Rivercrest Presbyterian Church - Sermons: Recent Episodes
Rivercrest Presbyterian Church
This is the sermon podcast of Rivercrest Presbyterian Church in Lexington, South Carolina. Rivercrest is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).
Saul, also called Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark are called to Cyprus. They go where the Holy Spirit who fills them up has sent them. They go faithfully to proclaim the gospel and by their obedience they witness the Holy Spirit saving others. Let the church today, walk in step with the Spirit of the Living God.
James has been killed, Peter is in prison asleep, and the believers are found unbelieving when an angel sets Peter free and he shows up outside their door. In reading Acts, we can relate to the early saints. They often tried their best, we found failing, or experienced hardship. But the point of Acts, the point of the church, the point of the gospel - is Christ alone. He is the hero, not us. Therefore we pray, we have faith, and we trust in Him to keep advancing His kingdom.
The Lord saves His people, not because we're good, but because He's a Good Savior. Cornelius did everything in life right, but still he needed Jesus. God draws far off people close and makes them by His grace to belong in His family.
Jesus Christ, through Peter, heals Aeneas and raises Dorcas back to life. The miraculous power of Jesus points us toward His ultimate healing, of saving sinners to everlasting life. Jesus is alive, He is the Head of His Church, no one is too far gone from His healing power, and He is indeed making all things new. Christians are to share what Jesus has done in their life, so that others would turn to Him.
The conversion of Saul is all about Jesus. No one is beyond the Lord's reach of salvation and His grace not only brings life but also trajectory. For all believers, the old is gone and the new has come. Now as disciples, we are called to go and make disciples and share the gospel with everyone - even if uncomfortable and in ways we are afraid to go.
Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch provide an active parable for Christians today. The eunuch was a man whose life was full of barriers and exclusion, but now he's been brought into transformed life. And Philip helps the eunuch to understand his position and the text of Isaiah. Today, the marks of the church include pursuing the Lord in His Word, responding obedience, and witnessing our faith in Jesus.
The church faced persecution, the first martyr Stephen is buried, and still the gospel spreads. In going to different regions, the disciples proclaim Christ. Even in the region of Samaria, a place where the apostle John was rebuked by Jesus for wanting to destroy, there are converts and signs being done. Through struggle and trial, the people of God are united. The gospel is available to everyone by faith, it cannot be bought or earned as Simon the magician tries to do, but by grace through faith alone in Christ. The same is true for the church to grow today.
As the church faced a controversy, the apostles sought for unity. They charged the congregation to find men of good repute who were full of wisdom and the Spirit. The seven men chosen were not called based on their skills, talents, or outward appearance, but based on their fruitfulness in the gospel. Christians today are to remember Who calls us to gospel work, and to consider character first, and to look more and more like Christ.
Growth brings change, discomfort, and new needs. In the early church, things were not always simple and easy, rather they were unpolished. They faced challenges as a result of more and more people coming to faith and interacting with the rest of Jerusalem. Each of God's people, as they are filled with the Holy Spirit, are called to care for and strengthen the church in unity, through every trial and opportunity just like Christ.
The apostles' keep preaching the same message; of Jesus crucified at the hands of sinful men and then raised to life for their salvation by faith. Their witness of believing the gospel message they are teaching is impacting their entire community, and it's challenging many of the people who feel threatened by it. Christians today are to remember their allegiance and obedience to the Lord comes above all others.
Everyone in the early church had everything in common; they shared, they met needs, they sold possessions and gave. This is what true community looks like, surrounded by faithful believers in Christ who trust in their Savior for security and provision. Ananias and Sapphira however gave, not out of honor for the Lord, but for public image. We are warned to not pretend and put up false images of ourselves, but instead we are free to give ourselves to the One who saw us at our worst and loved us still.
Peter and John, along with the apostles and early church members, boldly proclaim of what they have seen and heard. Even in the opposition of the Sadducees, they speak the truth of the resurrection of Christ. Christians today are to proclaim with the same boldness, not just be believers in private or comfortable situations.
A man who used to only sit is now walking. One who only used to beg is now praising. A man who spent his days stuck outside the gate is now brought in. That's not improvement. That's not renovation. That's transformation. That's new life. And that's what Jesus offers us. Salvation always begins with the Lord's initiative. And it always brings us into a walk with Jesus.
The early church is seeing people come to faith in Jesus by the thousands. With the Holy Spirit on the move, the church is born and is growing rapidly. People are devoted to good things, the things of God - to prayers, fellowship, breaking of bread, and the apostles' teachings. They also shared everything, where no one was lacking, and they had all things in common. God is rewiring humanity to new creation life and to proclaim His excellencies in the days of His church.
The reliability and historical proof of Christ are undeniable. Peter is preaching what is true of Jesus, and of what humanity did to Him. We all must come to answer the question: "Who is Jesus?", and if He is real, then He is Lord and worthy of giving our lives to.
The Holy Spirit is poured out at Pentecost, filling everyone in the early church. Jesus fulfilled His promise to send the Helper, and now Christians who trust in Him are empowered by the Holy Spirit to go and witness the Lord we love who saved us.
As the disciples look to replace Judas, they are found actively waiting on the Lord. The criteria for Matthias, the apostle chosen to join the others, was that he knew Jesus and was a witness to the resurrection. This is how believers are to live too, as witnesses to the risen Christ.
In continuation from Luke's gospel account, the book of Acts aims to present the historical accounts of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the early church. Knowing Christ will return, but not when, we are humbly not in control. Instead, believers are called to witness the risen Jesus in our daily lives.
As the Israelites would have sang this Psalm as they ascended to Jerusalem, they proclaimed the dangers and snares that they faced in their lives. David knew this feeling of being surrounded as he wrote this Psalm, and we can understand this feeling today. And even so, the Lord is on the side of His people and He will faithfully deliver.
The book of Ruth ends in a genealogy. A small family that was faithful had no idea how the Lord would work to bring the lineage of His Son through them. God has, is, and will continue to bring about His covenant promises by ordinary, not meaningless, ways. And by His steadfast love, we will walk faithfully in Christ who is our eternal hope.
Ruth and Boaz marry and the Lord provides a son. The focus is now on Naomi, who was once bitter, is now holding her grandson. The women rejoice around her and the neighborhood celebrates, just as Christians today are to do. The Lord takes what is empty and makes it full. So even if our lives seem beyond repair, we look to Jesus, who comes from this lineage, to know that we are full in Him.
Ruth is being redeemed by Boaz in a seal of public display. Redeemed people are claimed people. And from redemption comes an overflow of joy. Christians today are to rejoice in the joy of their salvation and share the hope they have received from their Redeemer to the world.
Redemption always costs something. It's not clean or easy. And for Boaz it looks like legal action. He has weighed the responsibility and is ready to redeem if the nearer kinsman redeemer refuses. This unknown redeemer, concerned with earthly inheritance, isn't willing to pay the cost. By grace, we have a Redeemer in Jesus Christ, who gave up His inheritance in heaven to come pay the cost of redemption for us with His own life.
Ruth and Boaz exhibit faith in courageous action. Going to the threshing floor meant putting everything on the line, yet Ruth goes and makes a proposal to Boaz. In knowing he is a redeemer, they both understand the Lord's provision here, and the matter will be settled in the morning. These two point the greater love story of Christ our Redeemer sheltering us under His wings. However this life plays out, we are to be faithful, knowing that the Lord's faithfulness endures forever.
Naomi's attitude has gone from bitter to hopeful as she guides Ruth towards Boaz. Knowing he's a redeemer, Naomi encourages her daughter in law, and Ruth listens. Often God can feel distant, we can feel in the dark, but the Lord is always at work in His providence. Noting happens apart from His will and plan, even when we can't see it.
In ordinary ways, Ruth and Boaz are experiencing God's providential kindness. They both witness to others and to one another of the Lord's faithfulness. The redemption isn't just words or a rescue, but communion. By God's grace we don't glean on the outside but are welcomed to the table and into His family.
Ruth relies upon the Lord, knowing that those who follow His law will be a refuge for her. Boaz welcomes her into his fields and Ruth is able to glean from the extra grain. Both Boaz and Ruth are being obedient and faithful in their circumstance, and this will prove to be life-giving.
