Restoration Podcast - Restoration Church: Recent Episodes
Restoration Church
This sermon, delivered by one of our elders, Adam Cawrse, focuses on Jesus’ discourse in Matthew 18 which emphasizes the importance of humbling ourselves like children to be great in the Kingdom.
Matthew 17 provides an account of Christ Jesus revealing His divine glory. John and Peter both reference the event in their own writings. This profound event gives us a deeper understanding of Christ’s deity and reminds us that He has been God for all eternity and will be God for all eternity.
It is a good thing to recognize our sin and thus our need for a Savior, but it is an unwise thing to ignore the joy that comes with being in Christ (see 1 John). Philippians 4:1-9, along with Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 and several other passages, gives us insight into the command to rejoice and feast as we delight in God’s good gifts!
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This week we will be studying Matthew 16 where Jesus affirms Peter's affirmation of His deity and talks about the Rock the Church is built upon. This passage has been hotly debated between Roman Catholics and Protestants (and Eastern Orthodox) until recently. Historically, Roman Catholics have seen the "rock" in Matthew 16 as being a reference to Peter as the first pope. Orthodox and Protestants see Christ as the Head of the Church and thus view Peter differently. With this in mind, you may have heard that the new Pope (Leo XIV) has recently made statements that Jesus (not Peter) is the Rock upon which the Church is built. In the process, he rejected papal infallibility. This Sunday, we will endeavor to exegete the passage well while addressing Church history on the issue.
Matthew 15 shows us that Christ Makes Us Clean, Not Tradition. Pastor Daniel Samms walks us through how the traditions of the Pharisees became an encumbrance as they acted without faith. Only Christ can make us clean by faith.
We are in a culture war that is merely a manifestation of a spiritual battle. Many Christians have found themselves ill-equipped for this fight. How does one reason with a man who pretends to be a woman? How does one win an argument with those who deny that which is universally demonstrated in nature? We have forgotten that our greatest weapon is God’s Word. Living and active, it cuts to the deepest parts of a person, revealing their thoughts and intentions. This sermon is an exposition on how to use God’s Word as a weapon.
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The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a historical fact. He rose from the dead, proving His deity, fulfilling prophecy, and showing that He is the King of kings. He holds the keys to death and Hades and has the authority to judge the nations. The implications of the resurrection are eternal but they have direct implications for the nations of the earth now. Moreover, HIs atoning death makes payment for all the sins of the believing, and His resurrection shows our future hope! Join us for this study of Matthew 28!
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Pastor Daniel addresses the theological implications of John the Baptist's beheading as well as Jesus' feeding of the 5,000 and walking on water as we see the ongoing theme of Christ's Kingship demonstrated in His power and authority.
Jesus' triumphal entry signifies that He is King. Matthew 21 not only gives the account of His peaceful entry into Jerusalem on a donkey but also shows His authority over the Temple and foreshadows his future visit on a horse to execute judgment on apostate Israel.
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The theme of the Gospel of Matthew is that Jesus is King. Through His signs and teachings, He proves Himself to be the Messiah, the Son of David, the Son of Man, the Lord of the Sabbath, and God. Matthew 12 continues that theme with a focus on Jesus’ role as Lord of the Sabbath. As the Pharisees reject Jesus in spite of the fact that the Holy Spirit is upon Him, Jesus warns them of the unpardonable sin of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and tells them that the sign they will receive is the “Sign of Jonah.” Pastor Dan walks us through Matthew 12 in this sermon preparing us for Resurrection Sunday.
The theme of the Gospel of Matthew is that Jesus is King. Through His signs and teachings, He proves Himself to be the Messiah, the Son of David, the Son of Man, the Lord of the Sabbath, and God. Jesus proves His authority in Matthew 9 through healing, teaching, and restoring a girl to life.
Remember that the Gospel of Matthew is structured around five of Jesus’ sermons/discourses, much like the Book of Deuteronomy is structured as sermons. Jesus seems to be showing that He is the prophet greater than Moses. However, more than that, Matthew continually refers to Old Testament prophecies that Jesus fulfills, proving that He is the Messiah, the Son of David, the Son of Man, and (most importantly) God.
Hosea is categorized as a “Minor Prophet,” which is another word for “The Book of the Twelve.” Hosea is only minor in the sense of its length. It is no less important than any other book of Scripture. The theme of the book is Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s faithfulness. The theme is seen in God’s appeal to Israel in Hosea 6:6 when He says that He desires “mercy and not sacrifice,” meaning “steadfast love and not mere ceremony.” Chapters 13-14 close the prophecy and remind us that God always has a redemptive plan at work.
The relationship between the Church and Israel is important in Scripture. Sadly, many are confused between covenantal and dispensational interpretations. Genesis 3:7-29, along with a few other key passages, offers clarity. Join us as Pastor Daniel provides some clarity on the issue from Scripture.
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The theme of the Gospel of Matthew is that Jesus is King. Through His signs and teachings, He proves Himself to be the Messiah, the Son of David, the Son of Man, the Lord of the Sabbath, and God. Jesus teaches with authority in Matthew 7 about the Kingdom of God.
Remember that the Gospel of Matthew is structured around five of Jesus’ sermons/discourses, much like the Book of Deuteronomy is structured as sermons. Jesus seems to be showing that He is the prophet greater than Moses. However, more than that, Matthew continually refers to Old Testament prophecies that Jesus fulfills, proving that He is the Messiah, the Son of David, the Son of Man, and (most importantly) God.
Audio Block Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more Anxiety takes form most often in concern over future provision. Sometimes, Christians experience anxiety if they haven’t come to an understanding of God’s sovereignty over their salvation. Recently, fear over wicked schemes (conspiracies) has created undue anxiety in our culture, even among Christians. Scripture does not deny the reality of evil plots. In fact, Psalm 37 affirms that wicked men will be scheming. We should presume as much. However, God promises that evil men and their schemes will fade like grass. Philippians 4:4-13 provides practical direction on enjoying peace in Christ.
