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Biblical preaching is the center-piece of corporate worship. We believe that expository preaching best serves God’s purposes and his people. Typically, we work section by section through large portions of Scripture, usually complete books of the Bible.
We begin each new year with a reminder that prayer is essential, for both individual Christians and the church as a community of faith. This Lord’s Day we will observe our annual Prayer Emphasis Sunday. The sermon will focus on the example of Elijah, a righteous man whose prayers were powerful. The day will also include a Sunday School lesson presented to a combined class (junior high and up) in the auditorium. Following a fellowship luncheon, we will have our first Deacon Care Ministry prayer meeting. We look forward to enjoying the day’s events with you.
Someone recently asked the question, why is it important to attend church? We will take up that topic in the worship service this Lord’s Day. In fact, we will show that attending church is essential to our Christian identity. But merely attending church is insufficient; Christians must take ownership of the church’s mission.
Paul concludes the letter of 2 Corinthians in a familiar way. He lists a series of final commands, offers greetings, and pronounces a benediction in the form of a prayer. Though familiar, his words are neither routine nor wasted. They give both direct and indirect guidance to help the church grow and mature as it seeks to obey the direction he gave in this letter. The message of 2 Corinthians corresponds well with the focus of 1 Timothy, the study which we just completed. Every church is called to serve as the “pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15 [Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)] )—a call that shapes the life of every believer.
The apostle Paul concluded 1 Timothy with a familiar blessing pronounced upon the church: “Grace be with you.” The churches in Ephesus would grow strong to protect the gospel only by God’s grace. Every church in every age exists only by grace God gives for salvation and functions only by grace God gives for service.
This Lord’s Day we will look at Paul’s concluding words to Timothy (1 Timothy 6:20-21 [Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)] ). He summarized the burden of the letter in two commands: guard the gospel entrusted to you and avoid those who seek to undermine it.
This Christmas season reminds us of the important truth that knowing Christ transforms us completely—our behavior, interests, values. Christ takes the preeminent place for those who are part of the “household of God . . . the church of the living God” (1 Timothy 3:15-16 [Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)] ). The sermon text for this Lord’s Day appears to be a postscript in Paul’s letter. His message to Timothy reached it’s climactic conclusion in 6:13-16, but almost as an afterthought, he warns the wealthy once more against misplaced values.
As Paul approached the end of his letter, he repeated the charge that he gave to the young preacher (1 Timothy 6:13-16 [Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)] , cf. 1:18-20 [Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)] ). Last week we unpacked his introduction to the charge (verses 11-12) that describes personal preparation and personal commitments required of Timothy to accomplish the mission entrusted to him. The sermon text for this Lord’s Day presents the charge, invoking God the Father and Jesus Christ as witnesses. The character of God and the imminence of Christ’s return underscore the seriousness of Timothy’s work The elements of the service highlight each of these themes.
At the end of his letter to Timothy, Paul repeated the charge that he gave to the young preacher (1 Timothy 6:13-16, cf. 1:18-20). The sermon text for this Lord’s Day serves as an introduction to this repeated charge (or command). Verses 11-12 describe the personal preparation and personal commitments required for Timothy to accomplish the mission entrusted to him. Paul spoke directly to Timothy as a “man of God,” but just as the instructions he gave regarding elders described the character qualities expected of every Christian (1 Timothy 3:1-7), the commands given to Timothy in these two verses have implications for us all.
In 1 Timothy 6:2b-5, Paul exposed the self-centered motives that lurked in the hearts of the false teachers troubling the churches in Ephesus. They believed that a facade of godliness would produce gain. In the text for this Lord’s Day, Paul reveals that “gain” comes from true godliness and the contentment it produces.
In the first chapter of Luke’s gospel we are told that he wrote his account, so that Theophilus would have certainty about the words he had been taught (v. 4). Theophilus had evidently heard various things about Christ, and Luke wanted his account to bring him to certainty about them. Luke’s inspired words—Paul quotes Luke as Scripture in 1 Tim. 5:18—are intended by God to bring Theophilus and any reader to confidence about Christ, His work, and other matters related to the Christian faith. God’s Word is powerful to persuade people of its truth. However, as we will see in Luke one, when God gives His word to people, He expects that they respond with belief, not unbelief. Since He is both sovereign and trustworthy, faith is the only appropriate response to what He says. And what a great blessing He always promises to those who believe (Jn 20:29; Rom 10:11)!
In 1 Timothy 6:1-2, the apostle Paul concludes his directions given to various groups regarding life within the household of God. These final words spoke directly to Christians who were slaves. In the sermon, we will seek a better understanding of slavery in the Roman Empire in the first century, drawing comparisons and contrasts with the tragic era of slavery that scarred our own recent history. Most importantly, we will see how Paul’s instructions to Christian slaves still have application for us all.
In 1 Timothy chapter 5, the apostle Paul gave instructions to Timothy about how the church should live as members of the household of God. The focal point of 5:17-25 is the church’s responsibilities to her elders (that is, her pastors). In verses 17-18 Paul taught that the church must respect her pastors. In verses 19-21, Paul explained that the church must protect her pastors, though not with blind loyalty. In the text for this Lord’s Day, (5:22-25), Paul gives guidance for selecting new pastors.
In 1 Timothy chapter 5, the apostle Paul gave instructions to Timothy about how the church should live as members of the household of God. The focal point of 5:17-25 is the church’s responsibilities to her elders (that is, pastors). In verses 17-18 Paul taught that the church must respect her pastors. In today’s text, verses 19-21, Paul explained that the church must protect her pastors, though not with blind loyalty.
In 1 Timothy 5:17, Paul began to address the church’s responsibilities to her pastors. The background of the churches in Ephesus peeks through our reading of the text. There were pastors in that city who were doing a good work, leading and feeding God’s people. Some pastors needed correction and replacement. Paul’s instruction on the relationship between the congregation and these various pastors provides valuable guidance for churches in every generation.
