“Predesination”; “Called/Calling”

In this part of the sermon: Martin addresses a common criticism that the church only preaches on one topic (God's sovereignty) by explaining God's method of 'spotlighting' specific truths for a season to…

God reveals truth like a spectrum of colors, but often focuses a 'floodlight' on one particular aspect at a time to burn it into our hearts, making other truths temporarily pale in comparison. This explains why the church might focus on sovereignty for a season.

Here's the God who is the source of all revelation. Let this represent the whole spectrum of his truth. Some of you have seen the spectrum of the rainbow, the colors going all the way from one to the other, and they're overlapping. And here is the child of God.

1:13 - 1:29 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: He reviews the previous messages on God's sovereignty in grace, specifically the words 'chosen' (election) and 'foreknow,' emphasizing that these terms denote a divine selection…

Martin uses the ongoing, unexplained illness of Jane Cavallaro, a beloved church member, to illustrate that believers accept clear truths (God is love) by faith, even when confronted with problems they cannot understand (why God allows her suffering). This encourages trusting God's clear declarations despite mysteries in His providence.

Don't reject or hold in suspension what is plain because there are certain problems connected with it. Let me illustrate. A few days ago I was up to visit Jane Cavallaro. Many of you know Jane.

10:03 - 10:16 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: He introduces the fourth key word, 'called/calling,' distinguishing its general uses (naming, summoning) from its specific use as a summons to faith and repentance. He explains…

The parable from Matthew 22 is used as a 'beautiful illustration' of the 'general call' of the gospel, which is extended to all men but can be ignored or resisted.

In Matthew chapter 22 in the parable of the marriage feast we have a beautiful illustration of the general call of the gospel that comes to all men wherever the gospel is preached. Matthew 22 verses 3 and 8. Start with verse 2 and the kingdom of heaven is likened to a certain king who made a marriage for his son and he sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding and they would not come and he sent forth other servants saying tell them that are bidden this is the word called same word in the original behold I've prepared my dinner my oxen and my fatlings are killed and ...

29:42 - 31:12 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: He identifies God as the sole author of this effectual call, which comes through the gospel, is always attended with delivering power, results in fellowship with Christ, issues in…

The conversion of Lydia in Acts 16 illustrates how the general call (Paul's preaching) works in conjunction with the special, effectual call (the Lord opening her heart).

It says in verse 14 concerning Lydia whose heart the Lord opened so that she attended to the things that were spoken by Paul. Paul is speaking, giving the general call. Hallelujah. God the Holy Ghost is working, giving the special call, opening your heart to embrace the gospel.

48:12 - 48:35 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin explains that the source of this call is God's grace, eternal purpose, and electing love, emphasizing that it is not based on human merit or decision. He critiques the…

Martin quotes extensively from this hymn to beautifully summarize how God's grace is the source of election, the efficacious death of Christ, the effectual call, perseverance, and ultimate glorification, reinforcing the doctrine of grace.

Galatians 1.15, Paul says, The God who separated me from my mother's womb and called me by His grace. By His grace. And when I thought of that, I couldn't help but think of this wonderful hymn that we sang a few weeks ago.

53:14 - 53:33 Read in full sermon