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Success in evangelism is simply proclaiming the Gospel. There is no need to fear when God is the Author of salvation. Additionally, Christianity is on the rise! The number of Christians in the world has nearly quadrupled in the last 100 years! Pastor Daniel takes us through Romans 1 and Acts 17 to learn from Paul’s evangelism method to the pagans in Athens.
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As Muslims swarm into the West, destroying what is good and true and beautiful, it does us good to remember that Christ’s coming brings the destruction of oppression. He is not waiting to be King. He is king now. Isaiah 9:1-12 begins its fulfillment in Matthew 4:12-17 as Jesus begins His ministry. He is King now (Mathew 28:18), and thus, we are to conquer the nations through the proclamation of His gospel and the baptism of His people (Matthew 28:18-20). Pastor Daniel Samms teaches through Isaiah 9:1-12 and reminds us how Christ has miraculously conquered and will continue to do so.
Boniface and the Destruction of Thor’s Oak by God
Boniface was a Benedictine minister commissioned as a missionary to what is now modern-day Germany. This region was known for its fierce warriors and pagan rituals, including human sacrifice in worship of Thor, Odin, and other norse gods. These wild people had not been conquered by Rome, despite centuries of attempts.
Presbyterian pastor, Henry Van Dyke provides a dramatic, though historically grounded, description of Boniface in "The First Christmas Tree" (1897):
“What a man he was! Fair and slight, but straight as a spear and strong as an oaken staff. His face was still young; the smooth skin was bronzed by wind and sun. His gray eyes, clean and kind, flashed like fire when he spoke of his adventures, and of the evil deeds of the false priests with whom he contended.”
Around 723, Boniface was traveling in the region of Lower Hesse as he was aware of a group of pageants near Geismar who would sacrifice a child to Thor in the middle of winter under their sacred tree, known as “Thunder Oak” (Donar’s Oak, Thor’s Oak).
Did Boniface say, “Oh, well….Jesus hasn’t returned yet and things like this are going to keep happening until he does.”? No!
Boniface and his crew arrived at Thor’s Oak on Christmas Eve, interrupted the ceremony, and said, “Here is the Thunder Oak, and here the cross of Christ shall break the hammer of the false god, Thor.”
Having halted the pagan ritual before the sacrifice, Boniface said,
“Hearken, sons of the forest! No blood shall flow this night save that which pity has drawn from a mother’s breast. For this is the birth-night of the Christ, the son of the Almighty, the Savior of mankind. Fairer is He than Baldur the Beautiful, greater than Odin the Wise, kinder than Freya the Good. Since He has come sacrifice is ended. The dark, Thor, on whom you have vainly called, is dead. Deep in the shades of Niffelheim he is lost forever. And now on this Christ-night you shall begin to live. This blood-tree shall darken your land no more. In the name of the Lord, I will destroy it.”
Boniface picked up an ax and took one swing at it as a great gust of wind blew and felled the tree by God’s mighty hand. Boniface milled the carcass of that tree and built a church where it once stood.
Boniface looked beyond where the oak lay, pointing to a small, unassuming fir tree, saying:
“This little tree, a young child of the forest, shall be your holy tree tonight. It is the wood of peace… It is the sign of an endless life, for its leaves are ever green. See how it points upward to heaven. Let this be called the tree of the Christ-child; gather about it, not in the wild wood, but in your own homes; there it will shelter no deeds of blood, but loving gifts and rites of kindness.”
The gospel of Jesus Christ conquered the Norse pagans of Germany once before. The Islamist hordes now overtaking Germany stand no chance against the gospel faithfully taught. Christ is Lord! Preach the gospel boldly.
Many Christians treat individual doctrines as stand-alone theological units. They forget that God has revealed truths about Himself, His creation, and the gospel that are interconnected in His divine design. Marriage is not merely a blessing from God, it is a picture of Christ’s relationship with His Church (Ephesians 5:22-33). Understanding this helps us see the eternal significance of marriage and encourages us to delight in God’s gift of marriage. Romance, sex, and the roles of husband and wife are not mere functions, they teach eternal realities.
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Voting is a significant topic in our present era. Notably, there is tension among Christians as political candidates seldom perfectly reflect biblical values. The Democrat Party platform explicitly supports that which God calls hates (homosexuality, transgenderism, abortion, entitlement programs, etc.). However, the Republican Party regularly puts forth candidates with questionable morals and has recently removed the pro-life plank from its platform. How should Christians vote? Should Christians vote? This sermon addresses several critical passages of Scripture related to Christ’s Kingship over all the nations, the call to not ally ourselves with wicked rulers, and the command to rescue the innocent being led away to death. While voting was not a part of biblical cultures, the command to rescue the innocent is clear. The choice is between a party/candidate that actively wishes to increase abortions and a party/candidate that does not. Faithful Christians must vote to stop abortion.
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Deus Vult is Latin for "God Wills It." It was a battle cry for the Crusades, but it is here appropriated for application to Christ's Kingdom. In a time when wicked rulers seem to go from bad to worse and the effects of sin bring new crises in our culture, it behooves us to remember that God has willed and will accomplish victory over all nations. Christ is King. In this sermon on 1 Corinthians 15, Pastor Samms addresses the Old Testament prophecies related to the Kingdom of God (Daniel 7, Psalm 2, Psalm 10, and Zechariah 14:9) as well as the New Testament teaching that Christ's Kingdom has indeed come, and of its increase, there will be no end!
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The doctrine of Creation is the foundation of God’s redemptive Self-revelation. There are a multitude of theological implications from Genesis 1. In this sermon, Pastor Daniel teaches through Genesis 1:1-27 while addressing various inaccurate views as well as the biblical view of divine fiat creation.
