This sermon from Isaiah 40:3–4 explains how Jesus Christ rescues sinners and makes the way straight for salvation. Drawing from the Old Testament promise of deliverance from exile and its fulfillment in Christ, this message shows how God brings His people out of captivity to sin and the world and into freedom, blessing, and hope.
Isaiah’s prophecy—“Prepare the way for the LORD… every valley shall be raised up”—points forward to John the Baptist and ultimately to Jesus, who removes every obstacle that keeps God’s people from salvation. The Bible teaches that every person is born enslaved to sin (Romans 6, Ephesians 2), living under the dominion of darkness (Colossians 1:13). Left to ourselves, that captivity produces destructive fruit and spiritual exhaustion.
But the gospel is this: God acts first. Through Jesus Christ, God rescues sinners, straightens what is crooked, and brings His people into the blessings of life in Christ and life in the Church. Salvation is not earned by works or law-keeping, but received by faith alone (Galatians 2:15–16). Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17).
This sermon also offers hope for unbelieving friends and family, reminding us that no one is beyond God’s saving power. Just as God brought Israel out of Babylon, and just as He saved the Apostle Paul, He still removes every roadblock when He chooses to save.
Key themes include:
Salvation by grace through faith
Freedom from sin and spiritual captivity
Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah 40
Life and blessing in Christ and the Church
Hope for the salvation of unlikely sinners
📖 Scripture references include Isaiah 40:3–4, Romans 6–7, Galatians 5–6, Colossians 1:13, Luke 15, and Matthew 3.
Here’s the video @ https://youtu.be/7pwbi8lfquI
See other resources and teaching @ https://www.christchurchclayton.org/teaching
Watch other sermons in the Gospel of John series @ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8Dt3kxWQ8RVudN3VOk1teh6thzyAuJD
#Isaiah40 #ReformedTheology #JesusSaves #Isaiah40 #ReformedTheology #JesusSaves #SovereignGrace #ExpositoryPreaching #GospelHope #BibleStudy #ChristianSermon #StraightWay #VictoryInChrist #GodsRescue #PromisedLand #GraceAlone #Presbyterian #Evangelical #JohnMusgrave #ChristChurchOfClaytonNC #TheGospelForLiving
What is true comfort?
In Isaiah 40:1–2, God declares comfort to His people by proclaiming that their hard service is completed and that their sin has been paid for. This sermon explores the Biblical meaning of comfort, exile, and forgiveness through a Reformed, gospel-centered lens.
Isaiah originally spoke these words for God’s people in exile, separated from God’s blessing presence because of their sin. Scripture teaches that all people are born sinful and stand justly under God’s judgment. Yet God, in His mercy, announces comfort—not because His people paid for their sins, but because Christ would.
This expository sermon traces the theme of exile and return, judgment and grace, showing how Isaiah 40 points forward to Jesus Christ, who paid the full penalty for sin at the cross (Isaiah 53; Romans 6:23). Because our sin has been paid for, God’s people can now live in the blessing presence of the Holy Spirit and look forward with confidence to heaven and the New Heavens and New Earth.
This message will be especially helpful for:
Christians seeking Biblical comfort.
Viewers interested in Reformed theology.
Presbyterian and evangelical sermon listeners.
Those studying Isaiah, the gospel, and Christ’s atonement.
Scripture references include: Isaiah 40:1–2; Isaiah 53:5; Romans 3:23; Romans 4:25; Romans 6:23; Colossians 1:12–14; Galatians 5:16.
Here’s the video @ https://youtu.be/uNKmdKneUwM
See other resources and teaching @ https://www.christchurchclayton.org/teaching
Watch other sermons in the Gospel of John series @ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8Dt3kxWQ8RVudN3VOk1teh6thzyAuJD
#Isaiah40 #ReformedTheology #ChristianSermon #Presbyterian #Gospel #ExpositoryPreaching #JesusChrist #Atonement #BiblicalComfort #JohnMusgrave #ChristChurchOfClaytonNC #TheGospelForLiving
In this powerful sermon on John 19:38-42, we explore the remarkable story of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus—two respected, yet fearful, Jewish leaders who risked everything to publicly honor Jesus after His crucifixion.
