Sermons: Recent Episodes
Covenant Reformed Church: Missoula, MT
Following the Scriptures in perfect, perpetual obedience is life. Disobedience is death. Where is the "good news" in this?
Dr Luther once said that the Christian is to be a servant of all, especially the fellow believers. Humanity is to live for the glory of God alone. We live for God's with the good works we do for our neighbor.
Rev Karel teaches that instead of debating the doctrines of election and asking if we should believe a better approach is to ask why God revealed it to us. Rev Karel demonstrates from the text that these hotly debated doctrines are actually revealed to us for our comfort. We can take comfort that our failures in Christian walk will not stop God's purposes of saving us or those around us. Pastor's, and others likewise, can rest, knowing that efficacy of their ministry is in God's hands.
Instead of following the culture wars of the left or the right, Rev. Jared Beaird says we should focus on being Biblical, instead.
Pastor Jared preaches about the revelation of the gospel and redemption of God's chosen people in Zechariah's Third Night Vision.
From the text, Rev Karel shows that even the father of faith only has a small beginning of Christian obedience.
Pastor Jared explains how reformation made piety and service to God available to everyone, not just the elites. How should a Christian live their life practically to serve the Lord?
Did God fulfill all his promises to Abraham concerning Israel? Rev Beaird shows that God indeed did fulfill his promises, but a kingdom ran by a sinner was full of sin, and could not stand. This is why in the New Covenant the kingdom is run by a perfect Savior.
How should Christians seek justice and peace in the fallen world? Should we escape the world, reform the world, something else?
Christian has a of ups and downs in sanctification, but a lot of downs. Pastor Jared tells a story of one such a believer whom the Lord blessed not because of his sanctification but because of God meeting the conditions of the conditional covenant.
Sinners are not those outside, unbelievers. The sinners are the people in the church. Believers, lie, gossip, and violate the ninth commandment, sometimes even under the pretense of keeping it.
Christian life is a life of trouble, trials and temptations, yet throughout history people are tempted to comfort suffering believers by telling them to pray more, repent, believe, etc. In Psalm 88 we see a proper approach to deal with suffering.
If all people are totally depraved, why are there many wise and good unbelieving great neighbors, fair judges, smart philosophers? Rev. Jeff Karel explains that these occurrences are totally consistent with the doctrine of total depravity; law of God written on the hearts of all people is often enough to produce civic righteousness. This is, however, not a salvific righteousness before God.
To Christians, it is not necessary to get involved in a ministry. Therefore, Calvinistic work ethic is about doing one's best and working hard.
Moses did not receive the promises of God because he obeyed the law of Moses. He received the blessings and favor of God because of Christ. If it is ever appropriate to "how to be like Moses", then it is in this: just like Moses, look to Christ and away from your own deeds, misdeeds, feelings, circumstances, etc.
What does Scripture mean when it calls sinners as "dead in sin"? Does total depravity mean people are unable to freely choose good or bad? Rev Karel explains that total depravity choose to do everything freely, but always do evil by necessity.
Only two chapters in to the First Book of Kings, which is supposed to describe the kingdom of God, and we see nothing but deceit, malice, murders and other worst sins--at the very top! The son of David who is supposed to be leading and strengthening this kingdom is walking in the steps of his fathers David and Adam, following the example of brother-murdering Cain. The promise of God to David are kept by God on the condition that sons of David's son will faithfully keep God's commandment; the First Book of Kings shows that it is certainly not Solomon who kept these stipulations, but Jesus was the only one who kept these requirements. God's promises are fulfilled only because of Him.
What does it mean to be a Godly man, a man after God's heart like David? David was a man after God's own heart and even on his deathbed, in one breath he displays his reverence for the love of God AND his sinful scheming and covenant breaking. David's life shows that, as the Heidelberg says, "even the holiest have only a small beginning of this obedience." To be a man after God's own heart is to love the Gospel.
What is the secret to overcoming suffering and enjoying life? Some teachings claim that all life is meaningless and we should just live our life as please, getting what we can out of it before we die. Others claim that suffering of loss can be overcome by connecting with God via lengthy prayers, and other spiritual exercises or keeping ourselves from enjoying worldly pleasures and goods. Are any of these views Biblical?
What is the secret to Christians redeeming their community, churches, the world? Is there a secret to having wealthy, health, victory over our struggles? The Ecclesiastes says that wisdom is what will bring better outcomes in these areas. Does it?
According to Rev. Jared Beaird, the passage from today shows that the creation is good and can be enjoyed. However, the creation must not be worshipped. This passage shows us how to enjoy creation without worshipping it.
The grave stone has two dates on it, with the dash between them summarizing our life. That is how meaningless and miserable our life is because of the course. While we still have cultural mandates to work, have children and build families, that is done in pain and--often--with no satisfaction. Our only comfort is that because of Jesus's work, the dash is not permanent.