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Christians are commanded to be unified in Christ, but how do we know who is a Christian to be unified with and who is a false believer to be evangelized or avoided (false teachers)? What about denominations? How do I know who is a faithful brother or sister? More than that, what do we need to do to build unity in the Church that Jesus has bought with His own blood? Sometimes it seems that those calling for unity are the ones pressing false doctrine, but if we are not careful, those with good doctrine will cut off faithful Christians who simply aren’t mature in the faith enough to be grounded doctrinally. This sermon addresses all this and more from Ephesians 4:1-16.
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We live in a culture that is rejecting God. Whenever people reject God they find ways to worship the creation rather than the Creator, suppressing truth in their unrighteousness (Romans 1:18ff). It is no coincidence that old pagan practices have emerged in the West. While this is at times seen in overt demon worship in the form of Norse myth and witchcraft, the idolatry of our age often wears the mask of scientism as the heathen gods of climate change and materialism are worshipped through abortion, transgenderism, and transhumanism.
Here is the thing about idols, they cannot ultimately make things better. Life under paganism devolves as the blessings of God fade in the culture that rejects him. Pretty soon the wealth of cathedrals, technological advancements, and art amassed by great men of faith are torn down or forgotten as hope fades. So, idolaters do as they always have and add sorcery to their false worship.
We often forget that the root of the word for sorcery is tied to substance use. When idols fail to deliver, pagans mask their depression with distraction through substances. It seems our culture has followed suit. Distractions in the form of endless scrolling, pornographic amusement, and chemical comforts isolate the worshipper until he forgets that he was made to worship a greater God, the greatest God. He was born to build cathedrals and fight off the Ottoman hordes. He was made to win the heart of a bride, to sire a house full of children, to build an inheritance to pass down to his children’s children.
Idolatry and Sorcery are robbing us, our children, and our grandchildren of the life we were designed for. Thus, we must return to the old and faithful practice of idol destruction. Deuteronomy 12:1-5 (among a host of other passages) calls us to brutal destruction of idols of every kind. This sermon is designed to help us understand the roots of idolatry, the practices associated with it, and the manner in which we must destroy them as we replace idolatry with faithful worship of the One True God.
We will begin with the destruction of our own idols….but we will not stop there. Stop being nice, and start crushing idols.
The topic of Church Discipline often makes people uncomfortable at first. Most Americans have grown up in a version of Evangelicalism that sees “niceness” as an essential of the faith. Subsequently, few Christians have seen faithful church discipline applied. Either they have been a part of a body of believers that was functionally antinomian (anti-law), allowing even the most egregious sins to continue without confrontation. Here is the thing: Every Church disciplines; it is a matter of who they discipline. When a man leaves his family, refuses to repent, but is allowed to continue in fellowship with impunity, the church is effectively disciplining his wife and children out of the church. When an abuser continues to harm and the church leaders claim that it is better that he be in the church than not in the church, his victims are left unprotected. So it is with false teaching, gossip, sexual immorality, and the like. Faithful discipline is critical for the protection of the saints.
However, it is not just individuals that are at risk. 1 John gives us a detailed overview of the deep fellowship (koinonia) that is to be at the center of the Body of Christ. It is this love for one another that is to be the mark of Jesus’ disciples (John 13:35). We tend to think of church discipline in negative terms, but it is helpful to remember that Church discipline is not merely about punishment, it is about cultivating and protecting fellowship. The fellowship we share is not just with one another, it is with God (1 John 1:1-9). In this sermon, Pastor Daniel will talk about biblical fellowship from 1 John 1 before addressing the critical issue of church discipline.
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The ordinances of the Church are baptism and the Lord’s supper, and both are topics of much debate. We discussed baptism in a previous sermon. This week, Pastor Daniel addresses the command to remember the Lord’s death through communion. We learn what it does and why it is important to build faith in the believers and break down the defenses of Hell through the proclamation of the Gospel. In the process, we address the various views of communion to affirm a biblical stance.
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Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This command is critical to the great commission, but baptism is an oft-debated topic among Christians. What is baptism? How important is it? What is the proper mode of baptism? Pastor Daniel Samms teaches from several key passages on baptism and addresses key quotes from church history and the London Baptist Confession as we clarify the importance and function of baptism in Christianity.
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Every year, usually on the First Sunday in January, we do a State of the Church sermon. In it, our pastor preaches through key passages related to the great commission and to God’s other commands for the Church. Then, we review what can be known about the state of the Church globally, and in our own body of believers. The goal is to renew our focus on what God has commanded while taking an honest assessment of our health as a church.
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Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of Christ, but this event has far greater implications than many understand. This sermon gives a brief overview of how the Bible fits together in one, comprehensive metanarrative in which the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central, paradigmatic event.
The Bible is understood best in four movements that together explain what we call the Gospel (Good news), the message that Jesus Christ has died to pay for our sins, rose from the dead to give us new life, and is currently making all things new. The four movements are Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. We have hope of eternal glory because of His saving work.
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The headship of Christ is a neglected topic in evangelical circles. We so often forget that He is King over all (Matthew 28:18, Col 1:1-11). We see in Ephesians that Christ is the Head of the Church. The term “Head” was used to refer to Kingly authority as the king wears his crown on his head and the head controls the body. As it applies to Christ and His Church, it means that He has absolute authority. He has subsequently given us His Word (the Bible) which is authoritative and sufficient for all matters (2 Tim. 3:16-17). While God has placed pastors/elders to shepherd the Church, they do so as under shepherds submitted to Christ, Scripture being the authority for their office. This headship that Christ has is reflected in the home with husbands serving as head over the wife, loving her and sacrificing for her. In this sermon, Pastor Daniel addresses this critical doctrine of Christ’s headship.