In hopelessness, but not rebellion, Naomi urges her daughters-in-law away from her and the Lord, and to return back to their old way of life in Moab. It is evident that this family was close and talked about the Lord. Orpah leaves, but Ruth in faith returns with her mother-in-law and encourages her. God always meets us in the return, and gives us fellow believers to remind us of His great love and care.
The book of Ruth opens with tragedy, no mention of God, and no relief from the hardship. Naomi has lost her husband, her sons, and is in the foreign land of Moab outside of the Promised Land. Yet, the Lord is present in the struggle. In the bitter providence that has no explanation, the Lord is still good and He is still God. He is the same today and always, that however life leads us - He remains.
The early church devoted themselves to what was most important; to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and the prayers. Their devotion is both personal towards the Lord, within their households, and also as a congregation of faith. The devotion of a believer is both fueled by and encourages the body of Christ. Ultimately our devotion is limited, but God's is not. He's devoted completely and perfectly to Himself, to His mission, and to us.
As Jesus was teaching, He is challenged by a lawyer on what must be done to inherit eternal life. Pointing to the Scriptures, Jesus has the man answer correctly, yet the way is impossible to achieve. Because God loves us while we were still sinners, we are now able to love Him and others out of the very love we receive by grace. Having accomplished salvation for us, we no longer live to earn God's love but have it limitlessly as our identity.
On the road to Emmaus, two disciples encounter the risen Christ and are forever changed. Jesus meets them in their processing and hopelessness, and reveals Himself to them in explaining the Scriptures and the breaking of bread. For believers today, Christ reveals Himself in the same way, and encourages us to walk together by faith as His people; because recognizing Jesus is just the beginning to a life of discipleship.
Everyone approaches and addresses the resurrection of Jesus, whether as fact or fable. And in order that we'd be certain of its historicity, Luke conveys in great detail the accounts of the witnesses to Jesus rising from the grave. The angels give the announcement of the resurrection, the women who observe the empty tomb take the message they heard to others, and the apostles who go from doubt to investigation and ultimately belief with their own eyes.
Jesus dies on the cross and is buried in the tomb. In this atoning sacrifice, Jesus lays down His life. He bears the weight of sin and wrath on Himself in His death, tears the curtain in two, and breathes His last. There are witnesses to these events that marvel at Jesus' divinity and show respect and love towards Him. Christians today are to model Christ's example and lay down their lives to Him and to others.
Jesus journeys from where He's tried to the hill to be crucified. Along the way He is met by apathetic people, angry religious leaders, amused soldiers, and an accepting criminal. It's this repentance and faith that demonstrates for us the simple gospel, as he has never lived a day for the Lord until now and he's met with the promised words from Christ, "Today you'll be with me in paradise."
With the depravity of humanity on full display, Jesus remains perfect as our substitute. In the face of trial, accusations, and berating He stays quiet and obedient in our place. Replacing Barabbas, the people have chosen wickedness over innocence, but in Christ the wicked are made innocent by His taking of our sin and in giving us His righteousness.
Jesus is arrested, betrayed, and denied, yet He prays pleas, promotes peace, and practices presence. In unwavering love He remains faithful to His Father and to His people. In taking the cup of wrath, Jesus endures the complete sting of death and weight of sin on Himself, in our place. It's not about our strength and ability, but about His.
In some of His last moments with His disciples, Jesus expresses both the status of a humble servant and the posture of prayer. Through His promises, providence, and prayers we have the assurance of Jesus both now and forever. Our Savior is in heaven right now advocating for us before the Father, a powerful and profound thought in our day to day lives.
When we come to the table of the Lord, we're reminded that just as certain as Jesus was about all the details in that upper room, He's just as certain of the details of our salvation.
As Jesus observes people giving in the temple, there are those who give out of their abundance. This isn't true giving, as it required no faith or trust. Yet, Jesus seems encouraged as He observes a widow put in two copper coins. This was all she had, and although the world would claim this to be unwise, Jesus commends her for her remarkable act of generosity and faith. Believers today are to model that same giving, the giving of our Savior.
Jesus treats those who are actively against Him with love, boldness, and truth. We follow Christ knowing that He defeats both His and our enemies, allowing us to not fear man's authority, arguments, or approval. The freedom we have is in the fear of God, the one who took our sin and shame on the cross and gives us newness of life.
Jesus is approached by chief priests and scribes who are trying to trap him, yet Jesus profoundly evades their verbal attempts with a question and parable. Everything the Christian life is built upon is Jesus himself, the Cornerstone, who is rejected, despised, and killed. The vineyard parable shows the terrible lengths to which sin has corrupted the world, but also shows the incredible lengths to which God shows his great love for us.
The temple, a place of worship to the Lord, had become a hope for profit instead of a promise of hope. Jesus righteously drives out those who were there for selfish reasons, while taught those who held onto His words. Today, our awe and wonder of God leads us to true and better worship of the One who gave us resurrection life.
Jesus enters Jerusalem on a colt; a public display of His lineage to David and of His divine kingship. Jesus comes with peace and sorrow as He weeps for the people He would die for who reject Him. As Christ-followers, we are the exemplify the traits of our Savior, concerned for those who have yet to repent of their sin and turn towards the Prince of Peace.
Jesus teaches about stewardship in a parable of servants entrusted with minas. It's important for Christ followers to invest what God has given them - the good news of the gospel. And Christians are to be faithful in witnessing the gospel because God commands it, He empowers us to do it by His Spirit, and because He promises to come again.
Zaccheus was rich and a chief tax collector; thus he was very unliked by others. Yet Jesus looks up at him, calls him by name, comes to his house, and ultimately transforms Zaccheus the greedy and dishonest man into a new creation. Jesus does this for all who believe in Him, and He always acts first. It's not that Zaccheus or anyone wanted a relationship with Jesus first, but Jesus who initiates and begins relationships with us. Now in our new creation identities, we follow Christ and seek the lost like our Savior.
Jesus, looking towards the cross, tells His disciples what is to come, yet they don't understand. A blind beggar hears of Jesus passing by and cries out in desperate faith to recover his sight. The bling beggar couldn't see with his eyes but recognized his need for a Savior, recognized how important it was for him to see Jesus. A followers of Christ, we too are to recognize our need for salvation everyday, and the love of God that has come and made a way for us to be forgiven and adopted by grace through faith into His eternal family.
As a rich young ruler approaches Jesus, he asks one of the most important questions anyone can ask, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Instead of rebuke, Jesus tells the man to follow him, just as His disciples have. We're called to treasure Christ, not the fleeting treasures of the world because Jesus exchanged the richness of heaven and became poor so that we may be rich in Him for eternal life. Following Christ is complete surrender.
Jesus teaches us through the parable of the persistent widow, that while we should pray without ceasing, we cannot forget Who hears our prayers and acts upon them in His good will. God is the only good and just being, therefore when we pray to Him we have assurance of His receiving them. So we pray in faith to the God who sits on the throne, knowing we need Him and He is listening and answering.
As Jesus heads towards Jerusalem, He is met by ten lepers. Leprosy is a struggle as it removed people from society, made them outcasts and unclean, and separated them from their families. Their hope was in Jesus alone, so they ask Him for healing. Jesus tells them to go show themselves to the priests, a bold act, and they are cleansed as they go. One of the ten turns back, kneels before Jesus, and gives thanks. This is the posture of believers saved by grace, not from worldly problems, but sinful soul issues.
The spiritual entitlement of the rich man in the parable comes from pride, produces indifference, and leads to torment. Yet Jesus teaches this parable with the rich man in contrast to a man named Lazarus, someone polar opposite to the rich man. The entitlement and prideful life has no place in the kingdom of God, and by His grace He reverses our sinful heart to one of humility and gratitude.
In a parable often misunderstood, Jesus teaches about eternal perspective, priority, and purpose. Christians are to be clever stewards of worldly possessions for the glory and kingdom of God, serving Him only.
To describe God's nature, character, and essence Jesus teaches in parables of lost things. The care of God is so great and so complete towards wandering and lost people, for He will seek them, find them, and rejoice over bringing them back to Himself. God will do this for all of His elect, not letting any fall away. And this is all by grace, therefore, we are to be a rejoicing church in His rejoicing kingdom over His wonderful salvation.
Jesus is invited to a meal with Pharisees and challenges them as they watch Him closely. He heals on the Sabbath, knowing that it would stir controversy, to show love, care, and humility. Christians are to serve those in need, the poor, the lame, the blind in order to be blessed. As we belong to God, may our lives be a reversal of worldly pursuits and accolades, but of selfless acts of faith.