This message, geared toward Evangelical, Presbyterian, and Reformed believers, challenges us to consider: What is the true cost of discipleship when society is unkind to faith?
We dive deep into the meaning of their lavish gift of myrrh and aloes, revealing Jesus as the true King, Priest, and Tabernacle. Learn how to have the same assessment of Christ as Heaven, and find the courage to honor Jesus in your worship, care, and giving—even if it means losing the approval of your peers.
Key Takeaways & Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction: Why the World is Unkind to Believers (Matthew 5:10-12)
2:30 Joseph and Nicodemus: Respectable People Who Believe in Jesus (Luke 23:50-51)
5:15 Heaven's Assessment: Testimonies of the Father, Son, and Spirit (John 1:34, 15:26)
8:05 Why Disbelief Persists: A Lack of Care to Know God (Romans 1:19-28)
11:40 Jesus the King, Priest, and Tabernacle: The Significance of the Myrrh and Aloes (Exodus 30, Psalm 45)
15:00 How to Honor Jesus: Worshipping Him above all Else (John 5:22-23)
19:15 Honoring Christ through Care and Generous Giving (Isaiah 26:8, 2 Cor 9:7)
23:45 The Courage to Lose Esteem: Why Jesus is Worth More Than Your Reputation (Philippians 3:4-8)
Here’s the video @ https://youtu.be/Nyt_wfrr5IY
See other resources and teaching @ https://www.christchurchclayton.org/teaching
Watch other sermons in the Gospel of John series @ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8Dt3kxWQ8RVudN3VOk1teh6thzyAuJD
#John19 #John19_38to42 #HonoringJesus #CostOfDiscipleship #Sermon #JosephAndNicodemus #Reformed #Presbyterian #Evangelical #Christian #Theology #Gospel #BiblicalTeaching
#Worship #SecretDisciple #CourageousFaith #ChristianLiving #ChristIsKing #LosingEsteem
#JohnMusgrave #ChristChurchOfClaytonNC #TheGospelForLiving
In John 19:30, Jesus declares, “It is finished.” But what exactly was finished? In this sermon, we explore five Old Testament images that God embedded into Israel’s Scriptures—each pointing to the Messiah—and how Jesus fulfilled every one of them on the cross as King.
Discover why believers should be amazed and humbled as we see Jesus become:
1️⃣ The Pierced King who bore humiliation for His people
2️⃣ The Passover Lamb who saves from eternal death
3️⃣ The Curse-Bearer who takes God’s judgment in our place
4️⃣ The Temple Sacrifice whose blood secures our forgiveness
5️⃣ The Living Water who cleanses and gives eternal life
This sermon is especially for Christians who want to understand the depth of Jesus’ work, including those from evangelical, Reformed, and Presbyterian traditions.
If you want to see how Jesus completes the story God began in Genesis—and why His final words should astonish believers—this sermon will help you look at the cross with new wonder, worship, and confidence.
Scripture: John 19:30
Theme: Christ the King fulfilling Scripture
Here’s the video @ https://youtu.be/ZJwYqbOaFsg
See other resources and teaching @ https://www.christchurchclayton.org/teaching
Watch other sermons in the Gospel of John series @ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8Dt3kxWQ8RVudN3VOk1teh6thzyAuJD
#Jesus #John19 #ItIsFinished #GospelOfJohn #ReformedTheology #ChristianSermon #OldTestament #BibleTeaching #Presbyterian #ChristTheKing #JohnMusgrave #ChristChurchOfClaytonNC #TheGospelForLiving
Experience the freedom, rest, and joy that flow from Jesus’ final words on the cross: “It is finished.” In this sermon on John 19:30, we explore how Christ’s completed work removes all our sins, secures our salvation, and gives believers a deep, enduring happiness that doesn’t depend on circumstances. If you struggle with guilt, pressure to perform, or feeling like you’re “not doing enough” as a Christian, this message will help you relax in the gospel and find true peace in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Rooted in Reformed and evangelical teaching, this sermon shows why the cross is the foundation of your assurance, rest, and joy in daily life.
