Sermons: Recent Episodes
Hope Presbyterian Church
Grace Abounds to Sinners John 6:41-59 1. The Grace of the Father 2. The Grace to Feed 3. The Grace to Live
The LORD Is King Psalm 10 1. King Over the Wicked 2. King to Restore Justice 3. King Forever and Ever
The LORD Is Righteous Psalm 145:17-21 1. Righteous to His Truth 2. Righteous to Hear Us 3. Righteous to Judge
Jesus Is the Bread of Life John 6:25-40 1. The Satisfier of Souls 2. The Sign and Seal 3. The Son Who Gives Life
Jesus The Greater Than Moses John 6:1-24 1. Food in the Wilderness 2. The Prophet in the World 3. Crossing the Galilean Sea
The LORD Is Gracious Psalm 145:8-16 1. Christ Is Good to All 2. Christ Is Over All 3. Christ Upholds All
The LORD Is Great – Psalm 145 [v.1-7] Majestic Greatness Praiseworthy Greatness Unsearchable Greatness
The Four Witnesses of Christ – John 5:31-47 1. John’s Witness 2. Jesus’ Works 3. The Father’s Word
Jesus Is the Divine Son – John 5:16-30 1. His Work with the Father 2. His Purpose in the Father 3. His Authority from the Father
The LORD Our God Is Holy – Psalm 99 1. The LORD Reigns in Holiness 2. The LORD Judges in Holiness 3. The LORD Forgives in Holiness
Do You Want to Be Made Well? – John 5:1-15 1. The State of Humanity 2. The Helplessness of Humanity 3. The Ignorance of Humanity
There But For the Grace of God – Judges 21:1-25 1. Unthinking Oaths 2. Unethical Responses 3. Unwavering Grace
Faith Comes by Hearing – John 4:43-54 1. Spiritual Stupor 2. Scary Situation 3. Second Sign
Purge Out the Leaven – Judges 20:1-48 1. Israel’s Unity 2. Benjamin’s Intransigence 3. Yahweh’s Judgment
Foxtails and Jawbones – Judges 15:1-20 1. Yahweh’s Providence 2. Israel’s Subjection 3. Samson’s Complaint
You Must Be Born Again – John 3:1-12 1. The Necessity of New Birth 2. The Nature of New Birth
Samson, Secrets and Riddles – Judges 14:1-20 1. The Lord’s Secret Purpose 2. Samson’s Secret Riddle
The LORD Comes to His Temple – John 2:12-25 1. Zeal for His Temple 2. The Glory of the True Temple 3. Faith in the True Temple
Samson – Born a Deliverer – Judges 13:1-25 1. A Grace Child 2. A Holy Child 3. A Blessed Child
Jesus’ First Sign – John 2:1-11 1. A Sign of His Grace and Truth 2. A Sign of His Glory 3. A Sign for Our Faith
Behold the Lamb of God – John 1:35-51 1. What Do You Seek? 2. Come and See 3. Follow Me
Shallow Repentance Exposed – Judges 10:1-18 1. Yahweh’s Severity 2. Yahweh’s Threat 3. Yahweh’s Compassion
Why Then Do We Baptize? John 1:19-34 1. To Be Baptized into Christ 2. To Be Baptized with the Spirit
The Corruption in Power – Judges 8:33-35; 9:1-25, 5-57 1. Bold Arrogance 2. Blind Ignorance 3. Belligerent Sinfulness
Jesus the Only Begotten Son – John 1:1, 14-18 1. He Reveals the Glory of God 2. He Is the Fullness of Grace 3. He Declares the Father to All
The Heart Is a Factory of Idols – Judges 8:22-35 1. With Success 2. With Popularity 3. With Authority
Jesus Is the True Light – John 1:1-13 1. He Gives Light to All 2. He Shines in the Darkness 3. He Grants the Right of Adoption
Jesus Is the Word – John 20:30-31; 1:1-9 1. He Is Eternal 2. He Is Personal 3. He Is Divine
God Uses Weak Men – Judges 7:1-25 1. Weakness Is Necessary 2. Weakness Is Encouraged 3. Weakness Is Strength
Kept in Perfect Peace – 2Thessalonians 3:16-18 1. Peace From God Himself 2. Peace in Every Way 3. Peace That Is Full of Grace
Conduct Worthy of the Gospel 1. Standing unified 2. Being courageous 3. Learning to suffer
Philippians 1: 27-30
Suffering for the gospel means suffering for glorious purposes: our sufferings glorify God, and they sanctify the saint.
