Trinity for Norman: Recent Episodes
Justin Westmoreland
"For an enlarged passionate Glorying and Enjoyment of God."
I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart! (Psa 119:32 ESV)
EnLarged is intended to be a online devotional guide: a journey toward understanding the Q&A presented in the Westminster Larger Catechism (1647)
In this video, we examine Q&A #2 of the Westminster Larger Catechism: Q. 2. How doth it appear that there is a God? A. The very light of nature in man, and the works of God, declare plainly that there is a God; but his Word and Spirit only, do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their salvation. Rom. 1:19-20; Ps. 19:1-3; Acts 17:28; 1 Cor. 2:9-10; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Isa. 59:21
Simply, in order to come to know God, we as creatures depend upon God to communicate Himself to us by way of "general revelation" and "special revelation."
GENERAL REVELATION: 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Rom 1:19-20 ESV) The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. (Psa 19:1-3 ESV)
28 for "'In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, "'For we are indeed his offspring.' (Act 17:28 ESV)
SPECIAL REVELATION:
15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2Ti 3:15-17 ESV) 9 But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him"-- 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. (1Co 2:9-10 ESV)
21 "And as for me, this is my covenant with them," says the LORD: "My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children's offspring," says the LORD, "from this time forth and forevermore." (Isa 59:21 ESV)
"For an enlarged passionate Glorying and Enjoyment of God."
I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart! (Psa 119:32 ESV)
EnLarged is intended to be a online devotional guide: a journey toward understanding the Q&A presented in the Westminster Larger Catechism (1647)
In this video, we examine Q&A #1 of the Westminster Larger Catechism: Q. 1. What is the chief and highest end of man? A. Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him for ever. Rom. 11:36; 1 Cor. 10:31; Ps. 73:24-28; John 17:21-23.
GLORIFYING GOD: Romans 11:36 — English Standard Version (ESV) 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. 1 Corinthians 10:31 — English Standard Version (ESV) 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. AND ENJOYING GOD FULLY:
Psalm 73:24–28 — English Standard Version (ESV) 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. 28 But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.
John 17:21–23 — English Standard Version (ESV) 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
"For an enlarged passionate Glorying and Enjoyment of God."
I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart! (Psa 119:32 ESV)
EnLarged is intended to be a online devotional guide: a journey toward understanding the Q&A presented in the Westminster Larger Catechism (1647)
This is Pastor Justin Westmoreland from the Fully Alive Athlete Pastor Channel. I am an ordained minister of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and a certified personal trainer of the American Council on Exercise.
I enjoy making connections between spiritual, physical, mental, and relational fitness. If we neglect any part of our person then we will become dysfunctional. However, when we commit to bringing up one component of our health underneath the right grid (to the glory of God and for his enjoyment) then this will generally positively impact our integrated, total health of our persons and communities.
We call this channel Fully Alive after a quotation attributed to the early church father, Irenaeus, "God's glory is seen in man fully alive. Since 2015, I have discovered a thing I like to call, "Doxological Fitness." When I had a major physical health revival, I began to experience a spiritual revival, which fueled greater health for me relational, mentally, spiritually, and even greater health physically. I discovered that all these components integrate and hold one another together.
Our church is Trinity Presbyterian Church of Norman. We meet at the Wesley Building on the corner of the campus of the University of Oklahoma, 428 W Lindsey. For more info about the church, go to www.trinitynorman.com
Today's video previews/reviews 2 Chronicles 28-29 & John 17.
See below for the entire reading plan.
Recap of Content in this video:
2 Chron 28-29 spotlights two kings of Judah: Ahaz and Hezekiah. More on Hezekiah next video.
In John 17, we see that Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed spent a good portion of time praying and crying out for his disciples living then and all who were to come (even me!). We can pray to God and use Jesus' own prayer as a guide and sure promises that we can hold onto as we approach the Father.
In this series of videos/playlist, I invite you to come read the Bible with us!
Today's video previews/reviews 2 Chronicles 25-27 & John 16.
See below for the entire reading plan.
Recap of Content in this video:
2 Chron 25-27 spotlights three kings of Judah with King Uzziah in the middle. Uzziah was proud and refused to listen to God's representatives. Only the priests were allowed inside the Temple to do the work Uzziah set out to do. God struck Uzziah with leprosy rendering him unclean. Despite this sad history, the theme of the section is that there is hope for those readers who trust the word and promises of God.
In John 16, we see that Jesus' disciples would soon be terrified and abandon him, yet the Lord who would be crucified would not abandon them, but in their abandonment Jesus was righteously living active obedience to make peace for all sinners who will trust in Him for salvation and forgiveness of their sins.
2 Chron 13-14 summarizes the battles between the rebel tribes of Judah led by Jerobaom and Judah led by Abijah in Jerusalem. The Chronicler gives theological commentary for the original to trust that God would send a king, the Son of David, to rescue the people. Abijah and Asa's trust in the Lord to fight the battles pointed forward to the Lord Jesus, the true King.
In John 12:1-26, we see Jesus declares he is the long awaited Son of David who will be their true king, He declares it without saying a word but by riding a donkey on a familiar path into Jerusalem. It's glorious good news as we read of the triumphal entry for the fourth time in our bible reading journey! See also Matthew 21; Mark 11; and Luke 19.
2 Chron 10-12 summarizes the division of the Kingdom of Israel during the 17 year reign of Rehoboam, son of Solomon. The Chronicler gives theological commentary on the reasons behind the division, demise, and fall of Israel.
