Trinity Reformed Church: Recent Episodes
Zach Kruis
What’s the verdict on Gideon? He was a deeply sinful man whom God used to accomplish a deliverance. He showed a degree of faith. But he also showed corruption. Yet, God is proved faithful throughout.
In this 14th week of our presbyterian polity class we look at Civil War Presbyterianism.
For the strong and the weak, we must remember, the Christian life is a life of faith, of active rest, of trust that leads to action, of believing God when he speaks, no matter our skill or station.
He came and tabernacled among us, lived and died for us, weak and willful as we are, because he is patient and he is faithful and he cannot deny himself.
In this 13th week of our presbyterian polity class we go over the old school, new school controversy.
Prepare yourself for death by trusting in your rock and redeemer who saves all who call on him from their enemies even the great and powerful foe that is the last to be defeated.
Do not run away from the Lord. You will not outrun him. Run toward him and seek his friendship. It is in the safety of his covenant faithfulness that we will find the terror of his wrath to be for us and not against us.
May the people who are called by his name truly be counted friends of God, for it is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But how blessed it is to know the King is in our corner.
What are we even doing here? We are hearing and tasting again the Word of Christ which strengthens our weak faith and helps our unbelief.
Do not let the good news fall on uncircumcised ears. While it is still called today enter into the rest that remains for the people of God in Christ Jesus.
In your flesh you are weak, but in Christ and in his Spirit, you can make progress in holiness.
In this 11th week of our presbyterian polity class we look at 19th Century American Presbyterianism.
Because he has made us heirs and sons in Christ, by the Spirit we walk and live in his covenant mercy.
The story of Judges, in context, is a part of a much greater story… It is part of our own history… It is a prophetic history… that comes to us and smacks us right between the eyes… calling us to lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
In this 10th week of our presbyterian polity class we look at 19th Century American Presbyterianism.
Jonathan Edwards said, “What we call a vice [in God] is actually an inability to recognize what has the greatest value.”
While we may buck against the idea that God has absolute control of chaos and evil in this world. But it is in submitting ourselves to this happy truth that we begin to find peace in the pain.
Who’s right hand shall we trust? Atop the ash heap when chaos and evil are breathing down our necks. Who will we trust? Will we trust our own right hand? Or will we trust his strong, righteous right arm to hold our right hand.
The Second Sunday of Advent. As we remember the first coming we await the second. Paul calls us to patient waiting in the midst of the suffering of this present age.
It’s a simple and profound truth that all us faultfinders need to remember: it often feels like we are on a runaway cart tied to a wild donkey, but it truly is the “the definite plan and foreknowledge of God."
There is evil and chaos in this world. We cannot hide from this fact. Now, where does our trust lie?
What is the chief end of prayer? What is the best possible outcome of our supplications?
Often, we would not believe what God was doing if we were told. We must grow in faith as we encounter difficult providences.
When the wisdom of men steps in to rescue the wisdom of men, we are left with the wisdom of men, leaving us longing for a better word. This passage reminds us that, try as we might, the wisdom of men can do no better than “do better.”
In this class we give some consideration to church polity in the early church, looking at some very early quotes from the church fathers. We also take a glance at the development of the papacy.
We need to have deep roots before the big winds come. We need our life raft inflated before the big waves come.
The assault on Job has dehumanized him. It has reduced him to a “Companion of Ostriches.” If we have read accounts of war or genocide, or if we have witnessed a man or woman sleeping in the streets, or if we have experienced isolation (being cut off from society), we have a sense of what is meant by the word "dehumanization."
Bemoaning our lot in life is not good or helpful, but the longing for lost goods can be a godly expression of hope that frames our suffering faith.
The speech of the almighty God thunders. His thunders are but a whisper of his infinite power.
How can man be right with God? It is not in the sufficiency and actions of man, but in the sufficiency and gracious actions of God.
Rev. Del Farris, friend of TRC, and Minister to State at the Colorado State Capitol delivers a message on God's love from Psalm 103.
In the fourth week of the Presbyterian polity class we take a look at the OT foundations for Presbyterianism.
In the third week of our study on Presbyterian polity, we compare Witherow's six principles to the three main families of church polity.
More often than not, it’s only when the consequences of our sin start to make us uncomfortable that we start thinking about how we might turn the ship around. Phony repentance fails to love God for God.
How are you going to warn your kids about the consequences of their actions? How are you going to advise a friend in tragedy? How are you going to handle tragedy yourself? How will you handle blessing and prosperity?
A report from Pastor Zach on the 51st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America.
The wicked will face destruction. Theological impatience turns that truth into a formula that cheapens the law and undercuts the gospel of grace.
Job's own circumstances testify against him. But he looks for surety from another, better witness. *Note: The last few minutes of the audio were lost.
Baptism is a great gift, one that we ought to capitalize on throughout the whole of life.
Job said, “wouldn't it be great if men could come back from the dead and be right with God, if our sins were propitiated and cast away? And wouldn’t it be great if when he raised us from the dead, he called out to us and we could respond without fear?”Because of the blood of Christ’s cross Job’s sins were covered over and cast out and he will rise again bodily to be in the happy continuance of his Heavenly Father. And so will we…
Christ and in Christ alone, the one and only truly blameless one, has entered into the throne room. In him we have an audience with God. So, if you are suffering, you need not waffle and wonder, “Am I clean enough to approach the throne of grace?”
Jesus died particularly for his people according to the design of the Father from the foundation of the world. He calls all men to put their faith in his atoning blood and be saved.
Who is putting God in a box? Job's precise theological observations actually free him to explore paradox and thus genuinely seek truth.
Job is on the horns of a dilemma that leads him to seek one who would go between him and God and leads us to the conclusion that we must seek justification from God through Jesus.
As believers, we live and breath the resurrection every moment of every day. Much like gravity, it is so much a part of our daily existence that we may forget it’s there. From time to time, take a moment to pause and to marvel. The Resurrection Happened.