God Has Called You to Holiness 1. Abstain from sexual immorality 2. Do not reject God
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Sexual purity is a calling in holiness for the Church. Though the world engages in its pagan immorality, Christians are called to possess their vessel = body, as a temple of the Holy Spirit. ~ 1Thessalonians 4:3-8
The Measure of Great Faith
- Rests in Christ’s Authority
- Conducts Itself in Humility
Matthew 8:1-13
Concern for the Church
- Concern for Their Faith
- Concern for Their Afflictions
- Concern for Their Perseverance
1 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Praying for the Church
- Sovereign God Direct Our Way
- Beloved Lord Increase Our Love
- Gracious Saviour Establish Our Hearts
1Thessalonians 3:11-13
Standing Fast As a Church 1. A Faithful Ministry 2. A Meaningful Ministry 3. A Joyful Ministry
1Thessalonians 3:1-10
Servants and Saints 1. Servants of Christ 2. Saints in Christ 3. By the Grace of Christ
Evening: To Live is Christ 1. Christ Spread through Suffering 2. Christ Proclaimed despite impure motives. 3. Christ Magnified in Life and Death
Philippians 1, Acts 16:23-34
Sometimes we think Paul is this rock on which the waves of suffering crash and break yet do no damage. But Paul is not the rock; he is standing on the Rock who is Jesus Christ. ~ Philippians 1:12-26
Wholly Following the LORD
- Know God’s Promises
- Resist Man’s Pessimism
- Pursue God’s Purpose
Joshua 14:6-15; 15:13-19
Joy in Genuine Gospel Ministry
- Joy Eagerly Endeavors
- Joy Faces Hindrances
- Joy Focuses on Glory
1Thessalonians 2:13-20
Inheriting the Land1. The Temporal Inheritance2. The Eternal InheritanceJoshua 13:1-7; 14:1-5Even as Joshua and Eleazer the priest gave Israel their inheritance, so the Lord Jesus has gone to prepare for us a place with Him in eternal glory; and Jesus will come again to receive us to himself that where He is we may be also. ~ Joshua 13-14
Opposition to Gospel Ministry1. Suffering2. Persecution3. Hatred1Thessalonians 2:10-20Consider David when he was persecuted by King Saul: twice he had opportunity to end his persecutor's life, and providence seemed to enable it; but David would not lift his had to commit such sin. Vengeance belongs to the LORD. Patient peaceable endurance is our calling. ~ 1Thessalonians 2:14-16
Jesus – the King of Kings1. A Conquering King2. A Gracious KingJoshua 12:1-8The motivation for Christ in destroying these 33 nations under Moses and Joshua, was not just to judge these nations for their iniquities, but to establish God's kingdom where He would dwell with His special treasured people. ~ Joshua 12 / Exodus 15:14-18
Receiving the Word of God 1. The Word of God2. The Word Effectually Works1Thessalonians 2:13-20The most significant testimony of the Holy Spirit at work in you is seen in how the Word of God forms and transforms your life. ~ 1Thessalonians 2:13
The Captain of Our Salvation 1. Working Sovereignly 2. Overcoming the Undefeatable 3. Bringing RestJoshua 11:12-23Israel thought the Anakim [giant men] were undefeatable, and fear of those giants moved Israel to rebel and refuse to possess the land. Under Joshua, that fear was gone; what changed? The Lord's grace so shone in their hearts, they knew the Lord would conquer them. ~ Joshua 11:16-23
A Blameless Gospel Ministry 1. A Godly Conduct 2. A Fatherly Care 3. A Worthy Calling 1Thessalonians 2:10-16Like Daniel, we ought to have a blamelessness to our lives, such that the only way the world can criticize or take us down is because we are too devoted to the Lord. ~ 1Thessalonians 2:10-12
Genuine Gospel Ministry1. A Courageous Ministry2. A Gentle Ministry3. A Blameless Ministry1Thessalonians 2:1-12A genuine gospel ministry needs to be both courageous - "bold in God to speak the gospel of God in much conflict;" and gentle - "just like a nursing mother cherishes her own." Without both, ministry will compromise the gospel, and/or be harsh and bitter. ~ 1Thessalonians 2:1-9
