Antioch Reformed Baptist Church: Recent Episodes
Trees are associated in Scripture with the gift of life, God's provision for His people, and their worship of Him and dwelling with Him. Man misuses God's good gift for idolatrous purposes, but in the end, Christ, the Author of Life, died on a tree to give His people everlasting life, so that we might live with Him forever in Paradise.
When we pray for God's will to be done, we are asking that He would subdue our rebellious will so that we can serve Him wholeheartedly, with contentment and joy, in all things.
The sermon explores the dual reality of a believer's spiritual state, emphasizing that while salvation provides permanent judicial cleansing through Christ's blood, daily practical holiness requires ongoing repentance. Drawing primarily from Psalm 51 and 1 John 1:7-9, the message contrasts the temporary efficacy of worldly products with the eternal completeness of God's forgiveness. It assures listeners of their secure standing in God's hands, citing John 10:27-30 to demonstrate that no one can snatch them from His care. The preacher urges believers to flee from sin rather than debate it, relying on God's faithfulness for daily purification and strength. Ultimately, the teaching aims to ground the audience in the simplicity of the gospel foundation amidst complex theological structures.
The general equity of the Judicial Law of the Old Covenant is its non-specific value as it demonstrates principles of right behavior for the application of the Moral Law in the community life of God's covenant people, the church.
Praying, Your kingdom come, is our pleading with God to sanctify our own hearts, to build His church throughout the world, and return to establish His kingdom in everlasting glory.
The sermon emphasizes the absolute sufficiency of Christ for salvation, contrasting true faith in Him with the futile attempts to earn righteousness through human regulations and ascetic practices.
This sermon explores Psalm 66 as a call to joyful communal and individual worship, highlighting God's faithfulness, power, and protective care throughout history.
The sermon emphasizes that true eternal life consists of knowing God and understanding one's own sinful nature through Scripture.
The believer's deepest priority in prayer is a heart-felt desire for God's name to be honored and His holiness glorified above all else.
Every mountain in Scripture calls us to lift our eyes heavenward, to seek our God who meets His people in power, covenant, and grace. From Eden's garden heights to Sinai's thunder, from Zion's glory to Calvary's hill, the story of redemption ascends toward the heavenly Mount Zion, where God will dwell with His people forever.
This sermon explores Psalm 127 to emphasize the absolute necessity of depending on God rather than relying on human effort.
Christian prayer flows from the awe-filled joy of adoption, as believers approach the Almighty with childlike love, resting in His fatherly care, while honoring His sovereign majesty.
The Law of God is often misunderstood, or assumed to be a negative thing that was only part of the Old Covenant. But the Law of God is good, because it was given by God. The Ceremonial Law was given as positive law application of the first table of the moral law for the Old Covenant. It prefigured Christ's work of redemption in many ways and still serves to add dimension and texture to His saving work.
This sermon examines Psalm 12 to address the challenge of maintaining faith in a society marked by deceit and moral decay.
God is not concerned with the abundance of our words, but with the sincerity of His child's heart in prayer.
The 15th Century saw the fall of Constantinople, the capital of the eastern Roman Empire. It was an event that shook the world in its day, and contributed to events that would shatter the peace of Christian Europe within 75 years.
From Eden to the New Jerusalem, the Bible reveals God's enduring plan to dwell with His people. The garden, patriarchal altars, tabernacle, and temple all foreshadow Christ, the true and living temple, culminating in the presence of God with His redeemed people in the everlasting Kingdom.
True prayer is the Christian speaking from the heart, to God as Father, with sincerity and love, hoping for nothing less than communion with the Almighty.
We must diligently guard our hearts so that we serve others out of love for God and for Christ's sake, not for the love of self and the praise of others.
The Law of God is often misunderstood, or assumed to be a negative thing that was only part of the Old Covenant. But the Law of God is good, because it was given by God. The Moral Law was written on man's heart at creation, and is forever binding on all men, not for justification, but for the obedience we owe God as our Creator.
The local church is God's ordained means for the spread of the gospel in the world. Therefore, guided by the Holy Spirit, missionaries are to be sent out by the local church.
In that Day, Christ will slay the serpent, leave the city of destruction desolate, and assemble His elect from among the nations to worship in the Celestial City. Yet, until that Day, He remains the vigilant Keeper of His vineyard, atoning for our sin, disciplining us for sanctification, and preserving us for the Day of His glory.
The 14th Century was a time of great conflict for Christendom, the papal schism divided the church, the reforms of Wycliffe and Hus came to an end. The Scholastics debated philosophy in Latin. And the common people flocked to the Mystics, men and women who claimed to have heard from God a message of love without judgment, an accessible Savior, and a divine spark within every soul.
The story of redemption begins with humanity's fall and God's promise to crush the serpent. It's anticipated and typified in the deliverance of Noah, the covenant with Abraham, the exodus from Egypt, and the hope of a faithful King. In Christ's death and resurrection, redemption is accomplished, and through the church His victory is applied to His people. Redemption will culminate in the final defeat of Satan and the fullness of salvation in the New Creation.
The Heavenly City stands secure, enjoys peace, and endures, not because of anything we have done, but because of the covenant faithfulness of God alone. Therefore, fellow citizens of the Heavenly Jerusalem, rejoice in the God of our salvation!
Christ is the Sovereign Savior, Defender, and Deliverer of His people. At His return, He will gather His church to a glorious feast, providing abundantly for their everlasting joy through direct communion with Himself.
