The sermon titled "Storm Warning #180" addresses the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The speakers emphasize the necessity of continuously looking unto Jesus as the source of spiritual strength and guidance in a believer's life. Key Scripture references include 2 Peter 1:9, which warns against losing sight of the cross, and 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Galatians 3:13, which affirm the vicarious nature of Christ’s atoning sacrifice. The sermon argues that believers must keep their focus on Christ to avoid spiritual stagnation and emphasizes the transformative power of grace, which deepens their understanding of sin and motivates a holy life. The practical significance underscores the urgency for individuals to seek relationship with Christ today, as salvation is offered freely and is essential for escaping divine judgment.
Key Quotes
“Our whole life is to be one continuously following the Lord Jesus. We started our Christian journey by looking to Jesus. Why change this?”
“As a Christian, should your eye ever be withdrawn from the cross, you'll be sure to go backwards to grow cold and to forget that you were purged from your old sins.”
“If you belong to Christ, then there is nothing left in that cup of indignation for you, dearly beloved, because your Lord drank every drop in your place.”
“Today is the day of salvation. Call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ while He may be found, and seek Him while He is near.”
The Bible describes grace as God's unmerited favor in saving sinners, emphasizing that it is through grace that we are saved.
Grace is a central theme in Scripture, highlighting God's unmerited favor towards humanity. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, 'For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.' This passage underscores that salvation is entirely a work of God's grace and not something we can earn through our actions. It is essential for Christians to understand that grace is not only the beginning of their Christian journey but also a sustaining force throughout their lives. As we live in His grace, we grow in our understanding of sin and the magnitude of Christ's sacrificial love, which in turn fuels our hatred for sin and deepens our devotion to Him.
Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Peter 1:9
We can have assurance of being God's elect through faith in Christ and the inward testimony of the Holy Spirit.
Assurance of election is a vital aspect of the Christian faith. Romans 8:28-30 explains that those whom God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. This indicates that the mark of the elect is one's faith in Christ, which is a gift from God. Additionally, the inward testimony of the Holy Spirit, as expressed in Romans 8:16, confirms our status as children of God. Our desire to follow Christ, love Him, and obey His commandments serves as evidence of our election. Ultimately, the assurance lies in looking to Jesus and recognizing that His work guarantees our acceptance before God.
Romans 8:28-30, Romans 8:16
Following Jesus is crucial for Christians as it represents obedience to His teachings and a personal relationship with Him.
Following Jesus is fundamental to the Christian life because it signifies a commitment to obey His teachings and live according to His example. As the Lord Himself stated in John 10:27, 'My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.' This relational aspect is vital; it means we are engaging in a continual journey of faith where we learn to trust and rely on Him. Following Jesus also assures us that we are in communion with Him, which provides strength and guidance in our daily lives. When our eyes are firmly fixed on Him, we gain clarity in navigating the challenges of life, leading to spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God.
John 10:27, Psalm 121:1-2
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