In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day (1 Timothy 5:3-16), the apostle Paul continued his instructions about how the church should live as members of the household of God. The focal point of this passage is the church’s benevolent aid given to the neediest members in the church. The passage runs surprisingly contrary to modern assumptions about the benevolent work of the church. Those whom the church helps are its members who are 1) utterly destitute and 2) utterly reliant on the goodness of the Lord.
The opening verses of 1 Timothy 5 provide instruction regarding the way Timothy (and thus, others) should handle confrontation of sin within the church. Our identity as members of the household of God (3:15) determines the nature of our relationships with each other. The relational qualities Paul required of Timothy are not natural to us; we must learn them from the head of the household of God, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In the fourth chapter of 1 Timothy, Paul spoke to young pastor Timothy about 1) errors he must correct (4:1-6), 2) character he must develop (4:6-10), and 3) ministry he must perform (4:16). The central theme in this last section of the chapter is ministry of the Word of God. He was to “immerse” himself in this noble ministry and thus set an important example for the churches: the word of God is our business.
The apostle Paul describe for Timothy the marks of a good servant of Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 4:6-10). Just as the qualifications for the office of overseer listed in chapter 3 apply to all Christians and are not exclusive to those pastors, Paul’s instruction in this passage have application to all believers. All are servants of Christ. Every servant of Christ must hold to sound doctrine and vigorously pursue godliness. The end goal for those who know Christ is that we serve him with full devotion.
The apostle Paul told Timothy that this age would be punctuated with frequent deception and desertion among those who claim to be Christians (1 Timothy 4:1-5). They misuse God’s good creation, believing that their deeds will bring them to God. In contrast, those who come to God through Jesus Christ receive God’s good gifts with thankful hearts.
Paul had deep concern for the wellbeing of the churches. His concern flowed from the fact that God has entrusted churches with the task of proclaiming and protecting the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). The Bible, God’s Word, is this truth. Thus, the biblical message is the business of the church. In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day, Paul summarized the core content of this truth (1 Timothy 3:16). He distilled it into six statements about Christ that form an ancient confession. It is the truth we confess, protect, and proclaim.
This Lord’s Day it is our privilege to have Michael and Julie Carlyle with us, our long-time ministry partners and friends. Michael serves as the director of the Scripture Engagement department of Bible International. He will preach in the morning service and give a ministry update during the Family Bible Hour. They will also be with us for the Fellowship luncheon and the prayer meeting that follows.
In 1 Timothy 3:14, Paul adds a personal note in the letter he wrote to Timothy. It gives insight into his purpose for writing. He hoped to visit Timothy in Ephesus to do in-person teaching. Anticipating a delay in his travel plans, Paul wrote this letter to guide the Ephesian Christians regarding their behavior. He showed that church members are obliged to live consistently as part of God’s household. The church must take this seriously because the Lord has charged us to proclaim and protect the truth.
Protect the gospel by strengthening the church. That is a summary of the point of Paul’s first letter to Timothy. The third chapter contains a list of qualifications churches should look for in their leaders. Choosing the right men helps strengthen the church—the wrong men will weaken it. We have explored the list of pastoral qualifications (3:1-7) over a period of several Sundays. This Lord’s Day we will consider the qualifications for the office of deacon (3:8-13).
This Lord’s Day we will look at Joshua 23 where Joshua gives the first of two last addresses to Israel. In this particular one, as he anticipates his own leadership coming to an end, he exhorts the remaining leaders to maintain fidelity to the Lord by strongly obeying His Words. He motivates them to this by reminding them of how they personally experienced God’s faithfulness to fight for them, just as He promised, when they obeyed Him by going in to conquer the land.
This Lord’s Day we will conclude our focus on 1 Timothy 3:1-7. In verses 4-7, Paul lists three essential characteristics for the right kind of pastor: domestic consistency, experienced maturity, and a good reputation outside the church. Maturity manifests the qualities described in vv. 2-3. The places where these must be displayed are the church, the home, and the community.
This Lord’s Day, we will take our fourth look at the list of qualifications church must require of its pastoral leaders. Verse 3 lists four disqualifying characteristics. It is important for us to remember that this list describes basic behavior Christ requires of all who follow him.
This Lord’s Day we continue our examination of the qualifications Paul lists for he office of overseer (pastor). The list contains only one qualification of a vocational nature—everything else addresses character. The vocational qualification is, he must be “able to teach” (v. 2). We will look deeply into this essential requirement for the church’s leaders.
First Timothy 3:1-7 lists qualifications for pastors. These are not exclusive to pastors. As demonstrated in last week’s sermon, the list presents characteristics of basic Christian behavior. Christ, the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), gives to the church under-shepherds (pastors, see Ephesians 4:11) to lead the congregation in Christ-like behavior (Hebrews 13:7).
Protect the gospel by strengthening the church. That is a summary of the point of Paul’s first letter to Timothy. The third chapter contains a list of qualifications churches should look for in their leaders. Choosing the right men helps strengthen the church—the wrong men will weaken it. We will explore this list over the next few Sundays.
This Lord’s Day, we are happy to have Pastor Michael Riley as our guest speaker. A former member of our church, Pastor Riley and his family live in Wakefield, Michigan, where he pastors Calvary Baptist Church. He will preach about place of honor that Jesus now holds as described in Hebrews 1:1-4.
The sermon text continues Paul’s instructions to Timothy about appropriate worship that needed to be established in the churches. It speaks to proper roles in worship for men and women. It cuts across the grain of modern assumptions, but properly understood, Paul’s instructions chart the course for strong and joy-filled ministry.
In 1 Timothy, Paul instructed Timothy to set things in order in the churches in Ephesus. The first order of business was to establish well-ordered worship. This was the concern addressed in chapter two. In 2:8-10, Paul discussed the way men and women are to conduct themselves in worship, offering correction to improper behavior. His guidance makes it clear that his concerns were no merely superficial. He was concerned about underlying issues of the heart.
Last week we looked at the third of three tests given in 1 John for determining whether or not we possess eternal life: the test of love for God’s people. We saw that since love originates from God, those who have life originating from God should show the love which also originates from Him. God’s life in someone is so inseparably linked to God’s love that John goes on to show that the absence of love demonstrates the absence of life. This week we will look at the next verses that show us the tangible demonstration of God’s love in sending His Son and its powerful implications for us.