The LORD Delivered Them to Israel1. The LORD Delivered Justly2. The LORD Delivered Completely3. The LORD Delivered TriumphantlyJoshua 10:16-43God so loved Israel He gave them the Land of Promise and delivered all their enemies into their hands. God so loved His own He gave His only Son who delivered all His people's enemies into His hands: Satan, sin, and death were all vanquished by the cross! ~ Joshua 10:16-43
Serving the Living and True God 1. Following Christ 2. Exampling Grace 3. Awaiting Christ’s Return What is the Church's priority before this world? Social activism? Affirming cultural issues? Reforming government? Our priority is "trumpeting the gospel"! The love of Christ compels us to be ambassadors of God imploring people on Christ's behalf to be reconciled to God. ~ 1Thessalonians 1:8-9
The Art of DeceptionChrist felt the weight of the Covenant of Grace in Gethsemane - what it would cost Him to be the covenant keeper. But He sought and prayed for the Father's will to be done. Thank God we have this Covenant Keeper for all the times we break covenant with God. ~ Joshua 9:14-15
Israel Has Sinned1. Achan’s Sin Drew God’s Wrath2. Achan’s Sin Defiled Israel3. Achan’s Sin Destroyed His FamilyJoshua 7:1-26And you, by all means, abstain from the accursed things, lest you become accursed when you take of the accursed things, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. [Joshua 6:18]
A Doomed City1. Condemned by the LORD2. Consecrated to the LORD3. Cursed before the LORDJoshua 6:17-27Now the city shall be doomed by the Lord to destruction, it and all who are in it. Only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all who are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. [Joshua 6:17}
God’s Holiness Purifies1. Purifying the Faithless2. Purifying the StumpIsaiah 6:1-13Then I said, “Lord, how long? [Isaiah 6:11]
Holiness: Serving God’s Kingdom1. Serving with a Ready Heart2. Serving without an IncreaseIsaiah 6:1-13“Woe is me, for I am undone!Because I am a man of unclean lips,And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;For my eyes have seen the King,The Lord of hosts.” [Isaiah 6:5]
Jesus Won the Battle of Jericho1. God Moves in Mysterious Ways2. God Moves in Powerful Ways3. God Moves in Gracious WaysLike Joshua, we are engaged in spiritual warfare as Christ's Church and God's kingdom on earth. Unlike Joshua, we no longer battle with a sword; we conquer with the Gospel in the power of the Spirit. Our sword is God's Word, and our strength is the authority given to Christ. ~ Joshua 6
Holiness: The Seventh Woe1. The Enemy of Sin2. The Misery of Sin3. The Atoning of SinWe do not choose to be holy; the Father, in love, chose us in Christ to be holy and without blame. The holiness of God motivated Christ to provide the necessary atonement on our behalf as helpless sinners. ~ Isaiah 6:5-7
Jesus: The Lord's Commander1. His Appearance2. His Identity3. His CommandJoshua 5:13-15Christ as the Commander of the heavenly army had come to bring His beloved people into their inheritance. Israel would soon see the walls of Jericho come down; what they wouldn't see was the angelic army of heaven bringing down those walls. The battle was the Lord's. ~ Joshua 5:13-15
The Holiness of God 1. Christ the Eternal King2. Christ the Holy One3. Christ Who Fills the EarthIsaiah 6:1-13The Church's greatest struggle is not with persecution from the world; it is with holiness before God. Her foremost concern is not about fighting government policies or societal philosophies; it is pursuing holiness and being holy because our God is holy. ~ Isaiah 6:1-4
Resting in God’s Promises1. Circumcision2. Passover3. MannaJoshua 5:1-12Circumcision opened to Israel the promises of God: the promise to bless {Gen.12:1-3], to bring about spiritual rebirth [Deut.10:16; 30:6], to be God to them and their children and give then an inheritance [Gen.17:1-14]. What circumcision was to Israel, baptism is to the Church. ~ Joshua 5:1-12
Walk According to This Rule 1. God’s Goodness Promised2. God’s People Known3. God’s Benediction GivenGalatians 6:14-18Unlike the unforgiving culture of our day, God's mercy is true and faithful. There is never a moment in your life when you do not have an interest in the Saviour's love; there is never a moment when the lovingkindness of the Father is too far away. ~ Galatians 6:14