Reformed soteriology--teachings about salvation and justification--can be summarized with "simul justus et pecator", a Latin phrase meaning "simultaneously just and sinner". How does this view of salvation stand up to the scrutiny of the Scripture texts like 2 Samuel, where David says that God rewarded him for being righteous?
Pastor Jared says that the Scriptures should be read as theological history, not history written in contemporary style. This theology can be told as an old story of the Gospel or the new self-help story.
Belief in the wrath of God has been lost on the moderns. The moderns also see themselves as individual, not represented by anyone. In this passage, however, Jared Beaird shows that Scripture believes that not only is God angry for our actual sins, but also for the original one. When representative of the Israelites sinned, God's wrath turned against all those he represented. Likewise, God's is terribly angry at us for the original sin of Adam, our representative. Jesus, the new representative, gets back in God's favor all those that believe unto Him.
Does Christian need sanctification? Do Christians care about following the law of God? Pastor Jared preaches that sanctification is still about the Gospel. The Gospel gives us sanctification and justification.
Pastor Jared goes through the Golden Chain explaining how the Gospel takes all the way to heaven, always taking care of us on the way there. The common myths about God loving those who help themselves fly in the face of this passage in the Bible. Similarly, this passage makes it clear that those that Christianity is not a religion that relies on the good works of the believers. Instead, it is about putting away the good works because those who the doers of the good works, can not please God, but only those who are in Christ by faith. These who are in Christ's by faith will be found righteous on the last day.
Is it true that "God helps those who help themselves"? According to Jeff Karel, that is terrible theology.
Jeff Karel explains the dangers facing the author of the song of ascent. According to Jeff, this psalm shows that the hill is not where God is and one might get help if he just musters enough strength to climb the hill. Rather, the hill is where the danger, uncertainty, death and devil lurks and God is the keeper and protector as we face those dangers. He is with us, even in the valley.
What is the best way to comfort believers? How can we derive comfort and assurance for ourselves and for others? What--if any! --theological or psychological techniques or methods do we need to use? What if we did not need anything special to derive comfort? Pastor Jared discovers a proven but long forgotten trick taught in Scriptures. No matter how hopeless the case, this tricks always gives hope and comfort to believers.
Pastor Jared explains how a Christian can become a mature disciple. Though this fact was a given to many in the past, to the surprise of the contemporaries, going to church and hearing the preaching of Christ is how one becomes a disciple and a mature Christian. True piety is not from a personal, 15-minute-long devotional, but from a faithful attendance of a true church that preaches Christ.
What do Reformed Christians believe about election and reprobation? Jeff Karel explains when and to whom the doctrine of election should be preached. This doctrine is not for unbelievers, but for the comfort of the church. Jeff also explains what comfort the believers should derive from it.
Pastor Jared describes a story of God's chastisement and deliverance of David. God chastened to preserve David.
Life is full of predicament and application of God's law is not always black and white. Pastor Jared discusses predicaments David faces when deciding how to deal with Absalom, who must die as a punishment for killing his brother.
The story of Amnon and Absalom is the story of God letting men do whatever they want as He delivers them to their own sins.
Intentional sin has no cure. People who sin intentionally are cursed. Believe in Jesus, He was cursed for believers. Believe unto Christ and you shall be saved!
Rev Beaird describes how Palm Sunday shows believers the Gospel, the one that is about what Christ did for our us, as part of his active obedience and sacrifice.
Election is a comforting doctrine. God chooses people not based on works or foreseen works, but God's mercy. Apostle Paul is a great example of this fact.
Jeff Karel gives a brief historical background to Cannons of Dort, a Calvinistic document that summarizes Biblical teachings that are colloquially known as TULIP. Jeff Karel explains why that we need God's mercy, not fairness and why God's severity is justified. Is it true that God loves sinners and hates sin? Take a listen to find out.
Our intern lic. Jeffrey Karel explains wonderfully why Jesus had to suffer hunger and thirst for 40 days.
According to pastor Jared from the story of David and Saul, the Scripture illustrates the difference between the Covenant of Works and the Covenant of Grace.
Jeff Karel explains what it means to pray "forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sinned against us."
Rev Jared Beaird describes proper order in the church and in the home, where Christ is the true Head of the church and home.
Who did Jesus come to save? What did Jesus bring to believers? Rev Beaird demonstrates from the test that in His first coming, Jesus brings forgiveness, salvation and acceptance and justification to the wicked. This "peace on earth" that is promised to us is spiritual. The next coming will bring punishment to the wicked and actual end of suffering and peace.
What does the Bible mean when it calls this as our last days? What does God want believers to do during last days? Why did God send Christ into the world? Why do Christians celebrate Christmas? Pastor Jared Beaird addresses questions related to Christmas.
Jeff Karel teaches in this sermon what the Gospel message is all about. He also explains the practical application of the Gospel message and what it means to be a Gospel person for a believer.