Here’s the video @ https://youtu.be/nLbSU5-D0eY
See other resources and teaching @ https://www.christchurchclayton.org/teaching
Watch other sermons in the Gospel of John series @ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8Dt3kxWQ8RVudN3VOk1teh6thzyAuJD
#John1930 #ItIsFinished #FinishedWorkOfChrist #GospelRest #ChristianJoy #ReformedTheology #Presbyterian #EvangelicalChristian #AssuranceInChrist #JesusSaves #BibleTeaching #SermonClip #ChristianEncouragement #GraceAlone #JohnMusgrave #ChristChurchOfClaytonNC #TheGospelForLiving #Justification #JustificationByFaith #WSC33 #WestminsterShorterCatechism33 #WCF11 #WestminsterConfessionOfFaith11 #HeidelbergCatechism1
In John 19:28–29, the apostle John records a small but theologically rich detail at the crucifixion of Jesus: a hyssop branch lifted to the Savior’s lips. This sermon explores why that matters—connecting the cross to the Old Testament covenant signs given through Moses, where God marked His people with blood applied by hyssop.
In this message, Pastor John Musgrave explains how Jesus’ “sprinkled blood” brings believers into the New Covenant, grants the forgiveness of sins, secures our eternal inheritance, and marks us as God’s own treasured possession. Drawing from Exodus 24, Hebrews 9–12, Matthew 26, 1 Peter 1–2, and Revelation 21, we discover how the hyssop at the cross reveals the astonishing blessings believers receive through faith in Christ.
If you are a Christian seeking biblical depth, Reformed theology, and gospel-centered teaching rooted in Scripture, this sermon will help you see the beauty of Christ’s covenant work and what it means to be marked by His blood.
Here’s the video @ https://youtu.be/Ysp8JDf1RVE
See other resources and teaching @ https://www.christchurchclayton.org/teaching
Watch other sermons in the Gospel of John series @ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8Dt3kxWQ8RVudN3VOk1teh6thzyAuJD
#John19 #CovenantTheology #ReformedTheology #Hyssop #BloodOfChrist #NewCovenant #ExpositoryPreaching #ChristianSermon #Evangelical #Presbyterian #BibleTeaching #GospelTruth #JohnMusgrave #ChristChurchOfClaytonNC #TheGospelForLiving
In this sermon, Marked for Life: Jesus’ Death, Blood, and Hyssop, Pastor John Musgrave explores the deep symbolism of hyssop at the cross from John 19:28–29. Drawing powerful connections to the Passover in Exodus 12, this message reveals how the blood of Jesus—the true Lamb of God—marks every believer for eternal life. Discover how the Old Testament’s cleansing rituals and the New Testament’s promise of salvation come together in Christ’s sacrifice. For evangelical, Presbyterian, and Reformed believers seeking a deeper understanding of redemption, grace, and assurance of salvation, this message will strengthen your faith and renew your hope in the blood of Christ. See other resources and teaching @ https://www.christchurchclayton.org/teachingWatch other sermons in the Gospel of John series @ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8Dt3kxWQ8RVudN3VOk1teh6thzyAuJDHere’s the video @https://youtu.be/8YREyHBfqZA#MarkedForLife #John1928 #BloodOfJesus #PassoverLamb #ReformedTheology #PresbyterianChurch #EvangelicalFaith #GospelPreaching #HyssopInTheBible #JesusIsLord #SalvationByGrace #ChristAlone #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #EternalLife #FaithInChrist #RedeemedByTheBlood #CrossOfChrist #BiblicalTruth #ReformedFaith #JohnMusgrave #ChristChurchOfClaytonNC #TheGospelForLiving
In John 19:28–29, Jesus declares, “I am thirsty,” and a sponge soaked in sour wine is lifted to His lips on a hyssop branch — a small detail rich with Old Testament meaning. In this sermon, Pastor John Musgrave explores how the hyssop at the cross points to cleansing from sin, just as it did in the laws of leprosy and sacrifice in Leviticus and Exodus. Our spiritual leprosy — the defilement of sin — is washed away through the blood of Christ, the true and final sacrifice. Discover how Jesus fulfills every symbol of purification and how believers are declared clean, forgiven, and restored to fellowship with God.
