In Matthew 11:25–30, Jesus invites the weary to find true rest—not in their efforts, but in His finished work. In this sermon from a special Gospel Preaching Service at Gospel of Grace Ministries in Okeana, Ohio, Dr. Jason Boothe of Redeemer Church of Piketon proclaims the glorious truth of God’s sovereignty in salvation and the gentle call of Christ to all who labor and are heavy laden.
“Humility Still Matters: Learning to be Gentle in a Loud World”
The rise of self-proclaimed authorities on Scripture through social media has led to a troubling lack of humility and gentle discourse. True Christian ministry calls for patience, meekness, and alignment with biblical teachings, recognizing that the authority comes from God's Word, not personal opinion or influence. Biblical humility is essential in communicating truth.
God’s Sheep Will Never Perish
In John 10:26–28, Jesus declares that His sheep hear His voice, follow Him, and will never perish. This passage reveals both the inability of man to come to God apart from divine grace and the unshakable security of those who belong to Christ. Salvation is not earned by our efforts but granted by God’s mercy. The believer’s confidence rests not in personal faithfulness but in the faithfulness of Christ, who promises that none shall ever be plucked from His hand. Soli Deo Gloria.
Faith That Flows From Wisdom: Taming the Tongue
Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). What we say reveals what’s in our hearts. James reminds us that the tongue has both the power to destroy and the power to bless, and only the wisdom from above can bring our speech under godly control.
The Importance of the Word
We must be willing to let the Word of God confront and even shatter our false assumptions. The danger lies in merely following along the same well-worn “cattle paths” of belief that others have set before us. Instead, we must be like the noble Bereans, who “received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11).
Faith Displayed: Works that Witness
The mercy of God in Christ motivates His people to be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, yet quick to love!
You Will Fall Apart from Sovereign Grace!
Man-centered religion insists you can stand before God by your will and works. But Adam fell before sin entered the world—what chance have we after the fall? Only sovereign grace can save sinners. Salvation is not a joint effort between God and man; it is the work of God alone, from beginning to end.
Faith in Action: The Word at Work
In Faith in Action: The Word at Work, Pastor Jason K. Boothe explores James 1:19–27, showing how God's gift of faith goes beyond hearing God’s Word—it informs our character, guides our actions, and bears fruit in daily life. Learn how to be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, and how true religion expresses itself through love, compassion, faith toward God and goodwill toward our fellow man.
Faith in the Furnace: Joy During Trials
Trials are not a possibility but a certainty in the Christian life. In James 1:1–18, we are reminded that God uses suffering to refine our faith, deepen our dependence on Christ, and display His sovereign grace. Every trial becomes an opportunity to grow in steadfastness, seek wisdom from God, and rejoice in the perfect gift of Christ Himself.
Are James and Paul At Odds Concerning Faith?
James 2 has often been misunderstood as contradicting Paul’s teaching on salvation by faith alone. In reality, the two apostles address different concerns: Paul speaks of justification before God, while James emphasizes how faith is vindicated before others through works. Faith is alive, visible, and fruitful — blessing the church, serving others, and glorifying God.
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