The doctrine of the Assurance of Salvation is founded on the objective work of Christ in the Gospel, as applied to the individual believer by the Holy Spirit. Assurance is increased and maintained when we diligently apply ourselves to the means ordained by God for the increase of our faith. And the fruit of assurance is peace, joy, thankfulness, and obedience.
It will be a Day unlike any other, when Christ is revealed as the King of Glory and LORD of Hosts, who will reign forever with righteousness and justice, to the everlasting joy of His people.
The 14th Century was a time of great conflict for Christendom that ended with the death of John Wycliffe and the spread of his ideas from England to Bohemia. There, Jan Hus took up the banner of reform and called the church to repent. After his martyrdom, his followers fought against the crusades of the Roman Catholic Church to defend their national sovereignty and their religious liberty, bringing Europe one step closer to the Protestant Reformation.
How should Christians live out Jesus' command to love our enemies, when they are actively seeking the destruction of our faith and exclusion of the church from the public sphere?
Throughout Scripture, humanity repeatedly falls into sin, from Adam and Eve in the Garden to Israel and its kings, individuals and nations are seen to be totally depraved, following a consistent pattern of sin, and under the curse of sin, shame, exile, and death. The only hope for mankind's redemption is found in the gracious promise of coming Seed of the woman who will bear the curse, crush the serpent, bring true and lasting return from exile, and restore man to right relationship with God.
At the coming of the Covenant God, creation itself will tremble, and the city of man will be crushed under the weight of divine judgment, but His redeemed people will rejoice in the glory and grace of Zion's Great Champion.
God humbles the proud to display the glory of His salvation. He redeems what He has broken and sanctifies it, transforming idolatrous and self-centered Gentiles into a holy nation devoted to Christ's glory in His church.
The doctrine of the Assurance of Salvation is founded on the objective work of Christ in the Gospel, as applied to the individual believer by the Holy Spirit. Assurance is possible when our focus is on Christ's finished work, not our emotions. And assurance should always bear the fruit of humility and holiness.
Human strength, self-reliance, and even faithful leaders all fail to provide true and lasting security and hope. Christ is the only secure peg on which to hang all our hopes and cares.
The world offers temporary comfort to relieve the suffering and trials of this life. But only by turning to Christ, the eternal Light, can we find lasting refuge from the darkness of fear, loss, and human frailty.
The 14th Century was the time of the Church's Babylonian Captivity in Avignon, the Great Papal Schism, and a struggle for control of the church in which everyone seemed to lose sight of the fact that Christ alone is Head of His church. Enter John Wycliffe, the Morning Star of the Reformation. He challenged the authority of the Pope, the traditions and teachings of the church, and oversaw the translation of the entire Bible in English, setting the stage for the Protestant Reformation.
The world is lost in spiritual darkness, and without hope apart from Christ, the life and light of men.
Biblical Theology helps us see that Creation displays the power, majesty, goodness, and glory of God. Creation had an eschatology from the beginning, which shapes the whole biblical message. It moves from shadow to substance, from Adam to Christ, from creation to an everlasting kingdom, from God to God.
The Day of the Lord will be a Day of deliverance for God's people, but it will be a Day of darkness and despair for unbelievers. While we long for that Day with hope and joy, we should not do so flippantly.
An exposition of chapter 17 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, concerning Perseverance of the Saints. True believers do not finally fall away. Our salvation is by grace, and our perseverance is continued in that same state of grace until we reach the state of glory.
There is one God over all the earth, one Savior for all mankind, and one people of God taken from among the nations.
The 14th Century saw the church at war with itself as the Great Papal Schism sent the church into its 70 years of exile in France. The entire century was a struggle for control of the church, while everyone seemed to lose sight of the fact that Christ alone is Head of His church.
What is Biblical Theology? Isn't all Christian theology biblical? Biblical Theology is that branch of Exegetical Theology that seeks to understand the truths of Scripture according to the organic and historical nature of their unfolding revelation over the course of redemptive history.
Though the nations rage, God is Sovereign. He will destroy the wicked, but He will also deliver a remnant for Himself from among the nations, to serve Him with joy forevermore.
An exposition of chapter 15 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, concerning Good Works. It is our duty as servants, and our delight as sons, to do the will of the Father, but these 'good' works are acceptable to God, only when done by His grace, for His glory, according to His Word, in union with His Son, Jesus Christ.
Those who humble themselves and submit to Christ's loving rule enjoy the hope of everlasting salvation, but arrogance ends only in affliction.
God's people have no need to tremble at what the world fears, or seek strength and refuge from the world. Christ is our hope and refuge, our King and Protector.
Paul commends the Colossian's faith in Christ and reminds them of their hope laid up in heaven because of Christ's work on their behalf. He alone is sufficient for their salvation.
The 13th Century gave rise to new orders of preaching friars that would produce great scholars and set the course to the Reformation. This month we examine the life of the greatest thinker of the middle ages, Thomas Aquinas.
A review of recent revisions to our church constitution, with special attention to confessional subscription, elder rule, and qualifications for membership.
The rulers of this earth may appear to have power and authority, but in the end they will all bow before the judgment seat of Christ the Immortal and Omnipotent King.
An exposition of chapter 15 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, concerning Good Works. Christian Good works are the fruit of God's gracious work of salvation and are characterized by humble, thankful obedience to His commands, and diligent use of His ordained means of sanctifying grace.
