Mid Cities OPC: Recent Episodes
Mid Cities OPC
The sermons of Pastor Joseph L. Troutman and other guest preachers, Sunday School lessons, and DFW Reformation Conference audio.
On Sunday, June 9, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Philadelphia" from Revelation 3:7-13.
"Jesus has opened a way to his people no one is able to shut, and access is given to those upon whom God's name is written."
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The Open Door (vs. 7-8)
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Learn that God has Loved You (vs. 9-10)
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A Pillar in the Temple (vs. 11-13)
On Sunday, June 2, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Strengthened by Grace" from 2 Timothy 2:1-2.
"Jesus entrusted the gospel to faithful men so you would hear it, believe in him, and worship him."
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Strength Training (v. 1)
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Passing It On (v. 2)
On Sunday, May 26, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Sardis" from Revelation 3:1-6.
"Jesus wakes his people from spiritual slumber so our names are safe in the Book of Life."
- Alive, but Dead (vs. 1,2)
“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.
“‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.
- Surprise Return (v. 3)
3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.
- Indelibly Written (vs. 4-6)
4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
On Sunday, May 19, 2024, Rev. Todd Dole preached "Life in the Blood o Jesus" from Leviticus 17.
On Sunday, May 12, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Thyatira" from Revelation 2:18-29.
"Jesus will purify his church, but also promises that the ones who hold fast will reign with him in his kingdom."
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Blazing Eyes and Bronze Feet (v. 18)
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The Seduction of Christ's Servants (vs. 19-23)
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The Rest will Rule (vs. 24-29)
On Sunday, May 12, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman concluded an ongoing discussion on the issue of women in ministry with some instruction from 1 Timothy 2:12.
Followed by the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8:1-8), The Purpose of the Parables (vs. 9-15) and A Lamp Under a Jar (vs. 19-18).
On Sunday, May 5, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Testing of Your Faith" from 1 Peter 1:6-9.
"You will face pain and suffering in this life, but you can rejoice in the midst of it because Jesus Christ suffered and died for you."
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For a Little While (v. 6)
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Genuine Faith is Tested Faith (v. 7)
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By Faith, Not by Sight (vs. 8-9)
On Sunday, May 5, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman lead a discussion covering the Parable of the Sower in Luke 8:1-15.
On Sunday, April 28, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Pergamum" from Revelation 2:12-17.
On Sunday, April 14, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Smyrna" from Revelation 2:8-11.
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On Sunday, April 7, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Ephesus" from Revelation 2:1-7.
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On Sunday, April 7, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman lead a discussion regarding Luke 7:18-50.
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On Sunday, March 31, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "He Died, But is Alive Forevermore" from Revelation 1:1-20.
"Because Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, he is here with us, giving us hope in our own resurrection from the dead."
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On the First Day (John 20:1)
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He is Not Here, for He is Risen (Matthew 28:6)
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Firstborn of the Dead (Revelation 1:5)
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On Sunday, March 31, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman lead a discussion from Luke 6:46-7:17.
The Wise and Foolish Builders (6:46-49)
The Faith of the Centurion (7:1-10)
Jesus Raises a Widow's Son (7:11-17)
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"On Palm Sunday, Jesus was greeted as royalty, but on Friday, he would be crucified to save his people from every nation."
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Palm Sunday (vs. 12-13)
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The King Rides In (vs. 14-16)
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Continuing Witness (vs. 17-19)
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On Sunday, March 24, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman lead a discussion on Luke 6:43-45.
First, we finished discussing the previous section on "Judging Others" (vs. 37-42), then we discussed the section on "A Tree and Its Fruit" (vs. 43-45).
On Sunday, March 17, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "A Visit on the Lord's Day" from Revelation 1:9-20.
"Jesus, the Word incarnate, is the Almighty God who drives away fear because he died and is alive forevermore."
- A Partner on Patmos (vs. 9-11)
I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”
- The Sun Shining on the Seven (vs. 12-20)
Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
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On Sunday, March 17, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman lead a discussion centered on Luke 6:37-42.
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On Sunday, March 10, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Those Who Pierced Him" from Revelation 1:7,8.
"The one who was pierced for our iniquities is coming in full power and glory to vindicate his people and vanquish his enemies."
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God's Chariot (v. 7a)
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For Our Transgressions (v. 7b)
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El Shaddai (v. 8)
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On Sunday, March 10, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman lead a discussion on Luke 6:27-42.
Love for Enemies (vs. 27-36)
Judging Others (vs. 37-42)
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On Sunday, March 3, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "By His Blood" from Revelation 1:4-6.
"Christ's church manifests the Kingdom of God on earth, and he has given the victory over sin and Satan by his grace and blood."
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Trinitarian Greetings (vs. 4-5a)
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Defeat by Death (vs. 5b-6)
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On Sunday, March 3, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman lead a discussion on Luke 6:12-20.
The Twelve Apostles (vs. 12-16)
Blessings and Woes (vs. 17-26)
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On Sunday, February 25, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "John the Revelator" from Revelation 1:1-3.
"The Book of Revelation is a great blessing to those who hear, read and obey it, especially those who are suffering for their faith in Jesus Christ."
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Soon Taking Place (v. 1)
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Bearing Witness (v. 2)
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God of Blessing (v. 3)
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On Sunday, February 25, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman lead a discussion on fasting and the Sabbath day in Luke 5:33-6:11.
The friends of the Bridegroom do not need to fast while he is with them.
The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath, and he ordains the lawfulness of works of necessity (eating) and mercy (healing) on the Sabbath.
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On Sunday, February 18, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "King Over All the Earth" from Zechariah 14:6-11.
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On Sunday, February 18, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman lead a discussion on Luke 5:16-32.
Reviewed Jesus Cleansing a Leper (vs. 12-16)
Jesus Heals a Paralytic (vs. 17-26)
Jesus Calls Levi (vs. 27-32)
On Sunday, February 11, 2024, Mr. Brandon Luter, deacon at Christ OPC in Flower Mound, Texas, and a candidate under care of the Presbytery of the Southwest, preached "In It for the Long Haul" from Philippians 2.
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On Sunday, February 11, 2024, Mr. John West lead a discussion on God's Creation of Man and His Works of Providence from the Westminster Shorter Catechism Questions and Answers 10 and 11.
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On Sunday, February 4, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "We Can Work It Out" from Philippians 2:12-18.
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
On Sunday, February 4, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman lead a discussion over the contents of Luke 5:1-16.
Jesus Calls the First Disciples (vs. 1-11)
Jesus Cleanses a Leper (vs. 12-16)
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On Sunday, January 28, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Destruction of Death" from 2 Timothy 1:8-12a.
"Jesus Christ destroyed death for everyone who believes in him by obtaining victory over the grave by the power of his resurrection."
- Be Not Ashamed (v. 8)
"8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, . . . "
- A Holy Calling (v. 9)
" . . . 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, . . . "
- The Death of Death (vs. 10-12a)
" . . . 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do."mcopc.org/podcast
On Sunday, January 28, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman lead a discussion on Jesus's human nature and his "impeccability," or inability to sin, and then on the beginning of Jesus's teaching ministry, rejection in Nazareth, and his healing of a man with an unclean demon and Simon's mother-in-law in Capernaum.
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On Sunday, January 14, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "For the Sake of the Name" from 3 John 5-8.
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On Sunday, January 7, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman lead a discussion on Jesus's childhood narratives in Luke 2:1-52:
The Birth of Jesus Christ (vs. 1-7)
What are differences in the way God uses his power compared to how humans use theirs?
Caesar Augustus was considered a relatively fair emperor; but his power is tainted by sin, yet God's power is not, and uses human self-centered power to accomplish his good ends.
Micah 5;1-2
When abuse of power is carried out in Christ's name, it is more heinous than when a pagan abuses power.
The Shepherds and the Angels (vs. 8-21)
Jesus Presented at the Temple (vs. 22-38)
Mary and Joseph's presenting Jesus at the Temple bears implicit parallels to Hannah's consecrating Samuel to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:24-28).
Simeon's (v. 32) reference to the Gentiles reminds the readers that God's covenant was always intended to extend to them as well as to the Jews. Significant when the fact that the gospel writer Luke himself may very well have been a Gentile.
The Return to Nazareth (vs. 39-40)
The Boy Jesus in the Temple (vs. 41-52)
Discussion of Jesus in adolescence and reflecting on our own.
What was the significance of Jesus's statement about his need to be in his Father's house? He knows he has a mission and is expressing it to his parents.
On Sunday, January 7, 2024, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "No Greater Joy" from 3 John 1-4.
"Jesus Christ is the Truth in whom we must believe, but he is also the Truth in which we must walk."
- Greetings and a Prayer (vs. 1-2)
"1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. 2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul."
- Walking in the Truth (vs. 3-4)"3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."
On Sunday, December 31, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Hear, O Israel" from John 10:22-30."Jesus Christ, of one substance with the Father, is the Good Shepherd from whose hand no one can snatch his sheep."1. Insufficiency of Evidence (vs. 22-26)22 At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 2. Faith Comes from Hearing (v. 27)27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.3. The Strength of the Shepherd (vs. 28-30)28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”mcopc.org/podcast
On Sunday, December 24, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "He Was Called Jesus" from Luk 2:1-21.
"Caesar Augustus rose from a seemingly humble beginning to near universal power; the Son of God gave up universal power to have a humble beginning."
The Decree Behind the Decree (vs. 1-7)
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.2. Angels on High (vs. 8-20)
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
- God is Salvation (v. 21)
21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.mcopc.org/podcast
On Sunday, December 17, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Son of the Most High" from Luke 1:26-38.
"God's Son, begotten from all eternity, took up human flesh, being born of a virgin, to cover the sins of his people."
- The Favored One (vs. 26-33)
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
- The Virgin Birth (vs. 34-38)
34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
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On Sunday, December 17, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman taught on "The Birth of Jesus Foretold," from Luke 1:26-80.
On Sunday, December 10, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Communion of the Saints" from Colossians 4:7-18.
7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”
18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
On Sunday, December 10, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman taught on the Birth of John the Baptist Foretold from Luke 1:5-25.
5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.
8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”
18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.
24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”
On Sunday, December 3, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Gracious and Seasoned" from Colossians 4:5-6.
- Seize the Day (v. 5)
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.
2. Sweet and Savory (v. 6)
6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
On Sunday, December 3, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman introduced a new teaching series on the Gospel of Luke in the adult Sunday school class.
1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
On Sunday, November 26, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "I Am the Bread of Life" from John 6:30-35.
"Those who believe in Jesus Christ will never again have spiritual hunger, because he is I AM, the Giver and Sustainer of life."
- That We May See
30 So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
- True Bread
32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”
- I AM
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
On Sunday, November 26, 2023, Rev. Robert Mossotti concluded his critique of the Federal Vision movement.
On Sunday, November 19, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Keeping Watch by Praying" from Colossians 4:2-4.
"God uses your prayers to accomplish his purposes, so be steadfast in prayer."
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Watch and Pray (v. 2)
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The Mystery Made Known (vs. 3-4)
On Sunday, November 19, 2023, Rev. Robert Mossotti instructed the adult Sunday school class in a critique of the Federal Vision movement.
On Sunday, November 12, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Labor Relations" from Colossians 3:18-4:1.
"Slaves, though essential equal with their masters, are for a time called to serve their masters as for the Lord, knowing they have an inheritance waiting."
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The Elephant in the Room
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Motivation for Service (vs. 3:22-25)
On Sunday, November 12, 2023, Rev. Robert Mossotti offered a critique of the New Perspective on Paul in the adult Sunday School class.
On Sunday, November 5, 2023, Rev. Todd Dole preached "All Things Beautiful" from Ecclesiastes 3:1-15.
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On Sunday, October 29, 2023, Dr. Tony Curto preached "Keeping the Heart" from Proverbs 4:23.
Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.mcopc.org/podcast
On Sunday, November 5, 2023, Rev. Robert Mossotti taught on Sanctification and Union with Christ in adult Sunday School.
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On Sunday, October 29, 2023, Rev. Robert Mossotti taught "Justification and Sanctification: Rome vs. the Reformed View" in adult Sunday School.
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On Saturday, October 28, 2023, Dr. Tony Curto delivered the third and final lecture, "John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress" at the Dallas/Fort Worth Reformation Conference.
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On Saturday, October 28, 2023, Dr. Tony Curto delivered Lecture 02, "The Puritans as Pastor-Theologians" at the Dallas/Fort Worth Reformation Conference: "God-Centered: The Spirituality and Impact of the English Puritans."
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On Friday, October 27, 2023, Dr. Tony Curto delivered the opening lecture "The Puritans: A Religious or Political Movement?" at the eighth annual Dallas/Fort Worth Reformation Conference: "God-Centered: The Spirituality and Impact of the English Puritans."
mcopc.org/podcast
On Sunday, October 22, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Parents and Children" from Colossians 3:20-21.
"The Old Testament's harsh punishment on disobedient children has been replaced by parental love that reflects the grace of the gospel."
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Childlike Obedience (v. 20)
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Fatherlike Love (v. 21)
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On Sunday, October 22, 2023, Rev. Robert Mossotti taught on the subject of the Covenant of Works in Sunday School.
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On Sunday, October 8, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Thinking and Doing" from Philippians 4:8-9.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
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On Sunday, October 8, Rev. Robert Mossotti discussed the relationship between God's sovereign grace and human free will as it is related to the doctrine of salvation.mcopc.org/podcast
On Sunday, Pastor Joe Troutman preached “Infallible Assurance” (1 John 5:13-17)
“True believers in Jesus Christ may be infallibly assured that they are in a state of grace and will persevere to eternal life.”
That you may know (v. 13)
The Power of prayer (vs. 14-15)
The deathly sin (vs. 16-17)
On Sunday, September 17, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Have This Mind Among Yourselves" from Philippias 2:5-11.
"Jesus Christ humbled himself to set you free from your enslavement to your selfish desires so that you can humbly serve others."
- Humble Yourselves (v. 5)
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus , , ,
- Christ's Humiliation (vs. 6-8)
. . . 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
- Christ's Exaltation (vs. 9-11)9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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On Sunday, September 10, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "A Heavenly Perspective in Action" from Colossians 3:12-15.
"In love God chose you as his holy ones for the purpose of putting on a new wardrobe fitting for those who are made new in Christ."
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Christlike Graces (v. 12) 12Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience . . .
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Christlike Responses (v. 13)
. . . 13bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
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Christlike Love (v. 14) 14And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
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Christlike Peace (v. 15) 15And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
On Sunday, September 3, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Knowledge and the Image of God" from Colossians 3:7-11.
"Because you are in Christ, the sins that were native to your old self are unnatural now and must be put away."
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A Sinner's Life
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Putting Away
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On Sunday, August 20, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Death and Glory in Christ" from Colossians 3:3-4.
"Because we are united to Christ, in him we died to sin, were raised to life and will live forever in his glory."
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The Hidden Life (v. 3) "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
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The Glorious Appearance (v. 4) "When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
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On Sunday, August 13, 2023, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached "Jonah's Baptism" from Jonah 2:1-10.
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On Sunday, August 6, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Raised with Christ" from Colossians 3:1-2.
"Because you have been raised with Jesus Christ and ascended to heavenly places, you have resurrection power to obey God's commands.
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Placement (v. 1a)
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Perspective (v. 1b)
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Practice (v. 2)
On Sunday, July 30, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "What God Has Made Clean" from Colossians 2:20-23.
"To be truly clean means you've died with Christ and have been brought to life by the Holy Spirit."
- Elementary, My Dear (v. 20a)
20If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, . . .
- Irregular Regulations (vs. 20b-22)
. . . why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21“Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22(referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings?
- Pathetic Ascetics (v. 23)
23These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
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On Sunday, July 23, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Growth in Christ" from Colossians 2:18-19.
"If, by having faith in Jesus Christ, you are connected to him as your head, you will grow in full maturity in your faith."
- Mystics, Ascetics, and Heretics (v. 18a)
18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, . . .
- An Entrance to Entrancement (v. 18b)
. . . going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, . . .
- Christ Is Formed in You (v. 19)
. . . 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.
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midcitiesopc
On Sunday, July 16, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Our God is With Us" from Job 38:1-3.
Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:
2 “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
3 Dress for action like a man;
I will question you, and you make it known to me.
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On Sunday, July 9, 2023, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached "A Man of Innocent Blood" from Jonah 1:1-17.
1 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.
4 But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up. 5 Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep. 6 So the captain came and said to him, “What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call out to your god! Perhaps the god will give a thought to us, that we may not perish.”
7 And they said to one another, “Come, let us cast lots, that we may know on whose account this evil has come upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 Then they said to him, “Tell us on whose account this evil has come upon us. What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?” 9 And he said to them, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” 10 Then the men were exceedingly afraid and said to him, “What is this that you have done!” For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them.
11 Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you, that the sea may quiet down for us?” For the sea grew more and more tempestuous. 12 He said to them, “Pick me up and hurl me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you, for I know it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you.” 13 Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea grew more and more tempestuous against them. 14 Therefore they called out to the Lord, “O Lord, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O Lord, have done as it pleased you.” 15 So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. 16 Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows.
17 And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
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On Sunday, July 2, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Shadows and Substance" from Colossians 2:16-17.
"God instituted the Sabbath so that the rest we enjoy one day each week would point to the eternal rest we receive from Christ."
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Food and Drink, Festivals and Days
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Worship and Rest
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Day of Resurrection
16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
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On Sunday, June 25, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Signs of the Covenant" from Colossians 2:11-15.
"Circumcision and baptism are signs that point to the wrath of God on sinners and the promise of God that all who believe in Jesus are raised in him."
- Made Without Hands (v. 11)
11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,
- Buried and Raised with Him (vs. 12-15)
12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
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On Sunday, June 18, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Following Jesus Through the Storm" from Matthew 8:18-27.
"Jesus committed himself to die on the cross in our place so that we would be able to follow him through the storms of life."
- To Follow Jesus (vs. 18-20)
18 Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. 19 And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” 20 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
- The Cost (vs. 21-24)
21 Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 22 And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.” 23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep
- What Sort of Man? (vs. 25-27)
. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
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On Sunday, June 4, 2023, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached, "The Good News and the Bad News" from Romans 6:23.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23 ESV)
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On Sunday, May 28, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "The Dwelling Place of God" from Colossians 2:8-10.
"Right now and forevermore, the fullness of deity dwells bodily in Jesus Christ, which means he's forever united to us, and we to him."
- No Captor But Christ (v. 8)
8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
- The House of God (vs. 9-10)
9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
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On Sunday, May 21, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Root and Fruit" from Colossians 2:6-7.
"The good news that rooted you in Jesus Christ also causes you to bear fruit for his glory."