This Lord’s Day we will look at the epistle of 1 John where John writes to help his readers know for sure whether or not they have eternal life (5:13). To help them come to this certainty, he explores three tests which in combination expose the reality or absence of spiritual life. The tests may be captured in three questions: 1) Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? 2) Do you obey His commandments? 3) Do you love fellow members of the church? Our sermon text is 1 John 4:7-11 where John explores the test of love more thoroughly. Showing love demonstrates that we possess life that originated from God because love originated from God.
This Lord’s Day, Missionary Scott is our guest speaker. He will preach in the worship service and present a ministry update during Family Bible Hour.
His sermon from 1 Peter 3:13-17 focuses on thinking “rightly, to bank of biblical truth, when we are suffering for the Lord.” The elements of the service acknowledge that we cannot always understand what God is doing, but we are determined to serve and uphold his cause despite difficulty that the world may bring to us.
This Sunday we will observe the Lord’s Table during the morning worship service. As usual, we will devote the entire service to this ordinance. Our scriptural focus will be Ephesians 2:11-13 in which Paul called his readers to remember what they were before Christ graciously saved them. Then he set in contrast their current, new condition accomplished by Christ.
I. At the Table we remember what we once were: Far from God.
A. We were once pagans.
B. As pagans, we were:
Without ChristWithout a peopleWithout promisesWithout hopeWithout God. II. At the Table we marvel at what we have become: Near to God.
A. Christ united us to himself.
B. Christ also united us to each other.
C. Christ accomplished this through his own blood.
The church has labeled this Lord’s Day, “Palm Sunday.” It marks the beginning of Christ’s Passion Week. The sermon will consider Matthew’s account of the Triumphal Entry. The hymns chosen present a sharp contrast between the praise of the fickle crowds that welcomed him that day and the worship of those who trust him as King and Savior.
Two weeks ago (March 3), we introduced Paul’s first concern for Timothy as he set things in order in the churches in Ephesus (1 Timothy 2:1-7). The focus of the message was on the importance of corporate prayer (vv. 1-4). This Lord’s Day, we will complete the message of the paragraph (vv. 5-7) where we see that the church’s prayers express our understanding of God’s saving mission.
This Lord’s Day, Mark Buhr will conclude his sermon series that has taken us through the book of Galatians. The series was lengthy because the sermons were preached whenever pastor Thomas was away. The concluding verses (Galatians 6:17-18) remind us of our mission—a calling that includes suffering for Christ.
In the second chapter of 1 Timothy, the apostle Paul began to explain to Timothy the things that he should do to set the Ephesians churches. The first order of business was the practice of corporate prayer.
The first chapter of 1 Timothy began with a charge Paul gave to Timothy to set things in order in the churches in Ephesus 1:3-7). False teachers needed to be silenced and corrected. In verses 8-17, Paul 1) identified and confronted an aspect of the error being taught and 2) explained the power and glory of the true gospel. In today’s text 1:18-20), Paul concludes his charge to Timothy, calling him to “fight the good fight.”
False teachers in the churches in Ephesus needed correction. In 1 Timothy 1:8-11, Paul corrected their misuse of the Law—it cannot contribute anything to our salvation. In 1 Timothy 12-16, Paul presented himself as an example of the saving power of the gospel of God’s grace given through Jesus Christ: by mercy and grace, God saved Paul, the very worst of sinners. And he did it apart from the Law.
Having laid out this argument and its deeply personal and moving exploration of the wonders of God’s mercy found in Christ Jesus, Paul broke out in a jubilant poem (song?) in verse 17. It is a response to the wonders of the gospel. It begins with a description of the One who saves us and ends with the appropriate response of those who have been saved.
In last Sunday’s sermon text, Paul exposed the error of false teachers who misused the Law of Moses. This Lord’s Day we will see how Paul counters their error. He presents himself as the ultimate example of the what the gospel of grace can achieve. Without law-keeping, Christ saved Paul, the very worst of sinners. This means that Christ can and will save anyone by grace alone.
n 1 Timothy 1:8-11, the apostle Paul addressed an important aspect of the false teaching taking place in the churches in Ephesus. The issue was the misuse of the Law of Moses. Having instructed Timothy to confront and correct the false teachers (1:3-7), Paul counters their error by stressing that the Law is good when used properly, but it was not intended for the just.
Each January we mark a tradition in our church: Prayer Emphasis Sunday. This Lord’s Day we will focus on the subject of prayer and be reminded of the essential role it plays in the outworking of the plan of God for his people. Our guest speaker is Michael Harding, pastor of First Baptist Church of Troy and long-time friend of HBC.
Last week we began a study of Paul’s first letter to Timothy. This Lord’s Day, we will begin to read the body of the letter (1 Timothy 1:3-7) and find there that the churches in Ephesus were under the harmful influence of false teachers. Paul charged Timothy to confront them.
This Lord’s Day we will introduce our new sermon series: The Pillar and Foundation of the Truth. It is a study of the first of Paul’s so-called “Pastoral Epistles.” This letter instructs Timothy about how to set things in order in the churches in the city of Ephesus. His commands to Timothy are always timely—especially appropriate for the church in our current age.