Typified by the fall of Babylon, the Day of the Lord will bring destruction for the reprobate, but deliverance for the redeemed.
Love is the fulfillment of the Law and the defining characteristic of Kingdom ethics. It is by our love that we are known to be sons of God, grown up into the image of Christ, the eternal Son.
Where the sin of others abounds, Christians should respond not with retaliation on the basis of our rights, but with generosity on the basis of Christ's grace.
The 13th Century gave rise to new orders of preaching friars that would produce great scholars and set the course to the Reformation. This month we examine the life of the founder of one such order, Francis of Assisi.
Christians are not to hide deceitful hearts behind pious sounding religious words, but as children of the God of truth, we should be known for honesty and integrity.
Before we can understand what God has said, sometimes we need to understand how God has said. Different genres of Biblical literature require different understandings. How should we read the book of Revelation? What is Apocalyptic Literature? What is symbolic and what is literal? How can we determine the difference? And what does it all mean?
Marriage is designed by God as a picture of Christ and the church. Divorce is a tool to be used in pursuit of repentance and reconciliation. Unrepentant adultery is the only grounds for divorce, and remarriage is always adulterous.
An exposition of chapter 15 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, concerning the doctrine of repentance. Repentance is a gospel grace, given by God for our renewal and restoration, enabling us to continue to grow into the image and likeness of Christ our Savior.
Before we can understand what God has said, sometimes we need to understand how God has said. Different genres of Biblical literature require different understandings. How should we read the parables of Jesus? Are they allegories, with each detail representing something? Or does each one have only one main point? How do they communicate God's Word? How can we understand them 2000 years later?
Those who joyfully extend mercy to others demonstrate that they have experienced God's mercy in Christ and possess an unwavering hope in the fulfillment of God's mercy at the resurrection.
When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, God will satisfy our longing with the righteousness of Christ applied to our souls.
An exposition of chapter 14 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, concerning the origin, basis, and nature of saving faith. Faith being a grace of God given to the elect, enabling them to cast themselves whole-heartedly upon Christ for justification, sanctification, and glorification.
Those who learn meekness in imitation of Christ are blessed with peace in their spirits now, knowing the glory of their coming inheritance in His Kingdom.
During the 11th Century, Christendom was torn in two as Constantinople and Rome finally parted ecclesiastical ways. Still, the west did answer the cry for aid from the East with the first crusade, which successfully repelled the Muslim invaders. The brutal conduct of the crusaders however, cemented the East-West divide that had occurred earlier in the century.
The grace of God works in the lives of believers to open our minds to the reality of our spiritual poverty, melt our hearts in grief over our sin, and lift us to new heights of comfort and joy in Christ.
Christ promises everlasting citizenship in His kingdom to those who humbly acknowledge their spiritual need and depend entirely upon His grace.
Before we can understand what God has said, sometimes we need to understand how God has said. Different genres of Biblical literature require different understandings. How should we read the Gospels? Are they simple biographies? Why do we have four of them? How do they communicate God's Word?
An exposition of chapter 13 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, concerning the sanctification of the elect by God. Sanctification being a fruit of justification and the further conforming of the believer to the image of Christ in Him.
Christ's Word is the scepter by which He rules His people, teaching us the New Covenant blessings of life as citizens of His glorious Kingdom.
When we drink deeply from the wells of salvation, our souls are refreshed, our fellowship sweetened, our worship invigorated, and our God is exalted.
The believer's glorious hope is the Lord's Messiah, who rules with wisdom, righteousness, and strength, and whose everlasting kingdom is characterized by restoration, righteousness, rest, and rejoicing.
No matter the circumstances, the believer should have confidence that the Lord is both Sovereign and righteous, and that all things are done according to His will.
During the 11th Century, Christendom was torn in two as Constantinople and Rome finally parted ecclesiastical ways. There were many factors involved, but the one that lay at the theological heart of the matter was the question of the inner Trinitarian relationship of the Spirit to the Father and the Son, otherwise known as the controversy over the Filioque Clause.
Before we can understand what God has said, sometimes we need to understand how God has said. Different genres of Biblical literature require different understandings. How should we read the Prophets? Who are the Prophets? How do they communicate God's Word? Are they mainly concerned with future events? Or do they speak to the people of their day, and to us today?
The Government of Immanuel will be a new creation, marked by liberty and blessings for His people, brought about by His divine wisdom and strength, and maintained by His never ending Fatherly care, and Princely administration of Peace.
The defining mark of God's faithful people is our love for, and obedience to, God's Word.
An exposition of chapter 12 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, concerning the adoption of the elect by God, a grace attended by the rights and privileges of children in this life, and the promise of the inheritance of everlasting salvation.
The promise of Immanuel, God with us, is a sign of our desperate need. He shares in our weakness, partakes of our poverty, and delivers us from our distress.
During the 10th Century, Christendom was marked by corruption as church and state vied for power and wealth. But there were bright sparks of hope in both the East and West as movements arose to reform the church and clergy to biblical standards of morality and holiness.
A table talk discussion concerning the church as the Israel of God, comparison of Covenant Theology to Dispensationalism in regard to national Israel, the promises, the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants, and how American Christians ought to regard and relate to the modern day nation of Israel.
Apart from Christ, the true vine, we can bear no fruit of righteousness, but only the corrupt, rotten, stink-fruit of sinful self-indulgence.