In John 11:27-51, we see Jesus' next of his signs- the raising of Lazarus. We see both his divinity: he reveals his knowledge of the eternal decree and the hearts of men and then his ability to raise the dead through the Father's obeying his voice, and also his humanity: he weeps and is deeply moved.
2 Chron 4-6 continues the story of Israel's golden age of David/Solomon ruling over a united Kingdom. In this section, King Solomon completes David's temple-building project. The glory cloud representing God's glorious presence in the midst of His people inhabits the temple. The singers praise God for his steadfast love. He has made promises and He has kept them to David.
In John 10:24-42, we see Jesus' continued rebuke of the Pharisees. They are ready to execute Jesus again! He has claimed to be one with the Father. He has claimed to be the Messiah. They are unable to kill him because the time had not yet come. We learn that Jesus is the truth to which the temple pointed forward. If the Father and Jesus are one, then those who are in Christ cannot be snatched out of the Father's hand. How? Namely, because those united to Christ cannot be held back from God's steadfast love even by death: See Romans 8:28-39. If Jesus has overcome death and sin for his people, we will never have to fear losing God's love.
Here is the plan we are using for this series: https://www.christianity.com/bible/year/esv/ojan01.htmRecap of Content in this video: 2 Chron 1-3 continues the story of Israel's golden age of David/Solomon ruling over a united Kingdom. In this section, Solomon sets out to build the world's most elaborate temple to be a "house" for the name of Lord.
Consider how the work of Christ fulfills this...by his grace, God dwells with freed slaves, like Israel, our true slavery was not Egypt, but our sin. Who are we to be brought out of slavery and into the loving mercies and power of God?
In John 10:1-23, we see Jesus' continued rebuke of the Pharisees. This time he uses a metaphor, "I am the Good Shepherd who lays down his life," which can only make sense because of Jesus' obeying the Father's will to achieve perfect active and passive obedience for our salvation. The unfolding of the glory of God in the work of Christ to save sinners is the center of the message of scripture, not, go and follow Jesus' example. We do not, of course, have the capacity in ourselves to become "fully alive," the Lord brings his transforming presence to us so that we who were once dead in sins may become fully alive!
This is Pastor Justin Westmoreland from the Fully Alive Athlete Pastor Channel. I am an ordained minister of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and a certified personal trainer of the American Council on Exercise.
I enjoy making connections between spiritual, physical, mental, and relational fitness. If we neglect any part of our person then we will become dysfunctional. However, when we commit to bringing up one component of our health underneath the right grid (to the glory of God and for his enjoyment) then this will generally positively impact our integrated, total health of our persons and communities.
We call this channel Fully Alive after a quotation attributed to the early church father, Irenaeus, "God's glory is seen in man fully alive. Since 2015, I have discovered a thing I like to call, "Doxological Fitness." When I had a major physical health revival, I began to experience a spiritual revival, which fueled greater health for me relational, mentally, spiritually, and even greater health physically. I discovered that all these components integrate and hold one another together.
In this series of videos/playlist, I invite you to come read the Bible with us!
This is your online bible reading club. If you're here, then I assume you're like most of us that really struggle to read the bible and stay on a plan. Many people are left with a daunting line by line plan when seeking to read through a bible plan, and so I thought I would bring a face to join you in your struggle to read through the bible. I hope to be your "bible reading trainer" in this series. Much like you'd go to a fitness expert to teach you how to succeed in the gym, go to a pastor and a church to help you succeed in reading and studying the bible.
I'll post daily reviews/previews depending on how you choose to use them. We'll take the Old and New Testament readings and bring out the harmony of how every chapter is truly about Jesus.
Here is the plan we are using for this series. https://www.christianity.com/bible/ye... There are lots of plans out there, but I have found this one to be very helpful.
The video playlist for this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqmlY3RGSUwV_6Uo-zKoqyjR58E98hUPS
Keep reading. Keep going. Even if you miss a day, don't stop. It might take you longer than I year, but I will be here on the youtube channel and I want to run alongside you as you get to the finish line! What an accomplishment it will be read the entire bible! Let's do this. Our church can be found at trinitynorman.com Our app can be found by searching "a church for norman"
The Proposition: Gospel Hope Fuels Christian Service to his/her neighbor.
- Gospel Hope Inspires Desire to Be a Servant
- Gospel Hope Incites Consistency in Prayer
- Gospel Hope Invites Us to See and Meet Others’ Needs
The Proposition: Gospel Hope Fuels Christian Service to his/her neighbor.
- Gospel Hope Inspires Desire to Be a Servant
- Gospel Hope Incites Consistency in Prayer
- Gospel Hope Invites Us to See and Meet Others’ Needs
The Proposition: God has rescued his people from slavery to sin and set them free to learn to love one another by valuing true love, showing brotherly affection, and outdoing one another in showing honor.
- How to Love One Another: Valuing True Love
- How to Love One Another: Showing Brotherly Affection
- How to Love One Another: Outdo in Showing Honor
The Proposition: God has graciously made a people who were once not a people into an interconnected body whose head is Christ, and therefore Jesus gives each member specific gifts and functions for the strengthening of the whole body.
- What is a Spiritual Gift?
- Which Spiritual Gift Do I Have?
- What Must I Do with my Spiritual Gift?
The Proposition: I am who I am because of God’s grace, therefore I must engage in knowing & applying knowledge of self as part of my worship to God.
The Proposition: God’s Grace Aims at Whole Worshippers with a Holy Calling That Begins with the Mind
- Whole Worshippers, Having Received Grace, Abandon Mind Corruption
- Whole Worshippers, Having Received Grace, Embrace Transformation through Renewal of Mind
- Whole Worshippers, Having Received Grace, Receive Grace Upon Grace—Specifically: the Mind of Christ.