Here’s the video for the full sermon @ https://youtu.be/8YREyHBfqZA
See other resources and teaching @ https://www.christchurchclayton.org/teaching
Watch other sermons in the Gospel of John series @ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8Dt3kxWQ8RVudN3VOk1teh6thzyAuJD
#John19 #JesusBlood #Hyssop #CleansedByChrist #ReformedTheology #EvangelicalSermon #BibleTeaching #GospelMessage #Presbyterian #OldTestamentFulfilled #SpiritualLeprosy #ChristianFaith #SermonOnTheCross #BibleStudy #ChristOurRedeemer #JohnMusgrave #ChristChurchOfClaytonNC #TheGospelForLiving
What will life be like for Christians when Jesus returns? Discover the glorious promise of the new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21, where Christ dwells with His people forever and makes all things new.
In this sermon from Revelation 21:1–5, Pastor John Musgrave explores God’s promise of a new heaven and a new earth where believers will live in His presence forever. Discover the hope of the resurrection, the renewal of all creation, and the end of death, sorrow, and pain. This message offers a clear, Reformed, and Bible-centered explanation of the Christian’s eternal life with Christ. Perfect for those seeking faithful teaching on Jesus’ return, the new creation, and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
Here’s the video @ https://youtu.be/Ku6xGrqbHyg
See other resources and teaching @ https://www.christchurchclayton.org/teaching
Watch other sermons in the Gospel of John series @ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8Dt3kxWQ8RVudN3VOk1teh6thzyAuJD
#WhenJesusReturns
#NewHeavenAndNewEarth
#Revelation21
#ChristianSermon
#EndTimesTeaching
#JesusSecondComing
#BibleTeaching
#ReformedTheology
#GospelHope
#EternalLifeInChrist #LifeOnTheNewEarth
#Revelation21
#NewHeavenAndNewEarth
#WhenJesusReturns
#JesusSecondComing
#ChristianSermon
#BibleTeaching
#ReformedTheology
#PresbyterianChurch
#GospelHope
#EternalLifeInChrist
#EndTimesTeaching
#GodsPromise
#JesusMakesAllThingsNew
#HeWillDwellWithUs
#JohnMusgrave
#ChristChurchOfClaytonNC
#TheGospelForLiving
Are you spiritually alive — or still separated from God by death?
In John 19:28–30, the Apostle John tells us that Jesus received the sour wine on a hyssop branch just before crying out, “It is finished.” That single detail opens a doorway into a powerful Old Testament image — the cleansing of what was unclean, including leprosy, mildew, and death itself.
In this message, Pastor John Musgrave explains how the hyssop at the cross reveals that Jesus’ blood doesn’t just forgive sin — it separates you from death.
Through faith in Christ, you are cleansed from spiritual death, made holy before God, and welcomed into His presence — now and forever.
📖 Scripture Focus: John 19:28–30, Numbers 19, Romans 5–6, Ephesians 2, 1 Peter 1:2
🕊️ Main Theme: Jesus cleanses His people from death through His blood
👉 Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
02:10 – Hyssop in the Old Testament
07:30 – Death as the ultimate uncleanness
15:45 – Spiritual death and separation from God
25:00 – Jesus cleanses and separates us from death
32:00 – What it means to approach God as “clean”
38:30 – Living now and in the future in the presence of God
Here’s the video @https://youtu.be/uin1F1sQG-Y
See other resources and teaching @ https://www.christchurchclayton.org/teaching
Watch other sermons in the Gospel of John series @ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8Dt3kxWQ8RVudN3VOk1teh6thzyAuJD
#JesusCleanses #John1928 #FromDeathToLife #HyssopInTheBible #ReformedTheology #PresbyterianSermon #EvangelicalSermon #TheCrossOfChrist #SpiritualDeath #JesusSaves #HyssopAndTheCross #ChristianTeaching #BibleStudy #BornAgain #ReformedPreaching #JohnMusgrave #ChristChurchOfClaytonNC #TheGospelForLiving
In John 19:28–30, the Apostle John records two small but powerful details at the cross — vinegar and hyssop. What do these mean? In this sermon, Pastor John Musgrave explains how these symbols reveal the mercy of Christ and the way Jesus cleanses His people from sin.
