Sermons That Exalt Christ

God's Sermon on His Name - Part 4

This document presents a series of reflection and application questions for a sermon titled �God�s Sermon on His Name (Pt. 4),� based on Exodus 33:12�34:9, from Countryside Bible Church. The questions prompt participants to deeply consider God's justice and its implications across several areas. Firstly, individuals are challenged to explore how God�s justice should motivate them to evangelize lost family, friends, and neighbors, and to reflect on their own evangelistic opportunities. A crucial discussion point involves whether God's justice should be explicitly included in gospel presentations to unbelievers, and why. Secondly, the questions delve into the personal impact of God's justice, asking how a biblical understanding transforms one's view and handling of both external sins and internal heart sins. The theological challenge of how God can forgive sins without violating His perfect justice is also posed. Finally, the document shifts to personal spiritual assessment, prompting reflection on individual worship, prayer life, scripture reading, and meditation practices over recent weeks or months, encouraging a holistic evaluation of one's spiritual walk.

Wars, Rumors of Wars & the Last War - Part 3

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "Daniel Wars, Rumors of Wars & the Last War (Part 3)" focuses on Daniel 11:36-45, interpreting it as a direct prophecy concerning the Antichrist, a future evil world ruler. Pennington explains that this section transitions from prophecies about Antiochus Epiphanes to events yet to unfold in the "end time," citing historical discrepancies with Antiochus, consistency with other Antichrist passages, and scholarly consensus. The Antichrist is depicted as an unparalleled embodiment of evil: an arrogant, self-exalting atheist who demands worship for himself and rejects all other deities, including the Messiah. He will prioritize warfare, using immense military power to achieve global dominance. After establishing a seven-year treaty with Israel, he will break it midway through the tribulation, instigating severe persecution. The passage describes global conflict at the "end time," where nations from the South, East, and North will revolt against the Antichrist. He will retaliate with overwhelming force, invading Israel and other countries. Despite reaching the peak of his power, Daniel 11:45 starkly reveals his sudden demise: Christ will destroy him effortlessly with "the breath of His mouth" at His second coming during the Battle of Armageddon.

Wars, Rumors of Wars & the Last War - Part 2

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon on Daniel 11:20-35, delivered on September 13, 2020, delves into the incredibly precise prophecies concerning Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Pennington highlights that this fulfilled prophecy showcases God's absolute sovereignty over all historical details, from Daniel's era to the end of human history. Antiochus IV, identified as a "despicable person" and the "little horn" from Daniel 8, receives extensive attention in the text due to his profound and dark impact on Israel's history, and his crucial role as a precursor to the Antichrist. Described as arrogant, deceptive, and ruthless, Antiochus seized power through intrigue. He launched intense persecutions against the Jewish people, famously desecrating the Jerusalem Temple by erecting an idol of Zeus�the "abomination of desolation"�and attempting to force Hellenization upon them, which ultimately sparked the Maccabean Revolt. Pennington explains that God allowed this severe suffering to refine, purge, and cleanse His people, distinguishing true believers from those who compromised. The sermon concludes with several lessons: God is sovereign over every detail of history, Jesus Christ rules all earthly kings, human rulers and kingdoms are temporary, and evil often infiltrates God's people through compromise.

God's Sermon on His Name - Part 3

Countryside Bible Church's sermon application, "God's Sermon on His Name (Pt. 3)" from Exodus 33:12-34:9, argues that God's self-revelation in Exodus 34 eradicates inadequate and idolatrous views of Him, replacing them with an authentic understanding of His holiness, greatness, and goodness. The text details God's goodness through His attributes: He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth. Furthermore, His goodness is evident in His actions: He extends lovingkindness for thousands and actively forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin. The application section encourages deep reflection on how God's glory is intrinsically linked to His goodness, examining how a profound grasp of this truth can fortify individuals against temptation. It explores the meaning of attributes like compassion (connecting it to motherhood), grace, and *hesed* (lovingkindness), which signifies God's enduring love and loyalty, leading to His preservation, comfort, and forgiveness of His people. The guide also underscores God's truthfulness in relation to His promises and prompts believers to consider how God's gracious character in forgiving sin should motivate worship, a desire to reflect Him, and the practice of extending forgiveness to others.

The Gift of Work

The sermon application "The Gift of Work" from Countryside Bible Church, drawing from Proverbs, establishes work as a divine gift and calling, urging an understanding of its origin, value, and reasons to honor God daily. The outline details four key principles: Firstly, work reflects God's character (Pr. 8:22-30) and His creative nature. Secondly, it is a direct command from God (Pr. 6:6-11). Thirdly, work must be performed God's way, demanding diligence, integrity, and humility in all tasks. Finally, work serves as a tool to fulfill God's purposes, which include providing for personal needs and enjoyment, supporting dependents, benefiting others, generously giving to those in need, and ultimately serving the Lord Jesus Christ (Col. 3:23-24). The reflection questions prompt individuals to examine their views on work, identify any "sluggard" traits, and consider how a godly work ethic, encompassing discipline, planning, hard work, diligence, integrity, and humility, can be practically applied to love God and others through their daily efforts.

Our Eternal Home is the New Earth - Part 2