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The evangelical church in America is suffering from a lack of doctrine, a lack of discipleship, and now a lack of attendance. The less faithful the Church becomes, the more troubled the society grows. One of the problems at hand is the lack of understanding of the Church and its role. People don’t seem to know what the Church is or what it is made to do. Even prominent leaders such as Andy Stanley fail to recognize the essential nature of the church, assuming live-streamed sermons count as “church”. But, the very nature of the biblical word for church “ekklesia” involves assembling together. We are called to gather together to display the truth of the Gospel and to partake in physical signs connected to spiritual realities. In this series, Pastor Daniel Samms takes us through what the Church is, what it does, and why it is essential. This sermon focuses on the Church’s role as the displayer of Truth (1 Timothy 3). Future sermons will address the essential job of Christians to assemble as a Church, the role of serving and giving, the nature of ordinances (baptism and communion), and more.
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It is common for church people to go around saying “God Told Me” without clearly understanding the implications of such a phrase. The language of “Thus saith the Lord” or “The Word of the Lord” bears the weight of biblical canon. In this sermon, Pastor Daniel Samms addresses two related topics: First, he teaches on the nature of Scripture and how we got the Bible, building our confidence in the authority and clarity of the Bible. Additionally, we discuss the role of the Holy Spirit to convict, direct, and otherwise work in a time when the biblical canon is closed. We answer questions such as “How can I know that the Bible is God’s Word"?” and “How can I know that we aren’t missing books of the Bible?” Additionally, we will address the question: “How do I know if God is directing/leading me?”
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The book of Judges traces the history of God’s people between Joshua’s death and the ministry of Samuel. It is. an account of Israel’s repeated disobedience, suffering, repentance, and restoration as Israel shows itself in need of a King. As we will see in 1 Samuel, not just any king will do. Ultimately, the account of Judges points to the need for the King of Kings. Join us in this study of Judges 1-2 that addresses not only the nation of Israel in the bronze era but also has implications for how we are to live in our current culture which has adopted a paganism akin to that of the Canaanites.
2 Timothy 3:10-17 reminds us that Christians who seek to live faithfully will likely face persecution. Notably, the faithless are not expected to suffer as the faithful do. In this sermon, we discuss key principles about persecution and how to remain faithful when tyrants and adversity are in the path. Notably, the power of the Word of God remains central.
There is a lack of exegetical teaching in many “evangelical” churches that leaves Christians ill-prepared to discern truth from error. Further, there is a lack of understanding related to the value of theology and Church history. Faithful Christians have been responding to error for millennia, and their shoulders are worth standing on insomuch as they stand on the Word of God. In this sermon, we outline biblical parameters related to the essentials of the faith and discerning truth from error. Additionally, we take a brief look at creeds, confessions, and statements of faith as they pertain to Christian doctrine.
God commands His people to teach their children the things of God. Deuteronomy 6 outlines the essential teaching about God and His work, the things we are to believe and teach to our children. With it comes a warning to avoid the gods of the age that tempt us to abandon the Truth. This sermon reminds us of God’s commands to teach the Truth diligently to our children and provides a few practical tools for doing that very thing.
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We live in a culture rank with evil. Christendom once set the boundaries of cultural normalcy in the West, making some sins unthinkable and keeping others hidden because God’s standard of righteousness was acknowledged as good and true. The thought of mutilating children to appease the whims of sexual contagion or the concept of tearing apart infants in their mothers’ wombs would have been faced with swift and decisive punishment. What was once called evil is now called “good,” and what has been called good is now called evil. Our lord proclaims “woe” upon perpetrators of such wickedness.
However, in times like these, it is easy for the relatively moral to point to the egregious sins of our time while ignoring the sins which function as the root system for the overt decay of the age. Children conceived in godly marriages with providing and protecting fathers don’t get aborted. Sexual abuse does not occur without being preceded by lust. Tyranny cannot thrive without lies and theft. The root sins are the support system for the evil that must be purged. This sermon on Romans 6:1-23 and 8:12-17 is about killing sin in our own hearts to choke it out in society. As John Owens says, “Be killing sin or sin will be killing you.”
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Jesus rose from the dead. It is the historical reality that serves as the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Despite what theological liberals and progressives claim, you cannot be a Christian and deny the bodily resurrection of Christ. Fortunately, there is profound evidence for the resurrection. This Easter Sunday, we discuss biblical and historical evidence for the resurrection, and we remember the joyful hope that we have since Jesus died to pay our sin debt and rose from the dead to give us new life. Pastor Daniel Samms teaches through 1 Corinthians and answers some recent accusations about the “pagan origins” of Easter. (Hint: there are no pagan origins of Easter).
In this sermon, we also discuss historical documentation of the New Testament. We also address quotes from Tertullian and Cyprian of Carthage regarding the system for documenting and preserving the New Testament.
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
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Acts 15 provides two important accounts: One is the first church council (the Council of Jerusalem) at which the apostles and elders discuss whether or not gentiles need to become Jews and follow the law to be saved. The decision and the reasoning are foundational for the future of the faith. Also, it serves as a template for future councils. Praise God that we are saved by grace through faith, and that this salvation is confirmed by the Holy Spirit! The second account addresses how Paul and Barnabas part ways over a practical ministry disagreement. This is important as a model for faithful disagreement and even parting ways without sinning.
The concept of male headship in the home has come under attack in recent years, both from outside and inside the church. Join us as we look at the whole council of Scripture to provide an accurate picture of authority in the home against both chauvinism and egalitarianism.
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According to the StateofTheology.org survey from 2022, 65% of “evangelicals” do not believe that people are born guilty in the sight of God. This is a problem given that 1 Corinthians 15:22 says, “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” The fact that the beliefs of “evangelicals” on this and many other topics seems to correlate with the culture as a whole reveals the fact that most are getting their theology from the culture rather than from the Word of God. In this sermon, Pastor Dan teaches from Scripture on Original Sin, equipping the saints and emphasizing the fact that just as in Adam all die, so all who are in Christ are made alive (Romans 5:12-21). The gospel of Jesus’ atoning death and resurrection is good news indeed!