- As You Received Him (v. 6)
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him . . .
- Trees That Walk (v. 7)
. . . 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
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On Sunday, May 14, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Knowing the Mystery" from Colossians 2:1-5.
"God makes us mature by knitting us together in love and giving us understanding of who Christ is and what he has done."
- Struggle to Encourage (vs. 1-2a)
1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love,
- Assurance of Understanding (vs. 2b-4)
to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.
- Decently and in Good Order (v. 5)
5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
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On Sunday, May 7, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Confessing Christ" from Matthew 10:26-33.
"Have no fear when you confess your faith in Christ to others, because your Father who has power over life and death loves you."
- Proclaim! (vs. 26-27)
26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
- Proper Fear (vs. 28-31)
28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
- Confession or Denial (vs. 32-33)
32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
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On Sunday, April 30, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Christ in You, the Hope of Glory" from Colossians 1:24-29.
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
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On Sunday, April 23, 2023, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached "The Parable of the Sower" from Luke 8:1-15.
1 Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.
4 And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable, 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. 8 And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
9 And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, 10 he said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that ‘seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’ 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. 14 And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. 15 As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
On Sunday, April 16, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "From Hostile to Holy" from Colossians 1:21-23.
"The wrath of God upon the Son of God has reconciled sinful men and women to the holy God."
- Alienated and Evil (v. 21)
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,
- Restored Above Reproach (v. 22)
22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,
- A Long Obedience in the Same Direction (v. 23)
23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
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On Sunday, April 9, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Part 2: The Firstborn from the Dead" from (Colossians 1:18-20).
"When Jesus Christ conquered death, he showed the world that he is the everlasting Son of God, and he carried us with him from death to life."
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In the Beginning
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Darkness Over the Deep
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Let There Be Light
18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
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On Sunday, April 2, 2023 Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Part 1: By the Blood of His Cross" from Colossians 1:18-20.
"Jesus Christ made peace between us and God by uniting himself to us as a head is united to a body, shedding his blood for us and rising again."
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For Our Sake God Bled
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The God Who Died is the Head of the Church
18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.mcopc.org/podcast
On Sunday, March 26, 2023 Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Imaging the Invisible" from Colossians 1:15-17.
"Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, infallibly makes God known to us so that we might worship and have joy in the triune God forever."
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Invisible, Yet Visible (v. 15)
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Uncreated, Yet Born of a Creature (vs. 16-17).
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
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On Sunday, March 19, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "From God's Wisdom to Our Walk" from Colossians 1:9-14. "God gives wisdom to his people in order for us to be built up into his spiritual temple." 1. Knowledge, Wisdom and Understanding (v. 9)2. A Worthy Manner (vs. 10-12)3. Out of Darkness (vs. 13-14)9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks[a] to the Father, who has qualified you[b] to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
On Sunday, March 12, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Power of the Gospel" from Colossians 1:5b-8.
"The gospel of Jesus Christ is foolishness to those who refuse to believe, but for those who trust in Jesus it is the very power of God himself.
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The Word of the Truth (v. 5b)
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God-Given Growth (v. 6)
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A Minister of Christ (vs. 7-8)
5b Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
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On Sunday, March 5, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Faith, Hope and Love" from Colossians 1:3-5a.
"Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ gives us the sure hope of everlasting life which causes us to love all saints."
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Always Thankful (v. 3)
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Reports of Faith (v. 4)
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An Imperishable H ope (v. 5a)
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The Fruit of Love
3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5because of the hope laid up for you in heaven.
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On Sunday, February 26, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman introduced his exposition of the book of Colossians by preaching "Apostolic Greetings and Salutations" from Colossians 1:1-2.
"The sovereign grace that called Paul to be an apostle is the same sovereign grace that called you to repent and believe in Jesus Christ."
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By the Will of God (v. 1)
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To the Saints (v. 2a)
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Grace and Peace (v. 2b)
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On Sunday, February 19, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "David: A Life Remembered for Our Instruction" from 1 Samuel 13:11-15.
In the history of David's life we are shown how awful David's sins were, and how great God's salvation is.
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A Man in Full
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A Type of Christ
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A Man After God's Own Heart
11Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash, 12I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the Lord.’ So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.” 13And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” 15And Samuel arose and went up from Gilgal. The rest of the people went up after Saul to meet the army; they went up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin.
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On Sunday, February 12, 2023, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached "Something New Under the Sun" from Luke 24:13-27.
13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
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On Sunday, February 5, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "The Burdens of Others" from Galatians 6:1-5.
"Jesus Christ bore the burden of our sin and guilt on the cross, and we must bear the burden of our brothers and sisteres in Christ."
- Bearing Each Others' Burdens (vs. 1-2)
1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
- Bearing Your Own Load (v. 3-5)
3For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5For each will have to bear his own load.
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On Sunday, January 29, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "The Power of the Sword" from 1 Kings 2:13-46.
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On Sunday, January 22, 2023, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached, "Ascribe Ye Strength unto God" from Psalm 68:34a.mcopc.org/podcast
On Sunday, January 15, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "The Son Who Did Learn Obedience" from 1 Kings 2:1-12.
"Jesus Christ, the Son of God, co-equal in power with the Father and the Holy Spirit, learned obedience to his Father in order to save sinners."
- Commands He Couldn't Keep (vs. 1-4)
1 When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, 2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, 3 and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, 4 that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’
- Unfinished Business (vs. 5-9)
5 “Moreover, you also know what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, how he dealt with the two commanders of the armies of Israel, Abner the son of Ner, and Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed, avenging in time of peace for blood that had been shed in war, and putting the blood of war on the belt around his waist and on the sandals on his feet. 6 Act therefore according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. 7 But deal loyally with the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for with such loyalty they met me when I fled from Absalom your brother. 8 And there is also with you Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse on the day when I went to Mahanaim. But when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the Lord, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’ 9 Now therefore do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You will know what you ought to do to him, and you shall bring his gray head down with blood to Sheol.”
- David at Rest (vs. 10-12)
10 Then David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David. 11 And the time that David reigned over Israel was forty years. He reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 12 So Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established.
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On Sunday, January 8, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Horns of a Dilemma" from 1 Kings 1:41-53.
"The Lord's King sits on the Throne and even his enemies pay homage to him."
- Jonathan's Report (vs. 41-47)
41 Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they finished feasting. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, “What does this uproar in the city mean?” 42 While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. And Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a worthy man and bring good news.” 43 Jonathan answered Adonijah, “No, for our lord King David has made Solomon king, 44 and the king has sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites. And they had him ride on the king's mule. 45 And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king at Gihon, and they have gone up from there rejoicing, so that the city is in an uproar. This is the noise that you have heard. 46 Solomon sits on the royal throne. 47 Moreover, the king's servants came to congratulate our lord King David, saying, ‘May your God make the name of Solomon more famous than yours, and make his throne greater than your throne.’ And the king bowed himself on the bed.
- God has Given (vs. 48)
48 And the king also said, ‘Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who has granted someone to sit on my throne this day, my own eyes seeing it.’”
- A Desperate Plea (vs. 49-53)
49 Then all the guests of Adonijah trembled and rose, and each went his own way. 50 And Adonijah feared Solomon. So he arose and went and took hold of the horns of the altar. 51 Then it was told Solomon, “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, for behold, he has laid hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me first that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’” 52 And Solomon said, “If he will show himself a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth, but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.” 53 So King Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and paid homage to King Solomon, and Solomon said to him, “Go to your house.”
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On Sunday, December 18, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Long-Awaited King" from Matthew 1:1-17.
1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, 4 and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of David the king.
And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, 7 and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, 8 and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, 9 and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10 and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, 11 and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.
12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, 15 and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.
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On Sunday, January 1, 2023, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "The True King Has Come!" from Matthew 2:1-12.
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
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On Sunday, December 11, 2022, Rev. Joe Keller preached "A Bold and Joyful Witness to Christ" from Acts 6:8-7:60.
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The Witness of the Apostles (Acts 4-5)
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The Witness of Stephen (Acts 6-7)
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The Witness of the Disciples (Acts 8:1-4; 11:19-20; 1 Peter 3:13-16)
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On Sunday, December 4, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "A Long-Awaited Son" from Ruth 4:13-22.
God sovereignly oversees all things, even the suffering in our lives, in order to carry out his great plan of salvation.
- The Birth of a Son (v. 13)
13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son.
- A Blessing to Naomi (vs. 14-16)
14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! 15 He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” 16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse.
- A Bigger Picture (vs. 17-22)
17 And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. 18 Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, 19 Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, 20 Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, 21 Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, 22 Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.
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On Sunday, November 27, 2022, Rev. Joe Keller preached "A Generous and Growing Church" from Acts 2:42-27 (CSB).
42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.
43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. 44Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. 45They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
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On Sunday, November 20, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Partners in the Gospel" from Philippians 1:3-5.
3I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
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On Sunday, November 13, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "An Oath Fulfilled" from 1 Kings 1:28-40.
"The Lord redeemed David to ensure that David's future Son would come to redeem sinners like you and me."
- As Yahweh Lives (vs. 28-31)
28 Then King David answered, “Call Bathsheba to me.” So she came into the king's presence and stood before the king. 29 And the king swore, saying, “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my soul out of every adversity, 30 as I swore to you by the Lord, the God of Israel, saying, ‘Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place,’ even so will I do this day.” 31 Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the ground and paid homage to the king and said, “May my lord King David live forever!”
- Fulfilling the Oath (vs. 32-37)
32 King David said, “Call to me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king. 33 And the king said to them, “Take with you the servants of your lord and have Solomon my son ride on my own mule, and bring him down to Gihon. 34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet there anoint him king over Israel. Then blow the trumpet and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ 35 You shall then come up after him, and he shall come and sit on my throne, for he shall be king in my place. And I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.” 36 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, “Amen! May the Lord, the God of my lord the king, say so. 37 As the Lord has been with my lord the king, even so may he be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.”
- The King Anointed (vs. 38-40)
38 So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David's mule and brought him to Gihon. 39 There Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tent and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the trumpet, and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!” 40 And all the people went up after him, playing on pipes, and rejoicing with great joy, so that the earth was split by their noise.
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On Sunday, November 6, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Chief Shepherd and His Flock" from 1 Peter 5;1-5.
"To the elders: Shepherd the flock God has given you; To the members: Be shepherded by the elders God has given you; to all: clothe yourselves with humility."
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Shepherd
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Members
On Sunday, October 30, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Bringing Peace to the Throne" from 1 Kings 1:11-27.
"Jesus Christ brings true peace between God and Man because he is the Prince of Peace who sits on the Throne."
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Giver of Good Advice (vs. 1-14)
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Reminder of the Oath (vs. 15-21)
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Player for Peace (vs. 22-27)
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On Sunday, October 23, 2022, Rev. Joe Keller preached, "Indwelling Spirit: New Creation Begun" from Acts 2.
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On Sunday, October 16, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Putting on Heirs" from 1 Kings 1:1-10.
"Though every earthly government and institution will come to an end, Jesus Christ reigns over a Kingdom that will have no end."
- A Double-Seasoned Saint (vs. 1-4)
1 Now King David was old and advanced in years. And although they covered him with clothes, he could not get warm. 2 Therefore his servants said to him, “Let a young woman be sought for my lord the king, and let her wait on the king and be in his service. Let her lie in your arms, that my lord the king may be warm.” 3 So they sought for a beautiful young woman throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 4 The young woman was very beautiful, and she was of service to the king and attended to him, but the king knew her not.
- Self-Exaltation of an Heir (vs. 5-10)
5 Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. 6 His father had never at any time displeased him by asking, “Why have you done thus and so?” He was also a very handsome man, and he was born next after Absalom. 7 He conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest. And they followed Adonijah and helped him. 8 But Zadok the priest and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and Nathan the prophet and Shimei and Rei and David's mighty men were not with Adonijah.
9 Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened cattle by the Serpent's Stone, which is beside En-rogel, and he invited all his brothers, the king's sons, and all the royal officials of Judah, 10 but he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the mighty men or Solomon his brother.
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On Sunday, October 9, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "An Altar to the Lord" from 2 Samuel 24:18-25.
"Just as Israel was under the curse of a plague, we were under the curse of eternal punishment in hell, but Jesus took our punishment on himself."
- The Threshing Floor of Araunah (vs. 18-20)
18 And Gad came that day to David and said to him, “Go up, raise an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” 19 So David went up at Gad's word, as the Lord commanded. 20 And when Araunah looked down, he saw the king and his servants coming on toward him. And Araunah went out and paid homage to the king with his face to the ground.
- Bought for a Price (vs. 21-24)
21 And Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” David said, “To buy the threshing floor from you, in order to build an altar to the Lord, that the plague may be averted from the people.” 22 Then Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take and offer up what seems good to him. Here are the oxen for the burnt offering and the threshing sledges and the yokes of the oxen for the wood. 23 All this, O king, Araunah gives to the king.” And Araunah said to the king, “May the Lord your God accept you.” 24 But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
- An Offering Pleasing to the Lord (v. 25)
25 And David built there an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord responded to the plea for the land, and the plague was averted from Israel.
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On Saturday, October 1, 2022, Dr. Gregory K. Beale delivered his third lecture at our eighth annual DFW Reformation Conference.
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On Saturday, October 1, 2022, Dr. Gregory K. Beale delivered his second lecture at our eighth annual DFW Reformation Conference.
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On Friday, September 30, 2022, Dr. Gregory K. Beale delivered the first of three lectures at our eighth annual DFW Reformation Conference. "Symbols in Revelation will either sedate us, or they will shock us into the reality of our faith." mcopc.org/podcast
On Sunday, October 2, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "An Unexpected Advance of the Gospel" from Philippians 1:12-14.
12I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
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On Sunday, September 25, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Saints in the Hands of a Merciful God," from 2 Samuel 24:10-17.
"Whether in bitterly hard times, or in times of great joy, it is better to be in the hands of the Lord than anywhere else."
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Try Sorrow for Sin
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The Lord's Choice
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Sin's Consequence
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The Mercy of the Lord
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On Sunday, September 18, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Jesus Knows What Is In Man" from John 2:23-25.
"Despite the fact that Jesus knew the sinfulness in us, he willingly died on the cross to save us."
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Divine Knowledge: Theology
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To Trust, Or Not to Trust?: Anthropology
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Still, He Came: Soteriology
23Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. 24But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. (ESV)
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On Sunday, September 11, 2022, Rev. Joe Keller preached, "The Life and Legacy of Abel" from Genesis 4:1-8.
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A Fallen, Frustrating, and Futile World (Genesis 3)
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Seemingly, a Fruitless, Fleeting, and Futile Life (Genesis 4:1-8; Ecclesiastes 1)
4 The man was intimate with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain. She said, “I have had a male child with the Lord’s help.” 2 She also gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel became a shepherd of flocks, but Cain worked the ground. 3 In the course of time Cain presented some of the land’s produce as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also presented an offering—some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. The Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but he did not have regard for Cain and his offering. Cain was furious, and he looked despondent.
6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you furious? And why do you look despondent? 7 If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”
8 Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. (CSB)
- Lives and World Set Free from Futility (Hebrews 11:4; Romans 8:18-23; 1 Corinthians 15:48-58; Hebrews 12:22-29; 13:15-16)
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On Sunday, September 4, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "The Measurement of Power" from 2 Samuel 24:1-9.
"God is good, God is sovereign, and God can use even the sinful deeds of men to carry out his purposes."
- Kindled Anger (v. 1)
1 Again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, “Go, number Israel and Judah” (cf. 1 Chronicles 21:1).
- Playing at Power (vs. 2-9)
2 So the king said to Joab, the commander of the army, who was with him, “Go through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and number the people, that I may know the number of the people.” 3 But Joab said to the king, “May the Lord your God add to the people a hundred times as many as they are, while the eyes of my lord the king still see it, but why does my lord the king delight in this thing?” 4 But the king's word prevailed against Joab and the commanders of the army. So Joab and the commanders of the army went out from the presence of the king to number the people of Israel. 5 They crossed the Jordan and began from Aroer, and from the city that is in the middle of the valley, toward Gad and on to Jazer. 6 Then they came to Gilead, and to Kadesh in the land of the Hittites; and they came to Dan, and from Dan they went around to Sidon, 7 and came to the fortress of Tyre and to all the cities of the Hivites and Canaanites; and they went out to the Negeb of Judah at Beersheba. 8 So when they had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days. 9 And Joab gave the sum of the numbering of the people to the king: in Israel there were 800,000 valiant men who drew the sword, and the men of Judah were 500,000.
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On Sunday, August 28, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "For I Know" from Job 19.
"Though experience may try to tell you otherwise, God has revealed that your Redeemer lives, and he has stood upon the earth."
- A Man in Conflict (vs. 1-12)
1 Then Job answered and said:
2 “How long will you torment me
and break me in pieces with words?
3 These ten times you have cast reproach upon me;
are you not ashamed to wrong me?
4 And even if it be true that I have erred,
my error remains with myself.
5 If indeed you magnify yourselves against me
and make my disgrace an argument against me,
6 know then that God has put me in the wrong
and closed his net about me.
7 Behold, I cry out, ‘Violence!’ but I am not answered;
I call for help, but there is no justice.
8 He has walled up my way, so that I cannot pass,
and he has set darkness upon my paths.
9 He has stripped from me my glory
and taken the crown from my head.
10 He breaks me down on every side, and I am gone,
and my hope has he pulled up like a tree.
11 He has kindled his wrath against me
and counts me as his adversary.
12 His troops come on together;
they have cast up their siege ramp against me
and encamp around my tent.
- Filing of Complaints (vs. 13-22)
13 “He has put my brothers far from me,
and those who knew me are wholly estranged from me.
14 My relatives have failed me,
my close friends have forgotten me.
15 The guests in my house and my maidservants count me as a stranger;
I have become a foreigner in their eyes.
16 I call to my servant, but he gives me no answer;
I must plead with him with my mouth for mercy.
17 My breath is strange to my wife,
and I am a stench to the children of my own mother.
18 Even young children despise me;
when I rise they talk against me.
19 All my intimate friends abhor me,
and those whom I loved have turned against me.
20 My bones stick to my skin and to my flesh,
and I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.
21 Have mercy on me, have mercy on me, O you my friends,
for the hand of God has touched me!
22 Why do you, like God, pursue me?
Why are you not satisfied with my flesh?
- What Job Knows (vs. 23-29)
23 “Oh that my words were written!
Oh that they were inscribed in a book!
24 Oh that with an iron pen and lead
they were engraved in the rock forever!
25 For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
26 And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet in my flesh I shall see God,
27 whom I shall see for myself,
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
My heart faints within me!