A Palm Sunday message. Jesus is the stone that was rejected that became the cornerstone. He was rejected by men but glorified by God through death. We share both in his rejection and glorification as we loose our life to gain it.
In a mechanized “system” in which God is a component part of that system, events may be observed, empirical deductions drawn, and inputs may be adjusted to proportionately affect outputs. But God is not part of the system, he rules over the system.
How do the godly respond to hellish experiences? More importantly, who is the God with whom the godly and ungodly alike have to do?
To which of the holy ones will we cry out? Christ himself stands as our intercessor in heaven.
In order to gain the joys of resurrection life, we must lay aside our own claims to righteousness for the righteousness that comes from God by faith in Jesus Christ.
Job cries out in anguish of soul. Yet, he does not curse his God. In stead, much of his anguish reflects a desire for God when he feels forsaken.
Where is our hope when we are as good as dead? When all is lost but God, we have lost relatively little compared to what we have gained.
God is a worthy object of worship. Whether from the heights of blessing or lows of grief, the gift cannot replace the value of the giver.
This sermon is an introduction to the book of Job and a look at the prologue. The prologue presents Job as a righteous man of faith in the one true God, setting the stage for the rest of the book and the perplexities it presents us with.
How can we lay aside the sins of pride and probing God's providence? These sins only cause anxiety. True rest comes as we enjoy childlike trust and hope in the Lord.
The Lord promises Zerubbabel that he would make him like a signet ring. He will make him as the imprint of his own kingship before all the world, laying bare the enemies of his people and fulfilling the Davidic royal promise. All of this comes to its fullest expression in the arrival of King Jesus.
Will a clean hand leave a clean mark? No. However, the purity of Christ cleanses the most vile of sinners.
How quick we are to forget God's covenant promises. We focus on appearances and thus become despondent. God encourages his people with his covenant promises and gives them the certain hope of covenant fulfillment.
The Lord is with his people. The remnant of Judah heard this promise as they were called to rebuild the temple. We enjoy this promise in the person of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel.
Thanks giving is expressed by recognizing the giver. But it is also expressed by receiving the gift with appreciation and joy.
We know that we have eternal life because we are in fellowship with he who is eternal life itself.
Beloved, if you will believe the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater. If you have the Son, you have eternal life.
God shares his glory with no idol. He is the one and only true God. To him alone be the glory.
John takes us on a tour of the great pillars of Christian assurance: love, faith, and obedience. He shows the connection between each of them and the new birth, showing that these pillars are not grounded in our own initiative but in God's gracious love.
Beloved, we know love in a way that the world cannot even fathom. For this reason, let us love one another.
John turns our attention to the simple beauty of the apostolic gospel. Do you believe the apostolic gospel? Do you listen to Christ’s apostles, the men whom he chose to lay down the foundation for the church? If you do, you may be confident, you have received the gift of the Holy Spirit who is the confirmation of our real, life giving fellowship with God.
How can we confirm that we know God and abide in him? Even more pointedly, how can we approach God when our heart is accusing us? John wants us to feel confident before the face of God, knowing that he is our ultimate judge.
Love is one evidence that we abide in God. We don't all have to demonstrate extraordinary acts to prove our profession. Keep plodding day by day undertaking the simple, everyday, painful acts of laying down your life in love, knowing the joy of doing just a little bit of what Jesus did for you.
As a believer, when you encounter the hatred of the world. When you are exasperated by those who have rejected Christ and so divorced themselves from him and the people of God, including you. Don’t be surprised by this. They are only showing their true colors. When your faith in humanity is shaken, even as it is shaken within the church, do not let your faith in Christ be shaken.
Making clear delineations John pastorally drives away the wolves and gathers the sheep. He inscribes a circle around the people of God as a boundary between the saints and the world. Little children, let no one deceive you.
This is a little excursus, branching off our series in first John. In this message we look at the abiding nature of God in the Psalms. Note, there are some serious microphone malfunctions in this recording. We are working to fix these for future recordings.
John exhorts the saints to abide in Christ while deceivers work to move them away from Christ. He provides us with fundamental realities, true of us as believers, that support his exhortation.
Apostacy and schism are painful and confusing. In the midst of these difficult departures, John offers three grounding reminders.
John continues to confirm the faith of his readers while urging them to live out the love they posses for the Father and abstain from the love of the the world.
Sangre deCristo Seminary student and friend of TRC, Joshua Currey delivers a sermon on the story of Balaam, urging the saints to always speak the truth.
For those who are in Christ by faith, we already enjoy forgiveness, already know God, and already victorious. This means no one can disqualify us, not the world, the devil, or even our own accusing conscience.
How can we identify false professions from true ones, particularly in those who would identify themselves as Christian teachers? John says that true Christians are marked by brotherly love.
"I know Jesus" is a claim that can be tested. John gives believers a test by which they can gain confidence that they do indeed know Jesus: obedience.
What is eternal life. John tells us that it is more than merely escaping hell or going to heaven. For him, Jesus is eternal life itself. When we believe the apostolic gospel we are brought into fellowship with him, his Father, and his people. In that way we may enjoy the beginnings of eternal life now.
An introduction to a new series in 1 John. 1 John was written that those who believe might know that they have eternal life.
God has given parents the high calling of instructing the next generation in the fear of the Lord. This passage exemplifies the parent, child relationship as well as moving us to look to Christ, who perfectly fulfills it.
The final message in our series in Acts. In this passage we see Luke conclude his narrative in a way we would not expect. But on closer inspection, he demonstrates the same intentionality he has throughout Luke and Acts. He shows that the point is the progress of the kingdom of King Jesus through his word and Spirit by his people to the ends of the earth.