God takes sin seriously. Because sin is injustice against God, He must uphold justice by punishing those guilty of sin. There is hope for everyone in the generous grace of the Lord, who calls us to repentance and faith while we're still here on earth, though we shouldn't wait to turn from sin and turn towards the saving power of Christ.
Jesus graciously addresses the issue of covetousness and anxiety by reminding us that we are deeply loved and therefore cared for by our loving Heavenly Father. The Lord Himself is our treasure, He is our provider, our Good Shepherd. What then should we fear?
Jesus teaches on the severity of the gospel. It is true good news for all, yet it will not be received kindly by everyone. Followers of Christ are to stand firm on what is true and everlasting, able to withstand anxiety and fear because of the power of the Holy Spirit. Deeply cared for by God, Christians carry the good news wherever they go, and the Lord is with them always.
As Jesus is walking with His disciples, they ask Him an important lesson, "Lord, teach us to pray." With an example prayer and a parable, Jesus teaches us a fundamental aspect of Christian life. We pray because Jesus prayed, because He made it a primacy, priority, and promise for us - not to do when we feel like it or at our most desperate times only - but in a committed and persistent pattern for our daily lives. And the beautiful thing is that every prayer, every knock, every ask is heard and aligns us to our Father in Heaven for our good and His glory.
As Jesus is in Mary and Martha's home, He begins to teach. With Mary at His feet and Martha anxiously hosting, Jesus' focus is on His ultimate priority. He is the Word that speaks, shapes, stirs, and secures. Often we forget God has spoken, and the importance of carving out intentional moments with the Lord. Mary did the best thing, Martha chose to do a good thing but was filled with anxiety and missed the Word right there in her home. What's best for all of us, is to be spending time at the feet of Jesus - something that will never be taken away from us.
Jesus responds to a lawyer trying to test him with a parable. His teaching continues to marvel and astonish the crowds. In the parable, the Good Samaritan helps the hurt man out of compassion. For us, we are certainly called to show mercy to others, but must remember that Jesus showed mercy to us first. He is the true and better Good Samaritan who meets us in our brokenness, and at great cost to Himself, restores us back.
Jesus sends, He promises, and He glorifies. To be a disciple is to follow Christ in complete dependence, knowing that He is equipping us to go into the plentiful harvest. Therefore we are to be prayerful and obedient to both being disciples and making them for the kingdom of God.
The day after the Transfiguration, Jesus is met by an unbelieving crowd. Even the other nine disciples were lacking in their dependence upon the Lord. Jesus still heals a demon possessed by and points His disciples towards His death. To be great is the way of God, of the cross, of humility.
The Transfiguration is a powerful moment in the ministry life of Jesus. Peter, James, and John join Jesus on Mount Herman where Jesus' appearance is radiant, they are joined by Moses and Elijah, and they are overshadowed in a cloud with a voice who says, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!”. Divine presence, divine authority, and divine glory are on display. Will we listen to Christ?
Jesus gives us a profession, promise, and pathway for discipleship. Everyone must address the question that Jesus poses to His disciples; "Who do you say I am?". Knowing He is the Christ of God, the disciples follow Jesus but don't fully know what He means when talking about His death on the cross. As we pursue the pathway of Jesus, we are to pick up our crosses daily and follow Him in complete surrender, open hearts, and forgiveness.
Jesus sends out his disciples with the priority and task of sharing the gospel. Just like Christ, the disciples are to go and tell of the good news of eternal life. As 5,000 people gather to hear Jesus teach, they are amazed as all are fed from an initial meal of five loaves of bread and two fish. There is always enough room and food at the King's Table, available for everyone who believes and trusts in Him for salvation. Jesus can do a lot with a little, an encouraging truth for us today.
A woman is healed and a young girl is raised to life. Jesus is the only one who can do such miracles. There is no physician, no medicine, no cure to death and the pangs of this life except in Christ. He is gracious and willing to heal, intent on having a personal relationship with those He saves. It's by faith these women are made well; the same is true for us today.
Jesus calms a storm. In this miraculous event, Jesus is with His disciples, understands their feelings, and quickly rebukes the storm so it ceases. Then He asks them, "Where is your faith?". The same question is for us today. Who do we trust in? Where is our hope? Where is our faith? May it be in the One who is powerful enough to calm powerful storms, to heal and restore, and to rise again from the grave.
In the parable of the sower, Jesus is explaining the importance of receiving the gospel message. The sower, who is Christ, and the seed, which is the gospel, are constant and true. It's the soils the seed lands on that are different; the hearts of everyone who hears.
Jesus is a friend of sinners, drawing close to us and extending grace. Though the woman is known to be sinful, she approaches Jesus with humility and faith, while Simon the Pharisee treated Jesus as if he doesn't need Him. There is no one too sinful for God's grace, and no one too far from the feet of Jesus.
Jesus is a good friend, one who reminds John and others of the eternal hope and healing they have in Him by faith. John the Baptist gets high praise from Jesus above all other people, and still as he sits in prison he doubts the Messiah. And it's Jesus' response that is remarkable; He is gentle and patient. The same is true for us in our doubts, that our Great Friend is slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and He hears our doubts and loves us still.
In two accounts, Jesus heals and helps loved ones of individuals. For the centurion it was his beloved servant, and for the widow it was her only son. Jesus marvels at the faith of the centurion, healing his servant from afar with authority. It's a testament to how powerful and capable Jesus is in our helplessness. And then Jesus sees the mother in tears and has compassion on her. In a powerful display of connection and love, Jesus comforts her and raises her son to life again, all pointing towards the sacrifice He would make as God's only Son so that all who have faith in Him will live. Jesus has compassion for the hurting, broken, and suffering; and in grace He's redeeming.
Over and above the shine of worldly trinkets, our Heavenly Father, our kind and loving Father has the good gifts of restoration, and life, and eternity for us. We can't get blinded by the counterfeit gods of the world like money, and comfort, and security. These are fleeting. But we must remember that our Savior is here with us. May we be found here with Him!
To be a disciple of Christ we must know Jesus, become like Jesus, and act as Jesus did. He prays, He unifies, He helps, He gives hope. The apostles and the great crowds all go to Him because there is no other person in which they can live. Christians today are to live in the same manner, showing their faith to a watching world.
Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, He is the Law-Giver, the Healer, and the Son of Man. Accused and despised by the Pharisees, Jesus does what is right in their midst even though they believe His actions during the Sabbath are against the law. They are blind to Him and His mission; to seek and save the lost. Today, we can be blinded too. It's important for Christians to intentionally have time with the Lord, to rest in Him, to follow after Christ.
Jesus cleanses a leper and gives mobility back to a paralyzed man. These miracles point to Jesus' power in restoring and healing the broken and hopeless at a deeper level, a sin level where our greatest need is. Forgiving sins is mankind's greatest need, and Jesus does that for all who believe in Him by faith. Now, those who believe, like the paralyzed man's friends, are sent to be lights in the world, willing to serve and outstretch their arms to others in need.
Jesus calls His first disciples after performing a miracle in their midst. Simon Peter expresses fear before Jesus when they catch an abundance of fish, but Jesus calmly comforts him and then calls him to respond. Discipleship isn't a hobby, it's a lifestyle of surrender and trust in the Almighty God of salvation - the One also concerned with our spiritual formation.
Jesus rebukes fevers and demons in His public ministry. His authority as the Son of God is unmatched. People with various diseases are coming to Him and everyone of them is healed. Though He is serving, healing, giving, and blessing all of these people He doesn't let His tiredness keep Him from doing His Father's will. For us today, Jesus can heal us - He's not too tired or too busy - He can truly heal us of our biggest and neediest problem of sin.
Jesus continues His ministry by teaching in the synagogue of Capernaum. A demon-possessed man interrupts His teaching, but Jesus calmly rebukes and casts the demon out. Through holy authority, righteousness, and reverberation Jesus is bringing truth and salvation.
After being tempted in the wilderness, Jesus returns to Nazareth to proclaim the gospel in His hometown. At first the people marvel at Him and anticipate what He will do as His fame has grown. But Jesus, after reading Isaiah in the synagogue and teaching about His identity as Lord, is rejected. Not only are we today to follow Jesus and know the gospel, but live it out even when it's difficult.