I. We must see the Lord as He is… (Isaiah 6:1-3)
A. See how Isaiah describes the Lord’s greatness:
- He is living2. He is sovereign3. He is One4. He is infinite
B. See the Seraph’s instinctive response to the Lord.
C. Hear the Seraphim proclaim the Lord’s goodness.
II. …so that we will see ourselves as we are. (Isaiah 6:4-5)
III. This alone prepares us to value the atoning sacrifice. (Isaiah 6:6-7)
IV. Such amazing grace moves us to unqualified service. (Isaiah 6:8)
This Lord’s Day we will look at Psalm 1 where we will find an encouraging description of the believer, “the righteous” and “blessed man,” and a sobering description of the unbeliever, “the wicked.” The message from the passage will set forth the believer as one preoccupied with God’s Word, “the Law of the Lord” (v. 2) and enjoying spiritual prosperity (v. 3). Those who know the Lord have affections and habits of thinking related to the Word of God. They find His Word a “delight” (v. 2), “more to be desired…than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey” (Ps 19:10). As New Testament believers we know that God’s spoken Word culminates in the Living Word made flesh, the Lord Jesus (Heb 1:2; Jn 1:1, 14), and in Him the Christian finds never ending delight and food for meditation (Col 2:3). The message will also point out the coming doom for those who do not know the Lord (Ps. 1:4-5) and encourage them to “take refuge in the Son” (Ps 2:12). What is the explanation for the great difference between the righteous and the wicked? God’s loyal, favorable and intimate involvement in the life of the righteous and His unfavorable and condemning disposition toward the wicked; therefore, the wicked will “perish” (v. 6).
This Lord’s Day we will remember the first advent of our Lord Jesus. He came into a world that is in desperate need. Our sermon text reveals that some watched for him with expectant faith and welcomed him with worship. But they were a small minority of people. Others ignored him—and some tried to kill the baby. Through it all, God was at work accomplishing his eternal plan and Jesus was central to it all.
This Lord’s Day, the sermon text will describe the nativity of Jesus from Joseph’s perspective. When he discovered Mary’s condition, he might have wondered whose child she carried. What he knew for certain was that he was not the father. It took and angelic intervention to prepare him for what would follow. The sermon will retell the story and teach us the angel’s answer to the question, “What child is this?”
This Lord’s Day we begin our focus on the Christmas season. We will mark the incarnation of Jesus Christ with a series of three sermons from Matthew, chapters one and two. We will move through the expectation of God’s promised Messiah (1:1-17), the details of God’s provision of his Messiah (1:18-25), and God’s protection of his Messiah (2:1-23).
This Lord’s Day we conclude our study of Brandon Crawford’s revision of the Baptist Confession of Faith. The topic is, “The Last Judgments.” The sermon text (2 Thessalonians 1:5-12) gives us a glimpse of what the Lord has in store for those who trust Him and those who do not.
The twenty-second article in the Baptist Confession of Faith is called “Religious Worship.” It strongly states that God prescribes in Scripture the way his people are allowed to worship him and that worship “according to the imaginations and devices of men” is unacceptable. The sermon text demonstrates this truth from the second of the Ten Commandments.
Article twenty-one in the Baptist Confession of Faith addresses the subject of Christian liberty. The gospel sets the believer free from the Law and neither church nor government has the authority to bind the believer to the Law again. This article is a warning against legalism. Unlike the historical setting in which it was written,…
The subject of the twentieth chapter of the Baptist Confession of Faith is “The Gospel.” Other chapters also address gospel themes such as Christ the Mediator, Justification, Repentance unto Life and Salvation, etc. But the unique emphasis in the current chapter is the relationship between the gospel and special revelation, that is, the Bible. God…
The nineteenth chapter of the Baptist Confession of Faith addresses the topic, “The Law of God.” It is a controversial topic that draws out a variety of opinions. Some say that Christians are still bound by the Law of Moses (at least in part) that God gave to Israel. Others argue that since Christ fulfilled…
We saw in chapter seventeen of the Baptist Confession of Faith that a persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark of genuine faith. The eighteenth chapter of the Baptist Confession of Faith explains a correlative truth, the Christian doctrine of assurance of salvation. Perseverance does not undermine the certainty of our salvation but contributes…
This Lord’s Day we will observe the ordinances that Jesus bequeathed to the church by which we remember him: the Lord’s Table and baptism. In the 19th century, English minister, J. C. Ryle, wrote a paper explaining the Lord’s Table. In it, he listed four “practical benefits” that believers receive when they participate in the…
Chapter 17 of the Baptist Confession of Faith addresses the subject of “The Perseverance of the Saints.” The Scriptures clearly teach this doctrine, but many misunderstand it. Some even deny it, opting instead for a doctrine called “the preservation of the saints.” But, as the sermon this Lord’s Day will show, these two ideas are…
The sixteenth chapter of the Baptist Confession of Faith deals with the topic, “Good Works.” While the Scriptures are clear that good works do not secure our salvation, they are equally clear that good works are identifying characteristics of those who believe.
Chapter 15 of the Baptist Confession of Faith focuses our attention on the theme, “Repentance unto Life and Salvation.” We who were spiritually dead received spiritual life through repentant faith in Christ. That is the beginning of the Christian life. But Christians still struggle against the vestiges of the old nature. Christ, our Advocate, graciously…
Chapter 14 of the Baptist Confession of Faith deals with “Saving Faith.” On May 28th we worked through Ephesians 2:1-10 to understand the effect that sin has on the human will. Verse 8 of that passage explains that salvation is by grace through faith. In that sermon, we devoted only 2-3 minutes to the subject…
Chapter 13 in the Baptist Confession of Faith explains the Bible’s teaching on sanctification or, the Christian’s pursuit of holiness. The confession strongly and correctly makes the point that salvation in Christ always sets in motion the transforming process by which Christians become come more and more holy. The sermon and the service this Lord’s…
The twelfth article of the Baptist Confession of Faith focuses on God’s gracious work of adoption. This topic seldom receives the attention it deserves in the preaching and teaching of the churches. That is, perhaps, because it is seldom mentioned by name in the Bible, but the concept appears often. We will explore this important…
How can sinners such as we ever have a right relationship with a holy God? That is the central concern of the Gospel. There is only one true answer to that question—and we have to get it right. This is the concern of the eleventh article of the Baptist Confession of Faith, “Justification.” The sermon…
The subject of the service for this Lord’s Day is “The Effectual Call” (article 10 in the Baptist Confess of Faith). It refers to the initiative God takes to bring his people to salvation. He does this—not because of anything in our character or because of what we do. He calls us on the basis of his gracious intentions. When he calls us, the call is effectual, that is, it accomplishes God’s intended purpose. The instrument that God uses to accomplish his purpose is his Word applied by his Spirit.