The Proposition: The Flow of Grace is from the Whole Mercy of God to the Whole Christ’s Sacrifice to Make Whole Worshippers of God.
- The Whole Mercy of God – Source of All Our Good
- The Whole Christ of God –Sacrifice to Reconcile Sinners to God
- The Whole Worshippers of God—Completely Devoted to Him
The Proposition: If the Gospel Doesn’t Induce Its Hearers to Worship God, Then They Have Not Clearly Heard the Gospel.
- Beholding the Glory of God (v33).
- Beholding the Glory of Man (v34-35)
- The Gospel Brings the Two into Contrast & the Difference Induces Doxology/Worship (v36)
The Assertion: Only those who accept the mystery of God’s Sovereign Grace revealed in Christ can live in true wisdom.
The Assertion Proved:
- Living in True Wisdom Rests in God’s Sovereign Grace Due to All Peoples’ Ungodliness (v25-27).
- Living in True Wisdom Rests in God’s Sovereign Grace Due to His Irrevocable Election (v28-29)
- Living in True Wisdom Rests in God’s Sovereign Grace Due to His Necessary Mercy (v30-32)
The Assertion Applied:
- Thinking Covenantally about Christ’s Reign throughout History
- Feeling Gratefully Generous and Committed to Christ’s Ways
- Doing Humble Reconciliation with Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Main Point: In Ch. 11, Paul asks, “Has God rejected Israel?” The answer is there is and has always been one plan of salvation. All of salvation history is described in this section by the illustration of how one cultivates an olive tree.
Main Point: In Ch. 11, Paul asks, “Has God rejected Israel?” The majority of Israel was seeking a righteousness apart from Christ. The elect have been gifted with right standing with God in Christ. Those who are not elect, God hardens.
- It is impossible for one to establish his own righteousness. Non-elect Israel sought right standing with God according to its own terms, but God will not be manipulated by men and women. God justifies only on account of Jesus’ righteousness imputed to His elect. Non-elect Israel was blindly following a works-righteousness scheme.
- God would therefore harden Israel in order to save his elect in the only possible way, through His own son being crucified by them in order tobear the true curse of Deuteronomy 29:4; Isaiah 29:10; Psalm 69:22-23 because Jesus opposed their works-righteousness scheme as he presented righteousness through faith in Him.
- If the Israel’s ways of seeking righteousness are ineffectual, we are to renounce the cursed way of works-righteousness and live a life of freedom according to the riches we have received through Christ-righteousness comes through believing, not doing.
Main Point: In Ch. 11, Paul follows up his discussion of why the majority of his people, Israel, have rejected the gospel he preached. He now begins to answer the question, “Has God rejected Israel?” He gives two evidences that God has not rejected his people, and one present application consistent with the thesis of the letter (Romans 1:16-17). Though people oppose Jesus & his gospel and worship other gods, Jesus will not reject some of them; He will save them according to his grace.
- Evidence #1: Jesus saved Paul who sought to kill 1st Century Christians.
- Evidence #2: Jesus saved a Remnant by Grace of those who worshipped idols & sought to kill Elijah
- Application: Because salvation is on the basis of God’s grace, a remnant of those who worship other gods and currently oppose Jesus and His gospel will be saved.
Main Point: In Ch. 10, Paul is expresses his desire to share the gospel. All that one needs to do is “just believe,” and he or she will be declared to possess the righteousness of Christ. Note: Not just believing anything sincerely, but the revealed gospel of Jesus Christ.
- You Just Believe Christ
- & Be Declared Righteous as Christ by God
- Because The Scripture Teaches This
Main Point: In Ch. 9, Paul is offering responses to objections to the doctrine of justification by faith based on misunderstandings of the doctrine of election. First, did God’s word fail (9:6)? Second, does this mean that God is not fair (9:14)? Third, why would God judge sinners if they are fulfilling what God purposed (v19)? Paul summarizes the relation of justification and election, by giving us a clear litmus test to know who is truly righteous or elect and it involves how he or she responds to Jesus Christ.
- All the Elect Will Obtain Righteousness by Faith (v30)
- No one Will Obtain Righteousness through His/Her Conformity to a Law (v31-32a)
- The Difference in the Elect and Non-Elect, Therefore, Is His/Her Stumbling Over vs Trusting in Jesus Christ. (v32b-33)
In this video, I am commenting on the sermon preached on Sunday, May 15, 2022. The recording of the worship service was not good. I hope this blesses you. If you have questions. let me know.
Main Point: In chp 9, Paul is offering responses to objections to the doctrine of election. First, does this mean that God is not fair (9:14)? Second, why would God judge sinners if they are fulfilling what God purposed? If what Paul has said is true, and it is, then we must reconsider and readjust how we understand history: History cannot be understood apart from an understanding that it is His-Story.
- His-Story: Why does God judge? Who are you? God is God (v20-21)
- His-Story: What if? All so the ones prepared by God for glory can better know God’s grace (v22-23)
- His-Story: The fulfillment of salvation by God’s grace described in Hosea & Isaiah’s prophecy support this conclusion.(v24-29)
Main Point: Chapter 9 begins a new section in Romans. Paul has articulated the gospel of a righteous status to sinners received by faith whereby all who believe are saved (1:16-17). Paul explains that the reason any sinner has received this salvation is foundationally due to God’s sovereign, eternal purpose of election (9:11). Therefore, God’s word will not fail (9:6-13), Paul now offers responses to objections to the doctrine of election. First, does this mean that God is not fair (9:14)?
