Four Experiences to Strengthen Assurance

Hillcrest Baptist Church

Four Experiences to Strengthen Assurance

December 8, 2024 • Pastor Joe Dickinson • 1 John 5:14–17

In this sermon, the focus is on how believers can strengthen their assurance of salvation by experiencing four key realities that are common to the Christian life. These include experiencing answered prayers, which confirms that God hears and responds to His children; developing a heightened sensitivity to sin, which reflects the new nature believers receive through the Holy Spirit; and recognizing a clear distinction between the believer and the world, showing that Christians live differently due to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. These experiences should be evident in a believer's life, demonstrating that they are truly children of God.

The sermon emphasizes that living out the Christian life praying, repenting of sin, being holy, and studying the Bible provides strong evidence of eternal life and deepens one’s assurance. While assurance ultimately rests in God’s promises, these subjective experiences serve as signs of the believer’s authentic relationship with Christ. The sermon concludes with an exhortation for believers to examine their lives for these traits and engage in spiritual practices that will strengthen their faith and assurance of salvation.

The Thievery of Covetousness

December 1, 2024 • Pastor Joe Dickinson • Luke 12:13–21

This sermon warns against the dangers of covetousness, the desire to accumulate wealth for oneself at all costs. Jesus teaches that life is not about gaining as much as we can, but about giving all that we can for God's purposes. The parable of the rich fool illustrates how covetousness leads to a life focused solely on personal gain, ignoring relationships, the needs of others, and, ultimately, the reality of death. The rich man’s plans to hoard his wealth are foolish because he forgets that he cannot take his possessions with him when he dies, and that wealth in this life is fleeting. The sermon challenges Christians to consider how they use their resources—time, treasure, and talents. While having wealth is not sinful, covetousness blinds us to eternal priorities, leading us to invest only in things that are temporary and not in the things of God. True fulfillment comes not from acquiring more, but from giving for God’s kingdom. Jesus calls us to live with a mindset of generosity and eternal investment, warning that living for earthly gain will leave us spiritually bankrupt when we face eternity. The sermon concludes by urging believers to examine how much of their lives are dedicated to heavenly treasures, rather than the fleeting desires of this world.

Hollow Worship

November 24, 2024 • Pastor Joe Dickinson • Psalm 50

In this sermon on Psalm 50, Pastor emphasizes that God is not interested in mere outward religious actions or ritualistic motions, but desires a genuine, heartfelt devotion from His people. The psalmist Asaph conveys that while God's people may offer sacrifices, know the right doctrines, and speak the right words, their hearts can still be far from Him. The message calls believers to examine whether their worship is truly honoring God or if they are merely going through the motions. God is not impressed by empty sacrifices or words without actions, as true worship involves more than just going to church or knowing Bible facts. It requires a life that reflects God's character, honesty, and integrity in every area, including speech, morality, and relationships. The sermon also stresses that God desires His people to offer Him thanksgiving and praise, not just out of duty but from a heart of love and appreciation. True worship involves recognizing God’s blessings and responding with gratitude, as well as seeking His help in times of trouble. Pastor challenges the congregation to move beyond superficial religion and live out their faith in everyday life. This includes repenting of sinful behaviors such as dishonesty, adultery, and slander, and instead, living a life that honors God in both actions and words. The sermon concludes by calling on individuals to either recommit their lives to Christ or, if necessary, to be born again, seeking a real relationship with God that goes beyond surface-level worship.

Praying with Faith and Power

November 3, 2024 • Pastor Joe Dickinson • 1 John 5:14–17

In the sermon "Praying with Faith and Power," Pastor highlights that believers can confidently approach God in prayer when their requests align with His will, as outlined in 1 John 5:14-17. The message emphasizes that many Christians struggle with prayerlessness due to doubts about its effectiveness. To combat this, the sermon encourages a deep understanding of Scripture and a lifestyle of obedience, asserting that righteous prayers are powerful, and that God is eager to respond to requests that support His kingdom purposes. Additionally, Pastor urges the congregation to actively engage in prayer, not only for personal needs but also for the well-being of others, fostering community and accountability. The central takeaway is to boldly pray for things that align with God's will, trusting that He will answer those prayers, thereby experiencing His power and presence in their lives.