Jesus enters into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil for 40 days. While anyone else would have failed, Jesus never gave in to the lies and schemes of Satan. Being well prepared and in full trust of the Word of God and His Heavenly Father, Jesus succeeds. He is truly able to sympathize with our weaknesses as one tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.
Luke provides a genealogy of Jesus just as He begins His earthly ministry. From the line of David and Abraham, Jesus fits the requirements of being the Messiah, but Luke's record traces Jesus' roots all the way to Adam and ultimately to God. Being the Second Adam, Jesus does was the First couldn't. He lives a perfect and obedient life so that all can be saved to redemptive life. Through salvation and adoption, no matter where you come from or what you've done, Jesus represents you and is enough for you, bringing you into the family of God by grace.
As John the Baptist preaches from Isaiah about the coming Messiah, many wonder how they can live according to the high standard of the law. True heart change doesn't come from behavior modification, it isn't earned or found within someone's own willpower; it is only through Jesus Himself.
Jesus grew in favor with God and man. As any human grows, so did the Son of God. He perfectly honored His earthly mother and father, while also perfectly honoring His Heavenly Father. Jesus at the age of 12 stays behind at the Temple to keep growing in wisdom and stature in the Lord, having an understanding of His role in the plan of redemption and bringing in the New Covenant. He sought first the kingdom of God in our place.
As the angels appear to the shepherds, there is a humbling and beautiful reality taking place. Though Joseph and Mary are to listen to Caesar Augustus, the real King is being born in a stable. And the command from the Lord to His angels isn't to go tell it to the Roman leaders, the people in positions of power - but to the least of these. Shepherds were unwanted and cast out to do dirty work, yet they are told of the birth announcement first. Their haste to see the Savior born King is how we are to be each and every day, then returning to our daily lives spiritually changed.
The Lord comes, not just to the affluent, and not just to the most prominent, but the witness of Scripture is that He comes to the needy, He comes to those who understand that without Him coming to us, we'd have no way of getting to Him. And Mary serves as a model for us, not for how to earn the favor of the Lord, but as a model for receiving the grace and mercy of the Lord.
In the ordinary life of Zechariah and Elizabeth, the Lord remembered them and His promises to His people. God meets us in the same way, in our lives to love Him with our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Zechariah is sent home to tell the truth and good news to his wife, not change the world. Christians today can have peace knowing that a life with Christ is one of ordinary yet marvelous love and faith.
The gospel of Luke begins with the goal of a witness and his pattern for presenting the truth of Jesus Christ. Luke is believable not because of his convincing arguments or intelligent writing, but because of his real-time witness of the Son of God. And why does he write this? So that all who read his account will have certainty about Jesus.
Without Christ we are completely needy and unable to do any good, yet through Christ we can do all things. Dependent upon the Lord is the faithful walk of a Christian, and the Church is to uplift, support, and encourage each other to be content and joyful regardless of circumstance, because God will supply our every need. We don't need to doubt, we need to trust.
Conflict, anxiety, and fear arise in all human beings, including inside the church. Engaging with these struggles requires the redemptive work of Christ, who cultivates peacemakers and teammates in the gospel. To think about the good, to dwell on truths of God, to rejoice in this great salvation must be how the church moves forward in love, to make disciples and live freely in hope of our Savior's return.
The Christian life involves a faithful pursuit of Jesus, to follow Him obediently and diligently. Paul strains towards the goal of holiness, is grieved by those in the church who aren't actually pursuing Christ, and reminds us of the assurance of hope and sanctification that has been made possible through Jesus. May we live in that identity, knowing our eternity is set while chasing after the prize that is undefiled and unfading; all so Christ is magnified.
We are not, and never will be, good enough on our own. That's the bad news. And that's the burden of human existence. But the good news is that Jesus is. And in and through His grace He gives us His righteousness by faith.
Gospel life focuses on exalting Jesus with the family of faith. In describing Timothy and Epaphorditus the apostle Paul calls them son and brother, faithful friends, focused on what's most important, and striving for the kingdom of God. May Christians today be known for the same things, enjoyed by the Church and pursuing the Lord with their adopted brothers and sisters.
Carried along by the Holy Spirit, believers are to work out their salvation with fear and trembling while also rooted in gladness and rejoicing. The Lord has delivered His people, therefore they have full assurance of their hope and can live a lights and witnesses of the glory of God to a crooked and twisted generation. It's still tempting to blend in with the world and grumble, but Christians must lean into the realities of new creation life purchased for them at the cross.
Having the mind of Christ involves an obedience and humility demonstrated by Jesus Himself. As He lived and endured the cross, Jesus was completely obedient and humble both in our place and so that we may live the same way. By living this way we will share in unity the love and grace of Christ to others.
Suffering and the Christian life go hand in hand, yet the Lord faithfully holds His people through every circumstance. Refined by trials and grace, Christians walk in this world able to serve and love others knowing that God is in control and supplies our deepest needs.
Paul reminds us to be committed to the gospel. In the end, it will all turn out in deliverance and salvation for those who trust in Jesus. And though this life brings difficulties and the desire is to leave this world to be with Christ, the tension to stay and be a light to this world will shape and fashion us into His likeness. We are to be committed to the Lord, His will, and His people.
As Paul's imprisoned, he is still witnessing the gospel advancing. Our circumstances do not limit the Lord, who uses even hardships to spread the good news of Christ. We are to share sincerely, have right motives, and rejoice regardless of the temporary difficulties knowing that our greater circumstance is secure and perfect in God who loves us.
In his love for the church, Paul expresses his desire that Christians should pray for one another. Not only is it impactful in the moment, but it will carry us as we wait for the day of Christ; when He comes again. In this we will be sanctified, to look more and more like Jesus.
Paul writes with joy and love to the people of the Philippian church even though he's imprisoned and away from them. Being rooted in Christ, Christian community is more than just togetherness, its family and shared partnership. The church is where believers are strongest and most effective in gospel mission.
Paul writes to the church in Philippi to encourage and instruct them in Christ. An eclectic group of people make up this church as we observe in Acts 16, some of Paul's earliest encounters with other believers. From this origin we know that Paul is writing to people he knows and cares for.
David finishes his prayer of deliverance in gratitude and humility. Everyone is hard wired to worship, but who or what we worship is a choice. David has chosen to worship the Lord who saved him and established his feet upon the Rock. We can do the same today as we faithfully trust in Jesus who is powerful to save.
As David has grown old and reminiscent of his up and down life, he is confident in the prevailing love and grace of God. Though he has done great things, horrible sins, and been through many trials; David attributes salvation to God who cares for him. Believers can have the same assurance today, looking at their own personal experience as well as in history to the cross of the proof of the Lord's steadfast love.
David's sin with Bathsheba and Uriah is met with a consequence; that the sword will never depart from David's house. His son, Absalom, is a schemer and commits treason so that he can claim the throne in Israel. Though we can look at Absalom and David and see how they are both sinful, we see the difference is not in how great they are, but in Who they trust; Absalom in himself, but David in the Lord. Christians today find themselves just like these two men, prideful and flawed, but thanks be to God who forgives and redeems all those who trust in Him.
Confession, repentance, forgiveness; these are all laid out by David before the Lord. In terrible sin and conviction David recognizes that he has wronged the Lord and is completely honest and broken over his sin. We, like David, ought to consider the weight of our sin, Who it is we've sinned against, and quickly run to Him in honesty and vulnerability. God promises to forgive and cleanse us from sin, a mercy and grace unmatched and overwhelming.
Sin doesn't happen in a vacuum. David's adulterous actions with Bathsheba led to murder of her husband Uriah. This mess was made by David and against the Lord who spoke truth through the prophet Nathan. In justice, the Lord doesn't let the sin go unpunished, but in grace the Lord stays with the king of Israel as He promised in covenant. Sin will never be so great that God's promises are void.
The slide toward sin doesn't begin with what is seen, but with what we linger on. David's life in 2 Samuel 11 is a more than a tragic story of sin and its fallout. It's a cautionary tale for the people of God, in humility, and in recognition of our own spiritual weakness, to recognize just how susceptible we are to sin, and to grow more in the grace of the Lord in Christ.
David, in keeping his word to Saul, pursues and extends kindness towards Mephibosheth; the crippled son of Jonathan who can offer David nothing. This is the lavished kindness God has extended towards all those by faith in His Son, that we would both receive that kindness and feast at the King's table as His family, as well as extend that kindness towards others like David did.