Before we can understand what God has said, sometimes we need to understand how God has said. Different genres of Biblical literature require different understandings. How should we read Wisdom Literature? What do we need to understand about how Proverbs works? Is there a literary context to be considered? Or should every Proverb be taken as an individual nugget of wisdom?
An exposition of chapter 11, paragraphs 4-6, of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, concerning the justification of the elect, the decree, accomplishment, and application of justification in time, the ongoing fruit of justification, and the working of justification in history.
The Lord's Messiah will sanctify His elect, lead them to everlasting life in a new Exodus, dwell with them in love as a Bridegroom with His bride, becoming their every good treasure, hope, and defense.
The Lord will judge His people, but with the redemptive purpose of purifying His church and preparing it for glory.
On the Day of Judgment, the only safety from the terror and glory of the Lord will be found in Christ, our Rock and Redeemer.
A Table Talk discussion with the congregation of Antioch Reformed Baptist Church on the practice of the Lord's Supper, it's association with a full mean known as the Love Feast. We examine what the Scriptures say on the subject, what church history teaches us, and discuss the implications for our own practice, and possible advantages and disadvantages of united the Ordinance with a full meal.
God's people are called to walk in holiness in anticipation of dwelling together with Him in the coming kingdom of His glory.
During the 9th Century, Christendom was marked by increased theological division as well as political division. Society was reorganized into the feudal system, while the church debated predestination, the nature of the Lord's Supper, and the relations of the Trinity.
God will purify His church, cleanse it, and present it to Himself a glorious church, holy and without blemish.
Before we can understand what God has said, sometimes we need to understand how God has said. Different genres of Biblical literature require different understandings. How should we read the Psalms? What do we need to understand about how poetry works? Is there a literary context to be considered? Or should every Psalm be taken as an individual expression of spirituality?
An exposition of chapter 11 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, concerning the justification of the elect, the nature of justification, the means of justification, the relationship of faith and works, and the basis of justification in the finished work of Christ.
The promised Messiah is both King, Servant, and Conqueror, who will reconcile a sinful people to the holy God, and establish an everlasting kingdom of peace and righteousness.
Elders are under-shepherds of Christ, serving Christ's Word, to Christ's people, in Christ's church, for the spiritual nourishment of their souls, in constant reliance upon the work of the Good Shepherd.
During the 8th Century the Western Roman Empire was rebirthed by Charlemagne and Pope Leo III, giving rise to the Holy Roman Empire, which we look back on as Christendom, the union of church and state in one single kingdom on earth. Why and how did it happen? And what can we learn from it?
Before we can understand what God has said, sometimes we need to understand how God has said. Different genres of Biblical literature require different understandings. How should we read historical narratives? Are they just history? Are they morality stories? How do they connect to the larger story of our redemption in Christ? And are they normative for our church life today?
Church membership is biblical, a matter of obedience to Christ, a grave duty, and a great privilege. Christ loves and died for the church. We should count it our greatest privilege to serve the King of kings, by serving His body and bride.
The Church serves as an embassy of the Kingdom of Heaven, established by God as a refuge and help for His people during the course of this pilgrim life.
An exposition of chapter 10 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, concerning the effectual calling of the elect. The outward call in the preaching of the Gospel, and the inward call of the Holy Spirit renewing the mind, heart, and will, are both necessary for the salvation of sinners.
The Church, as the Lord's assembly, serves as an embassy of the Kingdom of Heaven, representing and making known the glory of our King to all people everywhere, proclaiming the hope of the Gospel to all nations.
The Gospel of the Kingdom is the good news that the long-awaited King has come to redeem a new humanity and establish His rule over a new creation. Jesus is the Gospel!
Before we can understand what God has said, sometimes we need to understand how God has said. Different genres of Biblical literature require different understandings. How should we read the Law? As Christian Scripture, knowing that God is our King who rescues us from slavery to other masters, and brings us under His authority and protection.
An exposition of chapter 9 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, concerning the freedom of the will of man to act according to its nature in four states: the state of innocency, the state of sin, the state of grace, and the state of glory.
We are called by Jesus, the One with all authority, to follow and obey Him for His glory. Answering this call reveals the central purpose of our lives.
How do we define Christian Missions? Who is a missionary? Who qualifies to be a missionary? What sort of work missionaries ought to be engaged in? The answers to these questions must be driven by biblical convictions. Here's what we believe as a church.
With the coming of Jesus, the light of the kingdom of heaven dawned among men, bringing the hope of salvation to the nations. That light now shines through His people, the church, for the glory of God and the good of all those who are being saved.
All worship belongs to God, and to Him alone. Christians must not follow the culture around us into the gross idolatry of demonic idols, such as fame, success, power, and self-satisfaction.
How should Christians evaluate music for entertainment? Is it permissible? If so, what principles dictate our enjoyment of music and arts? a round table discussion.
During the 8th Century the form of worship in the Western church was standardized and known as the Mass, the use of relics expanded greatly, and the church calendar and holy days began to be enforced by law. These developments still affect the way we worship today.
The devil misused Scripture, tempting Jesus to demand the Father's protection in a way that would exalt Himself. But Jesus chose the humility of obedience rather than the path of self-aggrandizement.
Jesus was tempted by the devil to act independently of the Father, but He chose obedience rather than bread, the glory of God rather the satisfaction of self, trust rather than self-reliance.