A Cairn of Faith1. Remember the LORD’s Grace2. Remember the LORD of Grace3. Remember the Fear of the LORDJoshua 4:1-24God commanded the stones to be set up for Israel to remember His grace and power that redeemed them. How are we to remember the cross of Christ? Not with crosses around our necks or on a cup; but with your baptism and the Lord's Supper! ~ Joshua 4:22-24
Christ’s Cross My Only Boast1. He Gives You a New Worldview2. He Makes You a New CreationGalatians 6:11-15The world has been crucified to me and I to the world. Christian, not only do you have a new worldview to govern your life; but this world now considers you dead to its values, thinking, and treasures. Don't be surprised when this world hates you; the truth of the cross is offensive to it. ~ Galatians 6:14
Crossing the Jordan River1. Consecrate Yourselves 2. Hear the Word 3. The Lord Goes Before YouJoshua 3:1-17Why is it important to consecrate yourself each day? This consecrating of yourself prepares your mind, heart, and will for what God is going to speak, teach and do in your life and circumstances! ~ Joshua 3:5
Sow to the Spirit1. Do Not Be Deceived2. Do Not Lose Heart 3. Do Good To All Galatians 6:6-10Christian, you are called to sow to the Spirit. You are not called to "let go and let God," you're called to do that which exalts God; to cultivate the presence of the Holy Spirit through the means of grace [God's Word & prayer], so you don't grieve the Spirit. ~ Galatians 6:8
Marks of False Christianity 1) Hinders Obeying the Truth 2) Offends the Cross 3) Serves the Flesh
Isaiah 37:21-28, Galatians 5:7-15
Western Christianity has become more concerned with affirming culture and less concerned about offending God. The gospel has been changed to accommodate people in their sin, not proclaimed to redeem them from their sin. This popular graceless gospel lacks the truth of atonement and justification in Christ. ~ Galatians 5:7-15
Effective Fervent Prayer 1) A Righteous Man Praying 2) A Heavenly Father Hearing
James 5:13-20
The biggest obstacle to effective fervent prayer is not making or taking time to pray; it is the unbelief, the little faith, we have in the one to whom we pray. If we believe the promises of God's Word, and know the compassion and grace of the Lord Jesus, we would be on our knees much more. ~ James 5:16
Yours Is the Kingdom O Lord
1) Our Encouragement 2) Our Praise 3) Our Amen
1Chronicles 29:10-20 / Larger Catechism 196
Why are you called to cast all your care upon God? Is it because your needs are so great, or you are so faithful, or so motivated? It is because God cares for you! God has made the fullness of the grace of His Kingdom, power, and glory to be available to meet all our cares...and so we pray. ~ 1Chronicles 29:10-20
Faith Working Through Love
1) Freedom Christ Purchased 2) Freedom and the Law 3) Freedom and Faith
Isaiah 61:1-7, Galatians 5:1-6
In the day of judgment, what separates the saved from the eternally damned is not the quality, quantity, or even the lack of good works; it is being found in Christ, having the righteousness which is from God by faith in Christ, that I may attain the resurrection from the dead. ~ Galatians 5:1-6
Deliver Us from Evil 1) Understanding Evil 2) Understanding the Evil One 3) Understanding Jesus’ Deliverance
2Corinthians 11:1-15 / Larger Catechism 195
"Deliver us from evil" is a plea to Christ to rescue us from both the evil of Satan that meets us in life and the evil of our own corruption and failure that rises from our own heart. Jesus did not keep Peter from Satan's sifting, but rescued Peter, ensuring his faith did not completely fail. Luke 22:31-32
Living Free in Christ 1) The History Lesson 2) The Symbolic Point 3) The Real Freedom
Genesis 21:1-21, Galatians 4:21-31
What does God say? "You need to be born again; I will give you a new heart. You need to be cleansed of your sin; I will wash you clean in the blood of my Son. You need to be rid of your guilt; I will take away it by Christ's death. You need the penalty of death removed; I will give you eternal life through faith in my Son."