David responds to God's covenant promise with right posture. This posture then leads to praise and petition. In humility and awe, David ponders the greatness of God and acknowledges all he has is the Lord's. Christians share in this promise and can confidently know God will deliver on His promises, despite our forgetfulness and wandering. The Lord is faithful and good, and we can stand before Him in love, and ask Him to do what He said He will do.
In a season of rest, David seeks to build a house for the Lord but is met with a different answer than he expected. Instead, God makes a covenant with David that will transcend generation after generation in David's line, ultimately to Christ who will rule and reign as King forever. The promises of the covenant are encouraging to believers today, but we also recognize they are powerful because of Who makes the promise; and that gives us great hope.
David is now king of Israel and has commissioned the Ark of the Covenant to return to Jerusalem after 20 years with Abinadab. Though David and the people of Israel were doing the right thing, they were not obedient to the way God asked them to transport the Ark. God isn't a domesticated being, and He's certainly more powerful than any other force in the universe, therefore we praise Him as we fear Him, we're humbled before Him as we exalt Him, and we celebrate Him unashamedly for what He's done in bringing many sons to glory.
The book of 1 Samuel ends with the tragedy of Saul. The Lord humbles the king of Israel regardless of Saul's power, plea, and position. In justice and holiness, God humbles all those who are prideful and choose to go their own way. This ushers in the new era of King David, who does the opposite of Saul and trusts in Yahweh. Christians today are called to do the same.
God never abandons His people, nor is indifferent to what happens in His creation. In His providence, work of recovery, and in overwhelming generosity we can be encouraged, along with David in this trial, that God is in control and to Him belongs all good things. We need not fear or worry as a child of God.
Following after the Lord's anointed and trusting in Yahweh has led David's men away from home, and when they return they realize their families have been taken. This hurts the men, including David, whom many want to stone, but David points them back to the Lord who is always in control and is faithful. As we follow after God we may experience hardship, but it doesn't mean He isn't close or caring.
David pours out his heart in the midst of great struggle. All the while he understands Who it is who holds him, Who it is who loves him and hears his prayers. Believers today are to live in the same trust in a God who covers us in the shadow of His wings.
Sin always tries to make us believe that there is some other way. For David in what seemed to be a coincidental situation with a vulnerable Saul, did not strike him down but trusted in not only the will of God, but the way of God. Jesus never took the shortcut to make salvation for His people, and now we live as patient and anticipating people as we trust in Him.
Jonathan exemplifies true friendship yet again towards David by telling him his father's plan to kill him. He also is a good son towards his father, not shaming him but reminding Saul of truth. Unfortunately the refrain of life is the same today as it was for the Israelites, that "there was war again" and Jonathan is absent from the divided home. Thankfully we have a wonderful Friend who is the greatest Son, who never leaves us but is with us in all circumstances.
Jealousy turns King Saul mad, and he will seek to harm David the rest of his life. Saul's true issue is with God, but he has forgotten the Lord and turned to his own way. Thankfully we have a loving King in Christ who not only goes out and wins the battle as David does, but loves us and is jealous for us in holiness and righteousness.
Love can be difficult to define at times, but the Bible explains love in a variety of different ways and depths. The love that Jonathan expresses to David is a deep brotherly affection that truly is beautiful; it's a friendship in the Lord.
A familiar story in the Bible that might get perceived incorrectly, the fight between David and Goliath is not about the strength of David or how the humble underdog prevails over the oppressive foe, but how the Mighty God of Israel defeats His enemies. We can struggle with God's place, pace, plan or providence, but God is always perfect in His timing and acts.
The Philistines continue to combat the Israelites, but this time it's a single foe who puts fear into the hearts of his enemies. Goliath is described as impressive and intimidating, contrasted with David who is young and unassuming. But as the theme of 1 Samuel has shown us, the outward appearance is not what matters, but it's the heart. And it's not that David is so great that Israel has a chance, but because His God, the Son of Man who came to seek and to save the lost, is always victorious over His enemies.
Saul is facing trouble, a harmful spirit from the Lord, and is seeking some relief. Providentially, one of Saul's servants knows of David who is skillful and able to help the king. Unknown to Saul is the anointing of David as his replacement, but David serves the king faithfully and finds favor in Saul's sight.
The Lord meets Samuel in his grief and doesn't let him stay there. Graciously we see how God calls Samuel to worship, to seek the next king who isn't like Saul, whom man saw the outside appearance and loved, but who is faithful in the heart where God sees. The Lord is providing for His people a new and better king in David, a man who points us to the True King from David's line; Jesus Christ.
Saul continues to be disobedient to the Lord in his self seeking kingship. In honoring himself and raising a monument to his own glory, Saul has neglected following after the True King of Israel, and God is grieved by his unfaithfulness. The way of Saul has led to his downfall and the throne is now opened for a new king.
There is a tension to the reality that God is actively working in history, and that history is still a mess. This passage shows us that even in the chaos of life, God still speaks His word, God still sees what's happening, and God still scorns what's sinful. And beyond that, as His children, God still calls our names.
Saul has disobeyed Samuel, the prophet and voice of the Lord, by making an unlawful sacrifice. In doing so he has lost the throne and come under a great consequence for his sin. The Lord doesn't allow for sin to go unpunished but thanks be to God who sent His Son, the True King, to be completely obedient to the Lord for us.
Saul is the first king of Israel, a handsome man that fits the external requirements of royalty, but falls short internally. As he fails to complete a task given to him by his father, Saul then meets Samuel who instructs him in what the Lord has said, that he would be king. Even though Saul won't be the king Israel needs, and even though the people are rebellious towards the True King, the mercy of the Lord is greater than their sin.
Things were going well for Israel in the younger days of Samuel, with Ebenezer being a symbol to the people of God of His steadfastness and strength. But as life goes, Samuel gets older, puts his unfaithful sons in positions of power, and soon the Israelites seek to be just like their neighboring nations; desiring an earthly king. The Lord grants their request, but it will come at a cost, because they have ultimately rejected the True King.
Hannah models for us how to pray in that she rejoices in her Lord. By rejoicing in the Lord's deliverance, in His holiness, as He carries us through our weaknesses, and as He preserves us by grace Hannah has prayed an honest and meaningful prayer of adoration and thanksgiving. This salvation that Christians have in Christ prompts us to be a prayerful people like Hannah.
Samuel is born to an imperfect family but they do prioritize something that's of utmost importance; worship. Hannah has communicated her vow to her husband, he has supported her and encourages her to allow the Lord to establish His word. This family's right choices impacts their next generation as we will see Samuel benefit from their lifestyle.
The prophet Samuel was born to a broken family, just like all of us are. His mother Hannah, dealt with guilt and shame from being barren, but upon honest humble prayer she was remembered by the Lord who loves her.
As Jesus does in all of His teaching, His desire is not just to treat the symptoms, but to get to the heart. And as a measure of grace, He comes and meets us in our blind spots, He meets us with a promised deliverance, and He meets us with a legacy of love.
A heart full of discontentment is the result of loving money. We not only forget about who we are but we forget about our Savior and the eternity which we now live in through His righteousness. Our identity must be that of Christ, to trust and rely on the Lord in all things as He provides for us. Being wise and discerning with money is good, but it doesn't address the root issue of a love of money, only Jesus can.
The rich young ruler doesn't have a money problem but rather a heart problem. Jesus already knows the situation before it arises and He warns the ruler of the dangers of prosperity and holding our desires and comforts so closely to money. Ultimately the Lord wants our heart and to steward our entire lives for His will and glory, not for ourselves.
Trust and faith in the Lord push back against anxiety and worry. Stewarding all aspects of our lives, Christians are called to lean on their Savior who cares deeply for them and will meet all of their needs.
Christians are justified, adopted, forgiven, made clean, set free, and secured in the salvation of Jesus Christ. So Paul gives us instructions, marks of a true Christian, that we pursue in our sanctification until glory. Thinking back on what's already been accomplished by our loving Savior we move forward and walk by faith as we rejoice in hope, are patient in tribulation, and are constant in prayer.
Christians are the light of the world here and now because of our union with Christ. Our witness shines the gospel into the world in which our Savior created and walked. This is His chosen way of life for His people and one that gives us courage as He helps us each and every step of the way.