The crowd at the cross mocked Him, just as the world mocks Him today. Yet through His suffering, Jesus — the Anointed King — turned mockery into mercy. The vinegar shows us His kingship rejected; the hyssop shows us His cleansing blood sprinkled out upon sinners.
Learn how these verses call believers to humility, repentance, and gratitude for the cleansing only Christ can give. This message will deepen your love for the Jesus and strengthen your faith in His finished work.
Here’s the video: https://youtu.be/ufFXaOll7ww
See other resources and teaching at: https://www.christchurchclayton.org/teaching
Watch other sermons in the Gospel of John series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8Dt3kxWQ8RVudN3VOk1teh6thzyAuJD
#JesusCleanses
#TheCrossOfChrist
#John19
#ChristianSermon
#GospelMessage
#ReformedTheology
#PresbyterianChurch
#BibleTeaching
#CleansedByTheBlood
#HowJesusCleanses #FromMockingToMercy
#GraceAndForgiveness
#CleansingAtTheCross
#ChristOurKing
#JesusSaves
#GospelOfJohn
#HumilityAndGrace #JohnMusgrave #ChristChurchOfClaytonNC #TheGospelForLiving
In this sermon from John 19:13–27, Pastor John Musgrave shows how the scene at the cross reveals why every believer needs the Church for their spiritual survival. Surrounded by a world that rejects Jesus, Christians are called to worship together, encourage one another, and stand firm in the truth of who Christ is. Discover why isolation weakens faith, how the fellowship of believers strengthens your walk with God, and what Scripture teaches about the vital role of the body of Christ in your life. This message will challenge and encourage evangelical, Presbyterian, and Reformed Christians to see weekly worship and Christian community as God’s gracious gift for endurance in a hostile world.
Here’s the video: https://youtu.be/IY3C_xEC4tU
See other resources and teaching at: https://www.christchurchclayton.org/teaching
Watch other sermons in the Gospel of John series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8Dt3kxWQ8RVudN3VOk1teh6thzyAuJD
#JohnMusgrave #ChristChurchOfClaytonNC #ChristianSermon #ReformedTheology #Evangelical #Presbyterian #John19 #WhyGoToChurch #ChurchCommunity #BibleTeaching #FaithInChrist #BodyOfChrist #WorshipTogether #Ecclesiology #TheologyOfChurch #ImportanceOfChurch #JohnMusgrave #ChristChurchOfClaytonNC #TheGospelForLiving
In this sermon from John 19:14–24, Pastor John Musgrave shows how Jesus stands at the very center of all history and reigns as the true King over every nation. Even as He hung on the cross, God declared Christ’s universal kingship through Pilate’s inscription—“Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” From Daniel 7 to Ephesians 1, Scripture reveals that Jesus’ death and resurrection were not accidents in history but the divine plan to unite all things under His rule. This message calls believers to recognize Christ’s supremacy, take comfort in belonging to His everlasting kingdom, and proclaim His reign to every tribe and tongue.
In John 19:12–16, the Jewish leaders cry out, “We have no king but Caesar.” This powerful passage confronts us with the ultimate question of one’s life: Who is your king? In this sermon, Pastor John Musgrave explains why every person must choose between Jesus Christ, the true King, and the false kings of this world—whether government, self, pride, culture, or false religion. Scripture reminds us that Jesus is not only Savior but Lord and King, the One who protects, blesses, and delivers His people. Discover why Christians, Reformed believers, and evangelicals must boldly declare, “We have no King but Jesus.”
If you are seeking biblical teaching that is faithful, Christ-centered, and Reformed, this sermon will encourage you to place all your trust in King Jesus and share Him with others.
Christians are commanded to speak up about who Christ is, but this will bring them persecution. Here are truths to help the Christian continue witnessing and to patiently endure the resistance of the world.
