Resources

In the sermon 'Young Men in Babylon' by Jeffrey D. Johnson, the speaker discusses the dual responsibility of living in the present while maintaining hope for the future. He emphasizes that although life in 'Babylon'—a metaphor for the worldly life—may last a lifetime, it is crucial to remain proactive and engaged in daily responsibilities. The ultimate goal is not to accumulate earthly treasures or raise children who are successful but disconnected from spiritual matters. Instead, the focus should be on building treasures in heaven and establishing God's glory on earth. This involves living as pilgrims, adapting temporarily to the world while knowing it's not the final destination. The sermon encourages believers to contribute positively to society while keeping an eternal perspective.

In the sermon titled 'The Secret to Aging,' Alexander Strauch discusses the importance of being planted in the house of the Lord and among His people as a key to aging well. He emphasizes that being part of a spiritual community provides security and fosters growth, allowing individuals to bear fruit even in old age. Strauch uses the metaphor of sap flowing in a tree to describe the vitality that comes from the Holy Spirit, suggesting that spiritual life keeps one vibrant and fruitful. He refers to Caleb’s strength at 85 as an example of bearing fruit in later years. Strauch highlights 2 Corinthians 4:16, emphasizing the daily renewal of the inner person despite the outward decay associated with aging. He advocates for active participation in the Lord’s work, such as attending sermons, prayer meetings, and ministering to others, as means to maintain spiritual health and vigor.

In his sermon 'Two Extremes Living in Babylon,' Jeffrey D. Johnson discusses the two extremes in church history where some, like the radical Anabaptists, sought isolation from the world, viewing themselves as a separate nation. This, he argues, is not the intended path for Christians. Instead, believers are called to live in the world but not be of it, serving as a preservative and redeeming force. Johnson reflects on why God does not immediately take believers to heaven after conversion, suggesting it is because God is patient and unwilling for any of His chosen to perish. He emphasizes that Christians should engage in their professions and evangelize for God's glory, living as pilgrims and strangers in a world that is not their permanent home, under the rule of King Jesus.

In his sermon, Conrad Mbewe explores why Psalm 1 is positioned as the first psalm in the book of Psalms despite the expectation that it would begin with praise. He articulates that Psalm 1 serves as a preparatory message for worshipers by encouraging them to distance themselves from the ungodly philosophies of the world and instead focus on the Word of God. This psalm emphasizes meditating on God's law day and night, which fosters an environment where God is worshipped and glorified. The metaphor of a plant nourished by streams of water illustrates the prosperity and flourishing of those who align their lives with God's Word. Psalm 1 thus sets a foundational tone for the entire book, guiding believers towards genuine worship and ultimately leading to the profound expressions of worship found in later psalms.

In the sermon 'Always Abounding in the Work of the Lord,' Alexander Strauch reflects on the life and contributions of a founding church member, emphasizing the importance of every Christian engaging in the Lord's work. He underscores that this work is not exclusive to church leaders but extends to all believers, highlighting its rewarding, meaningful, and eternal nature. Strauch illustrates that activities ranging from missionary work to everyday tasks like parenting and household chores qualify as the Lord's work. He reassures that God rewards every sincere effort made in His service beyond human imagination, encouraging steadfastness and perseverance in these endeavors.

In his sermon titled 'Bring Stability to your Community,' Pooyan Mehrshahi emphasizes the importance of Christians engaging actively in their communities by drawing lessons from the message of Jeremiah. Christians are encouraged to build houses, plant gardens, and establish families, promoting stability and flourishing within society. The sermon highlights God's plans for prosperity and multiplication amidst challenges, paralleling the experiences of the exiles in Babylon. It stresses the necessity of seeking the welfare and peace of the places where Christians are situated, urging them to be content and seek God's presence in all circumstances. Prayer is underscored as a vital component in achieving peace and stability within the community.