The Apostle Paul is preserved from cold the bite of a venomous snake. He is given favor with the natives on Malta, he receives encouragement from the saints, and finally makes it to Rome as God had promised him. God and God alone preserves and cares for Paul. In contrast with the idolatry all around him, Paul trusts in the Lord.
Elder Emeritus Paige Meredith exhorts from the book of Ecclesiastes, following Living Life Backwards by Dr. Gibson.
The story of Paul's voyage and shipwreck is one of the great, all-time nautical adventures. We are encouraged by God's hand and promise.
Resurrection is at the heart of the Christian faith and hope. Every aspect of the resurrection weaves together into a grand, salvific tapestry. In this message we take a look at one thread: the relationship between resurrection and the proclamation of the gospel of the risen Christ.
We wear our hopes and they animate us. If we have our eyes opened to see the risen Christ, our hope is radically changed, which will change everything about how we act and think.
Amid all the turmoil and injustice, Paul persists, knowing the fixed point of the Resurrection of Jesus, who commissioned him, will never shift.
In Paul's third defense, he is tried by governor Felix. This defense embodies what Jesus said in Luke 21, "... they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness..." Given the opportunity to address the governor, Paul speaks to him about faith in Christ Jesus.
God's work of providence is put on display in this passage. He always executes his plan to his maximum glory, which is always our highest good.
The Second of five defenses, Paul displays what it means to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Paul makes a defense of the Gospel and his own apostleship, knowing what the response of the Jews would be. Ultimately, it is not his responsibility, nor is it ours, to open the eyes of the blind. We can only be faithful, charitable, and clear witnesses, leaving the results to God.
As Christians, we live as men with sight among a nation of blind men. We are called to faithfully proclaim the gospel of light even when those caught in darkness persecute us because they do not understand us.
The third week of TRC's new member's class, taught by elder, Michael Flager. This week we go through the means by which we grow in Christ.
Paul preserves the peace by giving up of his own freedom to care for the church at Jerusalem.
The second week of TRC's new members class, taught by elder Michael Flager. This week covers reformed distinctives, those doctrines, and practices that distinguish reformed and presbyterian churches from other Christian churches.
Paul completes his third missionary journey. Having continued to hear from the Spirit that he would face difficulty and imprisonment, he presses toward Jerusalem. This is hard for his friends, but they are learning to say, "Let the will of the Lord be done."
King Jesus loves his church by calling shepherds to tend his flock with vigilance and care.
A New Years Sermon. Paul reminds and challenges us to live lives that accord with our calling while reminding us that God's power and union with Christ enable true Christian living.
The third in a series of Advent messages focusing on Mary in Luke chapter 1 as the mother of Jesus. God works his will in unexpected ways. Those who find sufficiency in themselves will be found wanting. Those who are poor in spirit will find great riches in Christ. This is the great reversal.
The second in a series of Advent messages focusing on Mary in Luke chapter 1 as the mother of Jesus. The people of God are running a marathon of faith and finally, after many long miles, the finish line is coming into view. The Messiah is in their midst at last. Ancient themes and promises are converging at this point in history, showing that Jesus is the fulfillment of all that had come before.
The first in a series of Advent messages focusing on Mary in Luke chapter 1 as the mother of Jesus. We see that Jesus Christ was born into humble circumstances, only to be exalted in glory. This pattern of humiliation and exultation represents Mary's story and consistently runs through scripture. We are called to contemplate Christ's humiliation and to look forward to his exalted return.
Paul sets himself forward as the apostolic example for elders. We see in scripture a consistent call to both lead and follow. Ultimately, the Christian community is to be a cascade of exemplary service, from Christ to his ordained leaders and on into the universal church.
The refrain that runs through the Old Testament, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever," reminds us to root our gratitude, not in the shifting sands of circumstances, but in the unchanging character and attributes of God.
If we would engage in the ministry of encouragement or receive encouragement for our sojourn, we can turn to no better resource than the Lord Jesus, his Spirit, and his Apostles.
A Reformation Sunday sermon, we take a look at the text that changed Martin Luther's life and thus the world through the reformation that followed his '"tower experience."
When the world presses in around us, we are given the apologetic tools to push back. Christians are not rabble-rousing insurrectionists. Indeed, we are willing to disrupt the status quo by preaching the gospel. But just as the Lord Jesus was vindicated, so will we be, provided we do not succumb to the temptation to act like the world acts.
We may not deal with magic or demons today. Or do we? We certainly deal with demonic influences and the prevalence of syncretism, both in culture and in our own hearts. Even within the Christian community notions that are more magical than truly spiritual prevail. This text causes us to think through the way the name of Jesus can be used either reverently or irreverently in fighting the battles of the Christian life.
When the Jews rejected their messiah, Christ brought in the Gentiles from the alleys and highways of the world. For most of us, we are Gentiles. What is our response to this great mercy?
What is it to be a true disciple of Christ? What are we to think when we, or someone we know, is a deficient disciple? Do you have the Holy Spirit, or are you still waiting for his arrival?
Christ the King cares for his church by providing gifts from heaven. He has provided his people with undershepherds according to his perfect wisdom.
When facing fear in the difficult callings of life and ministry, Christ is our provider, protector, and a promise keeper. We sanctify him as Lord in our hearts in order to maintain and explain our hope in the midst of suffering and fear.
Paul, Epaphras, and Christ all have given themselves over to the presentation of the saints in maturity. We trace the theme of maturity in the book of Colossians.
In our text today, we see the shifting sand storms of vanity. A firm foundation in the goads of the wise Shepherd gives Paul the ability to chart a direct course through an otherwise winding labyrinth of vain philosophy and empty deceit. Ultimately, being rooted and grounded in Christ is the only way to withstand the battering waves of doctrine.
The Bereans were more noble than the Thessalonians. What made them more noble? How can we follow their example as we seek to both spread and receive the Word of God?