In this sermon from John 19:6–11, titled “My Witness, Man’s Persecution, and God’s Sovereignty,” we explore what it means to faithfully witness to Jesus Christ in a world that often rejects Him. Just as Christ Himself endured rejection, suffering, and the cross, so too must Christians expect persecution for boldly confessing Him. Yet Scripture reminds us that all opposition is under God’s sovereign control, and He uses even persecution to strengthen His people, advance the gospel, and conform us to Christ’s image. Drawing from passages in John, Acts, Philippians, 2 Timothy, Revelation, and more, this message encourages believers—especially those in the evangelical, Reformed, and Presbyterian traditions—to fear God above man, patiently endure trials, and trust that the Lord will use our witness for His glory and the salvation of many.#John19 #ChristianSermon #PersecutionAndFaith #GodsSovereignty #WitnessForChrist #ReformedTheology #Presbyterian #EvangelicalChristian #MartyrdomAndFaith #JesusChrist
Video: https://youtu.be/XIokoHx-y_U
See other resources and teaching at: https://www.christchurchclayton.org/teaching
Watch other sermons in the Gospel of John series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8Dt3kxWQ8RVudN3VOk1teh6thzyAuJD
In this sermon, “The True Reason Jesus Was Put to Death,” from John 19, we explore the question: Why did Jesus have to die? According to God’s law, all sin deserves death — yet Jesus, the innocent Son of God, willingly became our substitutionary sacrifice. Discover how Christ bore our sins on the cross, fulfilled the law, and secured forgiveness and eternal life for His people. This Gospel-centered message shows the depth of God’s love in sending His Son and calls us to trust in Christ alone as Savior.See other resources and teaching at: https://www.christchurchclayton.org/Watch other sermons in the Gospel of John series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8Dt3kxWQ8RVudN3VOk1teh6thzyAuJD#john19#JesusDiedForUs #SubstitutionaryAtonement #Leviticus4 #2Corinthians521 #1Peter224 #ReformedTheology #Presbyterian #ChristianSermon #GospelMessage #JesusOurSavior #Evangelical
Jesus, God and king, was despised by the religious and the non-religious, and His followers will be, too. They should know this will happen, and glory in being like Jesus, suffering for believing and testifying to the truth about who Jesus is.
In this sermon, “Being Like Jesus, Our Derided King” (John 18:20–19:8), we explore how Christ, the true King and Son of God, was scorned and despised by the world—and why His followers should expect the same. Drawing from Scripture, we see that persecution and suffering come not because of wrongdoing, but because our lives testify to the truth of who Jesus is: God Himself and King over all His people. Just as unbelievers suppress the truth of God’s existence, His law written on their hearts, and the certainty of coming judgment, Christians become a reminder of these realities and are therefore hated. Yet, as heirs with Christ, we are called to rejoice in sharing His sufferings, enduring scorn with faithfulness, and living in such a way that our good works bring glory to God. This message will challenge and encourage believers—especially Christians in the Reformed, Presbyterian, and Evangelical traditions—to follow Jesus’ example in a world that rejects Him.
#JesusIsKing #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #ReformedTheology #Presbyterian #EvangelicalChristian #GospelTruth #John18 #John19 #SufferingForChrist #PersecutedChurch #ChristianEncouragement #FollowingJesus #ReformedFaith #ChristAlone #SuppressingTheTruth #Judgment #God’sLawOnHearts #Conscience
Learn the reasons why the world and especially non-Christian religious people deride Jesus; and see why we love Him for those very same things.
Christians know the truth about Jesus, and we’re called to tell it, even though it is threatening to us. See why and how we can overcome our fear to tell this truth. I hope this teaching is greatly helpful to you!
See video, at: https://youtu.be/zNJIPf0s95I
This is the unedited, whole sermon of August 10, 2025.
The previous two podcasts were points one and two, split. This podcast is the sermon altogether.
Summary: Jesus was wrongly condemned and killed, but He was and is God who came into the world to be a king for God's people. Today He is a king, reigning over His people, the Church, from His throne in heaven.