The subject for the Lord’s Day sermon this week comes from The Baptist Confession of Faith, Article Nine: “Free Will.” The Bible teaches that all people make free choices, but that does not mean that the human will is free in an absolute sense. The human will is subject to various constraints. We will see this clearly in Ephesians 2:1-10
I. God requires us to live as we ought.
A. In harmony.
B. In humility.
Scripture: Philippians 2:1-5
II. This prepares us to adorn the gospel with our deeds.
A. Adorn it with sober obedience.
B. Adorn it with attractive speech.
C. Adorn it with joy-filled perseverance.
Scripture: Philippians 2:12-18
III. We can only be and do what we ought if we remember Christ Jesus.
A….. Remember his humble condescension.
Scripture: Philippians 2:6-8
B. Remember his glorious exaltation.
Scripture: Philippians 2:9-11
On the night before Jesus died, he prayed a prayer that puts God’s plan of redemption on display. The opening verses of the prayer (John 17:1-5) reveal the driving motive that lay behind all that Jesus came to do: the glory of God. Contrary to our tendency to evaluate the value of all things according to our own interests, Jesus saw all things through the lens of God’s interests. His glory is of ultimate importance.
Joel Owen will preach this Lord’s Day. His sermon will deal with a turning point in Jacob’s life: God’s self-revelation and covenant confirmation at a place he called Bethel (the house of God).
The eighth chapter of the Baptist Confession addresses the subject of “Christ the Mediator.” It presents a broad description of Jesus Christ’s person and work. The heart of the chapter is Jesus’ “perfect obedience and sacrifice of himself, which he through the eternal Spirit once offered up unto God,” [through which he] “fully satisfied the justice of God, procured reconciliation, and purchased an everlasting inheritance in the Kingdom of Heaven for all those whom the Father hath given unto him.” We will look at this great doctrine through the lens of 1 Timothy 2:5
This Lord’s Day we continue our series, Truth Matters, based on the topics presented in The Baptist Confession of Faith. The seventh chapter focuses on God’s gracious plan. We see this grace, in part, in the divine covenants that unfold throughout Scripture. The apostle Paul declares that this gracious plan is revealed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Our continuation series, Truth Matters, follows the topics found in The Baptist Confession of Faith (Brandon Crawford). Chapter 6 sets the topic for this Lord’s Day: “The Fall of Man.” We will explore what the Bible says about the origin of sin and its continuing effects.
We are pleased to have Rev. Joel Owen as our speaker for this worship service. He will deliver a message that is timely for our congregation: “Some Biblical Considerations Regarding Ministry Transitions.”
It is our privilege to welcome Rev. Art Larson, long-time pastor of Tri-Lakes Baptist Church (now retired), and a friend of our church. He will speak in the morning worship service.
The fifth article in the Baptist Confession of Faith is, “Divine Providence.” In this service, we will use the death of Jesus as described by Peter in Acts 2:22-24 as a case study in divine providence. We will see that Christians who unreservedly embrace this doctrine, find peace and comfort.
The fourth chapter of The Baptist Confession of Faith explores the topic, “Creation.” This brief statement sets forth a series of simple biblical truths that were universally held by Christians throughout the centuries and form the foundation of a biblical worldview. Without these truths, Christianity cannot exist, and any free society will collapse.
The third chapter of The Baptist Confession of Faith focuses on God’s Decree. The sermon text is Isaiah 46:8-11 which displays the fact that in eternity past, God decreed all things that come to pass.
Last Lord’s Day (February 12, 2023), we took an initial foray into Deuteronomy 6:4-9. The point of the message was that the one true and living God is worthy of your unqualified love. Verse 4 yielded stunning details about the character of YHWH, the God of Israel. This Lord’s Day we will explore the rest of the paragraph and consider our response to such a God.
The second article of the publication, The Baptist Confession of Faith and Catechism for Dispensational Churches (based on the Second London Baptist Confession, 1689) is titled, “The Holy Trinity.” It does not focus exclusively on the doctrine of the Trinity, but attempts to describe what this Triune God is like. It includes three paragraphs that address 1) His attributes (or intrinsic characteristics), 2) His relationship with the creation, and 3) His essential nature as Triunity.
Introduction: This Lord’s Day we will observe both ordinances that Jesus gave to the church by which to remember him: the Lord’s Table and baptism.
Our Lord’s Table observance will focus on themes contained in the first question and answer of the Heidelberg Catechism, themes that clearly explain the truth of the gospel:
Heidelberg CatechismLord’s Day 1
1.Q.What is your only comfort in life and death?A.That I am not my own, 1but belong with body and soul,both in life and in death, 2to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. 3He has fully paid for all my sinswith his precious blood, 4and has set me freefrom all the power of the devil. 5 He also preserves me in such a way 6that without the will of my heavenly Fathernot a hair can fall from my head; 7indeed, all things must work togetherfor my salvation. 8Therefore, by his Holy Spirithe also assures meof eternal life 9and makes me heartily willing and readyfrom now on to live for him.10 1.1 Cor 6:19, 20.2.Rom 14:7-9.3.1 Cor 3:23; Tit 2:14.4.1 Pet 1:18, 19; 1 Jn 1:7; 2:2.5.Jn 8:34-36; Heb 2:14, 15; 1 Jn 3:8.6.Jn 6:39, 40; 10:27-30; 2 Thess 3:3; 1 Pet 1:5.7.Mt 10:29-31; Lk 21:16-18.8.Rom 8:28.9.Rom 8:15, 16; 2 Cor 1:21, 22; 5:5; Eph 1:13, 14.10.Rom 8:14.
This Lord’s Day we begin a series that follows the doctrinal themes laid out in Brandon Crawford’s new publication, The Baptist Confession of Faith and Catechism for Dispensational Churches (based on the Second London Baptist Confession, 1689). The first topic is “The Holy Scriptures.” The morning sermon will focus on the concept of sola scriptura, that is, Scriptures alone have ultimate authority.
