Held by God | Psalm 57, 1 Peter 1, & John 10 | Confidence in the Perseverance of the Saints
Here we are today. We're finishing up our five-week series on understanding grace, and what we have been doing is we've been looking at the doctrines of grace and we'll review those here in just another second but today we are considering the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. Now, during our journey through these five points in the doctrines of grace, I have been pointing out that there is a logical progression and consistency to these doctrines, and so it all starts out with our understanding of total depravity.
Transformed by the Spirit | Isaiah 55:1–13 & Romans 8:18–39 | The Power of Irresistible Grace
In week four of our series “Understanding Grace” we look at the doctrine of Irresistible Grace. For those appointed to salvation, the Holy Spirit will work in their life to bring them to faith in Jesus Christ.
The Bible teaches us that we are all dead in sin and unable to come to God on our own. However, when the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and draws us to Christ, we understand the irresistible nature of God’s grace.
The doctrine of irresistible grace is a source of great comfort and assurance for believers. It reminds us that our salvation is not dependent on our own efforts, but on the grace of God. It also gives us confidence that God will continue His transforming work in our lives to conform us to the image of His Son.
Intentional Atonement | John 10:1-21 & Isaiah 53:1-12 | Redemption Accomplished for His People
Why did Jesus lay down His life? In this third sermon from our Understanding Grace series, we explore the deep assurance that comes from knowing Christ’s atonement was intentional and effective. From Isaiah’s prophecy to Jesus’ words in John, Scripture reveals that Christ did not die to make salvation merely possible—He died to actually redeem His people.
Adopted by God | Deuteronomy 7:6–11 & Romans 9:1–16 | God's Covenant Love Revealed
Why are we called the children of God? In this second sermon from our Understanding Grace series, we explore the astonishing truth that salvation is not based on human effort but entirely on God's sovereign love. From God's choosing of Israel in Deuteronomy to Paul's teaching in Romans, Scripture shows us that adoption into God's family is rooted in His mercy, not our merit.
Fallen Humanity | Genesis 3:1–24 & Romans 3:1–20 | Why Grace Is Our Only Hope
Why do we need grace? In this opening sermon from our Understanding Grace series, we explore the sobering truth about the human condition apart from God. From the first act of rebellion in Genesis to Paul’s clear teaching in Romans, Scripture shows us that we are not merely flawed—we are spiritually dead. But it is in the depths of our fallenness that the light of God’s grace shines brightest.
Held By God
A while back, I needed to make two visits in Sioux Falls. One visit was to someone in the hospital in the morning and another visit to pray with someone before surgery. There was about a three hour window of time that I needed to fill. I went to a coffee shop, got a little caffeine, and did a little work on my tablet. Before I went to do the afternoon visit I decided to go to the mall to see if I could find a good price on some clothes that I was in need of. I parked near the food court entrance and spent roughly 30 minutes looking for a dress clothes. On the way out I was observing how little activity there was at the mall compared to times past. The handful of cars in the parking lot reflected how few people were moving around the interior of the mall. The activity in the mall was nothing like I knew when I was younger, even on a slow day.