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Pastor Dan provides an overview of the global and national state of the Church before reviewing 2022 and presenting the proposed budget for 2023.
Download Slides and Budget Our mission is simple: To glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ. This is in direct obedience to Matthew 28:18-20. Every dollar of our budget and every aspect of our ministry functions to fulfill this Great Commission.
Note: Statistical data correction. 57% of Americans are no longer attending church. However, that is of the total population, not former church goers. 1 out of 5 churchgoers from previous years has ceased to attend. Sorry for the error!
Acts 8 begins with Saul persecuting the church in Jerusalem, leading to the gospel spreading to Judea and Samaria in partial fulfillment of Acts 1:8. But, the focus soon turns to Philip as he explains the gospel to a God-fearing Ethiopian on his way to Africa. Praise God!
What Is Meant By “The Law”?
God's righteousness is universal, written on the hearts of men (Romans 2:12-16), predating the Law of Moses (Romans 1:18ff), reflected in the Law of Mosses (Romans 2:17ff), and still unchanging. God's righteousness remains, no matter what.
Law (Pentateuch)=First five books of the Old Testament, including commands given in Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy.
Law (Old Testament)=At times, the whole of the OT is referred to as "The Law" (Matt. 22:36; Luke 10:26; John 7:49; 10:34; 12:34; 15:25; 1 Cor. 9:8–9; 14:21, 34; Gal. 4:21) or "The Law and the Prophets" (Matt. 5:17; 7:12; 22:40; Luke 16:16; 24:44; John 1:45; Acts 13:15; 24:14; 28:23; Rom. 3:21; cf. Matt. 11:13)
Law (Commands of God)=At times, Paul refers to the Law in reference to God's commands themselves (Rom. 3:21; 9:31; 10:4; Gal. 2:21; 3:11; 5:4; Phil. 3:6, 9, Eph. 2:15)
What is the Purpose of the Law?
Mirror: The Law shows us we are sinful because we can't keep it, even when we try (Rom. 3:20; 4:15; 5:13; 7:7-11), and it drives us to seek forgiveness in Christ (Gal. 3:19-24).
Restraint: Applied to the civil sphere, the Law is used to restrain sin with the consequence of punishment (Deut. 13:6-11; 19:16-21; Rom. 13:3, 4).
Guide: God has prepared good works for believers (Eph. 2:10), and we are commanded to obey God's commands (Matt. 28:20) which shows our love for Him (John 14:15). We are free from the Law as a means of salvation (Rom. 6:14; 7:4, 6; 1 Cor. 9:20; Gal. 2:15-19, 3:25), but we are "under the law of Christ" as a rule for living (1 Cor. 9:21; Gal. 6:2).
Errors Related to the Law:
Antinomianism: Shunning obedience to all of the OT Law, including the moral aspects of the Law.
Judaizers: Those who believed that gentile Christians must become Jews to be saved (circumcision, dietary laws, ceremonial laws, etc.)
Hebrew Roots: Belief that Greek and other pagan influences have dominated Christianity. Adherents (generally) believe that Christians must follow (all of) the OT Law and (generally) rabbinic tradition.
Seventh Day Adventist: Cultic group that follows the teaching of a false prophet Ellen White. They deny essential doctrines and focus on obeying certain ceremonial traditions such as Saturday worship.
Notes On Acts Chapter 5
Note: The main character of the book of Acts is the Holy Spirit. He is working particularly profoundly as the Church is becoming established. When something miraculous happens in Acts, we should ask: What does this say about the Holy Spirit? And how does this advance the gospel?
1-11
Ananias and Sapphira seem to be copying Joseph (Barnabas). They have not been told to sell their land and give it to the church. They do it voluntarily, but they are deceptive about the amount. They seem to be seeking some attention.
Note that they are accused of lying to the Holy Spirit specifically. While they have deceived the apostles and the church, their lie to the Holy Spirit is the biggest problem.
Peter confirms that they could do anything they wanted with the land (4). Yet they chose to lie.
The Holy Spirit strikes Ananias down dead.
When Sapphira enders and is asked about the price of the land, the detail of the lie is clarified. They indicated that they sold the land for a certain amount and gave all of it to the church. However, they sold it for more and kept the difference. Saphira is struck down dead as well.
The result of the event is fear…the good kind that makes people want to obey God rather than lie.
12-16
Just like Jesus’ ministry, many signs and wonders (especially healings) are being done through the apostles.
This indicates that the apostles are sent from God, declaring a faithful message of Jesus.
Note that the signs and wonders are done through the apostles. This confirms their teaching, much like prophets were confirmed with signs. Christians should not expect to do the same signs and wonders as we are not functioning in the office of apostles or priests.
17-21
Note that the party backing the high priest is the Sadducees. The Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection, angels, etc. They also placed a high value on human volition and denied that God had determined events ahead of time. Thus, statements by the apostles about predestination and the definite plan of God would upset them.
The high priest and Sadducees are jealous of the apostles, probably because they are gaining popularity among the people.
The essential item here: The apostles were arrested on the orders of the high priest, but the high priest does not have magisterial authority. The apostles are held in a public prison. This is important later on because the persecution is being driven by religious authorities, but it is the roman state doing the enforcement.
As with all the miracles in Acts, the apostles are freed from prison to preach the gospel.
22-26
The high priest’s meeting with his council to discuss the apostles while the apostles are already preaching in the temple seems specifically designed to show that they don’t have any power. They look foolish, and that is by God’s design.