Brian Prunty exhorts us to live in the sufficiency of Christ. Christ is the way. He is the truth. And he is the life.
Faithful ministry preaches a consistent and reasonable message. Faithfulness is not a formula. Inconsistent results are inevitable. Despite conflicting results, we serve an ever-consistent King.
King Jesus displays his power over the forces of evil as he continues to advance his gospel. Paul and Silas suffer greatly but walk away from Philippi with the church having been planted there. We are left with an awareness that we may suffer for the sake of the gospel and with a confidence that King Jesus has supreme authority. He is with us to the end of the age.
How can we trust that Jesus is in control? Because he is King Jesus. This passage helps us trust Christ with confidence in the absence of certainty about the future.
Does God really work all things together for good? What about our own faults and failings? In this passage, Christ once again turns the attack of the enemy on its head.
Christ is head of his church. We delight in him as we observe how he has chosen to govern his church.
Our hearts are cleansed by faith alone apart from works of the law. They are cleansed from sin. What are they cleansing unto? Having been cleansed, are we then to go about our merry way, with no subsequent life change? No, we are to check our idols at the door of the end-time temple, the Lord Jesus Christ, as we enter in to seek the Lord.
As we enter into fellowship with the one shepherd of the sheep, we likewise enter into the one sheepfold, the assembly of all the saints from Genesis to the end of the world, by the blood of Christ, to the praise of his glorious grace.
How will we be saved? God has made it clear, that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Do division and controversy in the church really serve any purpose in Christ's kingdom? Yes. Christ uses everything for his glory. When division over matters of the gospel flame up, they serve to crystalize and clarify the true gospel, which is the very means by which we know Christ.
Elder Emeritus, Paige Meredeth perches on assurance of salvation. He guides us through the difference between mere knowledge and true understanding.
How do Christians approach an increasingly pagan society? Paul and Barnabas give us an excellent example to follow as we seek to preach the love of Christ in a fallen world.
The gates of hell will not prevail against Christ's church. The schemes of the devil always backfire, causing the gospel to expand even further. Christ Jesus uses the suffering of his saints to spread the gospel. Through many tribulations, we enter the kingdom.
How do we think about our own labors in Christ's kingdom? Are we autonomous contributors to a project we appreciate? No. We are tools in the hands of the master-craftsman.
Why should we instruct, evangelize, or even believe with confidence? For Paul, it all stands or falls on the resurrection, which has been proclaimed in the scriptures.
A Palm Sunday message on the triumphal entry from Mathew 21:1-11. Jesus arrives peacefully as the rightful heir to his throne.
Without Christ, we are most miserable. But in Christ, all of life blossoms with significance.
We are inclined to make crooked paths. God makes straight paths. In this passage, Christ the head animates his body by the Holy Spirit to accomplish the great, redemptive mission: subduing the enemy and making straight paths through preaching, prayer, and worship.
What does it mean to be a Christian? Elder, Brian Prunty takes us to the scriptures to help us answer that question.
Jesus Christ sends revival to Antioch through unnamed pioneers. He roots and tends his young crop through his people, resulting in a bountiful harvest.
What is the ultimate end of man? Is it missions? To spread the good news of Jesus Christ both near and far? Certainly, that is of utmost importance as individuals and as the church as a whole. We are called to fulfill the great commission, and we should be happily busy about that vocation. However, our witness leads us and others to yet a higher calling: the praise of God's glorious grace.
The gospel call goes to all men because Jesus is Lord of all. When we come to Christ we find peace with God, peace with Man, and peace conscience.
The Five Solas of the Reformation are the most basic of protestant doctrines. But we need, time after time, to return to the basics. Michael Flager reminds us to go back to the basics. We can't fall off the floor.
Peter is called to eat from the sheet filled with animals. God showed Peter this vision to teach him that there was no one clean or unclean. This is a major paradigm shift for Peter and for the NT Christian.
Three PCA churches from the Western Slope met up for a time of blessed worship. Here is the message from that time. Preached by Zach Kruis on how we can be a church that yields a harvest of gratitude.
God has given an unshakable foundation in the historical records of scripture. In this account, we are told of the momentous beginnings of the gospel going to the gentiles.
Two astounding miracles give us faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the faith once for all delivered to the saints.
We are in great need of God himself. We are without God, separated from God. But through Jesus Christ, we have encountered Immanuel.
The Christmas provides a great opportunity to think about the incarnation of Jesus Christ. What does it mean that he came in the flesh? What does it mean for us?
How do we stand secure amid the waves of life? Particularly those title waves of tragedy that role over us when death strikes. What do Christians have to offer a world that is confused about death? How does the arrival of Jesus bring about the death of death?
The first in four messages on the promises of God for Advent. This week draws our attention toward our great sin, but a greater savior.
What does it mean to be edified? How does Jesus build his church? How are we involved in his construction project? This passage helps us to see how Jesus was building up the very same foundation we build upon today.
When we encounter the difficulties that inevitably come our way, how do we handle those trials? Where do we turn? Is there any comfort to be found? This message from Psalm 63 points us to God as our ultimate comfort.
How does history impact our life and faith? The story of the conversion of Saul is one of the great foundational moments in redemptive history. Here Jesus saves and calls an impossible man. Saul is transformed from sinner to sheep and shepherd.
As the story of Acts progresses, Christ's church continues to grow. First with the Samaritans and now with the Ethiopian Eunuch. With all of this growth, how do we understand the balance between a bigger tent and the specificity and clarity of the gospel?
Are we plagued with doubts about our salvation, about whether we are truly serving the Lord, about whether the people who are leading us are really guided by the Holy Spirit? The story of Simon the Magician gives us valuable insight into these questions.
Are we lukewarm? How should we as Christians be dealing with blatant disregard for God's Word in our age? Are we willing to suffer for the name?
Jesus teaches a series of parables to teach of a great reversal. Those who assume they are blessed will be cursed. Those who know their poverty and come to Jesus will find abundant blessings.
