April 25. Promises and Prophecies
J.R. Miller emphasizes the unbreakable certainty of God's promises and prophecies as a foundation for faith and trust in Scripture.
In this sermon, J.R. Miller explores the unwavering reliability of God's promises and prophecies as revealed in Scripture. He teaches that every divine word, whether a promise or a warning, will be fulfilled without fail, providing believers with a firm foundation for faith. Miller highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies as compelling evidence for Christianity's truth. This message encourages trust in God's faithfulness and the certainty of His covenantal love.
Text
"I tell you the truth, until Heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished." Matthew 5:18
Christ referred here primarily to the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. There are thousands of blossoms on the trees in the spring-time that never become fruits; but there are no lost blossoms on the Old Testament tree. The exact fulfillment of prophecy is an irrefutable evidence of Christianity.
But the assurance of these words refers also to every promise of the Scripture. Not the smallest of these shall ever fail anyone who trusts them. "No word He has spoken — shall ever be broken!" Every pledge God has made — He will surely keep. Whenever we find a divine promise — we may lay hold of it with perfect confidence, and know that we are clinging to a rock that never can be shaken. "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed — says the LORD, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10
This is true also of the divine threatenings against sin. Not one of these shall fail to be accomplished upon those who reject God\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Certainty of Prophecy
- Christ affirms that not the smallest letter of the Law will disappear
- Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled exactly
- Prophecy serves as irrefutable evidence of Christianity
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II. The Assurance of God's Promises
- Every divine promise is trustworthy and will not fail
- Believers can confidently rely on God's word
- God's covenant of peace and love is unshakable
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III. The Reality of Divine Threatenings
- Threatenings against sin will be accomplished
- God's justice is certain for those who reject Him
- Both promises and warnings demonstrate God's faithfulness
Key Quotes
“There are thousands of blossoms on the trees in the spring-time that never become fruits; but there are no lost blossoms on the Old Testament tree.” — J.R. Miller
“No word He has spoken — shall ever be broken!” — J.R. Miller
“Whenever we find a divine promise — we may lay hold of it with perfect confidence, and know that we are clinging to a rock that never can be shaken.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Trust fully in God's promises as they are unbreakable and sure.
- Recognize the fulfillment of prophecy as a reason to strengthen your faith.
- Understand that God's warnings are just as certain as His promises, prompting repentance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Matthew 5:18 mean in this sermon?
It means that every part of God's Law and prophecy will be fulfilled completely and will never disappear until all is accomplished.
How can believers be sure of God's promises?
Because God never breaks His word, and His promises are like a rock that cannot be shaken.
Why is prophecy important for Christianity?
Because the exact fulfillment of prophecy serves as irrefutable evidence that Christianity is true.
What happens to those who reject God according to the sermon?
Divine threatenings against sin will be fulfilled upon those who reject God.
What is the significance of Isaiah 54:10 in this sermon?
It highlights God's unshakable love and covenant of peace despite any upheaval in the world.