This is reiterated by the fact that the captain does not use force to bring them back to the high priest. The high priest is no longer in charge because the High Priest is interceding for the saints! (Hebrews 4:14-5:10)
27-32
This passage should be read in harmony with Romans 13 and Hebrews 13. Scripture teaches that civil and religious authorities are servants of God. Civil authorities are tasked explicitly with applying God’s law, being a terror to evil, and as they affirm what is good. However, all authority comes from God. He is the Authority! Thus, when one of His servant authorities begins to operate against His law, God’s people must obey God rather than human authorities (Daniel 1,3,6, Exodus 1, Joshua 2, and other passages provide examples of how to do this right). Acts 5:29 provides the most succinct phrase related to obeying God when human magistrates are in error.
We need to teach our people to obey human leaders in as much as they fulfill God’s commands because, in so doing, we obey God. However, we must also teach that to obey authorities in sin is not only to sin with them but to sin the sin of idolatry as well, for in obeying sinners against God, one is placing the human authority above God!
Even when defying the high priest, Peter proclaims the gospel!
33-42
Gamaliel is one of the most prominent teachers of his day. He is a Pharisee who taught Paul (though Paul has not come on the scene in Acts yet). It is unclear whether Gamaliel has trusted in Christ yet, but his sympathies seem to be turning to the disciples, and he is alluding to the fact that God might be with them.
In any case, God uses Gamaliel to spare the apostles, as he notes that groups that follow a messianic figure are usually scattered after that leader's death. The opposite has happened with the apostles. Jesus died, and now His following is growing! This is one more evidence indicating that Jesus rose from the dead!
The quote, “if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them,” is pretty cool. It’s been about two millennia since those words were spoken. You won’t find Pharisees, Sadducees, or an earthly high priest anywhere, but Jesus’ disciples are all over the world. The gospel is the rock the opponents of God are broken against!
The disciples still underwent a beating, but they left rejoicing to have been counted worthy to suffer in the name of Christ. Praise God! May we be so enthused to the Glory of God.
They kept on preaching the gospel. (This is the theme for the whole of the book)
The doctrine of the deity and humanity of Christ (hypostatic union) is critical to Christianity. In many ways, it is the "lynchpin" doctrine of our faith. Tragically, the 2022 State of Theology survey reveals that 43% of "evangelicals" deny that Jesus is God! In this sermon, Pastor Daniel Samms provides a biblical apologetic for the deity and humanity of Christ, citing several passages of Scripture and the creeds of Nice and Chalcedon. John 1 and 2 John are our primary passages.
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Restoration Church is a network of bible-believing house churches holding to reformed doctrine. We make disciples, gather together, and equip the saints. We don’t have a lot of programming, because every member is about the work of spreading the Gospel.
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Romans 6 addresses the reality that we have died to sin now that we are baptized into Christ. This means we should live as slaves to righteousness as we have died to the old master, sin. This is a critical passage as it relates to sanctification.
Paul writes Romans 7 to answer the question about the nature of the Law and our relationship to it now that we have been crucified with Christ. The question at hand is related to how we are to battle sin. The believer should rejoice in the fact that they fight sin as the struggle is a sign that they are redeemed. “Be killing sin” knowing that we have the victory in Christ!
Critical Theory in various forms has made its way into the dominant thought of western culture and sadly into much of the “evangelical church.” We live in a season in which “social justice” is esteemed over biblical justice and in which man’s feelings are valued over God’s commands. At the root of all of this is man’s rebellion against God (Romans 1:18ff).
Specifically, the atheistic theories of Marxism reformulated into social (rather than economic) terms have infused themselves into the culture. This system of thought propagated by Antonio Gramsci and the Frankfurt school seeks to overthrow the “hegemony” of Christendom. Its tool for destruction is Critical Theory which exists for the expressed purpose of causing division. It sees all relationships through the lens of oppressor/oppressed and attacks “systems” of injustice rather than individual sin. It denies objective truth and implements deconstruction (a la Jaques Derrida) as a means of denying that which is plainly true. It denies the Law of God and esteems the feelings of the “oppressed” as the authority on morality.
Critical Theory’s implementation of “intersectionality” sees the least respected as the most oppressed and most worthy of moral authority. Have you wondered why transgendered drag queens are celebrated as they expose themselves to children? Critical Theory is why. Have you wondered why Black Lives Matter lifts up criminals as martyrs while largely ignoring non-criminal victims? Critical Theory is why. Have you ever wondered why feminists have begun to acknowledge that infants in the womb are human lives that they feel “empowered” to kill? Critical theory is why. The cultural Marxists esteem even the worst of society as heroes in an attempt to “overthrow the hegemony.”
Sadly, many evangelicals have excepted Critical Theory and intersectionality as “useful tools” (see the 2019 Southern Baptist Convention’s Resolution 9). Many more have unwittingly adopted the principles of “social justice” without considering the fact that Scripture speaks to issues of racism and abuse with perfect sufficiency. The result is that Critical Theory in churches is doing exactly what it was designed to do: divide and destroy.
This sermon addresses the roots of “Social Justice” and counters it with biblical principles of Justice, ultimately leading to Ephesians 4 and the need to be built up in the faith, mature, and impervious to “every wind of doctrine.”
See By What Standard? for more.
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Abortion Statistics:
https://concernedwomen.org/abortion-demographics-who-has-an-abortion/
https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/induced-abortion-united-states
https://www.care-net.org/why-making-life-disciples
https://concernedwomen.org/abortion-demographics-who-has-an-abortion/
https://www.abort73.com/abortion_facts/us_abortion_statistics/
Abolitionist Organizations:
https://freethestates.org
https://endabortionnow.com
Local Pro-Life Pregnancy Center:
https://cornerstoneanswers.org
Abolitionist Documentaries:
Babies are Murdered Here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxDyfSHEq5g
Babies are Still Murdered Here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-vyYE6C8MU
In this sermon, Pastor Dan discusses the full divinity and personhood of the Holy Spirit, addressing HIs action in the Old Testament and the promise in Jeremiah 31 and Ezekiel 36 that He would indwell believers in the New Testament. We then discuss the work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament and new as it relates to believers obeying God and preaching the gospel.