The sermon for this Lord’s Day is the second of two messages designed to introduce a new sermon series. The series will follow the path laid out in a famous historical confession of faith, topic by topic. Some might ask why if a document produced centuries ago is relevant for today. The author of Hebrews answers that question in today’s sermon text. Remembering the faith of previous generations is neither a fad nor an irrelevant pursuit. In fact, it is an expression of faithfulness.
This Lord’s Day we launch a new sermon series entitled, Truth Matters. The messages will follow the topics discussed in a new publication by Pastor Brandon Crawford, The Baptist Confession of Faith and Catechism for Dispensational Churches, which takes a fresh look at a confession of faith written in 1689.Two sermons will introduce the series by offering an answer to two questions: 1) Why do we need to study doctrine today? 2) Is a historical confession of faith relevant today?
Each January we mark a tradition in our church: Prayer Emphasis Sunday. This Lord’s Day we will focus on the subject of prayer and be reminded of the essential role it plays in the outworking of the plan of God for his people.
The Gospel of Luke comes to a climax in chapter 24. The dominant theme in this chapter is that the Scriptures (Old Testament) predicted both the suffering and resurrection of the Christ as the necessary prelude to the promised kingdom. At the conclusion, Luke briefly summarizes the mission Jesus gave to his followers to proclaim this truth throughout the world (Luke 24:46-48) and his promise to empower them for the task by sending the Holy Spirit (24:49). In the final verses, Jesus blesses his followers and ascends to heaven, after which they return to Jerusalem to wait for the Promised One.
Every Sunday we gather for worship to remember the Lord Jesus who was raised from the dead on the first day of the week. This week, our worship gathering will occur on Christmas Day, a rare Sunday that marks both the beginning and end of our Savior’s first advent. The apostle John declared of that advent, “the light shines in the darkness.” The sermon for our Christmas celebration will trace that theme throughout the prologue of John’s Gospel (John 1:1-18).
As Luke draws close to the conclusion of his book, he records Jesus’ words as he entrusted his followers with a message and mission. The message is the good news of forgiveness declared in the Scriptures and secured by Christ’s death and resurrection. The mission is global in scope, proclamational in nature, and empowered by the Spirit of truth.
Two unknown disciples hurried to Jerusalem late on Resurrection Day to share with the other believers the truth about Jesus’ death. They learned this truth in the Scriptures as taught by Jesus along the road to Emmaus. As they explained these things, Jesus suddenly appeared among them. The account that follows (Luke 24:36-43) describes the mixed response of the disciples: joy mingled with fear and disbelief. They could hardly believe their eyes. Jesus called them to look and touch to confirm the truth. Then he ate a meal in their presence. Jesus made it absolutely clear to them: He is risen, indeed!
As we previously studied Luke 24:13-27, we “eavesdropped” on a conversation that took place on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus on the first Resurrection Day. The conversation occurred between two obscure disciples and the risen Christ, though he walked with them incognito. The disciples were forlorn and agitated because Jesus was crucified. So, Jesus explained the plan of God for the Christ found throughout the Old Testament Scriptures. He showed them that the cross did not thwart Kingdom hopes, rather it was the essential prelude to the Kingdom. This is true because Christ vacated the tomb.
In today’s text (Luke 24:28-35), Jesus reveals his identity to these disciples as they enjoy table fellowship. The climax of the passage arrives in v. 32 as the disciples declare, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked with us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” The risen Lord Jesus convinced them from the Scriptures that the crown will certainly follow the cross.
Joel Owen will preach the morning message this Lord’s Day from Psalm 34. He will use the testimony of David in this psalm to help us develop a “theology of trials.”
On Resurrection Day, two followers of Jesus left Jerusalem and walked to the little town of Emmaus. On the way, they aired their discouragement, frustration, and confusion caused by the death of Jesus. But then, the Lord Jesus, incognito, joined them on their journey. He confronted their lack of faith and proceeded to show them…
It is our privilege to welcome a Baptist Mid-Mission’s missionary to our services this Lord’s Day. He travels around the world to meet with indigenous pastors who do not have access to adequate training. He and other team members provide teaching in intensive training classes. In the worship service, he will preach from Revelation 2:1-7.…
In our continuing study of the Gospel of Luke, we come to the end of Jesus’ Passion Week. His suffering has ended and death gives way to life. Last Lord’s Day we contemplated the significance of Jesus’ burial. We know that Jesus was really dead—but all of that changed as we will see in Luke…
This Lord’s Day is Reformation Sunday, a day that remembers the hard-fought gains achieved by men such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, and a host of others. All Protestant churches—even those that are not technically Reformed—owe a debt to these men who suffered, and sometimes laid down their lives, to purify the doctrine…
Luke 23:50-56 has a somber tone. Jesus, now dead, was buried in a borrowed tomb. The Lord’s body was prepared with both respect and haste. Luke singled out two groups who participated in this grim act of love. First, a man named Joseph played a cameo role—his only appearance in the gospels. Second, the women…
In Luke 23:39-43, one of the two thieves condemned to die with Jesus joins in the ridicule, blaspheming the crucified Messiah. The other thief challenges and rebukes him for his failure to fear God. He reminded the first thief that, unlike them, Jesus had done nothing wrong. Turning to Jesus, he asked Jesus to remember…
In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day (Luke 23:32-38), Jesus is led the place of his execution. The injustice continued as he was crucified between two thieves, scoffed and mocked. Some onlookers thought it amusing that the placard above Jesus’ head declared that he was the King of the Jews. But we know that…
In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day (Luke 23:26-31), Jesus leaves Pilate’s judgment hall and moves toward the cross. The focal point is Jesus’ conversation is his interaction with a group of women who followed him through the streets of Jerusalem, weeping as they went. He told them that their tears were misplaced. Instead…
At the conclusion of Luke 22, the Jewish leadership of Israel conducted an illegal trial and determined that Jesus must die. However, they lacked the authority to execute him. They had to convince the civil authority (the Roman governor) that Jesus was a threat and deserved to die. In the sermon text for this Lord’s…
