Godly approval is a profound theme woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of living in alignment with God's will and purpose. In 2 Corinthians 5:9, Paul expresses the desire to be pleasing to God, stating, 'So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.' This pursuit of divine approval is not merely about personal gain; it reflects a heart transformed by grace, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-10, where believers are reminded that they are created for good works, which God prepared beforehand. Furthermore, Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:16 that our good deeds should shine before others, leading them to glorify our Father in heaven, illustrating that godly approval often manifests in our actions toward others. In Acts 28, we see Paul’s unwavering commitment to the Gospel, even amidst trials, demonstrating that faithfulness to God’s calling earns His approval, as highlighted in 1 Thessalonians 2:4, where Paul notes that he speaks not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. Ultimately, godly approval is rooted in a relationship with Christ, who assures us in John 15:5 that apart from Him, we can do nothing, reinforcing the necessity of abiding in Him to bear fruit that reflects His glory.
In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Paul's shipwreck and arrival on the island of Malta. Paul, known for his active nature, joins in gathering sticks to build a fire for warmth. The speaker emphasizes the importance of belief in Jesus Christ as the Messiah and the power it gives belie
John Henry Newman delves into the concept of hypocrisy, explaining it as not just deceiving others knowingly, but also deceiving oneself by seeking praise through religious acts more than the praise of God. He highlights the danger of loving the praise of men over God's approval, drawing from Jesus'