Sermon Breakdown

1. He expresses gratitude for being asked to preach at the inauguration of the London Theological Seminary.
2. He acknowledges the report given by Reverend Andrew Davis on behalf of the faculty and the remarks of the chairman, Mr. Mengard. He thanks God for his blessing on the seminary.
3. He introduces Hebrews 13:8 as the focus of his sermon: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever." He notes that verse 7 provides context.
4. He explains that the epistle to the Hebrews was written to discouraged Christians facing persecution and difficult circumstances. The author aims to encourage them.
5. He says we today face similar circumstances, especially those entering the ministry. Though the conditions seem hopeless, there are grounds for encouragement.
6. He says he will focus on the past 100 years to provide historical context, though the church spans 19 centuries. 100 years ago, the church seemed prosperous but faced threats.
7. On the surface, 100 years ago the church was popular and churches were full. Religion was customary and respectable. But people lived on past revivals and lacked living faith.
8. Beneath the surface, forces threatened the church: science, philosophy, psychology, and biblical criticism. Leaders thought there was no God, supernatural, or infallible Bible.
9. Today seems hopeless but is better to preach in. The world provides an introduction to the gospel. Science and philosophy have limits. Scholarship supports the Bible. Criticism has reversed.
10. The world is uncertain and fearful. False optimism is gone. People want experience and believe anything offering hope. The task is the same: address mankind's sin and futility of man-made solutions.
11. Christ is unchanging. His person, work as savior, and word are the same. He is the only savior, needs no supplement, and provides eternal redemption. His resurrection proves his work is finished.
12. Believers can come boldly before God's throne of grace through Christ's sacrifice and intercession. Christ sympathizes with our weaknesses, having been tempted like us yet without sin.
13. Christ reigns in power and glory but still lays his hand on us. All enemies will be under his feet. He is coming again to judge the world and share his glory with believers.
14. It is a privilege to preach the unchanging Christ as the only certainty in a changing world. He transforms life and gives hope of a new creation.