28 If you say, ‘How we will pursue him!’
and, ‘The root of the matter is found in him,’
29 be afraid of the sword,
for wrath brings the punishment of the sword,
that you may know there is a judgment.”
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On Sunday, August 21, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Meritorious Mast for David's Mighty Men" from 2 Samuel 23:8-39.
"Most people desired to be remembered long after their death, but there is nothing greater than to have your name written in the Lamb's Book of Life."
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The Rule of Three (vs. 8-12)
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A Libation Unto the Lord (vs. 13-17)
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Thirty and Change (vs. 18-39)
mcopc.org/podcast
On Sunday, August 14, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "From Jesus' Lips to David's Ear" from 2 Samuel 23:1-7.
"The promise God made in the form of an everlasting covenant was a promise about the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ."
- The Sweet Psalmist of Israel (v. 1)
1 Now these are the last words of David:
The oracle of David, the son of Jesse,
the oracle of the man who was raised on high,
the anointed of the God of Jacob,
the sweet psalmist of Israel:
- The One Who Rules Justly (vs. 2-4)
2 “The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me;
his word is on my tongue.
3 The God of Israel has spoken;
the Rock of Israel has said to me:
When one rules justly over men,
ruling in the fear of God,
4 he dawns on them like the morning light,
like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning,
like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.
- Plowshares Into Spears (vs. 5-7)
5 “For does not my house stand so with God?
For he has made with me an everlasting covenant,
ordered in all things and secure.
For will he not cause to prosper
all my help and my desire?
6 But worthless men are all like thorns that are thrown away,
for they cannot be taken with the hand;
7 but the man who touches them
arms himself with iron and the shaft of a spear,
and they are utterly consumed with fire.”
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On Sunday, August 7, 2022, Rev. Joe Keller preached "Grace for Those Who Sin Against You" from Psalm 4.
4Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have given me relief when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
2O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
3But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4Be angry, and do not sin;
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
6There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”
7You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and wine abound.
8In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
mcopc.org/podcast
On Sunday, July 31, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "For This I Will Praise You" from 2 Samuel 22:1-51.
"God is worthy of our praise before, during and after any hardship we might face."
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I Called Upon the LORD (vs. 1-6)
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He Heard My Voice (vs. 7-20)
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The Righteous is God's Delight (vs. 21-33)
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Great Salvation He Brings (vs. 34-51)
mcopc.org/podcast
On Sunday, July 24, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Lamp of Israel" from 2 Samuel 21:15-22.
"David was the lamp of Israel, but Jesus is the Light of the world, and it is through the lamp of David that the Light of Jesus shines."
- Put On the Bench (vs. 15-17)
15 There was war again between the Philistines and Israel, and David went down together with his servants, and they fought against the Philistines. And David grew weary. 16 And Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of the giants, whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of bronze, and who was armed with a new sword, thought to kill David. 17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid and attacked the Philistine and killed him. Then David's men swore to him, “You shall no longer go out with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.”
- David's Giant Slayers (vs. 18-21)
18 After this there was again war with the Philistines at Gob. Then Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Saph, who was one of the descendants of the giants. 19 And there was again war with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim, the Bethlehemite, struck down Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. 20 And there was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand, and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number, and he also was descended from the giants. 21 And when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimei, David's brother, struck him down.
- The Battle is the Lord's (v. 22)
22 These four were descended from the giants in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.
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On Sunday, July 17, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "How Shall I Make Atonement?" from 2 Samuel 21:1-14.
"David made atonement for the sins of Saul against the Gibeonites; Jesus Christ made atonement for our sins against him."
- The Covenant Brings Death (vs. 1-6)
21 Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year. And David sought the face of the Lord. And the Lord said, “There is bloodguilt on Saul and on his house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.” 2 So the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them. Now the Gibeonites were not of the people of Israel but of the remnant of the Amorites. Although the people of Israel had sworn to spare them, Saul had sought to strike them down in his zeal for the people of Israel and Judah. 3 And David said to the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? And how shall I make atonement, that you may bless the heritage of the Lord?” 4 The Gibeonites said to him, “It is not a matter of silver or gold between us and Saul or his house; neither is it for us to put any man to death in Israel.” And he said, “What do you say that I shall do for you?” 5 They said to the king, “The man who consumed us and planned to destroy us, so that we should have no place in all the territory of Israel, 6 let seven of his sons be given to us, so that we may hang them before the Lord at Gibeah of Saul, the chosen of the Lord.” And the king said, “I will give them.”
- The Covenant Brings Life (vs. 7-9)
7 But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Saul's son Jonathan, because of the oath of the Lord that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.
- The Covenant Brings Sorrow (vs. 8-11)
8 The king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Merab the daughter of Saul, whom she bore to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite; 9 and he gave them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them on the mountain before the Lord, and the seven of them perished together. They were put to death in the first days of harvest, at the beginning of barley harvest.
10 Then Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it for herself on the rock, from the beginning of harvest until rain fell upon them from the heavens. And she did not allow the birds of the air to come upon them by day, or the beasts of the field by night. 11 When David was told what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done,
- The Covenant Brings Joy (vs. 12-14)
12 David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them, on the day the Philistines killed Saul on Gilboa. 13 And he brought up from there the bones of Saul and the bones of his son Jonathan; and they gathered the bones of those who were hanged. 14 And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in the land of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Kish his father. And they did all that the king commanded. And after that God responded to the plea for the land.
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On Sunday, July 10, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Rebellion and Reckoning" from 2 Samuel 19:41-20:26).
"Betrayal is an all-too sad reality of life in a fallen world. But one man's betrayal brought about the greatest joy you will ever know."
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Betrayed by Brothers (vs. 19:41-20:3)
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Betrayed by a Kiss (vs. 20:4-13)
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The Betrayer Beheaded (vs. 20:14-21)
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On Sunday, June 19, 2022, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached "'Fulfilled,' and Yet 'At Hand'" from Mark 1:14-15.
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The Coming of the Kingdom
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Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done
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The Gospel of God
14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
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On Sunday, June 10, 2022, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached "The First Trial of Jesus" from Mark 1:12-13.
- Trial in the Wilderness (vs. 12-13a)
12The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan.
- With the Wild Beasts (v. 13b)
And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.
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On Sunday, June 5, 2022, Rev. Joe Keller preached "The New Creation Work of God's Servant King" from Psalm 40:1-8. 1 I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. 4 Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! 5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told. 6 In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. 7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: 8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”
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On Sunday, May 29, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Return of the King" from 2 Samuel 19:1-40.
"David pardoned his enemies for political purposes; God pardons his enemies because he loves us."
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His Grief He Will Not Forget (vs. 1-8)
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The King Is Come Again Indeed (vs. 9-15)
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What Does the King Command? (vs. 16-40)
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On Sunday, May 22, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Prodigal Who Didn't Return" from 2 Samuel 18:1-33.
"God will never permit his Kingdom to fail because he loves each person in it."
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On the Offensive (vs. 1-8)
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An Unexpected End (vs. 9-18)
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Messengers of Joy and Sorrow (vs. 19-33)
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On Sunday, May 15, 2022, Rev. Joe Keller preached "The Incredible Blessing of Forgiveness from God" (Psalm 32).
- David's Experience with Concealing Sin (vs. 1-5)
1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
5 I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
David's Exhortation to Confess Sin (vs. 6-11)
6 Therefore let everyone who is godly
offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
they shall not reach him.
7 You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
or it will not stay near you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.
11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
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On Sunday, May 8, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Israel of God" from Matthew 2:13-23.
"This passage calls us to confess Jesus as our King and Savior who gives salvation to all who repent and believe in him."
- Into Exile (vs. 13-15)
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
- From Weeping to Gladness (vs. 16-18)
Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:
“A voice was heard in Ramah,
weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”
- The Despised Branch of Jesse (vs. 19-23)
But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.” And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.
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On Sunday, May 1, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Confusion of Our Enemies" from 2 Samuel 16:15-17:29.
"No matter how difficult your life may get, remember that God has ordained the defeat of all of his and our enemies."
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Confounded by Counsel (vs. 16:15-17:14)
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Protection and Provision (vs. 17:15-29)
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On Sunday, April 24, 2022, Rev. Joe Keller preached "Delivered from Despair" from Psalm 22.
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Why are you so far from my deliverance
and from my words of groaning?
My God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,
by night, yet I have no rest.
But you are holy,
enthroned on the praises of Israel.
Our ancestors trusted in you;
they trusted, and you rescued them.
They cried to you and were set free;
they trusted in you and were not disgraced.
But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by mankind and despised by people.
Everyone who sees me mocks me;
they sneer and shake their heads:
“He relies on the Lord;
let him save him;
let the Lord rescue him,
since he takes pleasure in him.”
It was you who brought me out of the womb,
making me secure at my mother’s breast.
I was given over to you at birth;
you have been my God from my mother’s womb.
Don’t be far from me, because distress is near
and there’s no one to help.
Many bulls surround me;
strong ones of Bashan encircle me.
They open their mouths against me—
lions, mauling and roaring.
I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are disjointed;
my heart is like wax,
melting within me.
My strength is dried up like baked clay;
my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.
You put me into the dust of death.
For dogs have surrounded me;
a gang of evildoers has closed in on me;
they pierced my hands and my feet.
I can count all my bones;
people look and stare at me.
They divided my garments among themselves,
and they cast lots for my clothing.
But you, Lord, don’t be far away.
My strength, come quickly to help me.
Rescue my life from the sword,
my only life from the power of these dogs.
Save me from the lion’s mouth,
from the horns of wild oxen.
You answered me!
I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters;
I will praise you in the assembly.
You who fear the Lord, praise him!
All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
All you descendants of Israel, revere him!
For he has not despised or abhorred
the torment of the oppressed.
He did not hide his face from him
but listened when he cried to him for help.
I will give praise in the great assembly
because of you;
I will fulfill my vows
before those who fear you.
The humble will eat and be satisfied;
those who seek the Lord will praise him.
May your hearts live forever!
All the ends of the earth will remember
and turn to the Lord.
All the families of the nations
will bow down before you,
for kingship belongs to the Lord;
he rules the nations.
All who prosper on earth will eat and bow down;
all those who go down to the dust
will kneel before him—
even the one who cannot preserve his life.
Their descendants will serve him;
the next generation will be told about the Lord.
They will come and declare his righteousness;
to a people yet to be born
they will declare what he has done.
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On Sunday, April 17, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "If Christ Be Not Raised" from 1 Corinthians 15:1-20.
"Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead is a fact of history, and it is essential to the Christian faith."
- Of First Importance (vs. 1-11)
1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11 Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.
- If The Dead Are Not Raised (vs. 12-19)
12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.
- But In Fact (v. 20)
20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
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On Sunday, April 10, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Repaying Evil with Good" from 2 Samuel 16:1-14.
"Though God is not the origin or author of evil, he uses evil in this world for good, and very often repays evil with good."
- The Appearance of Fruit (vs. 1-4)
1 When David had passed a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of donkeys saddled, bearing two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred bunches of raisins, a hundred of summer fruits, and a skin of wine. 2 And the king said to Ziba, “Why have you brought these?” Ziba answered, “The donkeys are for the king's household to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for those who faint in the wilderness to drink.” 3 And the king said, “And where is your master's son?” Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he remains in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will give me back the kingdom of my father.’” 4 Then the king said to Ziba, “Behold, all that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours.” And Ziba said, “I pay homage; let me ever find favor in your sight, my lord the king.”
- Curses Met with Grace (vs. 5-14)
5 When King David came to Bahurim, there came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera, and as he came he cursed continually. 6 And he threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David, and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. 7 And Shimei said as he cursed, “Get out, get out, you man of blood, you worthless man! 8 The Lord has avenged on you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the Lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, your evil is on you, for you are a man of blood.”
9 Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head.” 10 But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” 11 And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. 12 It may be that the Lord will look on the wrong done to me, and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing today.” 13 So David and his men went on the road, while Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went and threw stones at him and flung dust. 14 And the king, and all the people who were with him, arrived weary at the Jordan. And there he refreshed himself.
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On Sunday, April 3, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Flee Toward, Not Away From" from 2 Samuel 15:13-37.
Rather than fleeing from something in fear, flee to Jesus in faith.
- Fleeing to the King (vs. 13-29)
21 But Ittai answered the king, “As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be.” (Compare John 6:66-69)
- Ascent in Mourning (vs. 30-31)
30 But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered. And all the people who were with him covered their heads, and they went up, weeping as they went. 31 And it was told David, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O Lord, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”
- The Seeds of Victory (vs. 32-37)
32 While David was coming to the summit, where God was worshiped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat torn and dirt on his head. 33 David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me. 34 But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father's servant in time past, so now I will be your servant,’ then you will defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. 35 Are not Zadok and Abiathar the priests with you there? So whatever you hear from the king's house, tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. 36 Behold, their two sons are with them there, Ahimaaz, Zadok's son, and Jonathan, Abiathar's son, and by them you shall send to me everything you hear.” 37 So Hushai, David's friend, came into the city, just as Absalom was entering Jerusalem.
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On Sunday, March 27, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Into the Wilderness" from 1 Samuel 27:1-28:2.
"Jesus Christ represented us in his temptations, trials and death so his righteousness is counted as the possession of all who believe in him."
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A New Hero in Gath (27:1-7)
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The Southern Campaign (27:8-12)
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The Test in the Wilderness (28:1-2)
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On Sunday, March 20, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Weep with Those Who Weep" from Job 2:11-13.
"Jesus Christ shared in our suffering, humbling himself by taking up a body of dust so that we can live with him forever in glory."
- A Concerted Effort (v. 11)
11Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him.
- Sharing Sorrows (v. 12)
12And when they saw him from a distance, they did not recognize him. And they raised their voices and wept, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads toward heaven.
- Seven Days and Seven Nights (v. 13)
13And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.
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On Sunday, March 13, 2022, Rev. Joe Keller preached "Confidence in Distress" from Psalm 3.
1 O Lord, how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;
2many are saying of my soul,
“There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah
3But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.
4I cried aloud to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah
5I lay down and slept;
I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.
6I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.
7Arise, O Lord!
Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.
8Salvation belongs to the Lord;
your blessing be on your people! Selah
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On Sunday, March 6, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Counterfeit King and Thief of Hearts" from 2 Samuel 14:25-5:12.
"Jesus and his people will always face fierce opposition, but the Lord abides in you if you trust in Jesus Christ."
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Beauty Masks the Beast (vs.14:25-33)
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Stealing Hearts (vs. 15:1-6)
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Counterfeit of the King (vs. 7-12)
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On Sunday, February 27, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Serving the Heir-Apparent, or Serving the King?" from 2 Samuel 14:1-24.
"Jesus, the True Heir of David, whose throne God promised he would establish forever, shares his inheritance with all who believe in him."
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An Attempted Parable
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Discerning Good and Evil
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The Prince Returns
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On Sunday, February 20, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Iniquity of the Fathers" from 2 Samuel 13:1-39.
"We do not hate sin enough; but God so hated our sin, yet so loved us, that he sent his Son to suffer his hatred and pour out his love on us."
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From Lust to Hatred (vs. 1-19)
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Meditating on Murder (vs. 20-29)
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Mourning a Lost Son (vs. 30-39)
On Sunday, February 13, 2022, Rev. Joe Keller preached "God's King Who Will Restore the World" from Psalm 2 (CSB).
1 Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth take their stand,
and the rulers conspire together
against the Lord and his Anointed One:
3 “Let’s tear off their chains
and throw their ropes off of us.”
4 The one enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord ridicules them.
5 Then he speaks to them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath:
6 “I have installed my king
on Zion, my holy mountain.”
7 I will declare the Lord’s decree.
He said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have become your Father.
8 Ask of me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You will break them with an iron scepter;
you will shatter them like pottery.”
10 So now, kings, be wise;
receive instruction, you judges of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with reverential awe
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Pay homage to the Son or he will be angry
and you will perish in your rebellion,
for his anger may ignite at any moment.
All who take refuge in him are happy.
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On Sunday, February 6, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Beloved of the Lord" from 2 Samuel 12:24-31.
"God sent his only begotten and beloved Son so that all who belong to him would know that we are the beloved of the Lord."
- Peace and Love (vs. 24-25)
24 Then David comforted his wife, Bathsheba, and went in to her and lay with her, and she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. And the Lord loved him 25 and sent a message by Nathan the prophet. So he called his name Jedidiah, because of the Lord.
- The Victor's Crown (vs. 26-31)
26 Now Joab fought against Rabbah of the Ammonites and took the royal city. 27 And Joab sent messengers to David and said, “I have fought against Rabbah; moreover, I have taken the city of waters. 28 Now then gather the rest of the people together and encamp against the city and take it, lest I take the city and it be called by my name.” 29 So David gathered all the people together and went to Rabbah and fought against it and took it. 30 And he took the crown of their king from his head. The weight of it was a talent of gold, and in it was a precious stone, and it was placed on David's head. And he brought out the spoil of the city, a very great amount. 31 And he brought out the people who were in it and set them to labor with saws and iron picks and iron axes and made them toil at the brick kilns. And thus he did to all the cities of the Ammonites. Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.
- Beloved Children (1 John 3: 1-2)
1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
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On Sunday, January 30, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached “A Child of the Covenant” from 2 Samuel 12:16-23.
"The covenant between God and his people is unbreakable because God keeps his as well as our part of the covenant."
- Seeking the Lord (vs. 12-17)
16 David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. 17 And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him from the ground, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them.
- Substitutionary Death (vs. 18-22)
18 On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm.” 19 But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” They said, “He is dead.” 20 Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate. 21 Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” 22 He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’
- Judgment of Charity (v. 23)
23 But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”
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On Sunday, January 23, 2022, Rev. Joe Keller preached, "Two Fountains, Two Fruits, Two Destinies" from Psalm 1.
1Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
4The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
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On Sunday, January 16, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Church's Glory" from Zechariah 2:1-5.
"God will rule and defend the city he has built of his own people, the church."
- The Measuring Line (vs. 1-2)
1And I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a man with a measuring line in his hand! 2Then I said, “Where are you going?” And he said to me, “To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its width and what is its length.”
- A City Without Walls (vs. 3-5)
3And behold, the angel who talked with me came forward, and another angel came forward to meet him 4and said to him, “Run, say to that young man, ‘Jerusalem shall be inhabited as villages without walls, because of the multitude of people and livestock in it. 5And I will be to her a wall of fire all around, declares the Lord, and I will be the glory in her midst.’”
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On Sunday, January 9, 2022, Rev. Joe Keller preached "Two Ways" from Psalm 1.
1 Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
4The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
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On Sunday, January 2, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Strengthened by Grace" from 2 Timothy 2:1-2.
"Because Jesus died and has risen from the dead, you therefore, be strengthened by the grace of Jesus Christ."