How are Christians to mourn? Is it wrong for Christians to grieve loss? Pastor Jared teaches how to mourn and comfort ourselves and others Biblically.
Christian life is full of sin and misery, but also no more condemnation because of Christ's righteousness. As members of Christ we are to hate sin more and more and not profane the message of the Gospel by not believing it.
What are we to do when we feel like God has forsaken God? If I feel like God is far, does that mean I am a reprobate? Is double predestination true?
Today's passage shows how much God loves and cares for David even during his backsliding. It is not enough for the Lord to protect and save David and his loved ones from danger, he also rewards him with success and riches. And this all while David was in sin.
Pastor Jared describes how we excuse our sins when we do not look to Christ alone for salvation. The religious who do not embrace the Gospel stand in condemnation. Considering themselves to be righteous, they are condemn others while being condemned themselves by the law. We must look past politics to the God's standards, be humbled by it, embrace God's love in Christ alone and then can we be free to love.
Pastor Jared describes the Law and Gospel distinction that church has believed since the founding and which was reaffirmed by the magisterial reformers
Why do Christians go to church on Sunday? Is it sinful to enjoy recreational activities on the Lord's Day? How does Reformed view Lord's Day differ from Presbyterian?
How was David righteous before God? Did David live a perfect life? Even the Godliest of God's people have only small beginning of obedience and are prone to fall and sin. We are declared righteous by God, through faith in Christ. David is no exception.
Pastor Jared explains if it is ok to draw Jesus, what is idolatry and how to worship God properly.
Jesus is the wisdom, purity, and salvation. He was scandalous and promiscuous in declaration of his love towards the worst of sinners
When should we disobey the government? Should we obey COVID quarantine rules? Is COVID a persecution against Christians? How can we honor our government?
How can believers know God's will? How to use the Bible to find out God's will for our life. How to be victorious in Christian life.
How do I know if I am saved? Are all the people who go to church believers? How can I go to heaven if I continue sinning?
Jesus can understand our trails and temptations because as real human He suffered and was tempted; he is one of us.
The story of David and Goliath is not about encouraging us to try to be like David. It is about Jesus Christ, who born into this sinful, defeated our Goliath and we, the trembling people, can look up to Him and take His victory as our own.
God requires that we follow all of His word, not just pick and choose that follow what we like.
We believe that resurrection happened because historically, scientifically, this is the best explanation for the existence of Christianity.
God created the world good, but humans turned away from God do darkness. When Jesus died, he redeemed his people from the darkness; because the sins of His people were on Jesus, God turned away from Him and the day became dark. When Jesus died, the veil that kept God away from people was torn.
God works to save and bless His people, not because of their efforts and plans because even when we do plan, our plans our terrible. As was the case with the Israelites, God does not save us for our own might or strength but because of His own purpose and strength. Salvation is of the Lord!
Without God's word we guide ourselves to destruction. Saul, the leader of God's people, violated the covenant which requires perfect obedience to receive blessings and hope. After violating this works-based covenant, Saul received what all people who rely on works receive: despair defeat, death. God's gracious promise of being faithful to his faithless people is what sustained Israelites in these desperate times.
By Christ's obedience, many are made righteous according to the Scriptures. Justification, therefore, is perfectly completed by Christ alone. Many, however, subtly would have us look away from Christ.
Pastor Jared addresses some burning questions in this sermon. Why does God allow suffering? If God is all powerful and all good, why does evil exists? If God loves His people, why do they suffer?
This sermon affirms that God defeats our enemies because Jesus slayed the dragon, so victory will be ours.
The Gospel proclaims that for the sake of Christ, God watches out for our good. Nothing can hinder salvation and the good of believers in Christ
Pastor Jared discusses signs of true church, covenant theology. Did Israelites receive salvation by a promise or by keeping the law?
Why is it important to believe the doctrine of trinity. Who can satisfy God's wrath for my sins?
Rev Jared Beaird discusses dating red flags and how God's grace works despite our failures and red flags.
Rev. Jared Beaird discusses how a person can find peace of conscience before God through the promises of the Gospel and active obedience of Christ.
What does it mean to be holy? Why do godly parents raise ungodly children? How can I honor God when discussing politics?
What is Godly sorrow? What is true repentance? Are Christians saved by repentance? Reformed preacher Rev. Jared Beaird address these and many more questions in this sermon.
What must I do to be saved? Are Christians saved by works? Rev. Jared Beaird explains the Gospel.
Rev. Jared Beaird discusses importance of going to a church with proper worship, theology, church discipline,, etc.
Why does God punish sin? What is the punishment for sinning? These and other questions are answered by Rev. Jared Beaird, a protestant pastor.
Without God's revelation and without understanding of God's word, people stumble blindly into false religions and follow gods made in our own image. Why is Sola Scriptura so important?
What is unpardonable sin? Have I committed unpardonable sin? Why have church discipline? How can I make sure God forgave me? These and other questions are answered in Rev Jared Beaird's sermon.