Journal of Theology: https://www.midamerica.edu/uploads/files/pdf/journal/06_beach_journal2015.pdf

Paul learned contentment in seasons of abundance and in seasons of need. In Philippians 4:11–13, he points to Christ as the one who gave him strength in both. On Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how good desires can become demands we make of God. He draws on John 21:22 and Hebrews 13:5 to show how we can turn from comparison, give thanks for what we have in Christ, and trust God's providence in difficult circumstances. More episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

FRXD Cardiff is a monthly meeting held at ION Strength and Conditioning. It is a free, community-wide workout and time of devotion. All are welcome to join. Please visit cbcgb.co.uk or bjstagner.com for more information. Have you recently decided to follow Jesus? Take your next step with Jesus: https://cbcgb.co.uk ⛪ ABOUT CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCHES: We believe that our Calvary Baptist Churches are a movement for all people to know God, Reaching Others, Building Lives, Honouring God and Make a Difference. 🤝 Support this ministry and help us reach more people with the Gospel: https://cbcgb.co.uk/give/ STAY CONNECTED: 🌐 Website: https://cbcgb.co.uk/ 🌐 Website: https://bjstagner.com 👍 Facebook: / Calvary Baptist Church-Cynon Valley 👍 Facebook: / Cardiff-Calvary Baptist Church 📸 Instagram: / @cibc_cynonvalley 📸 Instagram: / @calvary_cardiff 🎥 YouTube: / @calvarybaptistchurchesofGB

Jesus said the Old Testament was about Him. John 5:39, Luke 24:27, 24:44 God's grace to sinners by His Son Jesus Christ, through the New Covenant saving those who were bound by sin & death under the Law.

It is not hard to see that humanity is in a state of suffering and evil. Everyone experiences death, sickness, and suffering in their lives, but why is this? Many do not consider this question because they claim that humanity will inevitably progress until all evils have been extinguished and that man is the master of his own destiny. But the Bible presents a very different picture of the world than the triumphalist. In this sermon on Psalm 107:23-32, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that Scripture teaches that humanity is fundamentally sick and weak, and in dire need of salvation. No one is master of their own destiny, but all are subject to what happens in the world. When the gospel comes, it does not make humanity the center of the world, but it restores them to their rightful place as creatures of God. The gospel brings true and lasting peace for all that believe. This sermon calls each and every person to flee from sin and to come to God in repentance and humility to be saved. This sermon brings the vital message that all need salvation and that Jesus is the Savior.

1 Corinthians 15:1–4 (KJV) "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"

John chapter 1 verses 19-34. This sermon examines the character of John the Baptist as a model for faithful witnesses, emphasizing that believers must proclaim the truth of the Gospel consistently, humbly, and directly. Drawing from John 1:19-34, the text highlights how John denied being the Messiah or Elijah to keep the focus on Christ, illustrating the necessity of humility and the avoidance of self-promotion. The message further stresses the importance of directness in testimony, urging believers to clearly identify Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away sin and the Son of God. The preacher challenges the audience to overcome the fear of man and the shame of the Gospel, calling them to be reliable witnesses who do not distort or soften the truth. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a pastoral exhortation for both unbelievers to repent and trust in Christ and for believers to actively share their faith with conviction and grace. Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.Lockman.org

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/

In this chapter, John Owen establishes the indispensable necessity of the Holy Spirit's regenerating work by exposing the total spiritual darkness and depravity of the unregenerate human mind. Refuting claims that regeneration is merely external moral reform or that fallen human reason retains an untainted "inner light" capable of grasping divine truth, Owen distinguishes between objective darkness (lacking the outward preaching of the gospel) and subjective darkness (an inward spiritual blindness that corrupts the mind, understanding, and heart). Drawing extensively on Ephesians 4:17–18 and 1 Corinthians 2:14, he demonstrates that while natural people can grasp biblical doctrines notionally, they suffer from a twofold inability—both a natural lack of spiritual sight and a willful moral hostility—that renders the supernatural mysteries of the gospel "foolishness" to them. Far from being a passive void, this inner darkness is an active, ruling power that fills the mind with enmity against God, earthly desires, and deep-seated prejudices, making it impossible for any person to savingly understand or embrace Christ without an immediate, supernatural illumination from the Holy Ghost.

Romans 12:2 calls Christians to be transformed by the renewal of their minds. In this Weekly Watch episode of Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins considers how popular ideologies shape our thinking, how the fear of man can weaken our witness, and how Scripture teaches us to test claims of fresh revelation. Hebrews 13:8–9 grounds that discernment in the unchanging Christ, who gives us reason to stand firm and give thanks to God. For more from Contending for the Word, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/