- Strength Training (v. 1)
1You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,
- Passing It On (v. 2)
2and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
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On Sunday, December 26, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "We Have Seen His Glory" from John 1:14-18.
"God's only Son the eternal Word, became flesh so that we might behold his glory and worship him."
- Of Human Flesh and Divine Glory (vs. 14, 15)
14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15(John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”)
- Seeing Jesus is Seeing God (vs. 16-18)
16For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.
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On Sunday, December 19, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Child Who Was Born to Die" from 2 Samuel 12:1-15.
"Unto us is born a Savior in the city of David, of the house and lineage of David, who is Christ the Lord, who died for our sins."
- A Lamb like a Daughter
1 And the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had very many flocks and herds, 3 but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms, and it was like a daughter to him. 4 Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man's lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.” 5 Then David's anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, 6 and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.”
- Sin and its consequences
7 Nathan said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. 8 And I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more. 9 Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’
- True Sadness
11 Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.’” 13 David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. 14 Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord, the child who is born to you shall die.” 15 Then Nathan went to his house.
And the Lord afflicted the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and he became sick.
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On Sunday, December 12, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "But for the Grace of God" from 2 Samuel 11:1-27.
"Christians can descend to great depths in our sinfulness; the good news is that Jesus descended to the hellish fires of God's wrath to save us."
-
Idle Hands (vs. 1-5)
-
The Craftiness of the King (vs. 6-19)
-
Collateral Damage (vs. 20-27)
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On Sunday, December 5, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "God Does What Is Good" from 2 Samuel 10:1-19.
"God's plan is perfect, and his purposes are for the good of those who love him."
- Kindness and Contempt (vs. 1-5)
1 After this the king of the Ammonites died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place. 2 And David said, “I will deal loyally with Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father dealt loyally with me.” So David sent by his servants to console him concerning his father. And David's servants came into the land of the Ammonites. 3 But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think, because David has sent comforters to you, that he is honoring your father? Has not David sent his servants to you to search the city and to spy it out and to overthrow it?” 4 So Hanun took David's servants and shaved off half the beard of each and cut off their garments in the middle, at their hips, and sent them away. 5 When it was told David, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown and then return.”
- Behind and Before (vs. 6-14)
6 When the Ammonites saw that they had become a stench to David, the Ammonites sent and hired the Syrians of Beth-rehob, and the Syrians of Zobah, 20,000 foot soldiers, and the king of Maacah with 1,000 men, and the men of Tob, 12,000 men. 7 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the host of the mighty men. 8 And the Ammonites came out and drew up in battle array at the entrance of the gate, and the Syrians of Zobah and of Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the open country.
9 When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians. 10 The rest of his men he put in the charge of Abishai his brother, and he arrayed them against the Ammonites. 11 And he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. 12 Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.” 13 So Joab and the people who were with him drew near to battle against the Syrians, and they fled before him. 14 And when the Ammonites saw that the Syrians fled, they likewise fled before Abishai and entered the city. Then Joab returned from fighting against the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem.
- Defiance and Defeat (vs. 15-19)
15 But when the Syrians saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they gathered themselves together. 16 And Hadadezer sent and brought out the Syrians who were beyond the Euphrates. They came to Helam, with Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer at their head. 17 And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together and crossed the Jordan and came to Helam. The Syrians arrayed themselves against David and fought with him. 18 And the Syrians fled before Israel, and David killed of the Syrians the men of 700 chariots, and 40,000 horsemen, and wounded Shobach the commander of their army, so that he died there. 19 And when all the kings who were servants of Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and became subject to them. So the Syrians were afraid to save the Ammonites anymore.
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On Sunday, November 28, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "A Feast in the Wilderness" from John 6:1-15.
"Jesus Christ, who is greater than Moses, leads his people from slavery, sin and death into the promised land of salvation."
- Wilderness Testing (vs. 1-9)
6 After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii[a] worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”
- That Nothing May be Lost (vs. 10-15)
10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”
15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
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On Sunday, November 21, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached “A Seat at the King’s Table” from 2 Samuel 9:1-13.
"If David showed steadfast love--hesed--to Jonathan's son because of a promise he made, how much more will God show steadfast love to his covenant people?"
- Remembering the Covenant (vs. 1-4)
1 And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?” 2 Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “I am your servant.” 3 And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.” 4 The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.”
- A Royal Invitation (vs. 5-8)
5 Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar. 6 And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, “Mephibosheth!” And he answered, “Behold, I am your servant.” 7 And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.” 8 And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?”
- An Unexpected Inheritance (vs. 9-13)
9 Then the king called Ziba, Saul's servant, and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master's grandson. 10 And you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce, that your master's grandson may have bread to eat. But Mephibosheth your master's grandson shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. 11 Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so will your servant do.” So Mephibosheth ate at David's table, like one of the king's sons. 12 And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all who lived in Ziba's house became Mephibosheth's servants. 13 So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king's table. Now he was lame in both his feet.
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On Sunday, November 14, 2021, Dr. Ben Dunson preached "The Mysterious Ways of God" from Revelation 10:1-11.
1 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire. 2 He had a little scroll open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land, 3 and called out with a loud voice, like a lion roaring. When he called out, the seven thunders sounded. 4 And when the seven thunders had sounded, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.” 5 And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven 6 and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, that there would be no more delay, 7 but that in the days of the trumpet call to be sounded by the seventh angel, the mystery of God would be fulfilled, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.
8 Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying, “Go, take the scroll that is open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.” 9 So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll. And he said to me, “Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.” 10 And I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it. It was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it my stomach was made bitter. 11 And I was told, “You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and languages and kings.”
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On Sunday, October 7, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "God's Kingdom of Grace" from 2 Samuel 8:1-18.
"God graciously saves us from our enemies, and our only proper response is gratitude."
- Victory in Every Direction (vs. 1-10)
1 After this David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and David took Metheg-ammah out of the hand of the Philistines.
2 And he defeated Moab and he measured them with a line, making them lie down on the ground. Two lines he measured to be put to death, and one full line to be spared. And the Moabites became servants to David and brought tribute.
3 David also defeated Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to restore his power at the river Euphrates. 4 And David took from him 1,700 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers. And David hamstrung all the chariot horses but left enough for 100 chariots. 5 And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down 22,000 men of the Syrians. 6 Then David put garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought tribute. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went. 7 And David took the shields of gold that were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. 8 And from Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took very much bronze. 9 When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the whole army of Hadadezer, 10 Toi sent his son Joram to King David, to ask about his health and to bless him because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him, for Hadadezer had often been at war with Toi. And Joram brought with him articles of silver, of gold, and of bronze.
- Grateful Dedication (vs. 11-14)
11 These also King David dedicated to the Lord, together with the silver and gold that he dedicated from all the nations he subdued, 12 from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, Amalek, and from the spoil of Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah. 13 And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 14 Then he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became David's servants. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went.
- Davidic Administration (vs. 15-18)
15 So David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people. 16 Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder, 17 and Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were priests, and Seraiah was secretary, 18 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and David's sons were priests.
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On Sunday, October 31, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "By Grace Through Faith" from Galatians 2:15-16.
"You're justified in God's sight, not because of what you have done, but only because of what Christ has done on your behalf."
15We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
-
An Act of God's Free Grace
-
He Pardons All Our Sins
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He Accepts Us As Righteous In His Sight
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On Sunday, October 24, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Sitting at the Feet of the LORD" from 2 Samuel 7:18-29.
"We can sit before the Lord in peace because we know Jesus Christ, who sits enthroned as the High King of Heaven."
- A Posture of Humility (vs. 18-24)
18 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? 19 And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord God. You have spoken also of your servant's house for a great while to come, and this is instruction for mankind, O Lord God! 20 And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord God! 21 Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it. 22 Therefore you are great, O Lord God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 23 And who is like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom God went to redeem to be his people, making himself a name and doing for them great and awesome things by driving out before your people, whom you redeemed for yourself from Egypt, a nation and its gods? 24 And you established for yourself your people Israel to be your people forever. And you, O Lord, became their God.
- Appealing to God's Word (vs. 25-29)
25 And now, O Lord God, confirm forever the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, and do as you have spoken. 26 And your name will be magnified forever, saying, ‘The Lord of hosts is God over Israel,’ and the house of your servant David will be established before you. 27 For you, O Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, have made this revelation to your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house.’ Therefore your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you. 28 And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant. 29 Now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you, O Lord God, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever.”
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On Sunday, October 17, 2021, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached, "In You I Am Well Pleased" from Mark 1:8-11.
- The Spirit from Christ (v. 8)
"I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
- The Spirit on Christ (vs. 9, 10)
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
- “In You I Am Well Pleased” (v. 11)
11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
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On Sunday, October 10, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The LORD is Building David's House" from 2 Samuel 7:1-17.
"God's promise of a Forever King is based on the enduring truth of his never-ending love for his people."
- David's Plan (vs. 1-3)
1 Now when the king lived in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, 2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” 3 And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.”
- God's Refusal (vs. 4-7)
4 But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, 5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Would you build me a house to dwell in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling. 7 In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’
- God's Promises (vs. 8-17)
8 Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. 9 And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, 11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. 12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’” 17 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.
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On Sunday, October 3, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Celebration or Contempt" from 2 Samuel 6:12-23.
"The Lord's presence with his people is something we should celebrate, and Jesus Christ has set his people free to join in."
- Benedictions
12 And it was told King David, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. 13 And when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal. 14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn.
16 As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart. 17 And they brought in the ark of the Lord and set it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it. And David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. 18 And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts 19 and distributed among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins to each one. Then all the people departed, each to his house.
- Maledictions
20 And David returned to bless his household. But Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, “How the king of Israel honored himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servants' female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!” 21 And David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the Lord—and I will celebrate before the Lord. 22 I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and I will be abased in your eyes. But by the female servants of whom you have spoken, by them I shall be held in honor.” 23 And Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.
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On Sunday, September 19, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached “The Great Exchange” from Zechariah 3:1-4.
"Jesus, our Great High Priest, the Mediator between God and Man, exchanged his righteousness for our filthy sins."
1.The Accuser (vs. 1-2)
1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?”
- The Accused (v. 3)
3 Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments.
- The Acquittal (v. 4)
4 And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.”
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On Sunday, September 12, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Never Forget" from Joshua 4:1-10
Scripture Reading: Luke 22:14-20 14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
“God’s saving act of redemption in the death, burial and resurrection of his Son is a historical fact, and we must never forget it.”
- Twelve Stones (vs. 1-5)
4 When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, 2 “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, 3 and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests' feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.’” 4 Then Joshua called the twelve men from the people of Israel, whom he had appointed, a man from each tribe. 5 And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel,
- When Your Children Ask (vs. 6-8)
6 that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ 7 then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.” 8 And the people of Israel did just as Joshua commanded and took up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, just as the Lord told Joshua. And they carried them over with them to the place where they lodged and laid them down there.
- A Second Stack (vs. 9-10)
9 And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the covenant had stood; and they are there to this day. 10 For the priests bearing the ark stood in the midst of the Jordan until everything was finished that the Lord commanded Joshua to tell the people, according to all that Moses had commanded Joshua.
The people passed over in haste.
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On Sunday, September 5, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Our God is a Consuming Fire" from 2 Samuel 6:1-11.
Our God, infinite in holiness and infinitely different from us became one of us so we could be made holy like him.
- National holiday (vs. 1-5)
David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale-judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord of hosts who sits enthroned on the cherubim. 3 And they carried the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. And Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart, 4 with the ark of God, and Ahio went before the ark. 5 And David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the Lord, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals.
- Without reverence and awe (vs. 6-11)
And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 7 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God. 8 And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzzah to this day. 9 And David was afraid of the Lord that day, and he said, “How can the ark of the Lord come to me?” 10 So David was not willing to take the ark of the Lord into the city of David. But David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 11 And the ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his household.
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On Sunday, August 29, 2021 Pastor Joe Troutman preached “God: A Breaking Flood” from 2 Samuel 5:17-25.
"God has broken through the power of his and our enemies by pouring out the floodwaters his wrath upon Jesus Christ, as the just judgment for our sin."
- The Stronghold (vs. 17-19)
17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went down to the stronghold. 18 Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 19 And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.”
- Baal-Perazim (vs. 20-24)
20 And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim. 21 And the Philistines left their idols there, and David and his men carried them away.
- From Geba to Gezer (vs. 22-25)
22 And the Philistines came up yet again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 23 And when David inquired of the Lord, he said, “You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. 24 And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” 25 And David did as the Lord commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer.
On Sunday, August 15, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached “The Conquest Continues” from 2 Samuel 5:1-16.
“David, the Lord’s anointed, ascended the throne of Israel and conquered Jerusalem so that his Son, Jesus, the Lord’s Anointed, could conquer sin by ascending the cross.”
The shepherd of Israel (vs. 1-5)
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and flesh. 2 In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the Lord said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.’” 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel. 4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. 5 At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years.
A Whole Host of Help (vs. 6-10)
6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, “You will not come in here, but the blind and the lame will ward you off”—thinking, “David cannot come in here.” 7 Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David. 8 And David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack ‘the lame and the blind,’ who are hated by David's soul.” Therefore it is said, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.” 9 And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built the city all around from the Millo inward. 10 And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him.
Yahweh Establishes His King (vs. 11-16)
11 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, also carpenters and masons who built David a house. 12 And David knew that the Lord had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel. 13 And David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he came from Hebron, and more sons and daughters were born to David. 14 And these are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 15 Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, 16 Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.
On Sunday, August 8, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached “Unintended Consequences” from 2 Samuel 4.
“What might be unintended consequences for us are not unintended for God, who uses all things to bring about the salvation if his people.”
- Saul in Shambles (vs. 1-4)
When Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, heard that Abner had died at Hebron, his courage failed, and all Israel was dismayed. Now Saul's son had two men who were captains of raiding bands; the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon a man of Benjamin from Beeroth (for Beeroth also is counted part of Benjamin; the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have been sojourners there to this day).
Jonathan, the son of Saul, had a son who was crippled in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse took him up and fled, and as she fled in her haste, he fell and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.
- Davidic Determination (vs. 5-12)
Now the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, set out, and about the heat of the day they came to the house of Ish-bosheth as he was taking his noonday rest. And they came into the midst of the house as if to get wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped. When they came into the house, as he lay on his bed in his bedroom, they struck him and put him to death and beheaded him. They took his head and went by the way of the Arabah all night, and brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron. And they said to the king, “Here is the head of Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life. The Lord has avenged my lord the king this day on Saul and on his offspring.” But David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my life out of every adversity, when one told me, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and killed him at Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news. How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous man in his own house on his bed, shall I not now require his blood at your hand and destroy you from the earth?” And David commanded his young men, and they killed them and cut off their hands and feet and hanged them beside the pool at Hebron. But they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in the tomb of Abner at Hebron.
On Sunday, August 1, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "I Know Whom I Have Chosen" from John 13:18-30.
"All things happen so that the salvation of God's elect will infallibly come to pass."
- That You May Believe That I Am He (vs. 18-20)
18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
- The Bitter Bread of Betrayal (vs. 20-22)
21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke.
- In the Bosom of Jesus (vs. 23-30)
23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus' side, 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
On Sunday, July 25, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "You Are Not Able" from Joshua 24:14-28.
"God keeps his side of the covenant, and, through Christ's death, burial and resurrection, God keeps your side of the covenant as well."
- Covenantal Charge
14 “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
- Good Intentions
16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods, 17 for it is the Lord our God who brought us and our fathers up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight and preserved us in all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed. 18 And the Lord drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God.”
- A Witness
19 But Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the Lord, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. 20 If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good.” 21 And the people said to Joshua, “No, but we will serve the Lord.” 22 Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the Lord, to serve him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.” 23 He said, “Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the Lord, the God of Israel.” 24 And the people said to Joshua, “The Lord our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey.” 25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and put in place statutes and rules for them at Shechem. 26 And Joshua wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God. And he took a large stone and set it up there under the terebinth that was by the sanctuary of the Lord. 27 And Joshua said to all the people, “Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words of the Lord that he spoke to us. Therefore it shall be a witness against you, lest you deal falsely with your God.” 28 So Joshua sent the people away, every man to his inheritance.
On Sunday, July 11, 2021, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached "Organized Religion" from 1 Peter 5:1-14.
5 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
On Sunday, July 4, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Blessed by the Firstborn Son" from Matthew 19:13-15.
“Jesus Christ died in place of each of you who believes in him, and he shares with you the blessings he has received from his Father.”
- Seeking a Blessing (v. 13)
Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people,
- Let Them Come (v. 14)
but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
- The Blessing of the Firstborn Son (v. 15)
And he laid his hands on them and went away.
On Sunday, June 27, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "True Israel" from Galatians 3:6-9.
"Everyone who believes in Jesus Christ is a child of Abraham, and so is a member of True Israel."
- By Faith, Abraham (v. 6)
. . . 6 just as Abraham 'believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”'?
- By Faith, You (vs. 7-8)
7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.”
- By Faith, Blessings (v. 9)
9So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
On Sunday, May 23, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Steadfast Love of the Lord" from 2 Samuel 2:1-11.
- King of Judah (vs. 1-4a)
After this David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up.” David said, “To which shall I go up?” And he said, “To Hebron.” 2 So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 3 And David brought up his men who were with him, everyone with his household, and they lived in the towns of Hebron. 4 And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.
- Words of Encouragmnt (vs. 4b-7)
When they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul,” 5 David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by the Lord, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord and buried him. 6 Now may the Lord show steadfast love and faithfulness to you. And I will do good to you because you have done this thing. 7 Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be valiant, for Saul your lord is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”
- Seeds of Diskord (vs. 8-11)
8 But Abner the son of Ner, commander of Saul's army, took Ish-bosheth the son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim, 9 and he made him king over Gilead and the Ashurites and Jezreel and Ephraim and Benjamin and all Israel. 10 Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David. 11 And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.
On Sunday, May 16, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Confessions and Lamentations" from 2 Samuel 1:1-27.
On Sunday, May 9, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "I Am the Resurrection and the Life" from John 11:17-27.
17Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, 19and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”
On Sunday, Aprill 11, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Your Most Holy Faith" from Jude 20-23.
"Your most holy faith is a faith in which god shows mercy to sinners who deserve judgment."
- Building, Praying, Waiting (vs. 20-21)
But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
- Keep Yourselves (v. 21)
. . . keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
- Mercy (22-23)
And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
On Sunday, April 25, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Be Watched Over and Watch Yourselves" from 2 John 4-11.
The truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came in the flesh is the essence of the Christian faith.
- Believing the Truth (vs. 4-6)
4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 5 And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.