- Salvation Depends upon God’s Sovereign Mercy (v15-16)
- God’s Sovereign Mercy is Independent/Free (v16)
- God’s Sovereign Mercy Is the One Thing Standing between Us and our Complete Ruin.(v17-18)
Main Point: Chapter 9 begins a new section in Romans. Paul has articulated the gospel of the gracious accounting to sinners of a status of righteousness from God received through faith in Jesus Christ (Chp 1-8), this gospel was mostly rejected by his Paul’s kinsmen/Israel, which raises the question, “Is God Sovereign?”
- God Is Sovereign-Therefore His Word Does Not Fail, 6a a. God’s Choice of an Israel within Israel, 6b b. God’s Choice of Isaac, not Ishmael, 7-9 c. God’s Choice of Jacob, not Esau, 10-13
- God Is Sovereign-Therefore His People Are Grateful, not Proud. a. Sovereignly Saved People are Loved b. Sovereignly Saved People are Loving c. Sovereignly Saved People are Certain d. Sovereignly Saved People are Humbled
The Westminster Confession of Faith.
Note there are audio quality issues with this episode
Main Point: Chapter 9 begins a new section in Romans. Paul has articulated the gospel of the gracious accounting to sinners of a status of righteousness from God received through faith in Jesus Christ (Chp 1-8). This gospel which was rejected by his brothers directs Paul’s lament, will not be effectual unless there has been a substitution of a righteous mediator for the sake of his brothers, and informs our callings for the sake of our brothers.
- Gospel of Christ Rejected by the brothers
- Gospel Reception inseparable from the Work of the Mediator-Christ
- Gospel Calling of Love not for the sake of the brothers, but for the Mediator-Christ
Main Point: The Resurrection of Jesus would be the key to unlocking the meaning of Ezekiel’s visions of renewal and healing for God’s people.
- It would begin with a trickle out of Jerusalem
- It would expand to a mighty rushing river
- It would culminate the changing of the unchangeable
Pontius Pilate would ask Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Main Point of Luke 19:28-40: Jesus Is Unmistakably the King and Has Unmistakable Expectations for His People
- God Set Expectations for the Coronation of the King of Kings. (2 Samuel 7:16; 1Kings 1)
- Jesus Entered Jerusalem in order to meet those Coronation Expectations (Zech 9:9)
- The Coronated King Expects You to Seek Salvation from Him (Psalm 118:25-26)
Main Point: Romans 8:35-39, declares that the simple might regard those who love God as appearing to be foolish, tragic, helpless creatures-“sheep to be slaughtered,” but the wise will see that those who love God are really “more than conquerors.”
- The Superficial Appearance -sheep to be slaughtered
- The Reality- more than conquerors
- The Application: so What?
Outline:
- From chaos to creation (v. 1-2),
- the Lord reigns over his people (v. 7-10)
- by becoming as them (v. 3-6).
Main Point: In Romans 8:33-34, believers learn to trust what God declares about them over what anyone else based upon three truths.
- Who are they? God’s Elect
- Who are their accusers? The Reprobate
- Who is the advocate? The Christ Jesus
Main Point: In Romans 8:31-32, we learn to apply the providence of God (explained in Romans 8:28-30) as we engage our fears theologically, so that we may live.
- Facing my Fears a) Will my Enemies prevail over me? b) Will my needs be unmet?
- Facing my God a) God is for me. In Christ, God is no longer my enemy. b) God graciously gives me all things. He didn’t spare his Son.
- Facing Forward: Only in knowing the Father’s Love communicated to me by the cross of Christ, can I be strong and courageous because our God is with me wherever I go.
Main Point: In Romans 8:28-30, we learn that all who love God must trust God’s constant, comprehensive and certain goodness toward them because of the “golden chain of salvation” which is expressed in God’s loving actions for them in past, present, and future.
- Past a) Foreknown b) Predestined
- Present a) Called b) Justified
- Future a) Glorified
Main Point: In Romans 8 we have learned the gospel, that believers in Christ are not only uncondemnable and formerly enslaved to sin, but now due to the ministry of the Holy Spirit, all believers are made sons of God by adoption. We learn that we will be powerfully rescued from suffering and afflictions, yet God’s children will be preserved as we pray and the Spirit prays for us and the Father answers those prayers. All true prayer is gospel-driven prayer!
- The Power of the Prayers of our Weakness
- The Power of the Prayers Prayed by the Spirit
- The Power of the Prayers Heard by the Father
Main Point: In Romans 8 we have learned the gospel, that believers in Christ are not only uncondemnable and formerly enslaved to sin, but now due to the ministry of the Holy Spirit, all believers are made sons of God by adoption, today we’ll consider the role of suffering in the lives of believers.
- Considering the Weight of our Groaning
- Considering the Waiting of the “now-not yet”
- Consider the Weight of the Hope in the Revealing of the Sons
Main Point: In Romans 8 we have learned the gospel, that believers in Christ are not only uncondemnable and formerly enslaved to sin, but now due to the ministry of the Holy Spirit, all believers are made sons of God by adoption, today we’ll examine the Father’s love for His sons practically and how we may or may not apprehend it.