Jesus is the light that has come into the darkness. The promise for all who believe in Him is that they will no longer walk in darkness, but in the light. This life of hope now shines into a desperate world and proclaims the excellencies of Him who called us out of such darkness and into His marvelous light.
Christ came in to the world, not in grandeur or with great fanfare, but into normal life. This is precisely where the Lord meets His people, in the ordinary. For the wise men to recognize the star and visit Herod meant they left normal life behind to pursue the One the prophets foretold. The same is required of believers today, to respond to this bright troublesome light and be changed by Him.
Everyone is born into sin, the gloomy darkness but Christ has come and the light is shining into the darkness. Isaiah acknowledges the anxious and worrisome with strong language, that rather than fearing the world and the possibilities of worst case scenarios, we are to fear the Lord. He is ultimate and mighty, the Prince of Peace and Everlasting Father who came as a baby to shine into the darkness to save us.
God makes a declaration in the first moments of creation with His first words being, "Let there be light." Advent always starts in darkness but the light has come into the world and the darkness has not, will not, and cannot overcome it. This rumor of light is Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Deity, coming to fulfill His promise of redemption from all eternity.
Peter closes out his second letter with specific instructions for the church. As we continue to faithfully follow after Christ we are to be on guard and rooted in the Truth so that we don't fall into lawless living. Until Christ comes again we are to grow in grace and knowledge of Him who is our Savior.
Holy living won't just happen in the believer. Jesus demonstrates for us how to live a holy and sacrificial life, one of witness to the world as we join Him in His ultimate plan of redemption. It's His will that is being done through His sanctifying people who must trust in Him and wage war against the sin in our hearts.
Peter has established the importance of his letter, that believers would remember the gospel and stand firm in the face of scoffers and false teachers. The Lord is patient and steadfast towards His people and will judge the world justly. Being outside of time He is greater and grander than all else, deserving of our adoration and praise.
As Peter begins to conclude his final letter he shifts the focus back to his main point; to encourage believers to remember the gospel. Jesus is coming back despite what scoffers say and the hope is for Christians today and until the Last Day when our faith and hope become sight and reality.
The way of the world is the way of greater angst, anxiety, and ultimately fear. It's a pathway of always walking and never arriving. But what Jesus offers us is something greater. He offers us the way, the truth, and the life.
Peter continues to emphasize the importance of knowing truth versus false teaching. God has consistently dealt with the righteous in grace and love while judging the wicked, keeping a remnant for Himself. Believers today can rest in Him knowing that it is Christ's righteousness that seals us forever in eternal life, while false teachers and the wicked will not last.
The eye witness accounts of Peter are unreasonable, though he would have no reason to lie. But the apostle doesn't say "Take my word for it." but rather claims that the Old Testament prophets have been pointing to the very person and moment he is talking about; that Jesus has come and His Word is to be trusted completely.
Peter understands his calling to love believers and is encouraging them to remember the truths of the gospel even after he is gone. The legacy of a Christian is a life of love towards one another, one that points to Christ.
Faith is expressed in faithfulness. For Peter to encourage believers he points them to what faith becomes, not that we would be blind and ineffective in this life, but that our faith would lead to virtue, knowledge of God, steadfastness, brotherly affection, and most importantly - love.
Identity of a Christian cannot be separated from the knowledge of God. The life of godliness as a gift involves knowing the Lord who has revealed Himself to us, as well as revealing ourselves to Him. Through His covenant promises He has demonstrated His love and made us partakers of the divine nature; and Christians are called to such an excellent and abundant life.
Peter begins this letter both with an identity and a goal. He has been saved into servitude of the Lord and at the same time is focused on multiplying grace and peace to all believers who stand equally at the foot of the cross.
Walking in grace, understanding the call to obedience, and understanding our failure to do it perfectly...it doesn't crush us...but it compels us, and it points us back to our Savior.
Christianity is not an individual faith. The Lord saves His people to a family that is the Church. Therefore unity in the body of Christ is utmost, that the light of the gospel would shine through us as we are together and loving one another.
Christianity is not an individual faith. The Lord saves His people to a family that is the Church. Therefore unity in the body of Christ is utmost, that the light of the gospel would shine through us as we are together and loving one another.
God is all powerful, fully of glory and unmatched in holiness. Believers are to rest in the One who is greater than all and, with full and gladdened hearts, to recognize and acknowledge God is who He says He is; the King.
Emotions don't change the gospel. For David, confidence in His God is rooted in what is true and not in his feelings or circumstance. Because of His great love towards us, we have a Good Shepherd who came to dwell with us and never forsake us.
Remembering the covenant promises of God we look back at what He's done with unabridged trust, as well as into the future of glory. Christians have many reasons to rejoice because Christ has the victory and enables us to live in love as the assembly of the Church.
A psalm that expresses the humble heart of King David challenges believers today with the question, "Is the Lord always before me?" In a world full of distractions, anxiety and heartbreak, Christians are to cling to the gospel and to Christ as they walk the path of life in Him.
The call of Psalm 3 is not just to express trust. That's easy. It's easy to say that we trust. But it's a whole different animal to actually trust. And that's the message of Psalm 3. It's to trust that the Lord both can and will meet us in it all...that He can and will sustain us in it all.
Stepping through the gateway to the Psalms, we're presented with a picture of the reality of life in all its genuine simplicity, seeing how there are, in the end, Two Ways, Two Peoples, and Two Destinies.
As we look forward to Christ coming again, Peter encourages Christians to stand firm in the faith and be sober-minded. Believers have an adversary and therefore we must be united as the Church, leaning on one another and Christ. The future hope of restoration, confirmation, strength, and establishment fuels us towards the love of God and one another.
We are reminded of the heart of God in 1 Peter 5:5-7, that we as His children cast our anxieties on Him because He cares for us. In humility and under the mighty hand of God we faithfully follow after Him, knowing that our Heavenly Father will never let us go.
As we sojourn in this life as Christians we aren't left to figure it out alone, but God gifts His church with elders, shepherds of the flock, who are visible reminders of God's faithfulness and guidance. Elders are called to a high calling and therefore Peter instructs the church the importance of knowing what they are to be, as well as encourages them to follow.
As beloved children of God we are promised blessings, not as a result of our good works, but in ways that point us back and draw us closer to our Creator. In every circumstance Christians have assurance of salvation and hope in Christ.
All Christians are called to be hospitable, to love earnestly and to pray; but Peter also reminds us of our spiritual gifts that make us unique. These gifts are to steward God's grace to one another, making the Church a beautiful picture of community and the gospel as we serve in these last days, awaiting the return of the King.
What does it look like when Christians endure suffering in the world? And how are we meant to respond? Peter gives us answers to those questions.
In one of the most mysterious passages of the New Testament, Peter is encouraging believers in their new creation identity and mission to focus on what we know in Christ. This fuels the Church to move forward by faith and hope where one day those are of the past and only heavenly glory in the presence of the Lord remains.
We have been born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This is the basis from which all Christian hope flows, that our God keeps His promises. So, our hope isn't in ourselves, or in our faith, but in His faithfulness.
The people of God are called to unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart and a humble mind. Towards one another this is edifying and an encouragement as we are lights in this world, but Peter also calls us to engage with the evil in the world. Though it is not easy, by blessing those who are evil to us we proclaim a powerful witness of the gospel.
In the middle of Peter's first letter he addresses wives and husbands. While remembering our identity as believers in Christ, as living stones and a holy nation, we are to live in marriage as God has called us to. Through love, imperishable beauty and honor, wives and husbands are to live so that their spouse notices their gospel transformed life.
Called to be servants as well as to be rooted in our elect exile identity, Peter is pointing us to the way Christians are to live in an unjust world. With the gospel always before us, we look to Christ as our example to live by, and by grace the world will see His glory in His Church.
The life of a believer as a member of the Church should be a light to the world. This light shines through our good works, but is rooted in our graciously given identity: beloved children of the King.
With foundational elements and truth of gospel proclamation, the Church today through the power of the Holy Spirit, is to be a light to the world. The identity of God's people are secure in His promises.
Christ is the Word of God who is the imperishable seed now in all believers. Therefore, Peter is encouraging the Church today to live as we've been called and to put away relational wreckage. In this we love one another as family with a pure heart, that others who are without Christ may know Him by the way we love one another.