10 errors we often make in logic and thinking as we study the Scriptures. These errors are largely avoided by carefully observing the context, comparing Scripture with Scripture, and being aware of our own biases, assumptions, and cultural distance from the 1st century.
At His baptism, Christ was ordained by the Father, and anointed with the Spirit, identified as the Messianic King and Suffering Servant who saves His people and imputes to them a God pleasing righteousness.
An exposition of chapter 8, paragraphs 8-10, of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Mediator of the New Covenant.
True repentance, a work of the Holy Spirit, involves genuine remorse, a changed life, and a desire to please God. Christ will separate the faithful, who bear good fruit, from the unfaithful, who do not.
As the prophet of the kingdom, John the Baptist's ministry was to preach repentance in preparation for the coming of the One who would reveal the glory of God to mankind: Jesus - Immanuel, God with us.
Misconceptions about how language works, leads to some common errors in our study of the Scriptures. We must be careful to let the context lead the way in determining the meaning of any word or text. With humility and thankfulness, let us seek to think God's thoughts after Him, but careful study of His Word.
Jesus is greater. He is the greater Tabernacle, the greater King, the greater Israel, the greater Prophet/Deliverer…but His kingdom is not of this world, and He is despised and rejected by men.
An exposition of chapter 8, paragraphs 4-7, of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Mediator of the New Covenant.
Jesus is the Greater Moses, a Prophet leading His people out of exile and establishing a New Covenant of hope and salvation. Herod's tyranny is explored, connecting it to the lamentation recorded by Jeremiah, and underscoring that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Through Christ, the ultimate revelation of God, believers are offered spiritual freedom and hope.
Jesus is the true and greater Israel. He was faithful where national Israel failed. As the Son of God, He is the true image of the Father, and brought honor and glory to His Father's name. All those who are joined to Christ by faith become part of His body, the church, and are members of the Israel of God.
During the 8th Century the great debate was over the use of images (icons) in the worship of the church. Where icons forbidden by Scripture? What about Jesus' human nature, can't we portray it? Aren't they helpful for the illiterate? What does church history teach us on this issue that continues to be a controversy today?
A round table discussion: How should we biblically evaluate music for worship? What role does music play in our worship service? What about the lyrical content? Does musical style matter?
Misconceptions about how language works, leads to some common errors in our study of the Scriptures. We must be careful to let the context lead the way in determining the meaning of any word or text. With humility and thankfulness, let us seek to think God's thoughts after Him, but careful study of His Word.
As the true King of kings, Jesus is the greater Son of David who has dominion over all nations, and sits enthroned in the hearts of His people. Our great God and King is a kingly Shepherd who cares for His church. He leads us out on mission, and He will lead us safely home to heaven.
God's glorious presence is no longer found in the back room of the physical temple in Jerusalem, but in the person of Jesus, the Eternal Son, who took to Himself human flesh and tabernacled with men.
An exposition of chapter 8 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Mediator of the New Covenant.
It is the saint's duty to tell the world how God brings hostile enemies into loving fellowship through Christ's sacrifice.
The mission of God is to glorify His holy name among the nations. Jesus accomplishes this mission by fulfilling the promise to Abraham, of a Son who will bless the nations by fulfilling the promise to David, of a Son who will reign forever in righteousness.
As prelude to the incarnation, we are exploring the mission of God in the world. Why did Christ come? What was His ultimate goal? The mission of God is to glorify His holy name among the nations. The redemption of the church through the blood of Christ makes known the glory of Christ to all people.
During the 7th Century great debates raged over the person, nature, and will of Christ. People were murdered, persecuted, and exiled over this issue, and ultimately Christendom clashed with Islam over the doctrine of Christ. The debate still rages today between Christianity and the cults, and even within the church over the issue of impassability.
The last line of the Apostles' Creed gives us a grand vision of hope as we confess our belief in the promise of everlasting life. The life everlasting is a state of glory, honor, peace, and joy which the elect shall know before the face of God in the kingdom of light forever and ever. Amen.
Putting it all together we find hope for perseverance in the Christian life by reading Scripture with Christ as the central and controlling figure. All Scripture fits into the His work of redemption and the promise of the coming consummation of the Kingdom of Light and Glory.
The Lord's Supper is a covenantal meal in which we commune with the exalted Christ, and a means of grace by which we receive the blessings of union with Him.
An exposition of chapter 7 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. Salvation is the work of the Holy Spirit applying the atonement of Christ to the elect according to the purpose of God, by means of the Covenant of Grace.
The Lord's Supper serves as the covenantal meal of the New Covenant that reminds us of our exodus from slavery to sin, our covenant relation to God in heaven, and promises us a future inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ.
5th and 6th century Celtic Christianity developed a unique approach to monastic life and missions that resulted in a legacy of education and preservation of the Scriptures, along with vigorous missionary efforts.
The distinctive nature of the New Covenant, which belongs to the spiritual offspring of Abraham by faith, demands the baptism of believers alone.
The application of Scripture must follow after careful exegesis of the grammatical literal sense and the Christological literal sense. Only then are we ready to apply to the divinely intended meaning of the text to our own lives teaching, correcting, training, testing, convicting, exhorting, and encouraging toward godliness.
An exposition of chapter 6 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. With Adam as our Covenant Head, when he sinned, we all sinned in him and fell with him into sin, inheriting from our first parents the guilt of original sin, along with a sin nature that wholly inclines us to evil, unless Jesus Christ sets us free.
