A brief bit of encouragement for the journey from God's Word. Today's Scripture reading: Hebrews 10 To support this devotional ministry: https://faithbaptiststerling.com/give/ Music: "Awaken the Dawn" by Stanton Lanier https://www.stantonlanier.com CCLI #20109360

A devotional delivered to the congregation of Emmanuel Reformed Baptist Church (SeaTac, WA) at the Wednesday night prayer meeting.

This Bible Study examines the figure of Melchizedek in Genesis 14 as a prophetic type of Jesus Christ, highlighting his unique role as both King of Salem and Priest of the Most High God. The teaching contrasts the temporary, genealogy-based Levitical priesthood with the eternal, appointed priesthood of Christ, who is described in Psalm 110 and Hebrews as a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. Key theological points include the significance of Melchizedek's lack of recorded lineage, his superiority over Abraham, and the symbolic presentation of bread and wine as a pre-shadowing of the Lord's Supper. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that Christ's eternal priesthood guarantees complete salvation and victory for believers, distinguishing His work from the temporary sacrifices of the Old Covenant.

This sermon explores the distinct theological perspective of the books of Chronicles compared to Samuel and Kings, highlighting how Chronicles serves as an encouragement to post-exilic Israel by focusing on the temple rather than the throne. The central message emphasizes that while God is just and will not clear the guilty, He is also rich in mercy, a duality fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. By examining David's devotion to worship and his preparation for the temple, the text illustrates that God's presence and proper worship are more vital to a nation's prosperity than political power alone. The genealogies and historical accounts are presented not as mere repetition, but as a cohesive narrative pointing to Christ, who fulfills the offices of prophet, priest, and king. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to rest in God's sovereignty and to pursue a life of faithful stewardship and praise, trusting in His faithfulness to fulfill His promises.

Pastor Russell Ellis - The Priesthood & the Believer

Luk 20:1 And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, Luk 20:2 And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? Luk 20:3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: Luk 20:4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? Luk 20:5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not? Luk 20:6 But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet. Luk 20:7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. Luk 20:8 And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

At the end of this podcast is the answer to the question: What would John Owen say to the Theocast podcast, "Why I left Lordship" salvation." For John Owen, severing the Lordship of Christ from His saving work is a theological impossibility because saving faith receives the undivided Person of the God-Man, who simultaneously executes the offices of Prophet, Priest, and King. In Christologia and Meditations on the Glory of Christ (Volume 1), Owen demonstrates that Christ's Kingly office is not an optional addendum to salvation, but the very mechanism by which He bestows His Spirit, subdues the rebel heart, and delivers His people from the dominion of sin and Satan. True faith involves the voluntary subjection of the soul to Christ's scepter; therefore, a "salvation" that leaves a sinner in active rebellion against King Jesus claims a benefits-only fiction that departs entirely from the genuine gospel.

Lance Laughton - Mukhanyo Johannesburg

This sermon explores the foundational question of why a person is called a Christian, grounding the answer in three distinct marks of genuine faith found in 1 John. The first mark is theological discernment, where believers recognize the truth of Jesus Christ as the Anointed One and reject the spirit of Antichrist that denies His deity and humanity. The second mark is spiritual consecration, defined by the internal anointing of the Holy Spirit, which seals believers and empowers them to serve as prophets, priests, and kings. The third mark is unwavering perseverance, illustrated by the contrast between those who depart and those who abide in the truth they heard from the beginning. The message urges the congregation to move beyond nominal identification with Christ to a deep, enduring relationship characterized by knowing the truth, sharing in the Spirit's anointing, and remaining steadfast in faith until the end.

A brief bit of encouragement for the journey from God's Word. Today's Scripture reading: Hebrews 7 To support this devotional ministry: https://faithbaptiststerling.com/give/ Music: "Awaken the Dawn" by Stanton Lanier https://www.stantonlanier.com CCLI #20109360

What was the sin of Nadab and Abihu, and what does their shocking judgment teach us about worship, obedience, and the holiness of God today? In Leviticus 10:1–3, we read how these two priests offered "strange fire" before the LORD—something "which he commanded them not." Their tragic account provides a sobering warning about the danger of approaching God according to human preferences rather than His revealed Word. In this in-depth Bible study, we examine the biblical meaning of strange fire, explore its significance in the Old Testament, and consider its practical applications for the New Testament church. What can we learn from this account about spiritual discernment, false teaching, religious presumption, and the responsibility of those who serve the Lord? 📖 WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER IN THIS BIBLE STUDY: 🔥 The Meaning of Strange Fire: Discover the Hebrew expression behind "strange fire" in Leviticus 10:1 and why Nadab and Abihu's unauthorized offering was such a serious offense against God. 📖 The Holiness of God: Understand why God's holiness must govern our worship, our conduct, and our approach to Him. Consider the solemn declaration of Leviticus 10:3: "I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified." ⚖️ Obedience Over Religious Performance: Learn why sincerity, good intentions, emotional experiences, and outward religious activity cannot replace obedience to God's Word. 🛡️ Spiritual Discernment and False Teaching: Examine the biblical responsibility to test spiritual claims, identify doctrinal error, and refuse to elevate personal experiences above the authority of Scripture. ⛪ Strange Fire and the New Testamen