Our identity directs how we live. For those who trust in Jesus Christ, their identity is secured in His resurrection. In this victory we now live as obedient children as Peter calls us, full of hope and faith to be holy because of the salvation purchased for us in Christ rising from the grave.
Prophets pointed towards the Messiah and looked forward to His redemption and salvation. Believers now, aided by the angels and the Holy Spirit, know Christ as the Messiah and live in the knowledge of His life, death, and resurrection while looking forward to Him fully redeeming all things.
Jesus is living hope for those who have faith in Him, both in His death and resurrection. He did not stay dead and His promises come to fruition, meaning that the inheritance set before us, one that is imperishable, undefiled, unfading will be kept for us in heaven. Past and future assurance aid the believer in the present, in Christ our living hope.
Peter introduces himself in his first letter as rooted in Jesus Christ. For believers our identity is sealed by the blood of Christ as His beloved. This world is not our home, and living as a Christian will mean rejecting the easy way of the world, but our identity is secure in our Savior.
Our lament can quickly turn to praise, trust and hope because of the promises of God. Through Christ and His atoning death and resurrection, by faith we can be saved to fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore, knowing we will never be abandoned or forgotten.
Esther protected her people with faith and courage, and in conquering their enemies they represented God's justice. This conquering wasn't political or social, but rather spiritual, and in response to deliverance they were commissioned to celebrate Purim each year; a reminder of God's victory and steadfast love for His people. Today as the church we ought to often celebrate the wonderful things that God has done for us.
In Esther 8 we see the story completely turn. She has endured through a long struggle to finally save her people, the Jews. Like Esther, Christians have two choices in their daily lives; the way of fear or the way of faith. In Christ we know that "perfect love casts out fear".
In exposing her ethnicity and becoming vulnerable to death, Esther seeks liberty and justice in Persia. Because of her courage and reputation, the king listens to her and brings destruction on Human, the one who wanted destruction for the Jews. As Christians today we are to be conduits of the good news of Christ who set the example for us in self-sacrifice.
The events of Esther now are realized to be comedy. In a matter of hours in dramatic irony, God's providence leads to the honor of Mordecai instead of Haman, showing that God is not just in the mountaintop moments in our life, but also in every small moment.
Esther has fasted, prayed and planned to meet with the king about the salvation of the Jews. Her faith and courage for her people points us to Jesus, who came purposefully and gave His life to ransom slaves to sin.
When the issue becomes greater than a simple solution, Esther is faced with a massive decision. Mordecai's faith in God's deliverance of the Jews is what ultimately encourages Esther in that same faith where she will risk her life for her people just as Christ will do at Calvary.
It is difficult to stand against the culture and conformity of the world, in fact it led Jesus to the cross. Believers in Christ are called to not conform to this world but stand apart of the sake of the gospel, and no matter what happens, the Lord will bring them home.
No one can choose where they are born, to whom they are born, or when they are born. Despite the injustice and cruelty that goes on in the world, God works providentially to fulfill His plan and purposes. In the end there is everlasting joy, peace, love and glory of the One who keeps covenant promises.
Despite having what appeared to be all the power and control anyone could wield, the king of Persia's pride consumes him as the queen refuses his request. The Lord is the true and everlasting King who upholds righteousness and justice, and is never left powerless because of His omnipotence and sovereignty.
Christians walk in this world full of hope knowing that Christ has and is accomplishing salvation for us. Our call to walk with Him involves rejoicing in hope, being patient in tribulation and being constant or persistent in prayer.
On Christmas Eve we celebrate the arrival of the Promised Messiah who has been ruling and reigning over all things since creation. Because He loves the world, He came into it humbly and now we worship to give Him all glory.
Declaring the name of the Lord and worshipping His holy name is the purpose of the Church. Uniting together with Him and remembering what is true gives us purpose and wholeness in Christ.
God's power, preeminence and His promises assure us today of righteousness, of His lovingkindness towards us and that we should fear the Lord in holy humility.
Continuing in the Psalms that declare "The Lord reigns" we are met with attributes of God that cause people to fear Him. Because God is holy, just and He answers prayers He should be revered, honored and humbly worshipped.
God will deliver His promises to us regardless of our circumstances that are constantly changing because He is sovereign over all things. This gives us hope and assurance of the loving nature and character of our Creator.
The call for all of us is beautifully simple. If you're suffering, or cheerful, or sick, the call for us is to pray. We are people of prayer. In a cultural of radical individualism and independence, those who follow Christ understand our complete dependence on Him, and that's where we look for help.
The good news of the gospel includes God's faithfulness despite our faithlessness, and the ability we have as believers in Christ to speak the truth confidently.
You can't be a pilgrim without a pilgrimage. In the same way, you can't be a disciple without someone to follow. James is showing us what it looks like to follow after Christ. He's showing us what it looks like to walk in the way of Jesus.
To be a friend of the world is to be at enmity with God, for He doesn't just save part of us or want part of us, He wants all of us. Walking in repentance and trust makes us friends with our loving Lord.
The wisdom of the world leads to destruction, but the wisdom of God guides the church to be a community committed to loving the King and His kingdom.
As hard as we try, no one can tame the tongue unless they trust in the only One who is perfect, who bridled His tongue always in love, and now leads and guides His people to speak what is true and good.
Walking with James on this pilgrim journey, we're reminded that Authentic Faith Always Produces Active Obedience.
As believers in the gospel there should be visible fruit in our lives that suggest to the world that we know and love Jesus, living in light of what we believe through faithful actions.
Posture over partiality is how Christians walk with the Lord while on the earth, recognizing that our sin must be put on Christ and His righteousness must be imputed to us in order to love those around us, including the marginalized and those unable to give something in return.
Christians are called to be doers of the word and not hearers only, but in order to do so we need to receive it, remember it, and then respond to it.
While we know sin is the root problem with us and the world, it also has rippling effects that impact everything. James is encouraging believers to not be deceived, to not let our brothers and sisters be deceived, and to lean on the Lord who is always good.
The letter of James is an encouragement to us as Christians who often live ordinary lives, yet are challenged to remain faithful and wise in all circumstances.
Because God is the Maker of all things we can worship Him and have the confidence that if He will sustain His creation then He will also sustain His people.
God is a mighty and powerful Creator who simply speaks to subdue the earth. In knowing His strength, with proper fear, we are called into a faithful and eternal life with Him.
God isn't hiding from you. He isn't avoiding you. He's here and He's present and He's made Himself known in the things that He has made, in the Word that He has spoken, and most clearly, in the life that He lived among us and the redemption that He purchased for us at the cross.
As Christians we have a new song to sing with all creation, that once we were dead in our sin but have been saved to newness of life to give glory to our Savior first, and then to love one another.
Recognizing that there's nothing in our fallen world that can satisfy the greatest longing of our hearts, we look to the Lord our God to meet us in that need and satisfy us with His love.
Psalm 127 reminds us of the central truth of existence, that in all things, we are dependent on the Lord. And this is not a design flaw in the human race. It's an intentional reminder of who God is.
The Gospel is that Jesus to save us from our sins. It's that "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." And that restored relationship with God, He desires an authentic relationship with us, which means He wants us to share our hearts. In this psalm of lament, David is fully exposed, and fully received by the Father, because of His steadfast love for His people.
We're reminded in this familiar Psalm of three fundamental truths of the Christian faith, that Life With God Means Never Being Without, that Life With God Means Never Being Alone, and that Life With God Means Never Being Forsaken. These truths are communicated through the imagery of the Lord as our Shepherd, who takes care of His sheep.
The pattern of prayer set in Psalm 143 is one of recognizing the Reality of our circumstances, Remembering the wonderful works of God, crying out for Rescue to our God who is able, and who promises to save, and then walking in the faith that He will Retain us, that He will hold us, all the way home.
Continuing our series in the Psalms, we look at Psalm 145, being reminded that worship is for God, and God alone, and that we should be cautious in how often we Psalm 145 the things of the world around us.
When we ask the question of what sort of a church God is calling us to be, the foundational response is that we're called to be a church that is marked distinctly by joyful worship.
This Psalm of Ascent reminds us that worship begins before we ever reach the mountain, before we ever walk through the door of a church building. It begins when we cry out to the Lord is who is mighty to save, faithful to provide, and steadfast in His love for His children.