- Keeping Watch (vs. 7-9)
7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. 9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
- Home Security (vs. 10-11)
10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.
On Sunday, April 4, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Out of Death's Strong Bands" from Matthew 27:62-28:15.
"Because he is the eternal Son of God, death couldn't hold Christ captive; on the third day, he broke its bonds and set his captive people free."
- Attempting to Contain (27:62-66)
62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.
- Breaking the Bond (28:1-10)
28 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
- Attempting to Conceal (28:11-15)
11 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.
On Sunday, March 21, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, “The Lord Has Preserved Us” from 1 Samuel 30:16-31.
“God so loves his people, that none of those he gave to his Son will ever be lost, but infallibly will be preserved for eternity.”
- Eat, Drink and Be Merry (vs. 16-18)
16 And when he had taken him down, behold, they were spread abroad over all the land, eating and drinking and dancing, because of all the great spoil they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah. 17 And David struck them down from twilight until the evening of the next day, and not a man of them escaped, except four hundred young men, who mounted camels and fled. 18 David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and David rescued his two wives.
- Full Recovery (vs. 19-31)
19 Nothing was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that had been taken. David brought back all. 20 David also captured all the flocks and herds, and the people drove the livestock before him, and said, “This is David's spoil.”
21 Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow David, and who had been left at the brook Besor. And they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. And when David came near to the people he greeted them. 22 Then all the wicked and worthless fellows among the men who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except that each man may lead away his wife and children, and depart.” 23 But David said, “You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the Lord has given us. He has preserved us and given into our hand the band that came against us. 24 Who would listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike.” 25 And he made it a statute and a rule for Israel from that day forward to this day.
26 When David came to Ziklag, he sent part of the spoil to his friends, the elders of Judah, saying, “Here is a present for you from the spoil of the enemies of the Lord.” 27 It was for those in Bethel, in Ramoth of the Negeb, in Jattir, 28 in Aroer, in Siphmoth, in Eshtemoa, 29 in Racal, in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, in the cities of the Kenites, 30 in Hormah, in Bor-ashan, in Athach, 31 in Hebron, for all the places where David and his men had roamed.
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On Sunday, March 14, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Strengthened in the Lord" from 1 Samuel 30:1-15
"God graciously has provided everything we need in order to be strengthened in him."
- Desperation and Despair (1-6)
Now when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, the Amalekites had made a raid against the Negeb and against Ziklag. They had overcome Ziklag and burned it with fire and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great. They killed no one, but carried them off and went their way. And when David and his men came to the city, they found it burned with fire, and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep. David's two wives also had been taken captive, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
- Divine Direction (7-10)
And David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought the ephod to David. And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.” So David set out, and the six hundred men who were with him, and they came to the brook Besor, where those who were left behind stayed. But David pursued, he and four hundred men. Two hundred stayed behind, who were too exhausted to cross the brook Besor.
- From Dead to Delivered (11-15)
They found an Egyptian in the open country and brought him to David. And they gave him bread and he ate. They gave him water to drink, and they gave him a piece of a cake of figs and two clusters of raisins. And when he had eaten, his spirit revived, for he had not eaten bread or drunk water for three days and three nights. And David said to him, “To whom do you belong? And where are you from?” He said, “I am a young man of Egypt, servant to an Amalekite, and my master left me behind because I fell sick three days ago. We had made a raid against the Negeb of the Cherethites and against that which belongs to Judah and against the Negeb of Caleb, and we burned Ziklag with fire.” And David said to him, “Will you take me down to this band?” And he said, “Swear to me by God that you will not kill me or deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will take you down to this band.”
On Sunday, March 7, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Deliverance Through Rejection" from 1 Samuel 29:1-11.
"The sinless Son of God was despised and insulted, mocked and rejected, so that sinners like you and me can be delivered from his Father's wrath."
- Pass in Review (vs. 1-3)
Now the Philistines had gathered all their forces at Aphek. And the Israelites were encamped by the spring that is in Jezreel. As the lords of the Philistines were passing on by hundreds and by thousands, and David and his men were passing on in the rear with Achish, the commanders of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” And Achish said to the commanders of the Philistines, “Is this not David, the servant of Saul, king of Israel, who has been with me now for days and years, and since he deserted to me I have found no fault in him to this day.”
- Devil of War (vs. 4-5)
But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with him. And the commanders of the Philistines said to him, “Send the man back, that he may return to the place to which you have assigned him. He shall not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us. For how could this fellow reconcile himself to his lord? Would it not be with the heads of the men here? Is not this David, of whom they sing to one another in dances, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?”
- Angel of God (vs. 6-11) Then Achish called David and said to him, “As the Lord lives, you have been honest, and to me it seems right that you should march out and in with me in the campaign. For I have found nothing wrong in you from the day of your coming to me to this day. Nevertheless, the lords do not approve of you. So go back now; and go peaceably, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines.” And David said to Achish, “But what have I done? What have you found in your servant from the day I entered your service until now, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” And Achish answered David and said, “I know that you are as blameless in my sight as an angel of God. Nevertheless, the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.’ Now then rise early in the morning with the servants of your lord who came with you, and start early in the morning, and depart as soon as you have light.” So David set out with his men early in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines. But the Philistines went up to Jezreel.
On Sunday, February 28, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Double, Double, Toil and Trouble" from 1 Samuel 28:3-25.
"Rejecting the word of the Lord brings death, but delighting in his word brings everlasting life."
- Fear and Loathing in Gilboa (vs. 3-7)
3 Now Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had put the mediums and the necromancers out of the land. 4 The Philistines assembled and came and encamped at Shunem. And Saul gathered all Israel, and they encamped at Gilboa. 5 When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly. 6 And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, either by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets. 7 Then Saul said to his servants, “Seek out for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “Behold, there is a medium at En-dor.”
- Desperately Seeking Samuel (vs. 8-14)
8 So Saul disguised himself and put on other garments and went, he and two men with him. And they came to the woman by night. And he said, “Divine for me by a spirit and bring up for me whomever I shall name to you.” 9 The woman said to him, “Surely you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off the mediums and the necromancers from the land. Why then are you laying a trap for my life to bring about my death?” 10 But Saul swore to her by the Lord, “As the Lord lives, no punishment shall come upon you for this thing.” 11 Then the woman said, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” He said, “Bring up Samuel for me.” 12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice. And the woman said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul.” 13 The king said to her, “Do not be afraid. What do you see?” And the woman said to Saul, “I see a god coming up out of the earth.” 14 He said to her, “What is his appearance?” And she said, “An old man is coming up, and he is wrapped in a robe.” And Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground and paid homage.
- Return of the King's Prophet (vs. 15-25)
15 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Saul answered, “I am in great distress, for the Philistines are warring against me, and God has turned away from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or by dreams. Therefore I have summoned you to tell me what I shall do.” 16 And Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since the Lord has turned from you and become your enemy? 17 The Lord has done to you as he spoke by me, for the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David. 18 Because you did not obey the voice of the Lord and did not carry out his fierce wrath against Amalek, therefore the Lord has done this thing to you this day. 19 Moreover, the Lord will give Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me. The Lord will give the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.”
Read the rest at Biblegateway.
On Sunday, February 21, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Into the Wilderness" from 1 Samuel 27:1-28:2.
"Jesus Christ represented us in his temptations, trials and in his death so that his righteousness is counted as the possession of all who believe in him."
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A New Hero in Gath
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The Southern Campaign
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The Test in the Wilderness
On Sunday, January 24, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "The Weight of Lies" from 1 Samuel 24:8-22.
On Sunday, January 17, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Anointing the Lord's Anointed" from John 12:18.
On Sunday, January 10, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Do Not Be too Eager to Deal Out Death" from 1 Samuel 24:1-7.
On Sunday, January 31, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Our Own Worst Enemy" from 1 Samuel 25.
"Jesus Christ restrains his and our enemies, which frequently includes ourselves."
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Feast Followed by Famine
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Calm, Cool and Collected
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Folly's Final Fling
Watch this sermon on YouTube.
On Sunday, January 3, 2021, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached, "The End is Near" from 1 Peter 4:7-11.
On Sunday, December 27, 2020, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached "Are You a Christian or a Zombie?" from 1 Peter 4:1-6.
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
On Sunday, December 20, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The True King Has Come!" from Matthew 2:1-12.
"The Kingship of Jesus threatened Herod, and it threatens us, too, but the response of faith is to fall down and worship him."
- In Search of the King
"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him'.” (vs. 1-2)
- The Disbelief of God's People
"When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him..." (v. 3)
- Gentiles Worship Jesus
"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." (vs. 10-11)
On Sunday, December 13, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Rock of Escape" from 1 Samuel 23:15-29.
"Jesus Christ is a Rock of Escape for everyone who in true faith calls upon his name."
- God, Save By Your Name (vs. 15-18)
15 David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. 16 And Jonathan, Saul's son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. 17 And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” 18 And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home.
- Strangers Have Arisen (vs. 19-24a)
19 Then the Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah, which is south of Jeshimon? 20 Now come down, O king, according to all your heart's desire to come down, and our part shall be to surrender him into the king's hand.” 21 And Saul said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, for you have had compassion on me. 22 Go, make yet more sure. Know and see the place where his foot is, and who has seen him there, for it is told me that he is very cunning. 23 See therefore and take note of all the lurking places where he hides, and come back to me with sure information. Then I will go with you. And if he is in the land, I will search him out among all the thousands of Judah.” 24 And they arose and went to Ziph ahead of Saul.
- Delivered From Every Trouble (vs. 24b-29)
Now David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah to the south of Jeshimon. 25 And Saul and his men went to seek him. And David was told, so he went down to the rock and lived in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. 26 Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain. And David was hurrying to get away from Saul. As Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them, 27 a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Hurry and come, for the Philistines have made a raid against the land.” 28 So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape. 29 And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of Engedi.
On Sunday, December 13, 2020, Rev. Robert Mossotti concluded his Sunday School series critiquing Dispensational theology with a presentation of the New Covenant.
On Sunday, December 6, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Into His Hand" from 1 Samuel 23:1-14.
"The Enemy desires to lure you into his hands, but by faith in Jesus Christ you are safely in the hands of the Lord."
- "I Will Give" (vs. 1-5)
1 Now they told David, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are robbing the threshing floors.” 2 Therefore David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the Lord said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” 3 But David's men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” 4 Then David inquired of the Lord again. And the Lord answered him, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.” 5 And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines and brought away their livestock and struck them with a great blow. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
- God Did Not Give (6-14)
6 When Abiathar the son of Ahimelech had fled to David to Keilah, he had come down with an ephod in his hand. 7 Now it was told Saul that David had come to Keilah. And Saul said, “God has given him into my hand, for he has shut himself in by entering a town that has gates and bars.” 8 And Saul summoned all the people to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. 9 David knew that Saul was plotting harm against him. And he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod here.” 10 Then David said, “O Lord, the God of Israel, your servant has surely heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city on my account. 11 Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? O Lord, the God of Israel, please tell your servant.” And the Lord said, “He will come down.” 12 Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And the Lord said, “They will surrender you.” 13 Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah, and they went wherever they could go. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he gave up the expedition. 14 And David remained in the strongholds in the wilderness, in the hill country of the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God did not give him into his hand.
On Sunday, December 6, 2020, Rev. Robert Mossotti attempted to demonstrate that, contrary to the Dispensationalist doctrine of the rapture of the church, the Scriptures teach that . . .
1) . . . Christ's return will be apparent to all (Matthew 24:29-31), rather than secret . . .
2) . . . that all of the wicked as well as the righteous dead will rise (1 Corinthians 15:51-52),
3) . . . and that those who are taken are the wicked taken in judgment (Matthew 24:37-44),
4) . . . and those "left behind" are the saints who have been delivered from their enemies once and for all (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).
On Sunday, November 29, 2020, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached "Baptism Saves You?" from 1 Peter 3:21-22.
- 21Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
On Sunday, November 29, 2020, Rev. Robert Mossotti continued his series critiquing Dispensationalism, discussing the New Heaven and New Earth from Isaiah 60 and Revelation 21.
On November 22, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "God's History of Grace" from Joshua 24:1-13.
The mighty deeds of Jesus Christ have washed us clean of sin, and he remembers them no more.
- From Abraham to Egypt (vs. 1-4)
"Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel. And they presented themselves before God. 2 And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Long ago, your fathers lived beyond the Euphrates, Terah, the father of Abraham and of Nahor; and they served other gods. 3 Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the River and led him through all the land of Canaan, and made his offspring many. I gave him Isaac. 4 And to Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau. And I gave Esau the hill country of Seir to possess, but Jacob and his children went down to Egypt."
Even hard providences are part of his plan. The captivity was not an error, but a blessing. Israel's time in slavery set them up for deliverance. We forget what God does for us because we demand too much too soon.
- Out of Africa (vs. 5-7)
"5 And I sent Moses and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt with what I did in the midst of it, and afterward I brought you out. 6 “‘Then I brought your fathers out of Egypt, and you came to the sea. And the Egyptians pursued your fathers with chariots and horsemen to the Red Sea. 7 And when they cried to the Lord, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians and made the sea come upon them and cover them; and your eyes saw what I did in Egypt. And you lived in the wilderness a long time."
If you have faith in Christ, this is how he looks at your sin: it is rebellion. This is how he remembers it: Though God could have brought up their sin, he doesn't do it. His focus is not on their performance, but on his deliverance.
- The Conquest (vs. 8-13)
"8 Then I brought you to the land of the Amorites, who lived on the other side of the Jordan. They fought with you, and I gave them into your hand, and you took possession of their land, and I destroyed them before you. 9 Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and fought against Israel. And he sent and invited Balaam the son of Beor to curse you, 10 but I would not listen to Balaam. Indeed, he blessed you. So I delivered you out of his hand. 11 And you went over the Jordan and came to Jericho, and the leaders of Jericho fought against you, and also the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. And I gave them into your hand. 12 And I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out before you, the two kings of the Amorites; it was not by your sword or by your bow. 13 I gave you a land on which you had not labored and cities that you had not built, and you dwell in them. You eat the fruit of vineyards and olive orchards that you did not plant.’"
"Just like Abraham, we were deserving of nothing but judgment before the Lord called us to himself. Because of our sin, the only thing that we deserve is his curse. But God has blessed us. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has defeated all of our enemies. The things of this life that we can be so afraid of, the Lord has already taken care of them for us, and we who are in Jesus Christ, we know that there can be no true harm that can befall us who believe in Jesus Christ."
On Sunday, November 22, 2020, Rev. Robert Mossotti presented part 3 in his series on critiquing Dispensational hermeneutics, "The Tent of David, Part 3" based on Amos 9:11-12 and its apostolic use in Acts 15:16-17.
“In that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen and repair its breaches, and raise up its ruins and rebuild it as in the days of old, that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations who are called by my name,” declares the Lord who does this." (Amos 9:11-12)
“‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, that the remnant[b] of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord..." (Acts 15:16-17)
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On Sunday, November 15, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Loyalty and Its Costs" from 1 Samuel 22:6-23. "Jesus Christ's loyalty to his covenant people cost him his life, but gave us eternal life."
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Loyalty of Self-Interest Now Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men who were with him. Saul was sitting at Gibeah under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him. 7 And Saul said to his servants who stood about him, “Hear now, people of Benjamin; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, will he make you all commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, 8 that all of you have conspired against me? No one discloses to me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse. None of you is sorry for me or discloses to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day.” 9 Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saul, “I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, 10 and he inquired of the Lord for him and gave him provisions and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.”
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Loyalty of Love 11 Then the king sent to summon Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's house, the priests who were at Nob, and all of them came to the king. 12 And Saul said, “Hear now, son of Ahitub.” And he answered, “Here I am, my lord.” 13 And Saul said to him, “Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, in that you have given him bread and a sword and have inquired of God for him, so that he has risen against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?” 14 Then Ahimelech answered the king, “And who among all your servants is so faithful as David, who is the king's son-in-law, and captain over[a] your bodyguard, and honored in your house? 15 Is today the first time that I have inquired of God for him? No! Let not the king impute anything to his servant or to all the house of my father, for your servant has known nothing of all this, much or little.” 16 And the king said, “You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father's house.” 17 And the king said to the guard who stood about him, “Turn and kill the priests of the Lord, because their hand also is with David, and they knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me.” But the servants of the king would not put out their hand to strike the priests of the Lord. 18 Then the king said to Doeg, “You turn and strike the priests.” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests, and he killed on that day eighty-five persons who wore the linen ephod. 19 And Nob, the city of the priests, he put to the sword; both man and woman, child and infant, ox, donkey and sheep, he put to the sword.
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Loyalty of Gratitude 20 But one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David. 21 And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord. 22 And David said to Abiathar, “I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have occasioned the death of all the persons of your father's house. 23 Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. With me you shall be in safekeeping.”
On Sunday, November 15, 2020, Rev. Robert Mossotti continued his Sunday School series critiquing Dispensationalism, teaching on "The Tents of David, Part 2" from Amos 9:11-12, and Acts 15.
“In that day I will raise up
the booth of David that is fallen
and repair its breaches,
and raise up its ruins
and rebuild it as in the days of old,
that they may possess the remnant of Edom
and all the nations who are called by my name,”
declares the Lord who does this. (Amos 9:11-12)
After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,
“‘After this I will return,
and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;
I will rebuild its ruins,
and I will restore it,
that the remnant[b] of mankind may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
says the Lord, who makes these things known from of old.’ (Acts 15:13-18)
On Sunday, November 8, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Refuge for the Fugitive" from 1 Samuel 21:1-22:5).
"God is our refuge, and our safety and peace is found nowhere else but in him."
- Bread and a Blade (21:1-9)
Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech came to meet David, trembling, and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no one with you?” 2 And David said to Ahimelech the priest, “The king has charged me with a matter and said to me, ‘Let no one know anything of the matter about which I send you, and with which I have charged you.’ I have made an appointment with the young men for such and such a place. 3 Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever is here.” 4 And the priest answered David, “I have no common bread on hand, but there is holy bread—if the young men have kept themselves from women.” 5 And David answered the priest, “Truly women have been kept from us as always when I go on an expedition. The vessels of the young men are holy even when it is an ordinary journey. How much more today will their vessels be holy?” 6 So the priest gave him the holy bread, for there was no bread there but the bread of the Presence, which is removed from before the Lord, to be replaced by hot bread on the day it is taken away. 7 Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the Lord. His name was Doeg the Edomite, the chief of Saul's herdsmen. 8 Then David said to Ahimelech, “Then have you not here a spear or a sword at hand? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.” 9 And the priest said, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you struck down in the Valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you will take that, take it, for there is none but that here.” And David said, “There is none like that; give it to me.”
