Justified By God

The sermon explores the theological realities of the afterlife by examining the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16. It emphasizes that death acts as a permanent separator, leading to either comfort in Abraham's bosom or conscious torment in hell, where individuals retain memory and desire for relief but lack the ability to change their fate. The message highlights that God provides the Word of God and human witnesses as the sole means of salvation for the living, rejecting the idea that supernatural intervention will occur after death. The preacher challenges the audience to examine their own assurance of salvation and to actively engage in evangelism, urging them to be proclaimers of the Gospel to prevent others from missing heaven. The tone is urgent and pastoral, calling for immediate personal reflection and practical action in sharing faith with friends and family.

Two important parables about prayer. The rich ruler wants to go to Heaven, but can't afford it.

WHO WILL INHERIT THE AMERICA WE LEAVE BEHIND? Psalm 78:1–8 (KJV)This message examines America's changing political and cultural landscape from the 1960s through November 2026 and asks a far more important question: What spiritual inheritance are we leaving the next generation? Drawing from Psalm 78:1–8, the sermon presents three biblical truths: a people must remember their foundation, a generation must teach its children, and God's people must become a light to their nation. America may change politically, economically, and culturally, but the church's greatest responsibility remains unchanged: proclaim Jesus Christ, teach the next generation God's Word, and reach the lost with the Gospel. It will not ultimately matter whether a person dies a Republican or a Democrat. What matters eternally is whether that person knows Jesus Christ as Savior!

God's House must be filled. God's disciples must give all. Three parables of the Lost.

The son is still a great way off — and the father has been watching the road. In one half-verse, the story turns from the son's steps to the Father's: He sees, has compassion, runs, falls on his neck, and kisses him, all before a word of confession is spoken. This lesson slows down at the emotional hinge of the whole parable and dwells on a Father who closes the distance we cannot close ourselves.

This sermon concludes a series on the Sermon on the Mount by examining the exclusivity of salvation through the narrow gate and the narrow way, contrasting it with the broad path to destruction. The speaker emphasizes that salvation is entirely a work of God's grace and election, rejecting any human effort or addition to the gospel. The text warns against false prophets who disguise themselves as sheep but operate as wolves, urging believers to discern them by their fruit and their corruption of the doctrine of grace. It further distinguishes between false professions of faith, which rely on personal works or empty titles, and true profession, which is evidenced by obedience to Christ's teachings and a life aligned with God's will. The message concludes with the parable of the wise and foolish builders, asserting that only those who hear and do the words of Jesus have a foundation that withstands the trials of life.

This parable teaches that Christ, the sovereign Master, entrusts His servants with gifts to be used faithfully until He returns. The faithful are not praised for results alone, but for diligent stewardship and costly obedience. The unfaithful servant, ruled by fear and unbelief, buries what was given and is judged. Believers have grace-driven responsibility: all we have comes from God, belongs to God, and must be used for His glory in joyful anticipation.

This sermon explores the nature of genuine faith as revealed in 1 Peter 1:6-9, arguing that Christian suffering is temporary, necessary, and purposeful for the testing of the soul. It contrasts the world's definition of a good life, which seeks ease and material gain, with the biblical view that finds joy in God's sovereignty even amidst grief. By examining the parable of the sower, the message distinguishes between superficial belief and deep-rooted trust that persists through persecution and loss. The central argument is that trials serve to prove the authenticity of faith, which is more valuable than any earthly achievement, ultimately leading to the salvation of the soul and an inexpressible joy rooted in the unseen presence of Christ.

Sunday Morning Service with Pastor John Herdman from Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church in Gray, Tennessee Thank you for joining us online for our services today. Please use the link below to learn more about how to have a home in heaven, submit prayer requests to our staff, or give to support this online ministry. https://linktr.ee/BuffaloRidgeBaptistChurch

Text: Luke 18:9-14 | Speaker: Levi Bakerink | Description: Jesus then gave his disciples another parable about the danger of trusting in one's own righteousness. As we celebrate Reformation Day, we find the heart of the Reformation in this passage: we are justified by faith alone, through grace alone, in Christ alone. We all, like the poor tax collector, are sinners in need of God's mercy. Yet God sends sinners away justified, not because of our merit, but solely on the basis of Christ's merit, received by faith in him. We must all the more rely on Christ alone, and not on anything in us, even the Spirit's work of sanctification in our lives, to find assurance of our salvation. It is all the free grace of God.