What does the gospel really mean to us? Are we just assuming the gospel, or are we really opening up its contents, delighting in them, and applying them to our lives?
Taking a break from our series in Acts, we took a look at prayer, specifically praying through the Psalms with the Lord's prayer as a framework. We prayed through Psalm 4, which leads us to trust God in the midst of distress.
Stephen becomes the prosecutor at his own trial. King Jesus stands to render the verdict. Even while Stephen is being stoned, it is his executioners who stand condemned. Stephen died defending the biblical understanding of law and temple. If he would die over these things, we ask, what is our theology of law and temple or prophet and place?
Are we Christians just misguided fanatics or are we on God's side? That's the question at hand in this text. God is on the side of Stephen and on the side of his church. He always will be.
The devil is crafty. He tries full-on open assault in the form of persecution. He engages in crafty sabotage. And in this text we see him employing the one tactic that seems to be most deadly against 21st century Americans, distraction. How does King Jesus bring his church through the other side of this attack?
Jesus will triumph over his enemies. In this passage, his kingdom is victorious in the face of opposition, though not in the way we might expect.
The story of Ananias and Sapphira may be a confusing story. What is the point of God striking these two hypocrites down so dramatically and harshly, and why does he not do the exact same to us? As we dig into the story in context, we see the purpose of the story. Christ's kingdom will prevail against external and internal opposition.
Friend of Trinity Reformed Church and Dean of Students at Sangre de Cristo Seminary, Ryan Reynolds brings a word from Ephesians 3:14-19 entitled Strength through Prayer.
Does God decree everything that comes to pass, or does man have the ability to make decisions according to his own will. The Bible is clear, the answer is yes. While often pitted against each other, divine sovereignty and human responsibility are biblically compatible. Though we have a hard time understanding, God's revealed truth is sufficient to give us clarity on this topic. More than that, it moves us to greater worship and obedience.
How do we process life's events as Christians, particularly events that threaten or attack our faith in Jesus Christ? How do we keep our resolve when we are under pressure. In this message, we attend the Apostolic school of prayer to glean some lessons on prayer. In observing how they prayed in this instance we glean much about Jesus as Lord and messiah, our role in his kingdom, and the method and role prayer has to play in our own lives.
What will we do with Jesus? What will we do with his Apostles? These are questions every living person must deal with. Whether we accept, reject or ignore, we cannot remain neutral on Jesus.
The Christian message provokes opposition. How do we stand firm? How do we proclaim Christ as the exclusive Lord and Messiah? We must first begin by sanctifying him as Lord in our own hearts.
Peter takes the apologetic opportunity provided by the healing of the lame man at the temple to preach Christ to the Jews. He shows through the Old Testament that Jesus is the prophesied, exulted messiah. Therefore it is by his name that the man was made well. They and we should repent, turn from our sin, and follow the Christ.
The Ascension is an all too often neglected doctrine. Of the historical events that compose our redemption, it belongs right alongside incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection. However, it has been relegated to the 2nd and 3rd tier drawers of our doctrinal filing cabinets. Why is that? This message aims to take a step toward restoring the Ascension to its proper place.
What is the Kingdom of God and to whom does it belong? Brother Brian Prunty addresses these questions from scripture.
It's here! the promised kingdom of restoration and healing is here! There is more to be accomplished, but we know for certain that the kingdom of the Christ has been ushered in at the coming of the Jesus of Nazareth. The miracle of the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate is continuing evidence of his reign.
Jesus is a good king. In this second part we see more of the ways in which he has set up his kingdom for our joy and thriving.
The end of Acts chapter 2 gives us the marks of the early church. As King Jesus builds his heavenly kingdom on earth he doesn't fail in a single point. Unlike earthly rulers, he is perfectly wise. He gives his subjects all we need to live thriving, joyful lives.
Michael Flager searches the scriptures on the topic of vocation. What is our calling? How do we find it? How do we live in it to the glory of God?
A Resurrection Sunday Message. How do we connect with God? Do we come to God through nature? Through doing good deeds? Through a geographical, architectural place or a priesthood? John conveys Jesus' teaching that we come to God through the new and living temple: the resurrected, glorified, Jesus Christ.
When we are cut to the heart by our guilt, what should we do? Peter calls us to repent, to turn to Jesus for forgiveness.
Peter begins his Pentecost sermon in Jerusalem, formally kicking off the great commission. He teaches us from scripture that the coming of the Holy Spirit in power is the beginning of the last days and the great day of judgment, the Day of the Lord. But there is salvation for any who will call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pentecost changed the world forever. How are we to understand that wonderful day? What impact does it have on Christians 2000 years later?
Where should the Christian turn when culture seems to be on the fritz? A message by Paige Meredith.
The events of the early church are important for us to understand, not just as an example to follow. King Jesus, reigning from heaven, began to assemble the foundation of his house.
What is the Kingdom? How do we participate in its advance? What are our expectations about the Kingdom? This passage helps us to clarify our perspective on the kingdom and our mission as the church and as individual believers.
The Gospel would radiate out from Jerusalem, Judea, into Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Christ's chosen Apostles would be the beginning of all of it. They could not do it alone. Jesus the heavenly minister, sent the Holy Spirit upon them. He calls this, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. What was the baptism of the Holy Spirit? How do we experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
Is Acts the acts of the Apostles? The Acts of the Holy Spirit? Yes. More than that, it is the transition of the history of all that Jesus began to teach and do during his earthly ministry into what he continues to do and teach through his heavenly ministry. He continues to work, to reign, and to build his kingdom. Now he works through his Word, as recorded by the Apostles, his Spirit, whom he sent, and his people.