- King of the Country (21:10-22:2)
And David rose and fled that day from Saul and went to Achish the king of Gath. 11 And the servants of Achish said to him, “Is not this David the king of the land? Did they not sing to one another of him in dances, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?” 12 And David took these words to heart and was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. 13 So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands and made marks on the doors of the gate and let his spittle run down his beard. 14 Then Achish said to his servants, “Behold, you see the man is mad. Why then have you brought him to me? 15 Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to behave as a madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?” David at the Cave of Adullam 22 David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down there to him. 2 And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men.
- Mission to Moab (22:3-5)
And David went from there to Mizpeh of Moab. And he said to the king of Moab, “Please let my father and my mother stay with you, till I know what God will do for me.” 4 And he left them with the king of Moab, and they stayed with him all the time that David was in the stronghold. 5 Then the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not remain in the stronghold; depart, and go into the land of Judah.” So David departed and went into the forest of Hereth.
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On Sunday, November 1, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Words of Life" from Galatians 3:1-5 . . .
"O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith--. . . ?
On Sunday, November 1, 2020, Dr. Darryl G. Hart delivered lecture 4 of the DFW Reformation Conference 2020.
Lecture 4: Are Orthodox Presbyterians Evangelical?
Dr. Darryl G. Hart is the Distinguished Associate Professor of History at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan. After earning his BA in film at Temple University, he earned his MAR in Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary, his MTS in US Religious History at Harvard, and his MA and Ph.D. in US History from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Hart is the definitive scholar on the life of J. Gresham Machen, authoring Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America (2003), along with Between the Times: the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Transition, 1945-1990 (2011), and Calvinism: A History (2013), among numerous other books on the history of the church, Reformed worship, Evangelicalism and politics. He is an elder at Hillsdale OPC.
On Saturday, October 31, 2020, Dr. Darryl G. Hart delivered lecture 3 at the DFW Reformation Conference 2020.
Lecture 3: Machen and Evangelicalism. Ways Machen’s legacy influenced American Protestantism after his death in 1937.
Dr. Darryl G. Hart is the Distinguished Associate Professor of History at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan. After earning his BA in film at Temple University, he earned his MAR in Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary, his MTS in US Religious History at Harvard, and his MA and Ph.D. in US History from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Hart is the definitive scholar on the life of J. Gresham Machen, authoring Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America (2003), along with Between the Times: the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Transition, 1945-1990 (2011), and Calvinism: A History (2013), among numerous other books on the history of the church, Reformed worship, Evangelicalism and politics. He is an elder at Hillsdale OPC.
On Saturday, October 31, 2020, Dr. Darryl G. Hart delivered lecture 2 of the 2020 DFW Reformation Conference.
Lecture 2: Machen and Mainline Protestantism. Machen’s critique of Protestant liberalism and the controversy that led to the founding of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Darryl G. Hart is the Distinguished Associate Professor of History at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan. After earning his BA in film at Temple University, he earned his MAR in Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary, his MTS in US Religious History at Harvard, and his MA and Ph.D. in US History from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Hart is the definitive scholar on the life of J. Gresham Machen, authoring Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America (2003), along with Between the Times: the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Transition, 1945-1990 (2011), and Calvinism: A History (2013), among numerous other books on the history of the church, Reformed worship, Evangelicalism and politics. He is an elder at Hillsdale OPC.
On Friday, October 30, 2020, Dr. Darryl G. Hart delivered lecture 1 of the 2020 DFW Reformation Conference.
Lecture 1: Machen and Old School Presbyterianism -- An overview of Machen’s life, connecting him to nineteenth-century Presbyterian history.
Dr. Darryl G. Hart is the Distinguished Associate Professor of History at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan. After earning his BA in film at Temple University, he earned his MAR in Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary, his MTS in US Religious History at Harvard, and his MA and Ph.D. in US History from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Hart is the definitive scholar on the life of J. Gresham Machen, authoring Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America (2003), along with Between the Times: the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Transition, 1945-1990 (2011), and Calvinism: A History (2013), among numerous other books on the history of the church, Reformed worship, Evangelicalism and politics. He is an elder at Hillsdale OPC.
On Sunday, October 25, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "God's Kingdom, Or Mine?" from 1 Samuel 20:24-42.
"The Son of Jesse, who is David's greater Son, establishes his Kingdom by calling sinners out of the kingdom of darkness and into the Kingdom of light."
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A Seat at the Table (vs. 24-29)
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Test Time (vs. 30-34)
3. The Kingdom to Come (vs. 35-42)
On Sunday, October 25, 2020, Rev. Robert Mossotti continued his series on Dispensationalism with a lesson on "The Tents of David" from Amos 9:11-12 and Acts 15.
On Sunday, October 18, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Remember Jesus Christ" from 2 Timothy 2:8-13.
"Jesus Christ is worthy of remembrance because he has been raised from death for the salvation of his people."
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Remember Jesus Christ (vs. 8-10)
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A Trustworthy Saying (vs. 11-13)
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On Sunday, October 18, 2020, Rev. Robert Mossotti continued his Sunday School series on Dispensationalism.
"For though your people Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return. Destruction is decreed, overflowing with righteousness." (Isaiah 10:22)
"And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: 'Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved...'" (Romans 9:27)
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On Sunday, October 11, 2020, Rev. John Shaw, General Secretary of the Committee on Home Missions and Church Extension, preached "The Christian's One Thing" from Psalm 27.
The 27th psalm is . . .
- a psalm of conflict
- a psalm of confidence
- a psalm of courage
We see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ . . .
- in worship (Psalm 27:4)
- in his word (Psalm 27:4,11)
On Sunday, October 11, 2020, Rev. Robert Mossotti continued his series on Dispensationalism.
Gentile inclusion among God's chosen fulfills Old Testament prophecies of the Israelites' return to the promised land.
Scriptures treated:
- Philippians 1:29
- Acts 5:31; 11:18
- 2 Timothy 2:25
- Hebrews 3:18-4:2
- Hosea 2:14-18
- Acts 10:9-16
- Ephesians 2:11-3:6
On Sunday, October 4, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "All the Promises" from 1 Samuel 20:1-23.
"Just as with David and Jonathan, God's covenant with us is irrevocable, and binds us to himself, no matter how severely tested."
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David's Dilemma (vs. 1-11)
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Continuing the Covenant (vs. 12-17)
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Producing the Plan (18-23)
On Sunday, September 27, 2020, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached "God's Patience Waits" from 1 Peter 3:18-20.
On Sunday, September 27, 2020, Rev. Robert Mossotti continued the introduction to his Sunday School series on Dispensationalism.
Dispensationalism teaches that the Old Testament prophets must be taken literally; otherwise, the interpreter must allegorize the Scriptures, which is characteristic of liberal theology. Reformed covenant theology teaches that Christ himself and the Apostles' use of the Old Testament in the New Testament must inform the way the Old Testament prophets are to be interpreted.
Hosea 6:1,2 Israel = Christ & the church in him; Hosea 11:1 (cf. Matt. 2:15) The Exodus applied to Christ's childhood experience.
Romans 2:28-29; Galatians 3 The Singular Seed of Abraham--the Lord Jesus Christ--is foundational to the plural seed of Abraham--the church.
Romans 11:19-21 For dispensationalism, the Old Testament is the key to interpreting the New Testament; for Reformed covenant theology, the New Testament is the key to interpreting the Old Testament; In the New Testament, Jewishness has been redefined; Christ is the New Israel.
On Sunday, September 20, 2020, Elder Greg Huteson preached "In Troubled Times, Call Out to the Lord" from Lamentation 1:1-22.
On Sunday, September 13, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "In Defense of David" from 1 Samuel 19:8-24.
God shows himself to be our true King by defending us, and restraining all his and our enemies.
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Victory and Envy (8-10 )
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Intrigue and Artifice (11 -17)
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Obstinence and Omnipotence (18-24)
On Sunday, August 30, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Brotherly Intercession" from 1 Samuel 19:1-7. "God provides an Intercessor to preserve his people, for we can do nothing to save ourselves." 1. The Hiding Place 2. Divine Intervention 3. Saul Solemnly Swears
On Sunday, August 23, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The World Turned Upside Down" from Job 21.
"When Christians suffer in this life, it is only because God uses our suffering to make us more like the Suffering Servant, Jesus Christ."
On Sunday, August 16, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Snares of Death" from 1 Samuel 18:17-30.
"God ensures that all who belong to him will escape the snares of death."
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The LORD’s Battle
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The Snare Hits a Snage
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Continually an Enemy
Our website: mcopc.org
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Rev. Robert Mossotti preaches "Sanctify Yahweh, the Christ" from 1 Peter 3:13-17.
Our website: mcopc.org
Subscribe to our "Mid Cities OPC" YouTube channel.
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Follow us on Instagram @midcitiesopc
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On Sunday, August 2, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Lord Is With Him" from 1 Samuel 18:6-16.
"Righteous fear leads to right worship of God. Unrighteous fear leads to jealousy and rage."
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Unjustified Jealousy
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Unmitigated Success
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Uninformed Awe
Watch our lives stream Sunday mornings at 10:30AM at facebook.com/mcopcpublic
Watch this sermon on YouTube, and subscribe to our channel, Mid Cities OPC.
mcopc.org
On Sunday, July 26, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "A Friend Indeed" from 1 Samuel 18:1-5.
On Sunday, July 19, 2020, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached "Obtaining the Blessing" from 1 Peter 3:8-12.
Watch this sermon on our "Mid Cities OPC" YouTube channel.
Our morning worship service is live streamed on Facebook each Sunday morning at 10:30 AM. It may also be viewed from the homepage of our church website.
On Sunday, July 5, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "The Greatest Hero of the Bible, " from 1 Samuel 17.
"The odds are in the church's favor because God has defeated our greatest enemy in the life, death and resurrection of his Only-Begotten Son."
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Living in Fear
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Ante-Hero
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Binding the Strongman
Watch this sermon on our "Mid Cities OPC" YouTube channel.
Our morning worship service is live streamed on Facebook each Sunday morning at 10:30 AM. It may also be viewed from the homepage of our church website.
On Sunday, June 14, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Grace: Music to Sinners' Ears" from 1 Samuel 16:14-23.
God's common grace reminds us he is good and loving despite the suffering we endure in life.
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The Hard Providences of the Lord
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Good Gifts from Above
Watch this sermon on our "Mid Cities OPC" YouTube channel.
Our morning worship service is live streamed on Facebook each Sunday morning at 10:30 AM. It may also be viewed from the homepage of our church website.
On Sunday, June 7, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Lord Looks on the Heart" from 1 Samuel 16:1-13.
"In spite of the fact that God looks on the heart, still he chooses imperfect and sinful people to receive his everlasting love."
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Fear of Man All Over Again
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Rejection and Election
Watch this sermon on our "Mid Cities OPC" YouTube channel.
Our morning worship service is live streamed on Facebook each Sunday morning at 10:30 AM. It may also be viewed from the homepage of our church website.
On Sunday, May 31, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Fear of Man, or Fear of God?" from 1 Samuel 15:1-35.
"Because we don't fear God properly, we don't obey him fully. But Jesus sacrificed himself to save sinners who often fear people more than him."
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Holy War
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Obedience and Sacrifice
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No Fear
Watch this sermon on our "Mid Cities OPC" YouTube channel.
Our morning worship service is live streamed on Facebook each Sunday morning at 10:30 AM. It may also be viewed from the homepage of our church website.
On Sunday, May 24, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Fan into Flame" from 2 Timothy 1:3-7.
"God calls you to fan into flame the gift of the Holy Spirit given to every believer by grace through faith in Jesus Christ."
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Thanksgiving for Sincere Faith (vs. 3-5)
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Growing the Gift (vs. 6-7)
Watch this sermon on our "Mid Cities OPC" YouTube channel.
Our morning worship service is live streamed on Facebook each Sunday morning at 10:30 AM. It may also be viewed from the homepage of our church website.
On Sunday, May 17, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Madness of King Saul" from 1 Samuel 14:24-52.
"The Son of the King came to give his life as a ransom for his people so that we would not die as punishment for our sins."
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Saul Swears Stupidly
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Stubborn Salvation
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A Survey of Saul's Service
Watch this sermon on our "Mid Cities OPC" YouTube channel.
Our morning worship service is live streamed on Facebook each Sunday morning at 10:30 AM. It may also be viewed from the homepage of our church website.
On Sunday, May 10, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The God of Salvation" from 1 Samuel 14:1-23
"Nothing can prevent God from saving his people because God has fought the battles that won salvation for us."
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Out of Hiding (vs. 1-5)
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No Hindrances (vs. 6-15)
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Return of the Hebrews (vs. 16-23)
Watch this sermon on our "Mid Cities OPC" YouTube channel.
Our morning worship service is live streamed on Facebook each Sunday morning at 10:30 AM. It may also be viewed from the homepage of our church website.
On Sunday, May 3, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "In Search of a Man After God's Own Heart" from 1 Samuel 13:1-23.
The only true man after God’s own heart is Jesus Christ, God’s Son, who came to search for those who are lost.
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Stolen Valor (vs. 1-7)
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Stolen Authority (vs. 8-14)
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Stolen Time (vs. 15-23)
Watch this sermon on our "Mid Cities OPC" YouTube channel.
Our morning worship service is live streamed on Facebook each Sunday morning at 10:30 AM. It may also be viewed from the homepage of our church website.
"The Lord will never forsake his people, not because of how great or wonderful or lovable we are, but because of the honor of his own name."
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A Judge in the Dock
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Speaking from the Bench
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The Chief Justice's Promise
Watch this sermon on our "Mid Cities OPC" YouTube channel.
Our morning worship service is live streamed on Facebook each Sunday morning at 10:30 AM. It may also be viewed from the homepage of our church website.
On Sunday, April 19, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The King Enthroned" from 1 Samuel 11:1-15.
"Saul's victory over the enemies of God's people, and the grace he shows to those who opposed him, point to Christ, whose victory and grace are unlimited."
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Terrible terms (vs. 1-3)
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Dread of the Divine (vs. 4-9)
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Struck and Scattered (vs. 10-11)
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Grace at Gilgal (vs. 12-15)
Watch this sermon on our "Mid Cities OPC" YouTube channel.
Our morning worship service is live streamed on Facebook each Sunday morning at 10:30 AM. It may also be viewed from the homepage of our church website.
On Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!" from John 20:1-10.
Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, and if you believe in him, you already have been resurrected from sin and death, and you will live forever.
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On the First Day
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Seeing the Signs
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That He Must Rise
www.mcopc.org
On Sunday, April 5, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Long Live the King!" from 1 Samuel 10:17-27.
The cry, "Long live the king!", unconsciously or not, is a cry for lasting permanence, stability and government that only King Jesus can provide.
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I Brought You Out
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the Hiding Heir
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Men of Valor versus Worthless Men
mcopc.org
On Sunday, March 29, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Significance of Signs" from 1 Samuel 10:1-16.
Despite the establishment of earthly authority, God still reigns as King, and he alone saves his people from their enemies.
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A Series of Signs
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God is with You
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Another Heart
Watch this sermon at the Mid-Cities OPC YouTube channel.
On Sunday, March 22, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "An Ever-Present Help In Trouble" from John 6:16-21.
Jesus Christ is able to rescue those who are in the midst of the storms of life because he is God, who controls the winds and waves.
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Every Stormy Wind
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Reason For Fear
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Do Not Be Afraid
On Sunday, March 15, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Man Who Would Be King" from 1 Samuel 9:1-27.
God's purposes in establishing a King was not fulfilled in the choice of Saul or David, but in the coming of King Jesus.
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About This Time
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Their Cry Has Come To Me
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Make Known The Word of God
On Sunday, March 8, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Stone the Builders Rejected" from 1 Samuel 8:1-22.
Though God's people have rejected him throughout our history, the Son of God was rejected by his Father so that we might be acceptable to him.
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A Cry for Justice
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The Cost of a King
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Like the Nations
On Sunday, February 23, 2020, Mr. John West taught lesson eight in his Sunday School series on Church History.
On Sunday, February 23, 2020, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Return of the Lost Ark" from 1 Samuel 6:1-7:2.
God is not dependent on, and cannot be constrained by humans, but freely made a covenant with his people and will not break that covenant.
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Reasonable Plan
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Mission Accomplished
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God's Glory Revealed
On Sunday, February 16, 2020, Rev. Harry Monroe (SBC) preached on "The God We Worship" from Genesis 1:1-5 and John 1:1-5.
On Sunday, February 16, 2020, Mr. John West lead a discussion on the historical events in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries that lead up to and culminated in the Protestant Reformation.
Church History, Week 7: Difficult Topics of the Time (AD 1400-1600)
1408: John Wycliffe’s English version of the Bible published; 1415: Jan Hus—Burned at the stake; 1439: Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church leaders agree to a reunification under Rome, Kevian Rus (Russia) forms new Russian Orthodox Church; 1453: Fall of Constantinople, end of the Eastern Roman Empire; 1456: Gutenberg produces first printed Bible; 1478: The Spanish Inquisition begins; 1492: Spain’s monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, give Jews three months to convert or be banished. Columbus departs west for China; 1497: In Scotland, children are required by law to attend school.
1502: Johann Tetzel appointed by Cardinal Giovanni de Medici, later Pope Leo X, to preach the Indulgence; 1512: Michelangelo completes the Sistine Chapel ceiling; 1517: Martin Luther posts his Ninety-Five Theses; 1521: Diet of Worms, Luther refuses to recant; 1523: Zwingli begins the Swiss Reformation; 1524: William Tyndale travels to Germany and in two years releases first printed English New Testament; 1525: Anabaptist movement begins with Conrad Grebel. Influences Menno Simons, founder of the Mennonites;1527: Michael Sattler and Anabaptist leader is martyred for the Schleitheim Confession of Faith; 1529: Protestants emerge at the Diet of Speyer; 1531: League of Schmalkalden formed, Protestants against Rome; 1534: Henry VIII—Church of England established via the Act of Supremacy; 1536: Institutes of the Christian Religion published by John Calvin; 1549: Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury produces the Book of Common Prayer; 1555: Charles V agrees to the Peace of Augsburg, granting Lutheranism official status within the empire; 1559: Establishment of the French Protestant Church, later known as the Huguenots; 1560: Scots Confession ratified by the newly recognized sovereign parliament of Scotland; 1562: Frederick III encourages the development of the Heidelberg Catechism by Olevianus & Ursinus; 1563: Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion are issued summarizing the official doctrine of the Church of England; 1572: 24 August, St. Bartholomew’s Day, 3,000 Protestants massacred in Paris. Within three days, 10,000 Huguenots are killed across France; 1589: Moscow becomes an independent Patriarchate, recognized by the Eastern Orthodox Church as the fifth most honored office; 1590: William Shakespeare begins publishing plays with the Taming of the Shrew; 1598: Edict of Nantes by Henry IV ends religious wars in France by decreed tolerance between Catholics and Protestants.