Last week, we “watched” as Peter denied his Lord (Luke 22:54-62). The text for this Lord’s Day tells us what Jesus was enduring inside while Peter was denying him outside (Luke 22:63-71). It summarizes Jesus’ trial before the Jewish leaders and exposes the gross perversion of justice that took place that night. His adversaries pressed…
In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day (Luke 22:54-62), Luke shifts the focus of the story from Jesus to Peter. The one disciple who declared his undying allegiance to Jesus and who was ready to defend Jesus with his life now cowers in fear while Jesus is interrogated and sorely abused. As Jesus foretold,…
As Jesus chided the disciples for their failure to pray in Gethsemane, a crowd of armed men made their way into the garden. Judas, one of the Twelve, led the way and betrayed his Master with a kiss of friendship. This moment marked the beginning of what Jesus called the hour of “the power of…
Jesus and the disciples left the upper room in the early hours of Friday morning. They moved across the Kidron Valley and up the slopes of the Mount of Olives just east of Jerusalem. There Jesus instructed his disciples to pray so that Satan would not “sift” them. He withdrew to pray by himself. He…
In Luke 22:35-38 Jesus challenged his disciples to prepare for a change in their ministry. Previously, they were well received by many as they proclaimed the message of Christ and his kingdom. But the King was about to be crucified. Those who despised him would despise his followers, as well. This change in their circumstances…
In Luke 22:31-34 Jesus foretold Peter’s failure. Despite his bold assertion that he, of all people, would never fail to follow Jesus before the night was finished he would deny Jesus three times. The text reveals that Satan attempted to undermine the entire band of followers by causing Peter to fall away. But Jesus interceded…
The scene is still the upper room where Jesus ate the Passover meal with his disciples (Luke 22:24-30). The blessings of hindsight deepen the offensiveness of what we see: the disciples bickered with a spirit of contentious rivalry, vying for position in the Kingdom. Ironically, they had missed the example of their Leader who presented…
Luke 22:14-23 contains an account of the Passover meal Jesus shared with his disciples on the night before he died. Though it was a meal designed to remember God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery, Jesus used it as an analogy of the deliverance from sin he would secure on the cross. Thus, it marked a…
In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day (Luke 22:7-13), Jesus oversees the preparation for his Passover meal with the disciples. Jesus embraces the imagery of the Passover to describe what he will accomplish the next day. He is the Lamb of God delivered up in sacrifice for our sins.
This Lord’s Day, our sermon series comes to Luke 22:1-6. It includes the first details of the plot to kill Jesus. Judas, the betrayer, will make his agreement with the religious leaders who hated our Lord. It is unthinkable that one of the disciples would plot to bring about Jesus’ death. Luke includes an important…
Luke 21:5-38 contains Luke’s account of Jesus’ Olivet Discourse. The theme of the passage is the Second Coming of Christ, both the circumstances of the current age leading up to his return and the event itself. In the final paragraph of the text (Luke 21:34-38), Jesus challenged his hearers to live with constant expectation of…
In Luke 21:29-33, Jesus told a parable about a fig tree. Just as the appearance of leaves on the tree signals the imminent approach of summer, so the events Jesus described in the previous paragraph (Luke 21:25-28) will signal his imminent return to the earth. He finished the parable with an explanation that makes his…
The idea of the local church has suffered much criticism. Many seem to think they can improve on God’s design. However, a fresh look at the institution of the local church as revealed in the Word will serve to increase our appreciation for the plan of God. There are five areas in which the local…
In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day, we come to Jesus’ description of his Second Coming. It will be a day of joy for his followers, but a day of dread, distress, and death for his enemies. It concludes with a message to Christians alive at that time, yet significant to believers in every…
In Luke 21:20-24, Jesus continued his description of the global events that would come to pass because Israel rejected him. This text uses language that could apply to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 A.D. However, a closer look reveals that Jesus looked beyond the first century to the years immediately preceding…
This Lord’s Day we continue our study of Luke’s account of the Olivet Discourse. Jesus explained that the current age that climaxes with his Second Coming will be characterized by persecution. It is not easy to follow Jesus. But the seasons of persecution bring opportunity to bear witness for the Name of Jesus.
This Lord’s Day we welcome Dr. Gerald Priest as our guest speaker. He the retired professor of homiletics (preaching) and church history at Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary. He will deliver a message based on the life of Daniel contained in Daniel chapters 1, 6, and 9.
The sermon passage for this Lord’s Day (Luke 21:5-11) introduces Luke’s account of Jesus’ extended teaching about his Second Coming. It is known as the Olivet Discourse. It extends through 21:36. We will work our way through this important passage in a series of six messages. Each of our hymns was selected because it anticipates…
The sermon text for this Lord’s Day is Luke 20:41-21:4. At first glance, it seems to contain three unrelated mini-stories of the events that occurred during Christ’s Passion Week. Upon closer examination, they are related. The religious leaders had been questioning Jesus, attempting to entrap him so that they could condemn him. In Luke 20:41-44,…
This Lord’s Day we will observe the Lord’s Table by rehearsing the story line of the Bible. The story begins with God’s purpose in Creation. This sets the overarching theme of the Bible: the glory of God. However, soon afterward came the Fall, when we rebelled and marred the glory of God seen in his…
Few people in our Western culture understand the powerful biblical metaphor of a shepherd and his sheep. In ancient times, the shepherd symbolized a ruler who wielded authority by divine right. The ideal ruler would also care for his people. Jesus came to fulfill the ancient prophecies that God would raise up a Shepherd-King who…
This Lord’s Day is traditionally known as “Palm Sunday,”—the day Jesus entered Jerusalem at the beginning of his Passion Week. It is fitting that our sermon text describes an encounter Jesus had with his opponents near the end of that week. They approached Jesus with a question about the resurrection. It was an attempt to…
In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day (Luke 20:20-26), Jesus’ enemies plot to trick him into saying something they could use to condemn him. Jesus did not take the bait. Instead, he replied with the famous words, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” This…
Our speaker this Lord’s Day is Mark Buhr. He will continue his sermon series through Galatians.