An exposition of the eleventh line of the Apostles' Creed concerning the resurrection of the body. Resurrection is a personal grace of the New Covenant whereby our bodies are raised incorruptible to everlasting life and an inheritance in the New Heavens and Earth, in the presence of God and of the Lamb.
Baptism is an outward sign of our union with Christ, and it should only be given to those who have experienced union with Christ by faith. This is the command and the practice of the New Testament.
The events of the 6th century demonstrate the value of Christian community and the importance of doctrine to the life of the church and the surrounding culture.
Baptism is an outward sign of our union with Christ in death to sin, life to God, obedience to the Father, and our new identity as His children.
Christological Literalism asserts that Christ was literally present with the Old Testament saints. While typology allowed us to see Christ in all of Scripture, prosopological exegesis allows us to hear Christ speaking in all of Scripture. Psalm 3 is examined as an example of hearing the voice of Christ in the Psalms.
James calls on the church to love one another with their words, their attitudes, their actions, their prayers, and their correction as they live as children of the Father of lights.
An exposition of the tenth line of the Apostles' Creed concerning the forgiveness of sin. Forgiveness of sins is a personal grace of the New Covenant that restores our relationship with our Creator on the basis of His grace and mercy alone.
An exposition of the second half of chapter 5 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. Divine Providence is an expression of God's goodness to His elect. It is cause for thanksgiving and praise to the glory of His infinite power, wisdom, and goodness.
The Christian Response to suffering, sickness, and sin should be to resort early to the throne of Grace with unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Join our Table Talk discussion on the 3rd Sunday evening of each month. A topic/question is proposed by a church member, usually beginning with some background or introductory remarks by an elder, followed by a round table style discussion. Please excuse the kid noise in the background, and we pray you are blessed by the discussion.
Let the hope of Christ's triumphant return enable you to endure suffering with perseverance, with patience, and with a heart that yearns for the coming presence of your Redeemer!
A review of the goals and methods of Biblical interpretation, and the use of typology for seeing Christ in all of Scripture. Examples are given of types indicated in the New Testament, as well as those which are not.
Take heart weary Christian! The Lord of Hosts is a God of justice and hearsay the cries of His oppressed people.
A review of the goals and methods of Biblical interpretation, and the use of typology for seeing Christ in all of Scripture. Examples are given of types indicated in the New Testament, as well as those which are not.
Christians should plan for the future in humble submission to God and His providence, not in independent self-reliance.
Just as God has ordained the means by which He works out His providence in nature, so He also has ordained means for the working of grace in the life of the church. We ought to attend to His means of grace with diligence, faith, and hope.
An exposition of chapter 5 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. Divine Providence is an expression of God's goodness to His creatures as He executes His decree in history. It is cause for thanksgiving and praise to the glory of His infinite power, wisdom, and goodness.
An exposition of the ninth line of the Apostles' Creed concerning the holy catholic church. The church is the spiritual assembly of all those who are gathered to Christ by faith, the household of God the Father, the body and bride of God the Son, the temple of God the Holy Spirit.
As Christians, our speech should not be marked by self-seeking put downs of others, but by humility and submission to the Word of God.
During the 5th Century, Augustine confronted the false teaching of Pelagianism. What issues were at stake? And do they still concern us today? Is semi-pelagianism a heresy? Is modern evangelicalism captive to the false teaching of Pelagianism?
Christians should humble themselves and reject worldly wisdom, which encourages pride and self-seeking that are at the root of disunity and conflict in the church.
A review of the goals and methods of Biblical interpretation. An explanation and defense of the use of typology for seeing Christ as the controlling theme and central figure of the whole of Scripture.
Christians should humble themselves and reject worldly wisdom, which encourages pride and self-seeking that are at the root of disunity and conflict in the church.
An exposition of the eighth line of the Apostles' Creed concerning the Holy Spirit. The Spirit's relation to the Father and the Son is examined. His person-hood as God defended. And His work in the lives of believers opened.
An exposition of chapter 4 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. We examine work of God in creation, ex nehilo, the image of God in man, the law of God written on our hearts, the positive law of command in the garden.
A Christian's words and actions should demonstrate a heavenly wisdom marked by humility, purity, and peacefulness; rather than worldly wisdom marked by pride, envy, and strife.
The tongue is a small body part with a very large potential for good or evil. Our words reflect our inner nature and should be in keeping with our new identity in Christ, as children of God.
A review of the goals and methods of Biblical interpretation. An explanation and demonstration of the use of the Reformed interpretive methods of the Analogy of Scripture and the Analogy of Faith.
An exposition of chapter 3 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. The Doctrine of God's Decrees is examined and it's relationship to other doctrines in the confession explored.
An exposition of the sixth line of the Apostles' Creed, discussing the blessed hope of Christ's return to judge the world in righteousness, redeem His elect, conquer His enemies, and establish His kingdom.
Christians are justified by faith alone, which faith is then vindicated (justified) at the final judgment by an examination of their Spirit empowered works, which are the fruit of a genuine faith-union with Christ.
When was Abraham justified? When he believed the promise in Genesis 15? Or when he offered Isaac as a sacrifice in Genesis 22? What is meant by justification? James teaches us that Faith grows to maturity in a life of obedience, and is justified by it's fruit (works).
An introduction to a study of apologetics, why is a worldview important and an overview of opposing worldviews and their impact on our thinking.
Mere assent to the doctrines of Christianity does not indicate true faith. True faith unites us to Christ for life and good works. By union with Him, we have peace with God and confidence before His throne, rather than terror at the thought of an altogether holy and almighty God.