Pastor Dan teaches on worshipping God with our resources, including time and finances. In the process, he answers questions about whether tithing is a principle for the Church or just Old Testament Israel. We also discuss key principles related to tithing related to caring for family and those in need.
Church Website: https://restorationhcn.org/
Contact Restoration: dan@restorationhcn.org.
Daniel Samms (Pastor) takes us through several key principles of worship as it relates to Lord’s Day (Corporate) gatherings. He builds on the series’ key passage, John 4, in which Jesus reminds us that worship must be in spirit (devoted worship from regenerated believers, not lip service from the unredeemed) and in truth (in accordance with how God has revealed Himself and commanded us to worship). Dan then takes us through 1 Peter 2, Hebrews 10, 1 Cor. 11, 14, and other key passages to point out key commands related to worship. We address philosophies of worship (Normative Principle vs. Regulative Principle), the idea of Coram Deo (living “before the face of God”), and what it does it mean to enjoy “the means of grace” in a reformed, protestant, biblical sense.
Pastor Daniel walks us through key biblical principles related to worship, noting that everyone worships. The issue is Who or what they worship. Romans 1 serves our primary text, though we address several other texts, especially John 4 in which Jesus reminds us what is seen in Scripture as a whole: that truth and spirit are both critical to faithful worship.
This sermon is about the command to make disciples. Pastor Dan addresses Matthew 28:18-20 and talks about how discipleship is comprehensive. We are to make disciples, not just converts. However, disciple-making begins with repentance and faith. We are to proclaim the gospel and call unbelievers to repentance and faith (Acts 2). Further, we address biblical methodology related to evangelism. When we delight in God and honor Christ as Lord, the fear of men decreases and boldness for the gospel abounds (Acts 4:20)!
Pastor Daniel teaches on Romans 8 and addresses how in trial, persecution, and struggles with sin, God is the one who helps us in our weakness, intercedes for us in prayer, and has saved us by His eternal decree.
The doctrine of the atonement is central to the Gospel. Jesus paid our sin debt, restoring us back to God. This doctrine has been under attack from liberals and “progressives” for years. However, the truth of the Gospel as it relates to Christ’s substitutionary atonement stands strong. In this sermon, we address several key passages to define the doctrine and understand how it relates to our salvation and to our evangelism efforts.
Restoration State of The Church meeting is when we discuss the previous year, what God has done, and what He has set us to this year. We revisit our mission and celebrate what God has done.
Last time we learned how God created us in His image for His glory. This has profound implications for the sanctity of human life, for Who owns us (God), and for how we are to treat one another. However, as we mentioned last time, mankind has sinned and separated ourselves from God. The effects of sin on humanity are severe. While we are still created in God’s image, we are fallen. Humans are bent toward evil, hating God and one another, deserving of God’s wrath. Yet, God has made a way for salvation in Christ Jesus through his atoning death and resurrection. Further, God is forming us into His image! As you can imagine, this has profound effects on the image of God for good! We will be in Romans 5:12-21 primarily as we look at the effects of the first Adam and the Last Adam (Christ).
Weeks ago, I started prepping for a First Sunday sermon series on biblical anthropology. At the time I was primarily concerned with research showing that evangelicals do not hold to key beliefs about humanity being created in the image of God. Things like human sinfulness, issues of gender, and marriage roles all come together in the biblical understanding of humans being created in the image of God. The events of recent weeks make the study all the more critical. I have been grieved to see godless men and women deny the authority of Scripture and then try to argue for what justice is as it relates to the the dignity of human beings in the futile manner we have seen. This past week is a good example of how apart from God, people will not value their fellow image bearers. Further, it is clear that apart from God's Word, there is no standard for human dignity. So, I'm all the more eager to enter into our study of God's Word as it relates to humanity, our sinful state, and need for Christ's saving work.
In this sermon, Pastor Dan finishes our series on the Attributes of God by teaching on God's moral attributes related to His goodness.
In this sermon from Restoration Church, Daniel Samms does a brief overview of the Attributes of God series Restoration Church has been in before going into a study of God's Righteousness and Holiness, leading to a clear understanding of how we fall short of God's glory because of our sin, but Jesus dies to satisfy the wrath and justice of God, transferring His righteousness to us. The ultimate result is that God receives glory in the Gospel, because His righteousness is revealed!
Every year, early in the year we set aside a Sunday to teach on the mission that God has given us to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ. In the process, we review the last year, talk about what God has done, what He has used our church to do, and now we can be more obedient in 2020. We review last years giving and spending and look ahead to the new year as it relates to making disciples and stewarding the funds God has given us. In this sermon, Pastor Daniel preaches on Matthew 28:18-20 as it relates to the Great Commission, Colossians 1:15ff as it relates to God's glory, and Hebrews 10:23-25 as it relates to our Church obeying those passages. We take some time to review 2019, celebrate ministry, missions, church planting, etc. Then, Daniel takes some time to look ahead at 2020 as it relates to God's Mission!
For a deeper study on this topic, signup for Underground Seminary https://undergroundseminary.net/ and take our course on the Doctrine of God.
In this sermon, Pastor Dan discusses the Intellectual characteristics of God. Those being Omniscience (perfect knowledge), Omnisapience (perfect wisdom), and Veracity (truth, truthfulness, faithfulness). Knowing that God has all knowledge, all wisdom, and is perfectly faithful and true is comforting for the child of God and should be sobering for the unrepentant. The child of God can rest knowing that the God of creation who knows all things has sovereignly decreed the greatest good for His children and He always fulfills His promises. The lost person should cower for this God who knows all things knows their darkest sins. And, to Him they must give account. There is good news for the sinner too! Jesus paid the sin debt for all who put their trust in Him (1 Peter 2:24, Romans 6:23). Repent and believe the gospel (Romans 10:9-10).