In an age that idolizes youth, we need to be reminded of the glory of gray hair. Age is earned over a long life, and wisdom generally is with the elderly. We would do well to honor age, seek out the wisdom of the elderly, and labor to become ones who can pass along wisdom to the next generation. None can make himself or another mature, but in Christ and by the power of his Holy Spirit we are being matured day by day, and are used as his instruments in disciplining the next generations.
Caring for the poor and needy is a complex issue in our day. However, the Bible is clear, it is our responsibility to love our neighbors. Those who cannot return the favor are those who need our help the most. The foundation for selfless generosity is the second greatest commandment, and the power of the gospel to enable dead bones to begin to act and work as living flesh.
The last message in our Advent series, a little behind schedule. One of the plainest messianic prophesies comes in the context of judgment on the people of God. We see that though God's face will not shine for a time, he will not let his covenant promises fall to the ground. The people of God will go be in labor pains for a time, but the pain will end. When Messiah is born, then the people will find peace and security in his reign. He is both strong and gentle because he is the shepherd king.
We need God to speak. He has abundantly provided, just as he promised. He sent a prophet like his servant Moses, to speak his words. Not only did Jesus speak the word. In him, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
It's obvious that we live in a broken world. The question is, will collective humanity be able to fix it, or do we need to look for salvation? We need salvation because of our collective fall. It is a grim reality, but the darkness drives us to the light. Awareness of our own sin drives us to Jesus.
Meekness may not be the most exciting of virtues. But it is a lovely gem, which at first glance is "drably unassertive." Our first response to offense is to defend our honor. However, Proverbs teaches us that it is more honorable to let an offense pass. Jesus was the meekest person who ever lived. He stooped so low, despite being God almighty, and all for our salvation.
The total sovereignty of God is a point of consternation for many. It should be a point of worship and comfort. Solomon, in his wisdom, points us to the total sovereignty of God. His purposes come to pass one hundred percent of the time. Men concoct many plans, but they are nested inside of God's eternal decree. Praise the Lord! For if he were not in control, our existence and our salvation would constantly be in question. Praise the Lord! He plans man's plans.
In this Biblical overview of wisdom, we consider God's call through his servant Solomon to "get wisdom." What is wisdom? Why do we need it? Where do we get it? These three basic questions help us to get at the heart of God's gift of wisdom, given through his Son Jesus Christ.
This is the conclusion of this sermon series through Galatians. Paul summarizes his argument and draws our attention to the Gospel, calling us to live by it. The Gospel rule is, salvation is of the Lord, without our help. Those who believe and live by this rule, trusting in Christ and his cross, not their own merits, will enjoy the covenant faithfulness of God. Praise the Lord for his peace, mercy, and grace!
Is God's Word Enough? Do we, as Spurgeon said, bring our candle to show the Sun? Are we trying to supplement God's perfect revelation? Is God's Word sufficient for all faith and godliness?
Our purpose or end goal determines what we do and why. What we sow we reap. And so, we must decide what we want to reap so we can decide what and how to sow. The Word of God and the People of God are the most God-glorifying and joy-giving places to invest our time, money, and energy.
LIfe in the Spirit comes with a call to keep in step with the Spirit. When a brother has fallen away it is the responsibility of the Spiritual to restore him in a spirit of gentleness. We must always keep watch on ourselves, though, that we do not also fall or dip into spiritual pride. We must beware, least we think we are something, when in fact we are nothing. We need our neighbors and our neighbors need us, but we must not use our neighbors for our own spiritual frame of reference.
The flesh cannot kill the flesh. We must be led by the Spirit if we are going to have success in denying the desires of our flesh.
Freedom is freedom from the tyranny of the law. It is also the freedom to fulfill the law of love through Sprit empowered service.
Elder, Michael Flager faithfully exhorts on the importance of fidelity to true and biblical doctrine.
A little leaven leavens the whole lump. A little lead-oxide poisons the whole loaf. A little false doctrine corrupts the gospel.
Liberators expect the liberated to live in freedom. Christ has set us free from bondage to the law, Paul calls us to live in that freedom, to stand firm and not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Who's your mama? Paul uses the imagery of two women, two covenants, and two cities, to show us that believers are spiritually born children of God. We are not children, born according to the flesh, like Ishmael. We are not children of the earthly Jerusalem. But we are children like Issac, Spiritually born, children of promise, children of the heavenly Jerusalem.
The discipleship process is painful. Paul likens it to the anguish of childbirth. It is worth the labor and the pain to see Christ formed in people.
What can we do as Christians? A better question: what can God do through us? A farmer toils in his fields and thanks God for the harvest. It is amazing that God does extraordinary things with ordinary sinners for his own glory.
What if the man Jesus healed from blindness decided he no longer wanted his sight? What if he poked his own eyes out? Adding our own works-based righteousness to the Gospel of Christ is like volunteering to back into darkness after having seen a great light. It is like the Israelites who wanted to go back to Egypt. Paul pleads with the Christian to stay in the light.
Paul helps us to marvel at and apply the glory of our salvation in Christ. The grave reality of our situation is that we were slaves, without any hope of escaping bondage. In Christ, however, we have been freed. He redeemed us and, grace upon grace, we have been made Sons. As sons of God, we are heirs of a glorious inheritance.
An overview of Galatians chapter three in this two-part review series. Galatians three is a defense of the content of Paul's gospel of peace with God through justification by faith alone apart from works of the law. He proves from their experience as well as from a covenantal and biblical framework that justification is indeed by faith alone apart from works of the law.
Micheal continues a series on practical hermeneutics and exegesis. This week he discusses some of the history and application of the canon of Scripture.
We have been apart for some time. When we last met we just finished up Galatians three. This is the first part in a two-part review of the first three chapters of Galatians. Galatians one and two look at the singular gospel handed down from CHirst to his apostles and passed along to the saints. Paul is adamant that to change any details of that gospel is to pervert it and preach a different gospel. We must hold to the one true gospel of God if we are to find grace and peace with God through Jesus for the glory of God.