Lead Us Not into Temptation 1. The Nature of Temptation 2. The Exposure to Temptation 3. The Escape from Temptation
We are vulnerable to temptations all the time. Idleness captured David's heart and exploited his lusts; fear motivated Abraham to lie; pride brought Peter down in his overconfidence; frustration caused Moses to act in anger when God wished to be hallowed; tiredness and sorrow led the disciples to enter temptation. ~ 1Corinthians 10:13
The Impact of Legalism 1. Truth Becomes an Enemy 2. Zeal Becomes Misdirected
The problem with being an affirming Church is you are allowing people to walk in the bondage of sin. The problem is not that we are unaccepting of who they want to be, but that they are not accepting whom God created them to be - a man or a woman. Truth has become an enemy, but only truth will set them free ~ Galatians 4:12-16
Forgive our Sins as We forgive 1) The Glory of Forgiveness 2) The Fruit of Forgiveness 3) The Heart of Forgiveness
Matthew 18:21-35, The Larger Catechism 194
The foundation for our exercise of mercy is God's abounding mercy to us in His Son. When we have the testimony of God's forgiveness in us, we can be both bold to ask for and expect forgiveness from others, as well as have the grace in our hearts to forgive others.
The Impact of Legalism 1) Faith Becomes Vain 2) Truth Becomes an Enemy 3) Zeal Becomes Misdirected
Isaiah 57:15-21, Galatians 48-20
Eclessia reformata semper reformanda is not about the Church changing her worship and doctrine to be relevant and innovative to society. It is about the reformation the church needs to be true in maintaining the authority of Scripture, the truth of the gospel, the purity of worship, and contending earnestly for the faith. ~ Galatians 4:8-11
Give Us Our Daily Bread 1. What God Owes Us 2. What God Provides for Us 3. What God Expects of Us
Matthew 6:24-34 [Larger Catechism 193]
Worry is an unhealthy preoccupation and overt fear that does not look in faith to God's providence, especially for things like food, clothing, shelter. It is a sign of unbelief that prevents us from seeking God's kingdom and righteousness. ~ Matthew 6:24-34
From Slaves to Sons 1. God Sent Forth His Son 2. God Sent Forth the Spirit of His Son
Genesis 22:1-19, Galatians 3:26 – 4:7
Immediately upon His resurrection, Jesus wanted his disciples to know their adoption in Him: go to my brethren and say to them, "I am ascending to my Father and your Father...". What Jesus enjoys and experiences as God's Son, He wants you to enjoy and experience. ~ Galatians 4:4-5 / John 20:17
Your Will Be Done * 1. Our Acknowledgment of God’s Will 2. Our Hindrances to God’s Will 3. Our Prayer for God’s Will Our Inability
Luke 22:39-46 [Larger Catechism 192]
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
The Purpose of God’s Law
- The Law Exposes Our Sin
- The Law Condemns Us
- The Law Leads us to Christ
Galatians 3:19-25
God does not make us any promises because of our worthiness, our merits, or our good works; but for the sake of his own goodness and mercy in Christ. ~ Martin Luther [on Galatians 3:21]
Your Kingdom Come
- It Has Come with Christ
- It Is Advancing in the World
- It Will Come in Full Glory
Mark 1:14-28 [L.C. #191]
Without tribulation, we Christians would become content in and with this world, unconcerned with our sins, and we would not long for the glory of Christ's reign. We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of heaven. ~ Acts 14:22
Because The Lord's My Shepherd
- I Shall Not Want
- I Will Fear No Evil
- I Will Dwell in His House Forever
Psalm 23
"When through the deep waters I call you to go, the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow; for I will be with you, your troubles to bless; and sanctify to you your deepest distress" ~ Hymn: How Firm a Foundation - "K-"
Ordnances - Hallowed Be Your Name 1. Highly Esteem Our Father 2. Glorify the Father with All Our Being 3. Guard Against Unbelief
John 17: 1-9, WLC 190
"Hallowed be Your Name" must set the intent of all our prayers. Beginning prayer with this petition means we pray God would, by His providence, order everything in our lives, especially our sufferings, for His glory. Christ's own prayer began here. ~ John 17:1
Praying to the Father 1. With Confidence 2. With Reverence 3. With Others
Matthew 6:5-13
In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches that prayer flows from an intimate union with God the Father. To pray "Our Father" calms our souls and compels our prayers to know He is good and knows all our needs, and is ready to give good gifts to those who ask Him. ~ Matthew 6:32 / 7:11
The Covenant of God in Christ 1. The Unchangeable Covenant 2. The Seed of the Covenant 3. The Inheritance Is by Covenant
Genesis 17:1-14, Galatians 3:15-18
Your salvation is not based on your performance, but solely on Christ's: in His life of obedience Jesus accomplished ours; in His death, He paid the penalty for our guilt; in His resurrection, He gained eternal life for us; in His ascension, He secured our reign with Him forever. In Christ, all God's promises were purchased for us ~ Galatians 3:15-18
Ordinances - The Who, What, & How of Prayer [L.C. #183-185] 1. Who do we pray for? 2. What do we pray for? 3. How do we pray?