In the sermon 'Mothers Who are Builders' by Dr. Joel Beeke, the sacred calling of mothers is emphasized as a vital role in building a Christian home. Mothers are seen as pivotal in nurturing both sons and daughters through godly example, modesty, and cheerfulness. The sermon highlights the importance of mothers portraying a happy Christian home amidst worldly feminism, showing respect and a degree of submission to their husbands as long as it aligns with God's Word. A mother's role includes developing her children's intellectual and homemaking skills, performing everyday tasks for the glory of God, and instilling a fear of the Lord. The sermon draws from Psalm 128 and the principles of Proverbs 31, underscoring the historical Puritan view that mothers have a central place in the family. The overall message is that mothers have a significant calling, second only to preaching, as they shape the souls of their children daily, leading them in the way of the Lord.

In the sermon 'Woven Together in the Church,' Jeffrey D. Johnson emphasizes the interconnectedness of the church body, using the metaphor of a woven basket to illustrate how members are interdependent. He argues that spiritual maturity involves relying on the diverse gifts within the church and warns against the detrimental effects of isolating oneself from the community. Johnson stresses that church life is not merely about attendance but involves active participation, encouragement, and the sharing of gifts and resources. The Greek term 'koinia' is highlighted as a form of fellowship that includes sharing one's spiritual and material resources for the betterment of the whole. Each member has a responsibility to invest in the life of the church, using their unique gifts to serve and support others, thereby completing and strengthening the church body.

In his sermon, Kevin Swanson emphasizes the urgent need for a 'Double Barrel Reformation' focusing on revitalizing both the church and the Christian family. He identifies the breakdown of the church's influence and unity as a major concern, stressing that without simultaneous reform in these areas, the church will fail to impact the surrounding culture. Swanson calls for a return to foundational Christian teachings, the obliteration of worldliness, and a reinforcement of family discipleship. He highlights the critical role of education in this reformative process, pointing out the corruption in seminaries, Christian colleges, and schools that leads children away from biblical principles. Swanson warns of a generational battle for the hearts and minds of children, advocating for church discipline to ensure educational standards align with biblical teachings. He urges the community to engage in fervent prayer for spiritual revival, warning that without recognizing the need for such a revival, the church remains lifeless and ineffective. Swanson concludes by calling for a united effort to restore spiritual vitality and ensure a viable church presence by 2055.

In the sermon 'What Would We Do if the Foundations were Destroyed,' Conrad Mbewe explains that the foundations were destroyed in Genesis 3 due to sin, which devastated human nature. The solution to this destruction is found in Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of God's promise of the Messiah. The sermon emphasizes the importance of spreading the gospel in homes, churches, and the world as a means of transforming lives from within. Christians are encouraged to actively engage in building God's kingdom by acting as salt and light in the world, rather than retreating in the face of challenges. Although a golden age may not be achieved, the focus remains on fulfilling Christ's mission by righting wrongs and challenging sinful lifestyles, ultimately bringing people to Christ.

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon: Build ye houses and dwell in them; and plant gardens and eat the fruit of them. Take ye wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters, that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. —Jeremiah 29:4-6 Several months ago, Church and Family Life organized their annual conference around the above text. While living as captives in pagan Babylon, Jeremiah calls God’s people to “build, dwell, and plant.” So we are called to do in our pagan Babylonian world today. At the conference, Church and Family Life interviewed our editor as follows: Question 1: What lessons should we learn from this charge to “build, dwell, and plant” as Christians today? * Just as the Jewish exiles of Jeremiah’s day were sojourners in Babylon, so believers today are strangers and pilgrims in this world (Phil. 3:20; Heb. 11:13). Living as strangers and pilgrims in this world applies to how believers live as individuals (Jer. 29:5), as families (v. 6), and in society (v. 7). * Like the Jewish exiles of Jeremiah’s day, God’s people must expect to sojourn in this world for a lifetime while awaiting entrance into the Promised Land (heaven). During our sojourning in this world, we must be diligent and make spiritual investments (“building” and “planting”) and honor God in our vocational and family lives (including, generally speaking, by getting married and having children). * God has sovereignly placed us in the families, churches, and nations in which we find ourselves. God calls us to serve and glorify Him in the daily life of this present evil age (the tension between the “already” and the “not yet”). Question 2: How should fathers embrace this call to action? * Fathers can embrace Jeremiah’s call to action by proclaiming the authoritative Word of God for all of life in their families. Just as Jeremiah interceded for Judah and proclaimed the Word of the Almighty, cov