We have been apart for some time. When we last met we just finished up Galatians three. This is the first part in a two-part review of the first three chapters of Galatians. Galatians one and two look at the singular gospel handed down from CHirst to his apostles and passed along to the saints. Paul is adamant that to change any details of that gospel is to pervert it and preach a different gospel. We must hold to the one true gospel of God if we are to find grace and peace with God through Jesus for the glory of God.
As TRC begins to get back into in-person gatherings, we will be recording and posting Sunday school lessons for those who are unable to attend due to restrictions on numbers. This week Michael continues in his series on the basics of hermeneutics and exegesis. The lesson focuses on the clarity of the scriptures and the historical trends surrounding this topic.
Taking a break from Galatians to focus on the topic of elder, family visitation. Visitation is a historic practice grounded on biblical foundations. It serves as a supplementary means for under-shepherds to stimulate the spiritual flourishing and maturity of Christ's flock.
What does our baptism mean to us? Our baptism is into Christ. We put on Christ as a garment, which identifies us with him. Our identities are shaped by who we know ourselves to be in Christ, and our baptism preaches to us. When assailants attack our faith, we may rightly respond like Luther: "I have been baptized, I am a Christian."
We can easily fall from a proper understanding of the law of God into legalism or antinomianism. The key is to focus on Christ rather than putting an excessive focus on freedom or obedience. Both will increase in harmony if our eyes are trained on Christ. The Galatians were slipping into legalism. Paul teaches that the law was temporary bondage. It was a prison and a guardian. It was never intended to bring life and righteousness. Its purpose was always to point people to Christ.
If inheriting the promise is contrary to obtaining the promise by law, why the law? And if the law was given to increase transgression, is the law contrary to the promises of God? Paul addresses these biblical/ theological questions. His answers are foundational to our faith.
God's promises are graciously bestowed. They cannot be earned by law-keeping. He promised them to Abraham and his offspring, who is Christ, and they have been given to Abraham and his offspring.
God's blessing and his cursing are always just. We cannot earn God's blessing by keeping the law. Imperfect law-keeping earns us the just disfavor of the Lord. The law is insufficient to make us righteous before God. Christ became a curse for us that we might have the blessing of God. By him, we are justified, adopted into Abraham's family, and receive the promised Holy Spirit.
The whole of the Christian life, from regeneration to glorification, is lived by hearing with faith in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Trading the works of Christ for our works is the pinnacle of foolishness. When we try to contribute some of our works as a means of obtaining right standing before God, we will stand before him based on our works alone. Christ has been placarded before our eyes as crucified. He has achieved all for us. Let us not make a foolish trade.
A Christmas Eve Message on the Gospel of the birth Jesus Christ, Immanuel. Jesus is just what we needed in a savior. He is the God- Man, God with us.
Advent season is a season of looking forward both to Christ's first advent and his second. Isaiah gives us hope by showing us who our messiah is, how he will rule, and what his kingdom looks like. There is no greater kingdom and no greater king.
Darkness pervades the world. 700 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah was talking about him as the messianic king who would bring light into the darkness.
The first message in the 2019 Advent season. God would not see his image-bearers utterly defeated at the beginning of his divine drama. Neither would the just God go back on his promise, "you shall surely die if you eat of the tree." Genesis 3:15 gives us hope that the seed of Eve will ultimately triumph over the devil. In Christ, God both brings glory to his people and sustains his justice, all the while sticking to the script of a drama written to the praise of his glorious grace.
Life is given and sustained so that we can give thanks to God. Thanksgiving is meant to be spread. We learn from Hezekiah that thanksgiving proceeds from personal gratitude, out into the family, and further into corporate worship. God has created and sustained us to give thanks to him and spread thanks over the globe for his glory.
Is Jesus a minister of sin? Does he "make us sinners?" Should we really seek to find righteousness in the man who most reveals our sin? Should we look for life in death? These are paradoxical questions Paul answers in this text.
This sermon lays out some foundational definitions and distinctions for the discussion of the topic of justification by faith alone in Christ alone. Justification comes not by works of the law but by faith in Christ.
It is a life long struggle to walk more and more in step with the gospel. In this message, we learn from the example of the apostles. Even Peter fearing men more than God made serious blunders. What is critical is that we submit ourselves to the corrective authority of the gospel.
Paul and the apostles received the gospel message as well as the call to preach that message from the Lord Jesus. Paul verified his gospel after some time preahing it to the gentiles. This verification was not strictly necessary, but it was helpful. We see that the gospel the apostles preached was singular and settled. This is because the source of authority from which the true gospel proceeds is that of Jesus himself. We can have confidence that if we believe the gospel of the apostles, we stand on the sure foundation of Christ and his apostles.
How can I know I am saved? The things that I do cause me to question my worth in God's sight. The nature of God's preserving grace is just that, grace. God's true children cannot fall away from saving grace. God preserves those who are his.
Servants of Christ seek to please their master. The gospel of Jesus Christ is offensive to the world, but it is pleasing to God. The call upon the Christian is to both believe and testify to the one true Gospel, bear its reproach, and enjoy the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
Threats encroach upon the purity of the Gospel in the lives of Christians and in the church. We need to be warned of these threats and to daily repent of our pet false gospels.
Galatians addresses the most important question we can ask: how can we be made right with God? Paul opens this letter with an abridged version of the rest of the book. The answer is found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who died for sins to the glory of the Father and heralded by his apostles.
Concluding our series on Habakkuk, God is the only viable source of joy to be had in this life. In the gravest of tragedies our fallen estate of sin and misery has to offer, we can follow Habakkuk's confession of faith. God himself gives and he takes. He is our joy. He is our strength.
Habakkuk's hymn of faith teaches us to believe God who is both the God of wrath and the God of mercy. God marches through the earth as a mighty, warrior king. He is terrifying. When his weapons are pointed at us we should tremble, and rottenness should enter into our bones. But the King marches for his people. He goes forth for our salvation.