On Sunday, February 9, 2020, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached "New Covenant Temples, Priests and Sacrifices" from 1 Peter 2:4-12.
On Sunday, February 9, 2020, Mr. John West taught the sixth lesson in his series on Church History.
Week 6: AD 1100-1400
The Schism
Crusades and Monasteries | Early Crusades | Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) | Peter Abelard (1079-1142) | Peter Lombard (1096-1160) | Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
Straying from the Gospel | The capture of Jerusalem by Saladin
Monks and Dissidents | Francis of Assisi | Thomas Aquinas (1224-1274) | John Wycliffe (1330-1384) | Jan Hus (1371-1402)
On Sunday, February 2, 2020, Rev. Joe Troutman preached "The Heavy Hand of God" from 1 Samuel 5:1-12.
God in his mercy destroys idols to show the world he is the God of grace.
- Bow before the LORD | 2. Severe Mercy | 3. Search for a Solution
On Sunday, February 2, 2020, Mr. John West continued his series on Church History, discussing the Middle Ages.
Week 5: AD 400 through AD 1200
Monastic Influences: Antony (AD 251-356) | Monastic Evangelism in Scotland | Ninian (d. 432) and Columba (521-597) | Benedict's Rule, AD 530 (Near Rome) | Gregory and Mohammed: Challenges in the middle years | Latin and Greek: The "flat icon" controversy and early schism
Charlemagne, Vladimir and the Crusades: Christmas Day, AD 800: Pope Leo III crowns Charlemagne Emperor Augustus | Prince Vladimir (AD 950-1015) Charlemagne and the Eastern Churches | The Great Schism | The Crusades and Monasteries
Upcoming Subjects: AD 1200 to the Reformation | The Great Awakenings | Coming to America | Evangelicalism and Pentecostalism | Protestant Uncertainty | Revolutions and Counterrevolutions | The Modern Church | Where Do We Go From Here?
On Sunday, January 26, 2020, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached "Let Him Who Has No Sword" from Luke 22:35-38.
A topical sermon addressing the ethics of Christians taking up arms to defend innocent lives in this time when church shootings have become all too frequent, and a possibility for which every congregation must prepare.
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Let Him Buy A Sword
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Calvinism Versus Fatalism
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The Sixth Commandment
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Sword Control
On Sunday, January 26, 2020, Mr. John West taught on Church History from the time of Augustine to the sixth century.
Week 4: Augustine to the 6th Century
Augustine and his work against Pelagius | Recap of Augustine--birth to death | Writings of Augustine--truly prolific, over 100 manuscripts (132ish) | Augustine's doctrines of grace: grace comes to those to whom God chooses to send it | Pelagius's doctrines of sin and grace: "If I ought, I can." | The contrast between the two | The shortest description of the conclusion: Augustine wins.
Councils of Ephesus and Chalcedon | How did we get to this controversy? | Seven sessions from November to July before concluding | Ephesus--AD 431 (8 canons, one of which officially condemns Pelagianism) November to July/ 7 sessions | Continuing controversy: Eutyches and Dioscorus | Chalcedon: 4th ecumenical council, AD 451--Chalcedonean Creed, the early age of orthodoxy | The aftermath: continued challenges in the region.
Upcoming subjects: Middle ages to the Reformation | The Great Awakenings | Coming to America | Evangelicalism, Pentecostalism | Protestant Uncertainty | Revolutions and Counterrevolutions | The Modern Church | Where do we go from here?
On Sunday, January 19, 2020, Mr. John West taught on Church History in the 2nd through the 4th centuries.
Week 3 -- The 2nd through 4th centuries
More persecution and heresy. Who were Justin, Origen and Tertullian? | Who was Flavius Justinus? | What was the origin of Origen? | Does it really matter how we think about the Trinity? That's Modalism, Patrick!
Emperors and a summer palace | In the fourth century, how many Emperors would there be before Nicaea? | What happened in 325 AD? | What happened 62 years later in 387 AD? | What is common about the conversions of Justin Martyr and Augustine and many today?
Upcoming subjects: Early Middle Ages | The Reformation | The Great Awakenings | Coming to America| Evangelicalism, Pentecostalism | Protestant Uncertainty | Revolutions and Counterrevolutions | The Modern Church | Where Do We Go From Here?
On Sunday, January 12, 2020, Rev. Joe Troutman preached "Eyes to Behold the Glory" from 1 Samuel 4:12-22.
God gives sight to the spiritually blind, and hearts to the spiritually dead, because he must be glorified.
- He Who Has Eyes | 2. Departure of Glory | 3. The Stones Will Cry Out
On Sunday, January 12, 2020, Mr. John West taught the second lesson in his series on Church History.
Week 2 -- The Early Years | 1. What led to the early expansion of the Church? | Persecutuion--The Jewish rebellion and sacking of Jerusalem--1st Century | 2. What was one of the chief requests that was the sticking point with early believers? | Who is Lord? | 3. Why are we so surprised today by persecution? | Does persecution equal growth? | Two early examples of persecuted believers--Ignatius and Polycarp | Lyon: A persecuted city | 4. What is a common problem we share with the 2nd century?--false teachings | Why do we seem today to fear persecution, but not false teaching?
Upcoming subjects:
Week 3: The Middle Ages | Week 4: The Reformation | Week 5: The Great Awakenings | Week 6: Coming to America | Week 7: Evangelicalism, Pentecostalism | Week 8: Protestant Uncertainty | Week 9: Revolutions and Counterrevolutions | Week 10: The Modern Church | Week 11: Where Do We Go From Here?
On Sunday, January 5, 2020, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached "An Eternal Band of Brothers" from 1 Peter 1:22-2:3.
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Purified by Truth
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Loving One Another
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Imperishable Seed, Imperishable People
On Sunday, January 5, 2020, Mr. John West introduced his Sunday School series on Church History.
Week 1 -- Why Study Church History and the Issues
Why study Church history?
- Because our story is historical
- We're part of that history, and it is both an encouragement and education.
- We were given examples in the Old Testament
- Church history is a lens to view our beliefs.
- Often, Church history is a magnifying lens if we look.
- Sometimes, we need another example.
What is your definition of "Church"?
- In Matthew
- In Acts (1:8; 2; 8:12; 10-11; 28:16)
Does the "Church" include the Old Testament nation of Israel?
- Frequently, that depends on whom you ask.
Some of the heresies we have revisited:
- God created Jesus
- Two Gods in the Bible
- God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are three people or three manifestations
- The God of the Bible is the same as the God of the Koran
Upcoming Subjects
Week 2--The Early Years
Week 3--The Middle Ages
Week 4--The Reformation
Week 5--The Great Awakenings
Week 6--Coming to America
Week 7--Evangelicalism, Pentecostalism
Week 8--Protestant Uncertainty
Week 9--Revolutions and Counterrevolutions
Week 10--The Modern Church
Week 11--Where do we go from here?
On Sunday, December 29, 2019, Rev. Todd Wagenmaker preached "Our Only Hope" from Genesis 32:22-32. He is pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
On Sunday, December 29, 2019, Mr. Harry Monroe concluded his series on Paul's letters to the church at Thessalonica, which he began in September of 2019.
Pray for Us (3:1-5)
Warning Against Idleness (3:6-15)
Benediction (3:16-18)
Beginning Sunday, January 5, 2020, our newly ordained deacon, Mr. John West, will begin a teaching series on American church history.
On Sunday, December 22, 2019, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Son of the Most High" from Luke 1:26-38.
God's Son, begotten from all eternity, took up human flesh, being born of a virgin, to cover the sins of his people.
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The Favored One (vs. 26-28)
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The Virgin Birth (v. 29-38)
On Sunday, December 22, 2019, Mr. Harry Monroe expounds Paul's encouragement to the Thessalonians from 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17.
Paul distinguishes his readers in the church at Thessalonica from the unbelievers who reject the truth, to whom he referred in the previous passage, and urges them to stand firm in the traditions taught by the apostles, praying that God will comfort and establish them.
On Sunday, December 15, 2019, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "He Is God And We Are Not" from 1 Samuel 4:1b-11.
God will not let his people manipulate him like some magical force. He is God who keeps his word and brings victory over sin and death.
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Stone vs. Water (1b-2)
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Wrong Answer to the Right Question (vs. 3-4)
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Victory in Defeat (vs. 5-11)
On Sunday, December 15, 2019, Mr. Harry Monroe worked through the Apostle Paul's teaching about the Man of Lawlessness from 2 Thessalonians 2.
A teaching troubled the Thessalonians that the Day of the Lord had already come. Paul explains.
On Sunday, December 8, 2019, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached "Onward and Upward, Pilgrims!" from 1 Peter 1:13-21.
On Saturday, November 9, 2019, Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn delivered the lecture, "The Westminster Assembly and Pastoral Care" at the 2019 DFW Reformation Conference.
mcopc.org
On Saturday, November 9, 2019, Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn delivered the lecture "The Westminster Assembly and Worship" at the 2019 DFW Reformation Conference.
mcopc.org
On Sunday, December 1, 2019, Mr. Harry Monroe taught about Paul's final instructions and benediction to the Thessalonian church from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28. Review of chapters 1-4 Discussion of the difference one's millennial view makes. In short, one's millennial view affects their understanding of Old Testament prophecy, and the nature of the Kingdom of God. Reformed confessions present the Kingdom as both present and future at the same time. An improper focus on one's millennial view can lead believers to harmful behaviors. Verses 12-13 Concerning the Elders: The Thessalonians should lovingly respect the elders. They elders labor among the believers; they are over them in the Lord (a ministerial, not magisterial authority); they admonish believers. Believers should be a peace among themselves, for drama drains the elders. Verses 14-15 Concerning One Another: Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all. There is an obligation to understand Scripture and the moral responsibility we all have, but there is also an obligation to understand the people that are pare of our congregation. Verses 16-22 In all of their poverty, the Thessalonians had (and we have) the gospel, forgiveness, eternal life, certainty about the resurrection, so in the midst of deep hardship they had hope and could rejoice. Verses 23-28 The wording of Paul's benediction provokes debate about whether man has three parts (body, soul and spirit) or two parts, a union of body and soul (the biblical teaching). But Paul meant only to assure believers that the Lord will sanctify them completely at his return.
On Sunday, December 1, 2019, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Yahweh Calling" from 1 Samuel 3:1-4:1a. God breaks through the corruption and evil of the world to call sinners to himself by the preaching of his word. 1. The Rarity of the Word (vs. 1-2) 2. The Call of the Prophet (vs. 3-14) 3. The Piercing Prophecy (3:15-4:1a) mcopc.org
On Sunday, November 24, 2019, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "A Forever High Priest" from 1 Samuel 2:27-36.
Though turmoil and tragedy befall God's people, God brings resolution to our troubles through Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest.
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Revelation
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Revocation
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Resolution
www.mcopc.org
As Mr. Harry Monroe continues teaching through 1 Thessalonians, we begin chapter 5, and after a brief review and introduction, he presents a survey of the various views Christians have taken over the interpretation of Revelation 20:4-6 as it relates to the biblical doctrine of last things (eschatology).
Teaching on the return of Christ is not given in Scripture for the purpose of satisfying our curiosity about the future, but to confirm us in the assurance of God's sovereignty and his faithfulness to his promises to redeem his people and to consummate the kingdom he inaugurated at his first coming.
www.mcopc.org
On Sunday, November 17, 2019, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached "Our Imperishable Inheritance in Christ" from 1 Peter 1:3-12.
www.mcopc.org
On Sunday, November 17, 2019, Mr. Harry Monroe continued teaching on "The Coming of the Lord" from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
www.mcopc.org
On Friday, November 8, 2019, Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn delivered lecture 1 at the DFW Reformation Conference: "The Westminster Assembly and Reformation Today."
Introduction and Opening Hymn, "The Lord's My Shepherd, I'll Not Want"
The Westminster Assembly and the Reformation of Preaching, 1643-1653
I. The Westminster Assembly
II. The Problem with Preachers: Quality and Quantity
III. Reformation by Immediate Action
IV. The Directory for Preaching and the Character of the Preacher
A. Scholar
B. Worshiper
C. Orator
D. Apologist
E. Pastor
F. Servant
V. Seven Planks of Puritan Pulpit Theology
A. God's Ambassadors: Ordained Preachers
B. Trained Preachers
C. Godly Preachers
D. The Word of God
E. The Outward and Ordinary Means of Grace: Preaching
F. Christ-Centered Preaching
G. "The Spirit's Working"
Question & Answer Period
On Sunday, November 10, 2019, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Of Fathers and Sons" from 1 Samuel 2:12-26. By his grace, the Father will cause his children to grow in stature and favor with him for his glory and his people’s good. 1. Like Father, Like Sons 2. Growth in Grace
On Sunday, November 10, 2019, Harry Monroe taught on "The Coming of the Lord" from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
Paul encourages the persecuted Thessalonian Christians by pointing them to the hope of the return of Christ.
On Sunday, November 3, 2019, Rev. Andrew Moody, Pastor of San Antonio Reformed Church, preached "Communion in Christ" from 1 Corinthians 10:16-17.
". . . we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread" (1 Corinthians 10:17b).
On Sunday, November 3, 2019, Harry Monroe lead the adult Sunday School class in a discussion on sanctification and brotherly love from 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12.
Paul addresses the church in Thessalonica, not the pagan culture outside the church. The world didn't believe about morality what the church believed. This is increasingly so in twenty-first century American culture as well. Faithfulness on the part of a church consists of both right doctrine as well as right behavior. In verses 3-8, Paul instructs the Thessalonians on maintaining their sanctification in terms of their abstaining from sexual immorality . In verses 9-12, Paul applies our calling to brotherly love: work to support yourself and mind your own business, so that your self-sufficiency will adorn your profession of faith before those outside the church.
On October 27, 2019, Pastor Joe Troutman preached on Hannah's Hymn from 1 Samuel 2:1-10. View the Orders of Worship.
God prevails against all his and our enemies, and because of that, he is worthy of all our worship.
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His Eye Is On The Sparrow (vs. 1-3)
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This Is My Father's World (vs. 4-8)
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Wondrous King, All Glorious (vs. 9-10)
On October 20, 2019, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached on God's elect exiles from 1 Peter 1:1,2.
First Peter was written to Christians living in an environment such as ours. It was written to remind Christians who they are, and what they must do to remain who they are in a world filled with trials, with constant temptations to ungodliness, and to conformity to this present evil age.
Peter’s first letter can be divided into three overarching themes:
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Christians are God’s chosen people elected to a high, divine purpose.
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An exhortation to be holy in the midst of an ungodly and pagan world.
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Taking up our cross and following after Christ’s pattern of life. Submitting to share in his sufferings, in order to share in his glory.
On October 20, 2019, Harry Monroe taught on a life pleasing to God from 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12.
Paul's teaching on how the Thessalonians in particular, but all Christians in general, should live in the midst of a pagan society. The focus is on the faithfulness of the church, not the transformation of the culture.
On October 13, 2019, Rev. Robert Mossotti preached "Something New Under the Sun" from Luke 24:13-27.
"They looked for an inheritance in this world, but instead ultimately received something better. They expected to receive the promises of God, but in receiving the Holy Spirit in Jesus Christ they received the God of the promise. They looked for the holy land, but received the Holy One. 'I am your exceedingly great reward.'"
On October 13, 2019, Harry Monroe taught on Paul's longing to see the Thessalonians again from 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20.
On October 6, 2019, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "My Time is at Hand" from Matthew 26:17-29.
As with the Passover, but even more clearly with the Lord's Supper, it is the gospel proclaimed in visible words.
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The Passover Feast [8:05]
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The Passover Lamb [16:45]
On October 6, 2019, Harry Monroe taught on the sufferings of the Thessalonians from 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16.
On September 29, 2019, Harry Monroe taught on Paul's ministry to the Thessalonians from 1 Thessalonians 1:9-2:12. 1 Thessalonians 1:9-2:12 English Standard Version 9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
Paul's Ministry to the Thessalonians 2 For you yourselves know, brothers,[a] that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5 For we never came with words of flattery,[b] as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle[c] among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. 11 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
Footnotes: 1. 1 Thessalonians 2:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 9, 14, 17 2. 1 Thessalonians 2:5 Or with a flattering speech 3. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Some manuscripts infants
On September 29, 2019, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "May Yahweh Establish His Word" from 1 Samuel 1:21-28, and 2:11.
God's Spirit conforms us to his will, grants our petitions, and makes us able to keep the vows we have taken before him.
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A Cone of Uncertainty [10:46]
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A Secret Resolve Revealed [18:10]
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The Faithfulness of the Father [23:28]
Rev. Joe Troutman
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Rev. Joe Troutman
19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Rev. Joe Troutman
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
Rev. Joe Troutman
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Rev. Joe Troutman
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Rev. Joe Troutman
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Rev. Joe Troutman
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
Rev. Joe Troutman
17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
Rev. Joe Troutman
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
Rev. Joe Troutman
4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-- 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Rev. Joe Troutman
1 Finally, my brothers,rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. 2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh--
Rev. Joe Troutman
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy'sproven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. 25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Rev. Joe Troutman
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
Rev. Joe Troutman
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Rev. Joe Troutman
18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
Rev. Joe Troutman
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,
Rev. Joe Troutman
12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Rev. Joe Troutman
9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Rev. Joe Troutman
7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Rev. Joe Troutman
6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Rev. Joe Troutman
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
Rev. Joe Troutman
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev. Joe Troutman
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
On Sunday, October 23, 2011, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Fruit of Faith" from Matthew 21:17-22.
"Those who don't bear fruit, like the fig tree, will be cursed. But those who believe in Jesus Christ will bear fruit, especially the fruit of worship."
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In Search of Fruit (vs. 17-19)
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Faith Yields Fruit (vs. 20-22)
mcopc.org
On Sunday, October 16, 2011, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The King Comes Home" from Matthew 21:12-17.
"The house of the King is a house of prayer and worship, and in order to make true worshipers, the King himself will be offered up as a sacrifice."
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The True Owner of the House (vs. 12-14)
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The Unfaithful Tenants (vs. 15-16)
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The Children of the House (vs. 16-17)
mcopc.org
On Sunday, December 26, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Christ Will Not Break a Bruised Reed" from Matthew 12:15-21.
"Jesus Christ was broken and crushed so that bruised sinners like you and me who believe in Christ can be saved from our sins."