Faith that does not result in action is dead, and being dead, it cannot give life to the one professing such a faith. It is of no value. A living faith in the living Christ will move us to action in obedience to our Lord and for the good of others.
A review of the goals and methods of Biblical interpretation, as applied to Old Testament Narrative passages. Outlining a narrative demonstrated in the book of Esther.
An exposition of the sixth line of the Apostles' Creed, discussing the importance of Christ's ascent to heaven and his session at the right hand of the Father as Mediator of the New Covenant, High Priest, and King over His people.
An exposition of chapter 2 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. The doctrine of God ad intra, His attributes, His perfections, His tri-unity.
God's mercy to us in Christ proves a guide to order our life together according to the gospel rather than the law. Believers should act, especially in the church, as those who have been saved by grace and will be judged by the perfect law of liberty.
What is the relationship between evangelism and discipleship-- Does discipleship follow evangelism-- Or is evangelism merely the first step in discipleship--
When we show partiality, we are not seeing things as God sees them, and are not keeping the law as a rule of life. But we sin and are found to be judges with evil thoughts.
During the 4th Century, the church fought some of its greatest battles defending the deity of Christ and the nature of the Trinity. While Constantine welcomed the world into the church. Many believers then fled to the desert to become Monks in an effort to be -not of this world.- But they found severe asceticism had no power to sanctify. What can the 21st Century church learn from the practice of the monastery regarding the life of the church in the world, while remaining free from it's ungodly influence--
The Book of Proverbs teaches us to live wisely and enjoy peace with God and others. Justice is treating everyone equally under the law, but in our fallen world, injustice often occurs. How should Christians respond to injustice and oppression-- As those who have know the love of God in Christ, we should with thankful hearts delight in helping the helpless.
A review of the goals and methods of Biblical interpretation, including the four-fold sense of Scripture, the Quadriga, and a demonstration of the Grammatical-Historical Hermeneutic as the first step in exegesis.
An exposition of the fifth line of the Apostles' Creed, discussing the importance of Christ's descent into Sheol or Hades, and what that means for believers now, why it is a cause for hope and joy in the victory of the resurrected Christ.
An exposition of chapter 2 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. The doctrine of God ad intra, His attributes, His perfections, His tri-unity.
True worship of God is cleansed by Christ, centered on Christ, corresponds to Christ, and is ultimately completed by Christ.
Those who endure trials well are those who respond to God's Word with a humble attitude, obedient listening, and careful speech.
During the 4th Century the church found it's greatest patron, the Roman Emperor Constantine. But this created an unhealthy syncretism between church and state while the church was dealing with the biggest controversy in its history, the doctrine of the deity of Christ.
Our natural response to trials is to be tempted to distrust God, or to accuse Him of leading us into temptation. But God's purpose in trials is not to tempt us to sin, but to teach us to love, trust, and hope in Him alone.
An introduction to the goals and methods of Biblical interpretation. The historical development of the four-fold sense of Scripture, the Quadriga, and an explanation of the Grammatical-Historical Hermeneutic as the first step in exegesis.
An exposition of the fourth line of the Apostles' Creed, in which we examine the Passion of Christ, His suffering death by crucifixion, and burial. And the purpose for which He died.
An exposition of the later half of chapter 1 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. The Perfection of Scripture, the perspicuity of Scripture, Providential preservation, Analogy of Scripture, and the use of Scripture in controversies.
Christ forged a path through death to life everlasting, and has promised to be sure guide and Good Shepherd to His people, to guide them on the path of life and see them safely to the Celestial City. So we can rest in the promise of a future resurrection and glorification of our bodies, to everlasting life in the presence of the King.
What role should the local church play in evangelism-- Should there be a program-- Is evangelism the church's job-- How do we connect personal evangelism to the church-- We know the Gospel is a message to be proclaimed, but are we to also demonstrate it by our lives-- And if so, what should that look like--
James tells us that if we lack the patience to endure trials, and are finding it difficult to see past them to the joy of sanctification, we can ask God for wisdom and He promises to give it abundantly, to those who sincerely trust Him.
During the 3rd Century the church faced both extensive persecution and internal controversy. Three primary issues concerned the church during this time. 1- What level of faithfulness should it require of members when desiring numerical growth-- 2- Was it possible to forgive those who had denied the faith previously-- 3- How free is grace, what does repentance look like, and can the church insist on penance--
A review of various Bible study tools, with recommended commentaries, and a discussion of how to use- English Bible translations, reading plans, concordance, confessions of faith, dictionaries, commentaries, study bibles, and other helpful books.
An introduction to the book of James, it's major themes and ideas. An exposition of the first four verses, describing the believer's response to trials and afflictions. The Christian response to trials is a thoughtful rejoicing, not in the trials themselves, but in the fruit of the Spirit's work through them in our lives.
An exposition of the third line of the Apostles' Creed, in which we examine the work of the Holy Spirit in the conception of the Christ, the importance of the virgin birth, and our hope for glory on the basis of the identity of Christ as the Son of God.
An exposition of the first 5 paragraphs of chapter 1 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. The First chapter of the confession expresses the principium cognoscendi, the principle of knowing. Everything that follows in the confession is built on the foundation of our doctrine of Scripture.
