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Mike McInnis

A Sure Foundation #831

Mike McInnis August, 9 2021 Audio
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In the sermon "A Sure Foundation," Mike McInnis addresses the theological doctrine of salvation and the importance of grounding one's faith in Jesus Christ rather than in personal works or decisionism. He argues against the prevalent mindset of free willism and man-centered salvation, emphasizing that true faith does not stem from human effort but from God's mercy alone. He supports his assertions with Scripture references such as Matthew 7:21-23, where Jesus speaks of those who claim His name yet do not do His will, and Matthew 7:24-25, which illustrates the wise man who builds his house on the rock. The practical significance of this message lies in the assurance of salvation, as McInnis points to the faithful provision of God for His elect, underscoring that believers are not to rely on their capabilities but on the completed work of Christ for their salvation and sustenance.

Key Quotes

“Despair and grief are the only ultimate result for those whose hopes are built upon a false foundation.”

“God's children do not build a foundation by their obedience, but are obedient because they have a sure foundation already laid for them, which is Jesus Christ.”

“The Lord our God is the only supplier of the kind of help his children stand in need of.”

“He has completely justified His elect in the sight of the law, taking their sin away by His blood.”

What does the Bible say about building your life on a solid foundation?

The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the only true foundation for life and faith.

According to Scripture, building one's life on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ is crucial. In Matthew 7:24, the Lord states that those who hear His sayings and do them are like a wise man who built his house on a rock. This emphasizes the need for obedience that stems from faith in Christ as the secure foundation laid for believers. In contrast, those who trust in their own abilities or a false gospel will face despair, as outlined in Matthew 7:21-23, where Jesus warns that many will be rejected because they relied on their works rather than His grace.

Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 7:24

Why is it important for Christians to rely solely on the mercy of God?

Reliance on God's mercy is essential because human efforts are insufficient for salvation and spiritual growth.

For Christians, relying solely on the mercy of God is foundational because it acknowledges our total dependency on Him. The message that human effort can somehow contribute to salvation undermines the very gospel we profess. Paul articulates this in 1 Corinthians 3:11, stating that no other foundation can be laid than that which is laid, Jesus Christ. This dependency is vital for understanding our position before God, prompting us to worship Him rather than ourselves or our works, as emphasized in Ephesians 2:8-9, which documents that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works.

1 Corinthians 3:11, Ephesians 2:8-9

How can Christians find comfort during times of weakness?

Christians find comfort in knowing that God promises to support and aid them in their weaknesses.

In times of weakness, Christians can find comfort in God's promises to uphold and support them. The assurance that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1) provides solace amidst guilt and fear. God’s children are constantly reminded of their frailty and need for divine help. As cited in the sermon, He holds their hand through every trial, assuring them that they are complete in Him (Colossians 2:10). This aspect of God's faithfulness reinforces believers' reliance on Him, as they know they are secure in His grace and strength.

Romans 8:1, Colossians 2:10

What is the significance of Jesus' role in the salvation of the elect?

Jesus is the Redeemer who justifies and sanctifies the elect, ensuring their acceptance before God.

The significance of Jesus' role in the salvation of the elect cannot be overstated; He acts as both Redeemer and Savior. Through His sacrifice, He has completely justified the elect in the sight of God's law, an act that involves taking away their sins (Romans 5:1). Furthermore, Christ's imputation of righteousness means that believers stand before God not only forgiven but also clothed in His perfect righteousness. Additionally, as stated in 1 Corinthians 1:30, Christ has become our sanctification, making us holy and acceptable before God. This intertwining of justification and sanctification demonstrates that all aspects of salvation are rooted in Christ alone.

Romans 5:1, 1 Corinthians 1:30

Sermon Transcript

Auto-generated transcript • May contain errors

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Welcome, friends, to another
broadcast of Morsels for Zion's Poor. Despair and grief are the
only ultimate result for those whose hopes are built upon a
false foundation. Not everyone that saith unto
me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he
that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will
say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied
in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in
thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess
unto them, I never knew you, depart from me ye that work iniquity. The preachers of free willism
and man-centered salvation continue to encourage men to trust in
their professions of faith and their ability to allow the Lord
to do something for them. Decisionism is the order of the
day along with the belief that men can be taught how to experience
God. We never cease to be amazed at
the abundance of how-to books that are available on every aspect
of the Christian life. The concept of men being totally
dependent on the mercy of God with no confidence in the flesh
is considered a doctrine which is only fit for those who are
somewhat backward in their thinking. Bigger, better, faster can be
the result when men add their abilities to the Lord's, according
to this modern philosophy, which has one foot in the world and
one in the scriptures. Partial truth can often be more
deadly than outright error and is most certain to bring heartache
to those who mistake it for the absolute truth of God. Any trust
that a man has in this sinful flesh in which we dwell is certain
to be a confidence that proves to be unreliable, whether it
be to pray, to study the Scriptures, or to resist temptation. The
Lord said, Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine,
and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built
his house upon a rock. God's children do not build a
foundation by their obedience, but are obedient because they
have a sure foundation already laid for them, which is Jesus
Christ. For other foundation can no man
lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. The true children
of God can find no comfort in the self-help gospel which is
preached far and wide. They find themselves hungering
for food which cannot be supplied from this kitchen, and desiring
to eat meat which is not on its menu. When a child of God is
burdened with his need to pray, he can't be helped by somebody
teaching him the methodology of prayer. The Lord our God is
the only supplier of the kind of help his children stand in
need of. He has promised to help them, and they can be satisfied
with nothing less. God has promised to hold his
people's hand. When I was a small child, there
was a time when my mother held my hand while crossing the street.
But as I grew older, she no longer found the need to do that. The
Lord's children, however, never outgrew their need of his constant
support and aid, and he is faithful to supply their every need. The
Lord continually reminds us to fear not. Sin has taken a great
toll on the children of God, and we find ourselves in great
weakness of mind and spirit from time to time. The terrors of
the law sometimes gives us nightmares, but the Lord knows that we are
but dust, and He has continual pity upon His own, reassuring
them that there is therefore now no condemnation to them which
are in Christ Jesus. He is faithful to remind us of
our own frailty, lest we should be lifted up with pride. Isaac
Watts wrote the hymn, Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed, and Did
My Sovereign Die? Would he devote that sacred head
for such a worm as I? Many modern hymn books have changed
those five words to sinners such as I. Some would say it has the
same meaning, but the Lord Himself referred to those whom He loves
as worms. We are the lowest of the low,
but by His grace He has promised to lift us up. Paul said it like
this, For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what
hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive
it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? Our
Helper is our Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. The Lord is always
faithful to supply the exact help that His people need. In
purchasing our redemption, the Lord Jesus Christ secured everything
His elect bride could ever lack. He has completely justified His
elect in the sight of the law, taking their sin away by His
blood. He has imputed His righteousness to them, so that their account
is paid in full. He has sanctified us completely,
so that we stand without spot or wrinkle before the holy presence
of God. His wisdom has replaced our ignorance, so that we are
complete in Him. For in Him dwelleth all the fullness
of the Godhead bodily, and ye are complete in Him, which is
the head of all principality and power. For a free CD containing
15 of these radio broadcasts, send an email to forthepoor at
windstream.net.
Mike McInnis
About Mike McInnis
Mike McInnis is an elder at Grace Chapel in O'Brien Florida. He is also editor of the Grace Gazette.
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