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A Generous God
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A Gentle Servant
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The Gentiles' Hope
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On Sunday, December 19, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "With Healing in His Wings" from Matthew 12:9-14.
"Jesus came, Jesus lived, Jesus died, all for the purpose of showing mercy, so that everyone who calls upon his name will be saved.
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A Merciless Trap (vs. 9-12)
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The Cost of Mercy (vs. 13-14)
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On Sunday, November 28, 2010, Rev. Mike Rasmussen preached "A Prayer for Enlightenment" from Ephesians 1:15-23.
15For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
On Sunday, November 21, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Least in the Kingdom" from Matthew 11:7-19.
"Jesus says that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than the prophet John because believers now live in the full light of the gospel."
1. A Prophet (vs. 7-10)
7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’
2. The Least is Greater Than a Prophet (vs. 11-15)
11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
3. A Friend of the Least (vs. 16-19)
16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, 17 “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”
On Sunday, November 14, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The One Who is to Come" from Matthew 11:1-6.
"In the face of John's doubt, Jesus reminds him of who he is and what he has done, and he gives that same assurance to everyone who believes in him."
- Doubt (vs. 1-3)
When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. 2Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”
- Proof (vs. 4-6)
4And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
On Sunday, November 7, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Cross Divides and Reconciles" from Matthew 10:34-42.
"Jesus took up his cross which set his Father against him, so that sinful people could find life in him and be reconciled to his Father."
1. Divided by the Cross (vs. 34-37)
34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
2. Take Up Your Cross (vs. 38-39)
38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
3. Unified by the Cross (vs. 40-42)
40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. 41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”
On Sunday, October 31, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Have No Fear" from Matthew 10:26-33.
"Have no fear when you confess your faith in Christ, because God, who has power over life and death, has become your heavenly Father."
1. Proclaim (vs. 26-27)
26“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
2. Proper Fear (vs. 28-31)
28And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
3. Confession or Denial (vs. 32-33)
32So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
On Sunday, October 24, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Sheep in the Midst of Wolves" from Matthew 10:16-25.
Jesus desires for wolves to become sheep, and so he sends out his disciples to bear witness to the salvation that comes through him alone.
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Sent to Bear Witness (vs. 16-20)
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For Jesus’s Name Sake (vs. 21-23)
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Discipleship (vs. 24-25)
On Sunday, October 17, 2010, Rev. Clarence Mays preached "Jesus and the Gates of Hell" from Matthew 16:13-21.
On Sunday, October 10, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Sending Out Laborers" from Matthew 9:35-10:15.
Out of compassion for the lost, Jesus sends us to proclaim the precious gospel of the kingdom to those who are harassed and helpless.
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Compassion (9:35-38)
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Authority (10:1-4)
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The Word (10:5-15)
On Sunday, October 3, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Bursting the Bonds" from Matthew 9:18-34.
Jesus breaks the power of sickness, death and Satan’s kingdom, because he came to set free sinners like you and me.
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A Dead Girl Rises (vs. 18-19, 23-26)
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Always Unclean (vs. 20-22)
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Two Blind Men (vs. 27-31)
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A Muted Man (vs. 32-34)
On Sunday, September 26, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Feasting and Fasting" from Matthew 9:14-17.
Jesus is your Bridegroom, and he lavishes upon you, as his Bride, precious gifts.
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To Fast or Feast? (vs. 14-15)
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Clothing and Wineskins (vs. 16-17)
On Sunday, September 19, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Follow Me" from Matthew 9:9-13.
Jesus calls sinners--undeserving of his favor--into his service, and he loves us in spite of our continued sin, and he conforms us to his image.
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The Call (v. 9)
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Sitting with Sinners (vs. 10-11)
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Mercy (vs. 12-13)
On Sunday, September 12, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Forgiveness of Sins" from Matthew 9:1-8.
The Great Physician is the healer of souls, and to all who believe in him, he promises the forgiveness of sins.
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Triage (vs. 1-2)
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Who Blasphemes? (vs. 3-5)
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The Authority of the Son of Man (vs. 6-8)
On September 5, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Binding the Strongman" from Matthew 8:28-34.
Jesus comes as conquering King to set his people free, and not even Satan himself can stand against King Jesus.
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The Demons Shudder (vs. 28-29)
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From Bondage to Freedom (vs. 30-32)
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The Children of Wrath (vs. 33-34)
On August 29, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Following Jesus Through the Storm" from Matthew 8:18-27.
Jesus committed himself to die on the cross in our place so that we would be able to follow him through the trials of life.
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To Follow Jesus (vs. 18, 19, 21)
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The Cost (vs. 20, 22-24)
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The Son of Man (vs. 25-27)
On August 22, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Raising Up Children from Stones" from Matthew 8:5-17.
Jesus is the promised offspring of Abraham who blesses the nations by healing them of sin.
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Children from Stones (vs. 5-13)
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The Blessings on the Family (vs. 14-15)
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The Purpose of Jesus's Ministry (vs. 16-17)
On Sunday, August 8, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "A True Confession" from Matthew 7:21-29.
Being in the church does not guarantee your acceptance by Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit must first give you the ability to confess Jesus as the Messiah.
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A False Confession (vs. 21-23)
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True Wisdom (vs. 24-27)
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Authority (vs. 28-29)
On August 1, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Narrow Gate" from Matthew 7:12-20.
Life as a Christian is difficult, but we are able to follow Jesus, not in our strength, but because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross.
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Summing Up (v. 12)
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Two Gates (vs. 13-14)
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False Prophets (vs. 15-20)
On July 25, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Giver of Good Things" from Matthew 7:7-11.
If the desire of our hearts is to seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, Jesus promises that his Father will answer our prayers.
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The Promises of Jesus (vs. 7-8)
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The Goodness of Your Heavenly Father (vs. 9-11)
On Sunday, July 18, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Judging and Judgment" from Matthew 7:1-6.
Jesus Christ was judged and condemned in our place so that we may proclaim salvation to sinners, that they might escape the coming wrath at the Last Day of Judgment.
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Condemnation (vs. 1-2)
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Hypocrisy (vs. 3-5)
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Rejected Mercy (v. 6)
On July 4, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Where is Your Treasure?" from Matthew 6:19-24.
We who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ find our security, not in earthly treasures, but in our Father in heaven.
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Heavenly Treasure (vs. 19-21)
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Heavenly Vision (vs. 21-23)
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Heavenly Master (v. 24)
On June 27, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Day of Dependence" from Matthew 6:16-18.
When believers fast, we trust that Jesus Christ, through his death and resurrection, has given us everything we need for faith and life.
On June 20, 2010, Rev. Clarence Mays preached "Believing in Jesus" from John 2:23-3:21.
On June 13, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "When You Pray, Part 4" from Matthew 6:12-15.
For all who believe in Jesus Christ, because of his death and resurrection, our sins are forgiven, and we have victory over evil.
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Deep in debt (vs. 12, 14-15)
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The Hour of Trial (v. 13)
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Doxology
We apologize for the low quality of this week's recording.
On June 6, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "When You Pray, Part 3" from Matthew 6:10-11.
Jesus teaches us to pray for his will to be done, and for our daily bread, so that we will be content for all that God has done for us.
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God's Glorious Will (v. 10b)
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God Glorified in Our Needs (v. 11)
On May 30, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "When You Pray, Part 2" from Matthew 6:9-10a.
We can pray that our Father in Heaven be glorified because we have been redeemed by our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Our Glorious Father and King (v. 9a)
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God's Glorious Name (v. 9b)
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God's Glorious Kingdom (v. 10a)
On May 23, 2010, US Army Chaplain, Rev. Paul Berghaus preached "A Theology of Suffering" from Job 38:1-11.
On May 16, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "When You Pray" from Matthew 6:5-8.
Jesus Christ teaches us to pray because he has gained access for us to his Father's throne by his death, by his resurrection and by his ascension.
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Not Like the Hypocrites (v. 5)
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Not Like the Pagans (v. 7)
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Like the Sons of God (vs. 6,8)
On May 9, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Praised by Men or Praised by God?" from Matthew 6:1-4.
Jesus obeyed his Father by selflessly giving his life for us so that we could be obedient to the Father and selflessly give to others.
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Fair Warning (v. 1)
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Hypocrisy in Giving (v.s 2)
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Secrecy in Giving (v. 3-4)
On Sunday, May 2, 2010, Rev. Joe Troutman preached "How to Love Your Enemy" from Matthew 5:43-48.
Jesus commands us to love our enemies, because God loved us while we were his enemies, and gives us his Spirit to make this possible.
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Hatred versus Love (verses 43-44)
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Sons of the Father (verses 45-47)
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Perfection (verse 48)
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On April 18, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached on being as good as your word from Matthew 5:33-37.
Jesus proved that his word was true by dying in our place, and rising from the dead on the third day, just as he foretold.
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Do Not Swear in Vain (v. 33)
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No Oath at All (vs. 34-36)
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Yes or No (v. 37)
On April 11, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached on keeping your marriage vows from Matthew 5:31-32.
Jesus intends for marriage to be a reflection of his love for the church. He loved his church enough to die for her.
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Legal Notice (v. 31)
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Divorce as Adultery (v. 32)
On April 4, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached on adultery in the heart from Matthew 5:27-30.
Our sin, even in its most hidden form, requires drastic measures: namely, the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, and his triumph over sin and death in his resurrection.
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Sexual Covetousness (vs. 27-28)
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Drastic Measures (vs. 29-30)
On March 28, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Murder in the Heart" from Matthew 5:21-26.
Jesus Christ gives grace to those who humbly walk with him, so that we can be forgiven, and can forgive others.
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The Person Who is Angry (vs. 21-22)
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The Person Who Has Made Another Angry (vs. 23-26)
On March 21, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Fulfilled" from Matthew 5:17-20.
Jesus came to bring freedom from the oppressive requirements the Scribes and Pharisees added to the Law. At the same time, he shows us that the requirements of the Law are even more strict than they taught.
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To Fulfill (v. 17)
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Until All is Accomplished (vs. 18-19)
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Greater Righteousness (v. 20)
On March 14, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached on salt and light from Matthew 5:13-16.
Disciples who are faithful to Jesus are as useful to the world as salt on food, or as light in darkness.
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The Salt of the Earth (v. 13)
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The Light of the World (vs. 14-16)
On March 7, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached the third sermon in a series on the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:9-12.
Because God made peace with you through Jesus's life and death, you are able to make peace with others, but you should expect persecution for Jesus's account.
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Peacemakers (v. 9)
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Those Who Are Persecuted (vs. 10-12)
On February 28, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached the second of two parts on the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:6-8.
We become citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven by the life and death of Jesus, and Jesus is teaching us to be what we have become.
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Those Who Hunger and Thirst (v. 6)
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The Merciful (v. 7)
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The Pure in Heart (v. 8)
On February 21, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached the first of two parts on the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:1-5.
Jesus teaches what it means to be a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven, and we are called to believe because of who he is, and what he has done for us.
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Jesus Begins to Teach (vs. 1-2)
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Blessed are the Poor in Spirit (v. 3)
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Blessed are Those Who Mourn (v. 4)
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Blessed are the Meek (v. 5)
On February 14, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached on the power of the word from Matthew 4:12-25.
Common words spoken by God with the witness of the Holy Spirit in our hearts call us to repentance and faith in Christ Jesus.
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Fulfilling (vs. 12-17, 23a)
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Calling (vs. 18-22)
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Healing (vs. 23b-25)
On February 7, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached on the temptation of Jesus from Matthew 4:1-11.
Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, so that through his death and resurrection, sinners like you and I may be able to resist the devil to the very end of our lives.
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Put to the test (vs. 1-2)
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If you are the Son of God (vs. 3-7)
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If you will worship me (vs. 8-11)
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It is written (vs 4, 6, 7, 10)
On January 31, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Lamb of God" from Matthew 3:13-17.
Jesus fulfilled all righteousness for his people by receiving John's baptism of repentance so that he can identify with his people.
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The Humiliation and Exaltation of Identification [5:50]
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The Reason for Identification [15:06]
On January 24, 2010, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Elijah Who Is To Come" from Matthew 3:1-12.
The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. The King sits on his throne as judge. Therefore, all people everywhere, are commanded to repent.
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John the Preacher (vs. 1-3) [7:43]
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John the Prophet (vs. 4-10) [16:25]
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John the Baptist (vs. 11-12) [21:21]
On January 17, 2009, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Israel of God" from Matthew 2:13-23.
This passage call us to confess Jesus as our King and our Savior, who gives salvation to everyone who will repent of their sins and believe in him.
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Into Exile (vs. 13-15) [9:01]
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From Weeping to Gladness (vs. 16-18) [14:49]
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The Despised Branch of Jesse (vs. 19-23) [22:55]
On January 3, 2010, Rev. Professor Elliott Greene preached "An Undying Affection" from John 14:27-31.
An undying affection is what the Christ represents, is and wants to be sincerely in us. God saves us through his Son’s affection. We are being kept by Christ’s faithful love for his Father of which we have become partakers.~Elliott Greene (paraphrased)
In 2010, Elliott Green was assistant pastor and missionary at New St. Peter's Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Dallas, Texas. He was also Associate Professor of Biblical and Pastoral Theology at Redeemer Seminary in Dallas, and principal of Tyrannus Hall for Pastoral Development. Today, Dr. Greene is Seminarian in Residence at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.
On December 27, 2009, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "His Own Received Him Not" from Matthew 2:1-12.
The Kingship of Jesus threatened Herod, but it threatens us as well. It threatens our sovereignty over our own lives. But the response of faith is to fall down before Christ, and worship him.
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In Search of the King (vs. 1-2) [7:09]
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The Disbelief of God's People (vs. 3-8) [10:47]
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Gentiles Worship Jesus (vs. 9-12) [17:23]
On December 13, 2009, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Long-Awaited King" from Matthew 1:1-17.
Jesus is the true Son of Abraham, which makes him true Israel; he is also the true Son of David, which makes him the true King of Israel.
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The Son of Abraham
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The Son of David
On December 6, 2009, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "A Long-Awaited Son" from Ruth 4:13-22.
God oversees even the sufferings in our lives, in order to carry out his great plan of salvation.
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The Birth of a Son (v. 13) [4:10]
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A Blessing to Naomi (vs. 14-16) [7:54]
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A Bigger Picture (vs. 17-22) [16:40]
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On November 22, 2009, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Ruth's Redemption" from Ruth 4:1-12.
Ruth's redemption rested, and ours rests, in God's hands alone,
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A Meeting in the Gate (vs. 1-6) [8:11]
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Boaz Redeems Ruth (vs. 7-12) [15:29]
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On November 15, 2009, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Proposal for Redemption" from Ruth 3:6-18.
We may plan for the future, but God directs our steps, and he promises to work everything out for the good of those who love him.
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Ruth's Proposal (vs. 6-9) [6:43]
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Boaz's Response (vs. 10-15) [15:03]
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Ruth's Return (vs. 16-18) [24:42]]
mcopc.org/podcast
On November 8, 2009, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Rest For Your Souls" from Ruth 3:1-5.
God promises rest for his people, and he provides it through the Lord Jesus Christ.
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The Reason for Naomi's Plan [6:38]
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The Plan Itself [10:39]
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True Rest [16:10]
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On November 1, 2009, Pastor Joe Troutman preached " " from Ruth 2:14-23.
God is able and willing to do exceedingly more than all that his people can ask or imagine.
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God's Care for Ruth and Naomi
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Overabundance of Blessing
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Our Kinsman-Redeemer
On October 25, 2009, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Under the Wings of the Lord" from Ruth 2:1-13.
God caused everything that happened to Ruth to happen, so that she would come under his protective care, and he has done the same thing for all who believe.
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Gleaning in the Fields (vs. 1-11)
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The Favor of the Lord (vs. 12-13)
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On October 18, 2009, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Hand of the Lord" from Ruth 1:8-22.
God graciously empties Naomi, and us, of everything that we have and rely upon that is not him, so that he can fill us by his grace.
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Coming Back Empty (vs. 8-14)
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Words of Faith (vs. 15-18)
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The Promise of Harvest (vs. 19-22)
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On October 11, 2009, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "There and Back Again" from Ruth 1:1-7.
In God's providence, difficult times are designed to bring his people to repentance and faith, so that we may receive his abundant mercy.
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Departure (vs. 1-2) [7:45]
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Tragedy (vs. 3-5) [17:38]
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Return (vs. 6-7) [21:48]
mcopc.org/podcast
On October 4, 2009, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Large Letters" from Galatians 6:11-18.
We are prone as sinful human beings to point out our own works to show how much we love God, but Paul teaches that we should point to Christ and his cross, to show how much God loves us.
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Boasting in the Flesh (vs. 11-13) [5:23]
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Boasting in the Cross of Christ (vs. 14-16) [14:17]
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The True Marks of Faith (vs. 17-18) [25:15]
mcopc.org/podcast
On September 20, 2009, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Bear One Another's Burdens " from Galatians 6:1-5.
Just as Jesus Christ bore the burden of our sin and guilt on the cross, we are to bear one another's burdens, even gently restoring another sinner.
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Bearing each other's burdens (vs. 1-2) [7:46]
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Bearing your own load (vs. 3-5) [22:49]
On July 5, 2009, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Not a Slave, But a Son,” from Galatians 4:1-7. At just the right moment in history, God sent his Son to redeem us in order that we might be born again, and become God's own children. 1. Temporary Provision (vs. 1-3) [6:29] 2. Permanent Status (vs. 4-5) [12:05] 3. Our First Gift as God's Children (vs. 6-7) [17:39]
On June 28, 2009 Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Adopted, and Co-Heirs " from Galatians 3:23-29.
Through faith in Christ, you have become the adopted sons and daughters of God. United in the same family, and co-heirs of the eternal inheritance.
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Before Faith Came [7:27]
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Now That Faith Has Come [14:08]
On May 17, 2009, Pastor Joe Troutman preached, "Bewitched, But Not Forsaken" from Galatians 3:1-5.
The Holy Spirit by the power of God's word has set you free from enslavement. Do not fall again under any spell that would seek to entrap you.
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A Portrait of Christ [8:16]
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Alive by the Spirit [14:58]
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Bewitched, but not Forsaken [22:40]
On April 26, 2009, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Walking in Step With the Gospel" from Galatians 2:11-14.
While it can never be done with full consistency, you, like the Apostle Peter, are called to walk according to the truth of the gospel.
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A Stumbling Stone [6:28]
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The Rock of Offence [22:07]
On April 12, 2009 Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Freedom" from Galatians 2:1-10.
The truth of the gospel is that Jesus Christ has set you free, and you are free indeed.
1. Up to Jerusalem [7:15]
2. Freedom From [12:45]
3. Freedom To [21:48]