Jim Osman examines four Reformation gospel truths essential for understanding God's glorious grace in Ephesians 2:1-10. These biblical truths expose the fundamental divide between Protestant and Catholic theology. First, man is spiritually dead in trespasses and sins, enslaved to the world, Satan, and fleshly lusts, unable to please God or work toward salvation. Second, God demonstrates His rich mercy by making spiritually dead sinners alive in Christ through sovereign grace. Third, salvation comes by grace alone through faith alone, not by works, leaving no room for human boasting. Fourth, good works follow salvation as evidence, not as a means of earning favor with God.

Justin Peters delivers a comprehensive examination of the ruinous ruse of Rome by contrasting Roman Catholic theology with biblical Christianity through the lens of the five Reformation solas. This ruinous ruse of Rome becomes evident when examining salvation by grace alone, faith alone, in Christ alone, for God's glory alone, according to Scripture alone. Peters demonstrates how the Roman Catholic Church has redefined fundamental biblical terms like grace, justification, and faith while adding works, sacraments, and human merit to salvation.

This presentation exposes Rome's doctrine of transubstantiation, the sacrifice of the Mass, purgatory, and Marian dogmas as departures from Scripture. Through careful biblical exposition and historical documentation from the Council of Trent, Peters shows how Rome has anathematized the gospel itself by rejecting justification by faith alone and requiring ongoing works for salvation. The message honors the Protestant Reformers who sacrificed their lives—including John Hus, William Tyndale, and Hugh Latimer—to restore biblical truth and make Scripture accessible to all believers.

David Forsyth addresses the real dangers associated with growing up Christian in a believing home. While tremendous blessings accompany a Christian upbringing, children growing up in a Christian environment face the peril of mistaking conformity for genuine conversion. The sermon explores Romans 2:1-29, revealing three critical dangers for those growing up Christian: external morality without heart transformation, Bible knowledge that remains intellectual rather than life-changing, and religious ritual divorced from spiritual reality.

Growing up Christian does not guarantee salvation, as Paul's indictment of first-century Jews demonstrates that morality, religious knowledge, and ritual observance are insufficient for right standing before God. Children growing up Christian may appear squeaky clean externally while remaining spiritually dead inside. The message emphasizes that growing up Christian requires more than external conformity—it demands genuine faith in Christ that transforms the heart. Just as Jewish people relied erroneously on their heritage and rituals, children growing up Christian risk trusting in their moral behavior, biblical literacy, and church participation rather than embracing Christ personally.

The sermon concludes with a passionate call for those growing up in the Christian faith to move beyond externals and embrace the righteousness that comes only through faith in Jesus Christ.

Darrell Harrison delivers a penetrating exposition on the Hypocrisy of the Heart, examining Jeremiah 17:9's declaration that "the heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick." This profound message confronts the reality of indwelling sin that remains even in regenerate believers, dismantles the false doctrine of sinless perfection popularized by Charles Finney, and exposes the frailty of our unredeemed flesh.

Harrison challenges the contemporary evangelical assumption that salvation renders believers incapable of sin, instead demonstrating through Scripture and Puritan wisdom that progressive sanctification—not sinless perfection—marks authentic Christian life. This message reveals how our deceitful hearts pursue truce with sin rather than relying on the Holy Spirit's transforming power. 

Being identified with Christ reveals the profound spiritual reality that water baptism symbolizes for believers. When Christians are identified with Christ, they participate in His death, burial, and resurrection through God's sovereign choice and the Spirit's transformative work. Those identified with Christ receive eternal blessings secured through Christ's substitutionary work on their behalf. Believers identified with Christ cannot continue living in sin because they have died to sin through their union with Christ. Being identified with Christ means God treats believers as if they personally accomplished Christ's righteous work, granting them His perfect righteousness and eternal life.

In this message, Shepley Osman offers a thoughtful study of the thief on the cross. This brief yet powerful Christian life displays conversion, confession, and confidence in Christ. By examining the thief on the cross, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own walk with Christ and the profound truth that salvation is by grace alone. Osman highlights key truths about faith, forgiveness, and God’s mercy through this timeless example.

In this message, Jeff Williams explores the Logos revealed in John 1:1-18, showing how Jesus Christ is the eternal Creator who entered creation to dwell with humanity and reveal the Father. The revealed Logos confronts Jewish and Greek worldviews and invites us to respond in faith. Williams highlights how this passage magnifies grace and frames our stewardship as believers in light of Christ’s divine identity.

Colonel Jeff Williams draws from Job 28 and other Scripture to consider the fear of the Lord as the beginning of true wisdom. Emphasizing that human achievement cannot attain divine understanding, he underscores how wisdom is granted only by God's grace. The fear of the Lord is presented not only as the start of knowledge but also as a guiding light for all of life’s vocations and decisions.

• Q1: Did you get a chance to witness to the Russians or others during your space flights?
• Q2: Did going to space change your relationship with God or affect your faith?
• Q3: (From the back of the room, summarized as a general question about applying wisdom in a fallen world, possibly in government or vocational settings.) Can Christians effectively live out wisdom in corrupt or difficult environments?

In this powerful message, Jim Osman explores the responsibility believers have in passing the torch of faith to the next generation. Teaching from 2 Timothy 2:1–2, he emphasizes the need for strong, faithful, and teachable leaders who will continue the work of the gospel. Passing the torch of faith ensures that biblical truth endures through faithful living, consistent teaching, and intentional discipleship.