In a sinful and confusing world, God's power is our reliable grounding point. He has shown himself to be powerful to his people and to the world. He is a mighty and terrifying warrior, who saves his people. God is merciful and just. His wrath reminds us of his fierce and terrible power. That same power he uses to bring salvation to his own.
How do we approach the living God in worship? Is he a consuming fire for us? Is he worthy of acceptable worship, with reverence and awe? Habakkuk chapter 3 is a hymn of prayer for the corporate worship of the saints. We learn by example what it means to worship the God of heaven with a sense of holy fear.
God's glory is the supreme good in his universe. How comforting it is to know that God will never fail his own glory. His law will be known. Justice will be upheld. The nations will bend the knee. As the Saints await our day of vindication, we have great confidence in the renown of the name of the Lord.
God's ways are not our ways. As we have seen throughout Habakkuk, we are often perplexed at God's interactions with the World. There are two responses, we can rise up in pride and unbelief or we can submit in Faith.
The world is attractive, but it is not our home. Christians are strangers and exiles on this earth. Dual citizenship may be an appealing first option, but Paul calls us to live one life, the life that is with Christ in heaven.
This sermon was preached at our annual outdoor worship service and picnic on the Chrystal River.
Human faith is frail and fickle. At its strongest Jesus compares it to a mustard seed. How does finite faith find expression toward the infinite God of the universe? Habakkuk demonstrates that faith believes God, faith asks questions when perplexed, and faith waits on the Lord for answers.
God graciously answers difficult questions. He teaches us, even though we don't always understand his providence, pace or the fulfillment of his promises, he governs the smallest details of our lives up to the rise and fall of kingdoms. He will always fulfill his promises to the letter.
God does not operate according to human expectations. Which leaves us with questions for God. How should mere men approach the God of the universe when his actions disrupt our tidy systematic theology? Habakkuk leaves us a shocking and informative example.
A fitting conclusion to a robust little letter, Jude ascribes total sovereignty to God. To him belong eternal glory, majesty, dominion, and authority. We cling to him for preservation when we cannot preserve ourselves. He is our God and savior.
"But you, beloved." These are among the most powerful words in Jude's letter. Amidst all the false teaching and contagion that corrupts the church, Jude is confident of better things for the beloved of God who are kept for Christ Jesus. Jude teaches us how we are to behave when threats to our faith abound.
Removing false teaching and its teachers from our midst sometimes means cutting people we love from the Christian. It stings like an amputation. No one in their right mind delights in the thought, but there are times when it is the only option. In this text, Jude, like a doctor giving a patient medical rationale for the necessity of amputation, shows us why it is necessary we cut corruption from our midst.
We abide too long and to carelessly with false teaching. We gaze at it and it captivates us. Jude warns of the coming judgment for those who teach and follow false teaching. That we might be able to rightly identify the wolf amongst the sheep, Jude paints a portrait, putting all of their identifying features on display.
The One True God has given us a convincing account through John's experience of the first Resurrection Sunday. Johns testimony is strikingly human, detailed, and based on the Scriptures. In reading and hearing John's account we may believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and by believing have life in his name.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death (Prov. 14:12). Do we follow our own standard for living, or do we submit to the Word of the Master? Going your own way and getting others to go with you is a hallmark of those who lead the way down the path toward death. Jesus is the Master and we must submit to his authority.
We are called by Jude to contend for the faith. He provides us with three examples that give us a sense for the seriousness of the threats which creep into the church. False teachers are crafty, but Jude exposes their deeds for what they are. How will we respond?
We are called by Jude to be contenders for the faith. There are many threats to the faith that was passed down to us by the Apostles. Unsavory saboteurs sneak into the church and undercut the faith once for all delivered to the saints. The beloved of God have a duty to fight for the purity of the church in all places and all generations.
We begin our study of Jude looking at the who? what? when? where? and why? of this short letter. In this sermon, we examine who? when? and where? Jude describes himself as a slave of Jesus Christ. He addresses the called, beloved, and kept of God. We are challenged by the simple, yet rich introduction, to view our relationship to Christ as that of beloved slaves, serving by grace in the in the household of God.
The return of Christ brings great hope to the Christian. It is a hope which moves us to diligence in holiness and peace. This is a universal Scriptural truth, which the unholy twist for their own desires and to their own destruction. They are ignorant and unstable. But in knowledge of the truth Christians are called to stand guard against the undercurrents which can sweep our legs from under us. We are to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus, who is the all glorious one and always shall be.
The Day of God is at hand. As such, Peter probes us with a provoking question: what kind of people are we going to be? We are given three charges as saints awaiting the day of God. First, cultivate Christian character. Second, engage in patient action. Third, eagerly await the new heavens and the new earth. This passage serves as a summary of what Peter has been driving at in the book. It flies in the face of false teachers on a number of levels, promoting a proper Christian attitude toward holiness, judgment, and hope.
Peter continues to shore up the saints against the false teachers. He positively presents his case for confidence in the coming of the Day of the Lord. First, he presents an argument from God’s nature. He is not bound by time. Second, he again returns to God, this time to his character. The Lord is patient. And third, he reasserts his position, that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, dramatically, and exposing sin.
God has revealed himself and his will to us in his word. We drift from it. We are attracted to the philosophies of the world. False teachers undermine God’s Word to advance their own desires. We must remember the importance of a sincere mind centered in the word. We must know that scoffers will come. We must observe how they do not live according to God’s Word. And we must remember God’s work in the past as we look to his work in the future.
False teachers claim the name of Christ, but the fruit they produce is bad fruit. Steer clear of them and seek true maturity.
Sin has been taken care of, the debt paid, justice satisfied, by the penal substitutionary death of Christ on the cross.