- Apprehending the Father’s Love, more than judicial pardon
- Hindrances to Apprehending the Father’s Love
- Helps to Apprehending the Father’s Love
Main Point: In Romans 8 we have learned the gospel, that believers in Christ are not only uncondemnable and formerly enslaved to sin, but now due to the ministry of the Holy Spirit, all believers are made sons of God complete with a new identity, new intimacy, and new inheritance of sonship. I. The New Identity of Sonship, v14 II. The New Intimacy of Sonship, v15-16 III. The New Inheritance of Sonship, v17
Main Point: In Romans 8 we have learned believers in Jesus cannot be condemned (v1-4), are made alive to God (v5-8), dwell in vital union with Jesus by the Spirit dwelling in them and their dwelling in the Spirit (v9-11), and are tasked (v13) with life and death struggle of putting to death the deeds of the body by the Holy Spirit. I. What is Mortification? What is it Not? II. Who are the Actors in Mortification? III. When is Mortification of Sin Happening? What Is It Like?
Main Point: Only those who cannot be condemned (v1-4) and are made alive to God (v5-8) will be able to believe in Jesus and live as one who is ready to die to his or her old ways. I. A Life Belonging to Christ II. A Life Because of Christ III. A Life Becoming like Christ.
- Before the Spirit, our hearts were idol factories with no desire to please God. Our past was darker than we remember
- With the Spirit, our present life is full of potential.
- Because the Spirit is God, our future is brighter than we can imagine.
Main Point: Faith in the Gospel affords believers assurance that he or she is uncondemnable.
- Uncondemnable Identity, from now on not defined by my keeping the law.
- Uncondemnable Surety, because Jesus did what I could not do, kept the law.
- Uncondemnable Purpose, to walk according to the Spirit.
Main Point: How can Christmas teach me how God brings peace to the earth? I. God’s peace will be born when He is born in Bethlehem. 2-5a II. God’s peace will be opposed by many. 5b-6 III. God’s peace will be IN his people like dew from heaven. 7ff
Main Point (v14-18) at the incarnation, God becomes what we are: fleshy, dirty, familiar, and ordinary so we can receive what he is: glory, the fullness of grace and truth- or grace upon grace. Bottom line: Jesus, the Word, Reveals God to Hearers so that
- Hearers May See His Glory
- Hearers May Receive His Grace
- Hearers May Declare His Truth
Main Point (v 9-13) John wanted us to know that Jesus was born so that God could adopt you by His grace.
- We Should Seek to Know Our Adoption Status
- We Should Seek to Know Our Neighbor’s Adoption Status
- We Should Seek to Know Our Adopted Father
Main Idea: v 4-9 teach that Jesus, the true light.came to vanquish the darkness.
- Jesus the Light vs Darkness, v4-5
- Jesus the True Light vs False Lights, v6-8
- Jesus the True Light Shines Presently, v5, 9
Main Idea: Only the Jesus of scripture can save you from your sins and reconcile you to God...He must be these three things:
I. Jesus is Eternal II. Jesus was with God III. Jesus was God
Main Idea: The Christian life consists of thanksgiving to God based upon the blessings we have received, we are receiving, and we will receive from Him.
- Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord for past blessings
- Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord for present blessings
- Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord for future blessings
We are on our 2nd of 3 sermons on Romans 7:14-25
Main Idea: The Christian life consists of an internal battle with the flesh whereby we wrestle with our bad love and cultivate a good hate as we grow in our delight in God
- A “Love” that is bad. The flesh unchecked.
- A “Hate” that is good. The flesh subdued.
- The Christian’s Battle yields Perplexity, Sorrow, Gratitude, Joy, Christ-centeredness, and others focus.
Main Idea: Advanced Christianity consists of growing downward into these two convictions regarding two wretched men.
- That I am a wretched man in need of salvation in particular ways.
- That God became a wretched man to save particularly wretched me.
Matthew 15:10-11/Jonah 2:9b
Main Idea: The Reformation of 1517 marked the rediscovery of big God theology.
- Sola Scriptura
- Sola fide
- Sola gratiaI
- Solus Christus
- Soli Deo gloria
Main Idea: There’s has been a murder, of me, is the Law to blame?
- What the Law is Not
- What the Law is
Main Idea: The benefits of our Justification by faith in Christ include how we are set free from the law and joined with Christ, illustrated by the covenant of marriage.
- A Married Woman Can Only Be Bound to One Husband at a Time.
- Believers Are Set Free from the First Husband: the Law.
- Believers Are Joined to a New Husband, Jesus.
Main Idea: Believers should remember the darkness of life outside Christ to truly appreciate God’s gift to us that brings us eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- The Master That Is Served- sin vs God
- The Outcome of the Service- death vs eternal life
- How the Outcome Is Reached- a wage earned vs a gift received.
Main Idea: True Freedom under grace is summarized by these three true statements regarding the necessary transformation of those who are free in Christ and justified.
- Perceived freedom under the law is from man, leaves an impure heart undisturbed, & leads to death
- True freedom under grace is from God, purifies the heart, & leads to righteousness
- True Freedom under grace is delightful slavery to sanctification
Sermon by Rev. Tom Hawkes at Trinity's Organization Service
- The Kingdom of God starts small
- The Kingdom of God grows slowly and painfully
- The Kingdom of God, in the end, has a big impact
Matthew 13:31-32 31 He put another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree,so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches."
In v12-14, Paul concludes that before being united to Christ, we presented ourselves to sin because we were living as dead and under the law, now under grace, we are raised to life and are free to (and exhorted to) offer ourselves to righteousness.
- Before union w Christ: sin reigned and we obeyed [him] toward unrighteous purposes. Our position was dead to God, and our hope was in law.
- After union w Christ: Christ reigns and we obey [him] toward righteous purposes. Our position is alive to God, and our hope is in grace.
We must understand that union with Christ is how a believer enters into a new identity founded upon the most game-changing event in history- the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Our Old Self is United to Christ- Dead
- Our New Self is United to Christ - Alive
- How Must a Believer Consider His or Herself?