The Book of Proverbs teaches us to live wisely and enjoy peace with God and others. One of the greatest enemies of peace is envy. Envy is a poison that spread through our souls causing only discontentment and murmuring against God. The antidote to envy is the diligent practice of the fear of the Lord, which brings contentment and allows us to confidently trust in Christ, our hope for everlasting life in the kingdom.
We are God's ambassadors, this means our actions, attitudes, and tone must reflect that we truly believe the message we share, having experienced His salvation in our own lives. But are there best practices for evangelism-- Things that make it easier and more effective to share the gospel with those who do not yet believe--
God is a most pure spirit, and those that would worship Him, must do so in Spirit and in Truth. Pure worship is that which is done according to God's nature and His self-revelation in the Scriptures, seeking to please our Heavenly Father rather than ourselves.
The Book of Proverbs teaches us to live wisely and enjoy peace with God and others. One of the greatest enemies of peace is greed. Proverbs warns us of the danger of greed to our own souls, along with the blessings of generosity, and the heavenly rewards God promises to those who have pity on the poor.
During the 3rd Century the church responded to the changing culture, and the propagation of false teaching by beginning to establish the canon of the NT, developing a systematic theology of the fundamentals of the faith, and the development of the office of bishop. How do these changes influence and inform the need of the church in our own day--
The Book of Proverbs teaches us to live wisely and enjoy peace with God and others. One of the greatest enemies of peace is anger. Proverbs teaches us how to deal with our own anger, and how to diffuse the anger of others. A wise person seeks to deescalate anger, both in themselves and others, and bring rest and peace to all.
How can you get started reading the Bible-- Do you need to read the whole thing-- Even the difficult parts of the Old Testament-- What order should you read the Bible in-- How quickly should you read it-- And what is the goal of regular Bible reading-- And an overview of various reading plans and approaches.
An exposition of the second line of the Apostles' Creed, wherein we see that our certain belief in the eternal sonship of Christ is the basis of our hope and enjoyment of the grace of adoption.
An introduction to the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. The Epistle to the Judicious and Impartial Reader is examined and the purposes and intents of the authors of the confession are discussed, along with a warning issued not to neglect Family Worship.
The Book of Proverbs teaches us to live wisely, and central to that is learning humility and putting pride to death. Pride puts us at odds with God, with our neighbor, and with ourselves. Humility mends what pride destroys.
Before we can evangelize, we must know the gospel. We must know the holiness of God the Creator, the sinfulness of man, the atoning work of Christ, and the required response of repentance and belief.
An introduction to the book of Proverbs, its purpose and goal. Proverbs presents us with a choice. There are two paths in life- the Fear of the Lord leading to wisdom and life, or foolishness leading to death.
During the 2nd Century the church faced persecution from without, and heresies from within, yet it grew exponentially. This happened because the Spirit of God was at work through the church to provide moral guidance in a culture that had lost it's moral compass, respect and equality for people of all classes, and an offer of fellowship with a God who cared for His people.
An exposition of the first line of the Apostles' Creed, wherein we see that the Christian faith is rooted in the self revelation of the One, True, and living God, the Creator of all things.
An introduction to systematic theology, creeds, and confessions, with particular focus on the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, its provenance, structure, order, and purpose.
The promise and blessing of the New Covenant is the presence of our Covenant Lord Jesus with His church- empowering her, commanding her, guiding her, and preserving her, until His return.
Christ is the fulfillment of the promise of Immanuel, God with us, in the flesh, by the decree of God. In decreeing the incarnation, God has decreed our salvation in Christ Jesus. Our salvation is secure in the decree of God, and the work of Christ.
Christ is the fulfillment of the promise of Immanuel, God with us, as our Savior, delivering us from the bondage of sin and death. His virgin conception and birth are necessary to our salvation. And He will save all those who are His.
What is evangelism-- Who should do the work of evangelism-- How do we evangelize-- And why-- Is there a need for evangelism in America today-- Good evangelism is knowing the gospel, believing the gospel, living the gospel, and speaking the gospel.
Why is church history important-- What can we learn from it-- How can it help deepen our faith, hold to sound doctrine, shape our worship, and inspire us to persevere in the faith--
Christ is the fulfillment of the promise of Immanuel, God with us, truly God and truly man, the only Mediator between God and men. Christ executes His work as Mediator by His threefold office as our Prophet, Priest, and King.
Christ is the fulfillment of the promise of Immanuel, God with us, truly God and truly man, of a reasonable soul and body, a complete human nature, in all things like unto us, only without sin.
Why should we read the Bible-- How should we read the Bible-- How can we interpret and understand what we read-- Basic rules of interpretation. A method for devotional Bible reading- context, observation, meaning, application.
In Isaiah, God promised a Son, named Immanuel, God with Us. What does it mean that Jesus is God, and why is it important----Christ is the fulfillment of the promise of Immanuel, God with us, for He is the fullness of God- holy, eternal, and omnipotent.
Our Lord Jesus Christ gave us a model prayer. How are we to use it-- What can we learn from it to inform our own prayers--
The Apostle Paul instructs Titus to set the churches in order, establishing godly leadership and organization.
The Warrenton Declaration on Medical Mandates, Biblical Ethics, - Authority was created in order to provide doctrinal clarity and coherence on issues of biblical authority and ethics related to medical mandates. The declaration seeks to equip local churches and their officers in providing transparency on where they stand and to assist individuals who are being mistreated in their churches with a well-ordered summary of belief in this regard. This message is a review of the Declaration.