Jim Osman examines loving church discipline as a biblical act rooted in Matthew 18:15-20 and 1 Corinthians 5. He presents it as obedience to Christ, a pursuit of the sinner’s restoration, and a guard for church purity. This sermon highlights loving church discipline as a forsaken yet essential practice, blending sobering truth with redemptive hope for the church.

In a world shadowed by sin and guilt, Psalm 32 offers a way out—a path marked by forgiveness and restoration. David Forsyth draws from his own experiences and King David's profound reflections to illuminate the six signposts that guide believers from the darkness of sin into the light of God’s forgiveness and joy.

The Six Signposts Out of Darkness

1. Escape Is Possible
   David begins by asserting that forgiveness and freedom from sin are attainable. Quoting verses 1-2, he emphasizes the blessedness of a forgiven life. Forgiveness is rooted in God's mercy, made possible through Christ's atoning sacrifice. True happiness is found when sins are forgiven and peace with God is restored.
2. Guilt Is Wretched
   The burden of unconfessed sin is heavy. Drawing from verses 3-4, David describes how guilt affects the body and soul. Like King David, who endured God's heavy hand before confessing, guilt is a painful but necessary nudge back to God.
3. Confession Is Essential
   Verse 5 reveals the power of confession. To escape sin's misery, one must voluntarily and humbly acknowledge it before God. Confession brings release, as seen in the parable of the prodigal son and echoed in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us."
4. God Is Near
   Verses 6-7 remind us that God is always present, ready to rescue and preserve those who call on Him. Despite fear or shame, we are assured that He will not cast us away but will surround us with songs of deliverance.
5. Resistance Is Foolish
   Verses 8-10 caution against stubbornness, likening it to the irrationality of a mule that requires forceful guidance. The path of wisdom is marked by prompt repentance and trust in God’s loving-kindness, avoiding the needless suffering caused by resistance.

Good King Josiah, one of Judah's most righteous rulers, exemplifies faith and reform throughout his life, as recorded in 2 Kings 22–23. Despite a lineage of wickedness, he ascended the throne at age eight and sought the Lord wholeheartedly, rediscovering the Book of the Law and implementing sweeping reforms. Josiah eradicated idolatry, renewed the covenant, and celebrated a historic Passover, reflecting his deep conviction and submission to Scripture. His story underscores timeless lessons on leadership, repentance, and the enduring sovereignty of God, even amidst personal and national challenges.

Jeff Miller explores how servant leadership differs radically from worldly power structures in God's kingdom. Through Mark 10:35-45, he reveals Jesus' counter-cultural teaching that true greatness comes through sacrificial service to others. By examining Christ's ultimate example of servant leadership in God's kingdom, believers learn that the path to greatness requires becoming servants and slaves to all.

Christ's birth, though humble, was the arrival of the long-awaited Davidic King promised in Scripture. The angel Gabriel told Mary her son would be called the Son of the Most High and receive the throne of his father, David, to reign forever. His birth fulfilled Old Testament prophecies of a coming eternal King. The birth of the King inaugurated the kingdom he would establish through his death and resurrection.

In Jeremiah 23:1-8, God makes promises that reveal His love for His people. Despite Israel's apostasy and the failure of their kings, God promises to provide a shepherd king from David's line who will care for and rule over His people in the land. This shepherd king is none other than Jesus Christ, the righteous branch, who fulfills these prophecies. He is the Lord our righteousness, who secures salvation for all who trust in Him by His perfect life and death. The birth of Christ is the provision of God's love - a Savior, Shepherd, and King.

Jeff Miller explores Jesus' encounter with Simon Peter in Luke 5:1-11, focusing on catching fish and men. He examines how Jesus' miraculous catch of fish leads to Peter's conversion and calling as a disciple. Miller highlights the progression from Peter's reluctant obedience to his illumination, conviction, and ultimate commitment to follow Jesus. The sermon emphasizes how catching fish and men exemplifies Jesus' authority and transformative power.

Paul called upon Timothy to be unashamed of Christ, the gospel, and Paul's imprisonment for the sake of the gospel. The passage describes three reasons to be unashamed. An exposition of 2 Timothy 1:8-12). This message was preached for our baptism service.

Jim Osman examines the significance of communion in 1 Corinthians 11:18-34, emphasizing its role as a divine institution and a memorial meal that symbolizes the unity of believers. He highlights how the Corinthian church’s misuse of the Lord’s Supper reflected deeper issues of division and selfishness. The focus is on understanding communion’s true purpose and ensuring its observance worthily. The communion significance is essential for the church’s unity and reflection on Christ’s sacrifice.

Jim Osman emphasizes the critical role of elders in protecting the church from false teachers. Drawing from Acts 20:28-32, he explains how Paul warned the Ephesian elders about the ever-present danger of “savage wolves” infiltrating the flock. Osman underscores that guarding the flock is a solemn duty, essential for maintaining the purity and unity of the church. He calls for vigilance, sound doctrine, and unwavering dedication to this spiritual protection.

Jim Osman’s sermon, “A Pattern for Baptism (Acts),” delves into the scriptural basis and practice of baptism as depicted in the book of Acts. Osman outlines who should be baptized, emphasizing that only those who genuinely believe in Jesus Christ qualify. He discusses various examples from Acts to illustrate the consistent pattern of believer’s baptism. This exploration underscores the importance of understanding and following the biblical command for baptism in Acts.