We must preach the gospel to ourselves and one another.
- The Objection Stated: Grace Encourages Immorality? (v1-2). a. More Sin – works don’t matter b. More Grace – God gets to do his thing.
- The Objection Answered on the Grounds of Justification: a. We died to sin b. We were baptized into his death c. We were buried with Him
- Union with Christ is Our New Identity: We too walk in newness of life (v4) a. Jesus rose from the dead. b. The same glory of the Father is at work in us.
In Romans 1-4, Paul shared that justification by faith alone is received by us freely by God's grace alone, accomplished entirely on account of the redemption which is in Jesus Christ, as God set Jesus forth as a propitiation.
After articulating his gospel centering on righteousness from God through justification by faith in Jesus Christ alone, Paul writes about the benefits of Justification in Chapter 5 and then in the second most important section of the letter, 5:12-21, he explains how justification is absolutely certain because God deals covenantally with his people. We began our study of Romans 5:12-21 last Sunday by contrasting the two Adams: Adam and Jesus, who are representatives of every human being. This week we examine how the covenant of grace is fulfilled in Christ.
Justification by faith is understood by examining the contrast of Adam as a type of Christ.
- The 1st Adam brought sin, death, condemnation to all who are in him.
- The 2nd Adam brought righteousness and life to all who are in him.
- The Rise of the 2nd Adam far surpasses the Fall of the 1st Adam
For the Justified believer the gospel/good news just keeps getting better and better...Paul emphasizes not that you have been saved, but that you will be saved...we’ll have five points- four doctrinal, one application.
- For a believer, “saved” is future and parallels justification. 9a
- For a believer, we are “saved” by Him, not by us. 9b
- For a believer, we are “saved” from the wrath of God. 9c
- For a believer, “saved” is future & founded upon being reconciled. 10
- For a believer, the saving is Jesus’ job, our principle “to-do” list is summed up as rejoicing in God. 11
The Justified believer knows who how surprising it is that God the Father set His love upon him/her and he/she is one for whom did the Son die...four points:
- He/she was the Powerless.
- He/she was the Ungodly
- He/she was the Unrighteous
- He/she was the Sinner
Those sinners who are justified by faith may suffer forward (rejoice in hope through it) because they have received the gift of the Holy Spirit.
We’ll see three points from the text:
- The Holy Spirit Was Poured out on the Church. Acts 2/ John 14-16.
- The Love of God Has Been Poured into the Hearts of Believers. V5
- The Believers will rejoice in sufferings given from God. V3-4
Justification by faith leads to the new status and new life of faith summarized in the biblical concept of “peace/shalom.”
We’ll see three points from the text:
- Peace with whom and from what? [“therefore” = Romans 1-4]
- Peace founded in a person and his work, v1b
- Peace’s Product, v2
Abraham was saved not by works but through faith alone. It’s called saving faith and is the instrument whereby God declares his people righteous and forgiven of their sins -- justified.
We’ll see three points on saving faith in the text:
- Saving faith trusts God’s word, not our sight. V18
- Saving faith can grow stronger resulting in worship as we consider our weakness, V19-21
- Saving faith’s only object must be the risen Jesus. V23-25
After articulating his gospel centering on a righteousness from God through justification by faith in Jesus Christ alone, Paul (in Romans 4) has pointed us to Abraham and David as our forerunners who received the blessed status from God as righteous heirs of the world. How can anyone embrace this God who justifies the ungodly? This can only occur by irresistible grace.
- Abraham’s and our status as righteous heir came through faith, not law(v12).
- A status as righteous heir did not (v9-12) and could not come from law (v14-15).
- Therefore the status as righteous heir and all blessings of life flow from irresistible grace. (v16-17 and Ezekiel 37; 2 Cor 4:4-6)
- The basis of irresistible grace is The Righteous Heir in whom we place our faith. (v16 and 2 Corinthians 5:21)
After articulating his gospel centering on a righteousness from God through justification by faith in Jesus Christ alone, Paul has pointed us to Abraham and David as those who received the blessed status of justified by faith, apart from works, now he uses Abraham’s circumcision as further proof which will enable us to understand our baptism and how it relates to our justification
- I.When was Abraham counted righteous?
- When was Abraham circumcised?
- How does this demonstrate Paul’s point that justification is not by works, but by faith alone?
- How does baptism then function as a sign and seal today of righteousness received by faith?
In Romans 3:21-26, Paul shared that justification by faith alone is received by us freely by God's grace alone, accomplished entirely on account of the redemption which is in Jesus Christ, as God set Jesus forth as a propitiation, God was vindicated: just and a justified, and worthy of our worship! In Romans 3:27-31, Paul follows the world's greatest paragraph by demonstrating how our theology matters to how we consider ourselves, others, and God and his law.
After articulating his gospel centering on righteousness from God through justification by faith in Jesus Christ alone, Paul points us to God's justifying Abraham (Genesis 15:6) as proof that justification is by faith alone (Romans 4:1-3), and David's testimony in Psalm 32 (Romans 4:7-8).
Paul clarifies that God justifies the ungodly through the costly free gift counted to the sinner who believes, not due to any works we do. Only those who are justified in this manner can live happy/blessed.
After articulating his gospel centering on a righteousness from God through justification by faith in Jesus Christ alone, Paul points us to Abraham as proof.
I. Abraham was a sinner like us, yet counted as righteous by God II. Justification by faith saved Abraham from his past (the flesh). III. Justification by faith secured Abraham’s future (his works can’t undo God’s declaration). IV. So should it be for you, only believe God, and be justified.