Matthew 26:36-46
Jesus prayed for his own will to be subject to the Father's; He prayed the same prayer until it was clear the Father's will was happening; He prayed in sorrow and deep distress until His own soul was at peace with the Father's will. Jesus shows us what it is to pray boldly before the throne of grace.
Christ Became a Curse for us 1. The Law Cannot Justify 2. The Law Is Not of Faith 3. Only Christ Removes the Curse
Galatians 3:10-14
God's Law can only bring us under its curse; it cannot justify us. Not that there is a problem with the Law, the problem is with us. God, in all His majestic holiness and righteousness, requires consistent and constant absolute obedience, and we cannot give that as sinners. But Christ did!
Ordinances - Praying In The Spirit
Romans 8:26-27 [Larger Catechism 182]
Praying in the Spirit[Sermon Points] 1. The Spirit helps us 2. The Spirit works in us 3. The Spirit intercedes
The Holy Spirit knows what is in our hearts: our needs, our sins, our temptations, our struggles, what are of our life is ready for sanctification; and He intercedes for us to Christ, "Do this for this soul." God knows the mind of the Spirit in us. ~Romans 8:26-27
The Gospel According to Abraham
Genesis 12:1-9, Galatians 3:1-9
The Gospel According to Abraham 1. The Blessing of Abraham 2. The Blessing of the Gospel
A praying man...has the ear of God: the Spirit within to compose; a Friend in heaven to present; and God Himself to receive his desires as a Father. It is a mercy to pray, even if i never receive the mercy I prayed for. ~ William Bridge
Believing Christ for Righteousness 1. Who Has Bewitched You? 2. Who Is Perfecting You? 3. Why Was Christ Crucified?
Genesis 15:1-21, Galatians 3:1-9
Legalism is a lure. The sinful heart loves legalism. Not because we believe ourselves to be righteous in and of ourselves as Christians, but because legalism and the righteous things that we try to do, covers the sinfulness of sin; to make us think we are better than we really are. -Galatians 3:3, Psalm 14
Communion with Christ 1. Communion Nourished 2. Communion Experienced 3. Communion Guarded
1Corinthians 10:14-33 [Larger Catechism 168, 170]
Christ uses His Table to bring you into the most important fellowship you have on the earth in Him - His body, the Church. We no longer have fellowship with this idolatrous world. The Lord is jealous to guard this communion and blesses the Table to that end. ~ 1Corinthians 10:16-22
Crucified with Christ 1. I Have Died to the Law 2. I Now Live By Faith in Christ 3. I Do Not Set Aside Grace
Isaiah 53, Galatians 2:15-21
"It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." The old fallen man, Adam, is now dead; I am no longer identified with him as a sinful rebel. The new creation man, Christ, is now alive in me; I am identified with Christ as a beloved saint. ~ Galatians 2:20
The Grace of Baptism 1. The Heart of Baptism 2. The Engagement of Baptism 3. The Subjects of Baptism
John 1:19-34 [Larger Catechism 165, 167]
Why do we baptize children of believers? Because of God's covenant. Jesus said that the little children belong to the kingdom of God [Mark 10:14]; Peter preached that the promise of the Holy Spirit is to our children [Acts 2:39]. How can we deny the grace of baptism to those whom God desires to bless with Christ? ~ John 1:33
The Battle for the Gospel 1. The Doctrine of Justification 2. The War Against Justification
Daniel 1:1-25, Galatians 2:9-16
To be justified is more than just to be declared, "Not guilty." It also means to be declared righteous before God. It means God has imputed, or charged, the guilt of our sin to His Son, Jesus Christ, and has imputed, or credited, Christ's righteousness to us. ~ Jerry Bridges
The Sacraments of the Church 1. What Are the Sacraments 2. What Are the Benefits of Sacraments 3. What Makes Sacraments Effectual
Exodus 12:14-28 [Larger Catechism 161-162]