Arriving at the end of the journey, we look back and ask what it is that God is leaving with us as we press on, and we see it through the eyes of Faith, Hope, and Love.
Perhaps the greatest gift of Daniel 11 is that it reminds us that apart from God we can do nothing...and that by the grace of God, we'll never have to know that fear ever again.
In this passage we see God meeting Daniel in preparation for what is to come, and we're reminded that before Jesus ever said, "Come to me," He first came to us. That's His kindness and grace to His new creation sons and daughters.
In all the chaos that is Daniel 9, and all the mystery that we're called to embrace as created things, subject to our Creator God, there are two things that really stand out; we see an honest prayer, and we're given a holy hope. Those two things are certain.
In Daniel 9, we see the Priority, the Posture, and the Petition of prayer, as Daniel demonstrates what it looks like to come to the Lord and call upon His name.
Knowing what's coming doesn't change the course, but it gives us clarity and confidence to keep us going, knowing and trusting the One who works all things according to the counsel of His will.
Daniel 7 makes it clear that the sadness of the fallen world is real, that it is painful, and that there is no hope outside of heaven for the renewal that we all need.
Hearing Daniel's story, and seeing his deliverance in this chapter, begs us to ask the question, "Who is worthy of our worship?" It's not Darius, his king who would rather let him die than lose a little status. It's not Daniel, who, even though he shows great fidelity and spiritual discipline in the face of great personal danger, is nevertheless powerless to save himself. So, it leaves us with only one answer. God alone is worthy of our worship!
Continuing our series in Daniel, we see how God comes in power to remind us who He is, and how in grace He makes Himself known.
God comes and meets Nebuchadnezzar in the peak of his own sinful mythology, and He brings him low, in grace, to restore him to a new understanding of who God is, and what that means for the earthly king.
As the world stands untethered from the Lord, His people will find themselves caught in the chaos, subject to criticism and even conflict, but found confident in the community of God's people.
As Daniel interprets the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar, what we see is nothing less than a total reframing of all of human history, and our place, regardless of our circumstances, in it all. God gives us a New Way, a New Reality, and a New Kingdom, one not made with hands, but purchased by and established in Christ, the stone the builders rejected.
Continuing in our study of Daniel, we find that the king of Babylon, who is said to reign, doesn't even have control over his own dreams. We're challenged to remember and rest in our ruling and reigning God, who is living and active in the world today, even when we tend to forget it.
Our first message in our study of the Book of Daniel, seeing how God is both present and at work in the mess of Babylon, ruling in sovereign authority, sovereign supply, and sovereign deliverance.
Closing out our series looking at the Missio Dei, we were reminded that "God does not have a mission for the church. He has a church for the mission." And He has given His church ascension power for the mission.
Continuing our look at the Missio Dei in Acts 1:8, we consider how Jesus is commissioning and sending out His people into the Judea and Samaria around us, to the people we are naturally drawn to, and to the people we might be tempted to avoid, with the hope of God's mercy and grace that's found for sinners in the Gospel.
In this, the first of three messages looking specifically at the mission of God and out place in it, we are challenged not just by the geographical, but also the relational proximity of what Jesus says in Acts 1:8. As we consider our Jerusalem today, and our hesitation to bring gospel proclamation into it, we're reminded that Jesus not only commissions, but He empowers.
Closing out our series in Paul's Letter to the Ephesians, we're reminded that for those who are in Christ there is an enemy, that there is a spiritual battle, that we are in it, and that Jesus will carry us through in the strength of His might.
Continuing in Ephesians 6, looking at God's vision for His people in every relationship, we're reminded that all of His people are members of His body, male and female, young and old, and slave and free.
In this message we take a look at God's design for the family, and recognize that God sees all of the members of His family, or His church, from the youngest to the oldest, as vital members of His body.
In this message we took a look at the calling on the Christian wife to submit, but we see it within the context of the call on all believers to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Taking a look at this passage for Christian husbands, and considering that Christlike authority looks a lot more like sacrifice than control or dominion, we see Paul painting a picture of Christ and the Church.
As we step into the new year together, our desire and our prayer is that God would form in us a true, Great Commission Church. We want to be found faithful to the commission of Christ to go and make disciples of Jesus Christ of every nation. Our verse for the year not only calls us to action, but gives us a spirit to walk in as we go.
In this message, we take another look at our Verses of the Year for 2021, Jude 20-21, considering what it means to truly contend for the faith in Christ.
The temple in Jerusalem was the center of religious life in the days of Jesus. But He changes that. In this message, we look at Jesus as the Greater Temple, a true and better center of faith and life for His people.
The guarantee is not that Jesus is going to calm every storm that comes our way in this life, but that He will present with us in them, not as a passive observer, but as the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
In this Advent message we look at Jesus as the Greater Light, greater than all others, and what that means for us in the world today.
Looking at some of the major events in the life of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew, this Advent Sermon Series leads us to better understand the nature of the searching human heart, and the answer that's found in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
In our message from Ephesians 5:8-21, we look at the commission of those who are in Christ to walk as those who are in Christ. We're called to intentionally pursue a counter-cultural life as children of the Living God, here in the darkness, walking as children of light, together.
Continuing the journey in Ephesians, we take a look at the calling on God's people to be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Continuing in the Letter of Paul to the Ephesians, God calls on us as His redeemed, new creation sons and daughters to live counter to the culture around us in tangible and visible ways, challenging the Church to truly be an alternative society in the midst of the world.
Living the new life in Jesus Christ necessarily requires a change from the old self to the new self, the new creation identity in Christ. The Apostle Paul uses this illustration of putting off and putting on to communicate the real and tangible change that happens by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
In this passage, we're given a glimpse of the Spiritual Unity of the Church, the Spiritual Diversity of the Church, and how those two things work together for the Spiritual Maturity of the Church, as we all grow in Christ, together.
In this passage, we are given a picture of the Posture, the Petition, and the resulting Praise of missional prayer, and what it means for us in the Church today.
We are blessed to welcome Sammy Rhodes, RUF Campus Minister at The University of South Carolina, to share the Word of the Lord with us from Matthew 11:28-30. For more information about RUF (Reformed University Fellowship), or to support a local campus minister, like Sammy, please visit www.ruf.org.
In this message, we look at The Mystery, The Ministry, and The Motivation of the life of a Christian in the context of the new creation community in Christ.
Jesus came and broke down the dividing wall of hostility between us and God, and between us and ourselves. And now He has given us all access to God, and He has given us all a new identity, and He has given us all a new mission.
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."
This is what God has done for us in Jesus. He has brought us near. He didn't just show us the way. He came and brought us home. So, we can trust Him with today.
In this well-known passage from Ephesians 2, we see how the sin situation in our lives is much worse than we think, how the problem of sin is not so much one that is out there, but one that is in here. And this makes the grace of God in Christ all the more astounding.
In this message, we close out chapter 1 of Ephesians, focusing on Paul's prayer for the saints in Ephesus, a prayer for Christian hope, for them to understand their position as God's chosen inheritance, and for them to know the resurrection power that is at work in them by the Holy Spirit.
The recurring theme or motif through each of the first three movements in Ephesians 1 is the lavish grace and mercy of God in redemption. And the response to that blood-bought redemption is the praise of His glory.
One of the things that's made really clear in the early verses of the Letter of Paul to the Ephesians is that Christ's glory is God's priority. It's that the Father's plan from before the foundation of the world was "to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth."
In this message we take a look at the glorious grace of God in Christ to His people, the Church, and we consider the weight of that grace to a people called and equipped to praise the name of our Savior.
Our first sermon from a new series in the Letter of Paul to the Ephesians, looking at how the twin pillars of this introductory blessing really set the pattern for all that is to come.
A fresh look at our verses of the year for 2021, looking at tangible ways they apply to our core value of Community at Rivercrest.
Our concluding sermon to our series in the book of Jonah, looking at how forgotten grace in the hearts of God's people leads to a neglected mission in the life of the church.
As Jonah recounts the nature and character of God, we're struck by the reality that what he says about God is precisely what seems to be missing from himself.
In this sermon from our series in Jonah, we look at what it means to Take God at His word, to Turn away from our sin, and to Trust in God by faith.
Our sermon from Jonah 3:1-5, seeing how God never gives up, how His mission stays the same, and how we are called to change.
Seeing the relentless love of God for His children, and the reluctant prophets recognition of that from within the belly of the fish.