In Romans 3:21-26, Paul shared that justification by faith alone is received by us freely by God's grace alone, accomplished entirely on account of the redemption which is in Jesus Christ, as God set Jesus forth as a propitiation, God was vindicated: just and a justified, and worthy of our worship! In Romans 3:27-31, Paul follows the world's greatest paragraph by demonstrating how our theology matters to how we consider ourselves, others, and God and his law.
In v25-26, Paul continues to explain what “justification” is. Justification puts God in an awkward, apparent tension of being unjust in which God can only be vindicated if Jesus was, in fact, offered as a propitiation sacrifice. A vindicated God is a God who is worthy of our worship and our full devotion.
- Justification is received by faith alone.
- But this does not answer God’s personal anger/wrath against sin.
- Unless Jesus functioned as a propitiatory sacrifice
- Then God is both just and justifier of the one who has faith.
Paul continues to explain what “justification” is, and what it costs, and what are the implications for believers in Jesus of living in freedom.
- Justification is founded upon a redemption which is free for all believers.
- Justification was paid for by the immeasurably valuable two halves of redemption: a.Jesus’ passive obedience b.Jesus’ active obedience
- Justification and Freedom
In Romans 3:24, Paul shares that justification by faith alone is by God's grace alone. It is not a cooperation of man with God's grace, but justification is an act whereby God declares sinners righteous and forgives their sin on account of Christ's redeeming work imputed to them.
In Romans 3:21-23, Paul begins to share the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ alone. We see that with the gospel comes the central event in human history where a new era begins to overlap with the old era.
We must make clear that by the works of the law, the world will not be justified, but will be held accountable:
- Accountable for being under sin’s dominion (9-10a).
- Accountable for practice of sin in thoughts/words/action (10b-18).
- Accountable in knowing silence (19-20).
In Romans, after Paul has stated that all people need justification because they are under sin (Romans 1). He then explains that the Jews misunderstood justification because they wrongly believed that merely having Abraham as an ancestor, the scriptures from Moses, and Jewish religious rituals gave them an advantage regarding justification (Romans 2). In Romans 3, he handles potential misunderstandings. When one considers the gospel of justification by faith, one could misunderstand who God is, how He saves his people, and what He desires for his people. We’ll find clarity about those facts by walking through the objections that Paul anticipates from his readers.
Part 2 focuses upon the Resurrection of Creation. The New Testament applies the Resurrection of all creation (including our bodies) as following the pattern of Christ's Resurrection.
Main Idea: Through this inspired proclamation by Peter, we will see how salvation is by the resurrection of the creator/author of life.
- The God of Genesis who created the universe and Israel must be resurrected- Creator united to creation to destroy the thing that He did not create: sin.
- The God of Daniel must be resurrected because as King of Kings his resurrection would complete the humiliation of Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, lions, Pilate, Caiaphas, death, etc.
- The God of the Song of Solomon must be resurrected in order to bring reconciliation from the alienation experienced by the Loving Son from His Loving Father in his descent into hell for sinners.
Main Idea: Don’t rush to judge others for their sin, always consider God’s judgment.
- Unintended Results & Unrighteousness of Our Making Judgments a. Condemns self in its condemnation of others. b. Hypocritical c. Misses key distinctions
- Intended Results & Righteousness of God’s Making Judgments a. Condemns sinners. b. Without partiality c. According to works
- The Relationship of Law & Gospel a. The Law: Knowing the Law is useless if it is not kept. b. The Gospel: God will judge all men by Christ Jesus
The sermon is from Paul’s Letter to the Romans 1:18-32 focusing on the wrath of God seen in the folly of our thinking. In sin, we refuse to worship and give thanks to God but exchange Him for created things and God hands us over to pursue all manner of ungodly practices, including homosexuality. To miss these truths is to completely lose the amazingness of God’s grace.
In Romans, so far, Paul has introduced the saving gospel as by Sola Fide, now he begins to explain the urgency of believing the gospel -- despite all mankind knowing God, they suppress his truth, and God's wrath is revealed upon all nations in their grossest sin: God-making.
Big Point: In v16-17, Paul has introduced the saving gospel as by Sola Fide, now he begins to explain the urgency of knowing the gospel—because of the wrath of God and three reasons why the wrath of God is righteous/just.
- God’s Wrath is just because of SIN-people commit ungodly and unrighteous acts.
- God’s Wrath is just because God of the SUFFICIENCY of his revelation-He has given sufficient knowledge of himself to those who commit ungodly and unrighteous acts.
- God’s Wrath is just because when all people SUPPRESS his truth.Suppression of God’s truth is sin against him, and all who suppress his truth are without excuse and under His wrath.
Big Point: Focusing on 1:17, The Believers’ Powerful, Saving Gospel is Sola Fide
I. A Present Hope: Faith Receives Present Righteousness accomplished in the PAST- Participle translated “Which Is Revealed” II. A Present Hope MUST BE Received NOW and WILL BE Lived: The Centrality of Faith “From Faith for Faith” III. A Present Hope Received by Faith Founded and Based TRANSTEMPORALLY/in the Eternal Counsel of God: Proved from Scripture, Habakkuk 2:4
"16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Focusing on 1:16-17, We see that Paul is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ on account of three reasons:
I. Why Would One Be Ashamed of the Gospel? a. Paul & Original Context b. Modern Context II. Reason to not be Ashamed of the Gospel #1- It is the Power of God for salvation to all who believe- Jew, and then Greek. III. Reason to not be Ashamed of the Gospel #2- It Reveals God’s Righteousness from faith for faith IV. Reason to not be Ashamed of the Gosepl #3- God’s Word Revealed This Gospel
J. Gresham Machen in "What is Faith?" says, “Faith is indeed intellectual; it involves an apprehension of certain things as facts; and vain is the modern effort to divorce faith from knowledge. But although faith is intellectual, it is not only intellectual. You cannot have faith without having knowledge; but you will not have faith if you have only knowledge.”