Our speaker this Lord’s Day is Mark Buhr. He will continue his sermon series through Galatians.
In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day, Jesus tells an extended parable that describes the plot made by tenants of a man’s vineyard to get rid of their master’s son and take ownership of the land. Their treacherous plot ends up in the murder of the master’s beloved son and the master, as expected,…
Luke 20:1-8 begins Luke’s account of the third day of Jesus’ passion week. It also begins his account of a series of challenges Israel’s rulers made to Jesus’ authority. They sought to trap him by goading him into saying something they could us to condemn him. In this exchange, Jesus turns the tables, catching them…
The morning after Jesus’ so-called “Triumphal Entry,” Jesus returned to the temple. He angrily expelled those who irreverently used the holy place for common and shameful deeds. Jesus’ opponents were all the more determined to do away with him, but they couldn’t find the right time.
In the sermon text this Lord’s Day (Luke 19:28-44), Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem reaches its climactic end. He will ride into the city on the colt of a donkey (an intentional connection with Zechariah 9:9) as the crowds cry “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!”
Just before Jesus entered Jerusalem as Israel’s King, he told a parable that made it clear to his listeners that his kingdom will begin when he returns following a long absence. In the meantime, his true followers must serve him faithfully. The parable ends with an ominous declaration of the ruin that awaits those who…
On the eve of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, he sought out a man in Jericho and invited himself into the man’s home! Luke includes Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus to teach us about Jesus’ ministry: the nature of his mission, the beneficiaries of his message, and the evidence of his salvation.
This Lord’s Day is our annual Prayer Emphasis Sunday. Our guest speaker, Dr. Mark Snoeberger, will present a message on the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:9:13.
Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem for his rendezvous with the cross. As he approached Jericho, a blind beggar cried out for mercy (Luke 18:35-43). Because of the man’s faith, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the world, gave him his sight.
Jesus had set his face toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51) and was resolved to traverse that path to the bitter end. He explained to the Twelve disciples multiple times that a rendezvous with death awaited him in that city. In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day (Luke 18:31-34), Jesus explained this once again, but this…
Luke 18 contains a series of stories and events placed together to drive home the point that the self-reliance of Jesus’ opponents was misguided. Only those who come to Jesus with a sense of their own helplessness and need can enter the kingdom. The sermon text (Luke 18:18-30) records Jesus’ encounter with a man who…
I. People instinctively assign value based on perceived worthiness. 15 II. But Jesus values the weak and the helpless. 16 III. The kingdom belongs to those who come to Him as weak and helpless. 17
Luke chapter 18 began with a parable that taught the disciples to pray for the coming kingdom (Luke 1-8). The sermon text for this Lord’s Day adds a second parable about prayer. This parable explains what God requires of those who enter the kingdom. We must humble ourselves before him and seek his mercy.
This Lord’s Day we will remember the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We will explore the significance of Isaiah’s prophecy that the Son given by God is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)
At the end of Luke 17, Jesus described his future return as a fulfillment of the hope of his followers and as a day of dreadful judgment poured out on those who oppose him. The text for this Lord’s Day (Luke 18:1-8) continues the theme of the Lord’s return. In it, Jesus tells a parable to instruct the disciples to continue to pray, “Thy kingdom come,” even though the coming seems delayed. Pray with confidence that He will come and vindicate his people.
In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day, Pharisees asked Jesus about the coming kingdom. Jesus’ reply was surprising: the kingdom is among you because the king stands before you. He went on to explain to the disciples that before the kingdom is established, he must suffer and die. But he assured them that he would return one day in glory and majesty, executing judgment on those who reject him.
This Lord’s Day, our speaker will be Mark Buhr. His message, from Galatians 6:9, will focus on the promises of God that empower the Christian to perseverance and faithful service.
In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day, Jesus mercifully heals ten lepers. Only one of them returns to thank Jesus for his life-changing mercy. Ironically, the one who gives thanks is an outsider, a pagan. The Scriptures use leprosy as a vivid, living object lesson that illustrates the ravages of sin. The climax of the story is Jesus’ pronouncement the leper was “saved” by faith.
This Lord’s Day we will observe the Lord’s Table. The service will focus on John 16:7-15. On the night before Jesus died, he promised that he would send the Holy Spirit to the apostles after completing his own mission. The text explains the Spirit’s mission: its basis (the completed work of Christ), its task (calling people from the world to Christ), and its means (the completed message of Jesus given to the apostles). The passage enlarges our understanding of what Jesus died to accomplish. He not only achieved our personal salvation, but he set in motion a global mission for his own glory.
For Reformation Sunday we had the privilege of having Missionary Matt Gass preaching from 1 Corinthians 16. The sermon outline was:
I. Recognize what God has done.
II. Understand where we fit
III. Move Out
In Luke 17:7-10, Jesus continued giving instructions to his followers that contrast with the attitudes and actions of the Pharisees. This time, the topic is their role as servants of God. Jesus reminds them that the LORD is their owner and master. Anything work that the servant does is mere duty and can never obligate the master to the servant. Thus, we serve by his grace.
In Luke 17:1-4 (last week’s text), Jesus gave the disciples difficult instruction regarding forgiveness. Their response (Luke 17:5-6) was a plea for greater faith. Jesus taught them that God can do great things in the lives of those who have faith—even a little faith.
In Luke 17, Jesus continued to contrast the path of those who trust him with the way of the Pharisees. The focus of Luke 17:1-4 is the Christian’s relationship to others. Specifically, we must “pay attention to ourselves” so that we do not sin against others, thus causing them to stumble, and we must quickly extend forgiveness to those who sin against us.
Luke 16:19-31 contains one of Jesus’ most famous stories, a tale about an unnamed rich man and a poor man called Lazarus. Jesus contrasted the two men in this life and the life to come. The climax of the story condemned the Pharisees for rejecting the Scriptures that point to Jesus, the Christ.
Mark Buhr will deliver the message this Lord’s Day as pastor Thomas will be speaking at a Bible Conference out of state.