most of us Christians consider the Sacraments from the human side, what we gain from them by our faith. Faith in Christ is vital, but it is Christ who blesses and who makes the sacraments effectual by His Spirit; Christ accomplishes what the Sacraments promise, which is ultimately the Emmanuel seal of grace. ~ 1Corinthians 12:13
The One Gospel is for Everyone 1. Gospel Truth Does Not Change 2. Gospel Truth Must Be Maintained
We plant the seeds of compromise to the truth of the gospel when we are afraid to tell our children that someone who has died without Christ as Saviour, is not in heaven. They need to know there is no other name given by which we must be saved. Galatians 2:5
Galatians 2:1-10, Jonah 3:1-4:2
God’s Word and Faith 1. It’s Convicting Grace 2. It’s Transforming Glory
Preaching is heralding God's Word. The message preached has its authority, not from the herald, but from God and His Word. It is God's way of saying to the hearer, "Be still and know that I am God!" ~ Romans 10:17 / Psalm 46:10
Romans 10:14-17; Psalm 19:7-14
Our Freedom in Christ 1. The Gospel Proclaims Freedom 2. The Gospel Maintains That Freedom
Galatians 1:18 – 2:5
How do you know if Christ Jesus has set you free from sin's bondage? When sin is revealed, and your response is humility, sorrow and repentance; not anger, resentment, or the justifying of the sin. Liberty in Christ is being set free from sin's guilt & shame. ~ Galatians 2:4
Ordinances – The Means of Grace 1. What They Work 2. By Whom They Work
Proverbs 2:1-22
The Holy Spirit uses God's ordinances [His Word preached, the sacraments, prayer] to effect a deeper communion with the Father and the Son, to make us more holy before this world. To neglect these ordinances is to quench the Spirit. ~ 1Thessalonians 5:19
The Gospel According to Jesus 1. A Grace-less Life 2. A Grace-filled Life 3. A Grace-changed Life
Jeremiah 31:23-34, Galatians 1:10-24
All our personal self-righteous goodness does is blind us to the real repugnant nature of sin, and harden our hearts against the need of Christ's righteousness. We need the gift of the Holy Spirit to do the washing of regeneration in the grace of Jesus Christ. ~ Galatians 1:15
Only One Gospel 1. Turning from the Gospel 2. Tampering with the Gospel 3. Tempting the Grace of Christ
Jeremiah 2:5-13, Galatians 1:6-10
The Glory of the Gospel 1. Christ Died for Our Sins 2. Christ Died to Deliver Us 3. Christ Died According to God’s Will
2Kings 7:1-20, Galatians 1:1-5
The Unity of the Faith 1. What That Unity Looks Like 2. What That Unity Causes
The unity of the faith forged within this Church is reliant upon Christ's gift of men to you, who, as pastors and teachers, minister His Word where you all are exposed to the same sanctifying truth week after week. "Who is your pastor?" is a vital question to answer. ~ Ephesians 4:11-13
Liberated to Serve - Philemon 1-25 1. Liberty in the Gospel 2. Liberty That Transforms
Real liberty in the Gospel does not keep account of wrongs, but operates under the principle of, "freely you have received, freely give." Christ paid our debt to set us free from sin's curse, so we are called to be such servants toward one another in His name. ~ Philemon 17-20
One Holy Catholic Church 1. Unity of the Spirit 2. Unity of the Faith
Everyone who lives in the faith, hope, and love, in Christ, in the same Spirit of God belongs to the Church catholic; for they have been called to the same inheritance of eternal life, and participation in one God and Christ. ~ John Calvin [Ephesians 4:4-6]
For Love’s Sake 1. Where Love Is Focused 2. What Love Produces 3. How Love Is Exercised
Philemon 1-25
Philemon is about the extraordinary, otherworldly, heavenly labour of love in forgiving a fellow believer of their offences against us. This appeal to forgive is not made from duty, but "for love's sake." [Philemon 8-9]
The Church Is God’s Servant 1. Serving under God’s Sovereignty 2. Serving with All Boldness 3. Serving In the Spirit’s Power
Isaiah 49: 1-7, Sermon Text Acts 4:13-31
The sovereignty of God is a doctrine of peace to our souls. Why should we be afraid of those who gather against us when we know their actions are governed by the Lord? [Acts 4:27-28]