We see the glorious order that grace always precedes faith.
- Grace First-Establishes Glorious Faith
- Grace First-Establishes Glorious Calling
- Grace First-Establishes Glorious Motives
An adequate understanding of the author of this letter’s identity should draw us to carefully and enthusiastically examine Jesus and His gospel.
I. Paul is a servant of Christ Jesus II. Paul was called to be an apostle by Christ Jesus III. Paul was set apart for the gospel of God about Christ Jesus
The preacher, as he seeks to understand the meaning of life, meditating upon the breakdown in our world, counsels the assembly about pursuing wisdom and how this relates to our legacy.
The Preacher is meditating upon the vanity of seeking meaning in life without regard to God. As he closes, he makes numerous memorable statements, we will focus on the concept of wisdom being to the right and folly to the left in light of God’s “right-handedness” and our call to be right-handed.
The Preacher is meditating upon the vanity of seeking meaning in life without regard to God. He considers how to wisely enjoy good food, drink, clothes, etc.
The preacher, as he seeks to understand the meaning of life, meditating upon the lack of control he had over his life and the wisdom he has gained through returning to fear God.
The preacher, as he seeks to understand the meaning of life, meditating upon the tragedy of moral failure and the wisdom he has gained through returning to fear God.
The preacher, as he seeks to understand the meaning of life, meditating upon the tragedy of human beings' inability to discover satisfaction.
The preacher, as he seeks to understand the meaning of life, meditates upon human beings' relationship with wealth and our worship of God.
Does Life Have Meaning? It often feels empty. We'll explore that today.
The Emptiness of Wisdom The Emptiness of Pleasure The Emptiness of Virtue The Emptiness of Hard Work
All things end in emptiness unless "All things are done to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31)" who is our sovereign Savior.
The opening poem from King Solomon focuses on how life can appear vain. He asserts that All of Life Vanity (v2). And all work is in vain with no gain.
This is the 7th of 8 sermons unpacking the importance of Christ crucified. Paul resolved to know nothing amongst the church, but Christ and him crucified. The question is Why? This week we learn that Christ’s crucifixion is the pinnacle of good news in that God’s own Son took on the role of a substitute for sinners to be offered up on the True Day of Atonement. Luke 23:26-49; 1 Corinthians 2:1-2; Leviticus Chapters 16 & 23:26-32; & Numbers 29:7-11
This is the sixth of eight sermons unpacking the importance of Christ crucified. Paul resolved to know nothing amongst the church, but Christ and him crucified. The question is Why? This week we learn that Christ’s crucifixion is the pinnacle of good news in that God’s own Son took on flesh to be accounted as the true priest and true sacrifice for the sins of his people that we may by faith dwell with God.
Luke 23:26-49; 1 Corinthians 2:1-2
This is the 5th of 8 sermons unpacking the importance of Christ crucified. Paul resolved to know nothing amongst the church, but Christ and him crucified. The question is Why? This week we see learn that Christ’s crucifixion is the pinnacle of God’s history of salvation (The Passover) whereby a Holy God protects and leads a people into a new realm to make them a holy people dwelling in a holy space.
Luke 23:33; 1 Corinthians 2:1-2; 5:6-8; Galatians 1:3-5; 2:20; Romans 6:7-14
This is the 4th of 8 sermons unpacking the importance of Christ crucified. Paul resolved to know nothing amongst the church, but Christ and him crucified. The question is Why? This week we see learn that Christ’s crucifixion is the pinnacle of God’s merciful act of justification—whereby God saves sinners declaring them to righteous for the sake of Christ’s satisfaction for theirs in and his righteousness imputed to them and received by faith alone. God’s people can approach him at peace and with confidence.
Luke 23; Romans 3:21-28; 4:1-5; Romans 5:12-21; and 1 Corinthians 2:1-2
Luke 23:26-49; 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 This is the third of eight sermons unpacking the importance of Christ crucified. This week we learn that Christ’s crucifixion demonstrates God’s love for sinners in that it brings propitiation—the turning away of God’s wrath upon sinners so that God can look on sinners with pleasure and God’s people can approach him at peace and with confidence.
We will spend eight weeks unpacking Christ crucified. This week we learn that Christ’s crucifixion brings reconciliation for his people—meaning the restoration of peace to a previously alienated, broken relationship & All sinners are commanded to be reconciled to God. Luke 23; Romans 5:8-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Ephesians 2:12-21; Colossians 1:19-21; Matthew 5:23-25; James 4:4; Galatians 6:1-2. Hosea 1 & 3
We will spend eight weeks unpacking Christ crucified. This week we learn that Christ’s crucifixion brings redemption for his people—meaning liberation/freedom from sin & evil.
Luke 23:26-49
How does the Impeccable Jesus, the eternal Son of God, lose out to Barabbas? And what is the significance of this event? Luke 23:1-25
Jesus’ rejection as the Messiah (prophet, priest, and king) leads to the salvation for every sinner who is ashamed of his or her sin who will deny him or herself, follow Jesus, repent of sin, and believe in Him.
Luke 22:54-71
This is the Gospel! May God add his blessing to the reading and preaching of it and write its eternal truths upon our hearts. Amen. The Crucifixion 26 And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. 27 And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. 28 But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” 32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Lk 23:26–38). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.