Church membership is an often misunderstood concept. In the early church, you were baptized into the church that would be your church home until death, Christ’s return, or until you were sent out to plant another house church. Church was then and is now supposed to be a family, a unified body, a citizenship, a temple. Now, people treat churches like retail shops, consuming a little bit from each one, seldom seeing any one church as a family to commit to. Since Jesus has given us commands as a church, and elders/overseeing have been charged by God to shepherd the church which Christ bought with HIs own blood, it is essential that we communicate what it means to be a part of the Body of Christ as a whole, part of this church specifically, and what that means as we commit to one another. In this Sermon, Pastor Dan talks about membership and asks everyone to pray about formally committing as members.
Continuing our Series on The Attributes of God, Pastor Dan teaches on the Aseity and Immutability of God, providing clarification and understanding on what both terms mean as God has revealed Himself. God is unchanging and is the source of all life. He has no need for counsel or sustenance from any other being as He is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe! For a more detailed study, sign up for Underground Seminary at https://undergroundseminary.net/.
Continuing our Series on The Attributes of God, Pastor Dan teaches on the Unity and Infinity of God, providing clarification and understanding on what both terms mean as God has revealed Himself.
In this sermon Pastor Dan teaches on salvation by Grace Alone (Not Merit). Contrary to the Roman Catholic Council of Trent that teaches the need for meritorious works along with grace as well as the self-valuing merit taught by the Word Faith movement, Salvation is by Grace alone. As we discuss this topic in Ephesians 2 and other passages, we turn the focus on God’s glory for HIs mercy and grace in moving us from death into life in Christ.
This week Dan taught from Colossians 1, Genesis 3, and Romans 1 on the importance of giving glory to God alone. The first sin was disobedience related to pride. Ultimately every sin stems from a rejection of God as we commit idolatry.
This Resurrection Sunday, we gathered at Nordson Depot to worship Christ and celebrate His Resurrection. Pastor Dan taught from John 20, but not before establishing the context for the resurrection by addressing the Grand Narrative (Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration). We discussed the need for atonement, what Christ did on the cross, and then discussed how the disciples (most specifically, Thomas came to believe as Jesus revealed Himself!
Despite popular opinions in both secular and “Christian” groups, salvation is exclusively in Christ alone. Religious pluralism fails the test of logical coherence and fails to pass the text of biblical accuracy. As we will see in Romans 5 as well as in the whole counsel of Scripture, Christ alone can save.
This is a critical doctrine of the church not just for the time of the Reformation, but also for now. Whereas the Catholic Church falsely elevates tradition to be on par with Scripture, now many others elevate things like experience, emotions, and culture to be on par with Scripture. The message of “Sola Scriptura” (Scripture Alone) is as relevant now as it ever was. As we note in the message, this is not a new teaching or a “made up” doctrine. Rather, it comes directly from the Word of God.
If you are looking for a deeper understanding of the doctrine of Faith Alone, a great way to start would be to study Scripture (all of it). Special focus on Romans and Ephesians will bring great clarity. Additionally, the documentary American Gospel: Christ Alone provides a lot of clarity. The documentary goes to great lengths to bring clarity to the gospel, contrasting both ancient and modern false teaching with biblical teaching on the truth of the Gospel.
Additionally, here is a link to several resources on the topic from the Gospel Coalition.
In this message, Pastor Dan discusses the state of Restoration House Church Network. We discuss the mission to make disciples and how we are doing, the practical effort of planting house churches, and the financial standing of the church as we continue to support the work here and abroad.
Guest Speaker, Calvin Dorsey teaches from Scripture on Revelation 7 and what it means for people of all nations and tribes to be gathered before the throne. He addresses what "nations" means in the original text and how the concept of ethnic division has entered into the Church and how it can and must be overcome by the gospel. This is a powerful message that everyone needs to hear.
Todd Sovine, Director of Church Planting for the Central District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance talks about Matthew 13:33 and the role we have to infuse God's Kingdom into culture with the Gospel rather than isolate ourselves from the culture.
Dan Samms teaches on 2 Corinthians 9, relating principles of giving to the needs of the saints to how we as a church are to give to meet needs and support missions.
Dan Samms introduces Ephesians and talks about new life in Christ. He goes into detail about the three parts of a person (Body, Soul, Spirit) and what it means to be physically alive but spiritually dead. Jesus' role in spiritual regeneration and His glory and dominion are essential.
1 Peter 2 talks about how every believer has a priestly ministry to bring Jesus to everyone. We discuss what that means on a practical level. We are to make disciples everywhere we go, understanding our role as priests is vital to that task. Dan Samms get's specific and practical about how to bring Jesus into situations as we make disciples and live our lives.
Restoration is a church in Amherst, OH that is designed for people who feel like they don't fit in at church. We exist to glorify God by making disciples together. We are different than a lot of churches. Instead of a large building and a lot of programming, we keep it simple. Our church meets in coffeehouses, bars, parks, and homes to keep cost low and maximize our ability to connect people with God and each other. For an understanding of simple church, we recommend reading Simple/House Church Revolution by Roger Thoman. Download it free here. At Restoration, we believe that people matter more than programs. We don't offer a lot of activities to keep you busy; we offer relationships to make you whole. Have you ever gone to a church with good music and good teaching but where no one would notice if you were gone? We don't let that happen, because we have a lot of small groups rather than one large one (though we sometimes get everyone together for special times of worship, teaching, and prayer). It is hard to be forgotten when everybody knows your name. You may be searching for meaning or for help in the midst of some crisis. You may be searching for answers or just for meaningful relationships. Either way, you might find what you are looking for here.
Dan, Calvin, and Juri talk about political seasons and what it means to obey Jesus in the midst of it all.
Dan and Kevin talk about salvation and life change and the work God does when people trust Jesus, forgive, and restore.
Kevin and Dan talk about whether or not the Bible is literal and how to deal with doubt.