Legacy Reformed Baptist Church Sermon Audio: Recent Episodes
Legacy Reformed Baptist Church
Legacy is a Reformed Baptist Church serving the communities of East Grand Forks and Grand Forks. We are committed to standing firm, making disciples, and living intentionally to the glory of God. Legacy's committment to faithful, biblical, exegetical preaching is reflected in the desire to make access to sermons as easy as possible.
As Jesus begins what is known as the Olivet Discourse, He is answering the disciples questions about the coming destruction of the Temple, the sign of His coming, and of the end of the age.
With these questions as the immediate context of Jesus' teaching in this passage, we will examine His warnings about false signs and false Christs that might otherwise lead His people astray.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–20, we’re reminded that every believer is called to be a soldier of Christ in the midst of a dark and hostile world.
Despite the challenges and opposition we might face, Scripture calls us to stand firm, resist temptation, proclaim truth, and lift high the banner of Jesus. Here we explore how the armor of God equips us to remain stand firm.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
When Jesus told His disciples that the magnificent temple would one day be completely destroyed—every stone torn down—they were stunned.
Naturally, they asked when such things would happen, and what sign would mark His coming and the end of the age.
In this sermon, we begin our study of Christ’s response to these weighty questions.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In light of recent events in our nation, including an assassination on a university campus, many are understandably angry at the depravity that is too readily apparent in our culture.
Anger at unrighteousness and evil is not sinful in itself, but we must take care that we do not sin in our anger.
In this sermon, Pastor Caleb gives counsel on how Christians can turn righteous anger into right action.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
While the disciples were enamored with the grandeur of the Temple, Jesus revealed that despite its beauty and importance to Jewish life it would be utterly destroyed.
In this continuation of our look at the start of Matthew 24, we consider why it is that the Temple and the system it represented was coming to an end.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Continuing our course of how to study the Bible, we focus on the importance of understanding authorial intent.
Jesus said the Temple was being left to the Jews desolate, and the He left Jerusalem to prove it. As He left, the disciples drew His attention back to the Temple complex. They were enamored by its majesty, and yet Jesus knew that because of the faithlessness of Israel not a single stone would be left on another.
Listen as Pastor Caleb begins a multi-part sermon on these transitionary verses between Jesus’ condemnation of the Jerusalem rulers, and leaves the public eye to teach His disciples about what was soon to come in the Olivet Discourse.
A sermon preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks MN. Legacyrbc.org.
In Matthew 23:37-39, we see the great love and compassion He has for the people of Israel as He laments for Jerusalem over their coming destruction for having rejected God.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus has made clear that God is displeased with Israel's spiritual adultery. In this passage, He shows His compassion for His people while revealing the coming consequences for their sin.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Scripture is clear that believers are united in Christ, and so there should be unity in our churches. However, that doesn't mean that we are all the same. Christ has graciously given unique gifts to different believers so that we may serve God and others accordingly.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Scripture is clear that believers are united in Christ. So why does it not always seem that way in our churches? In this sermon on Ephesians 4:1-3, we explore the reasons for division in the church and how we can eagerly pursue unity.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In this sermon on Ephesians 4:4-6, Rylan considers how the church is united together as one body because we have one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Since the first century, believers have wrestled with how the church relates to Israel and Judaism, and this remains a controversial topic today. In Romans 11:25-36 the apostle Paul unveils the mystery of Israel’s present, partial hardening and urges Christians to respond not with pride or disdain but with Christ-like compassion, praying earnestly for the day when Israel, too, turns to the Lord.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit https://www.LegacyRBC.org.
In this second part of our look at Jesus’ final woe to the Scribes and Pharisees, we focus in on their deep hypocrisy. Though they claimed to honor the prophets, Jesus reveals that they were just like their ancestors who killed them—and would go on to prove it by persecuting and killing God’s messengers themselves. They were filling up the measure of their fathers’ guilt, showing that the same rebellious spirit still lived in them. This passage reminds us that outward religion means nothing if our hearts are far from God.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In this message, we conclude Jesus’ series of woes against the Scribes and Pharisees by examining the final and most severe denunciation in Matthew 23:29–36. Here, He calls out their hypocrisy—honoring the prophets of the past while being just like those who rejected and killed them.
For greater context, we turn to the prophet Isaiah's six woes against Israel and see how they reveal a persistent pattern of spiritual adultery — God’s people turning away from Him while going through the motions of religion.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In this sermon on Jeremiah 9:23–24, we’re reminded that although we are tempted to chase wisdom, power, and wealth, God calls us to something far greater. Rather than boasting in earthly success, we are called to boast in knowing and understanding the Lord—and who alone is worthy of our hope, trust, and devotion.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 23:25–28, Jesus compares the Scribes and Pharisees to whitewashed tombs—clean and beautiful on the outside, but full of dead bones on the inside.
In this sermon, we take a closer look at what Jesus meant by this strong warning. He shows us the difference between looking religious on the outside and having a heart that is truly devoted to God.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
As Jesus continues to pronounce woes on Scribes and Pharisees, He exposes them as “blind guides” who obsess over trivial ritual details yet ignore the weightier demands of justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
In this sermon on Matthew 23:16-22 we will consider how we can must not make a show of attending to small details while neglecting the weightier matters of God's law.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information visit LegacyRBC.org.
Pastor Caleb walks through our use of the 1689 Baptist Confession, our summary statement of faith, as well as the degree of agreement necessary for meaningful membership.
In Matthew 23, Jesus delivers a series of sharp rebukes—woes—against the scribes and Pharisees, condemning their hypocrisy and the spiritual harm they cause by leading others astray.
In this message, we explore Christ’s warning and consider how it speaks to us today, urging us to guard against false religion and ensure we are eager to draw others to the truth.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In this session, Clay walked us through the importance of Biblical church leadership as well as expository preaching.
Continuing our course of how to study the Bible, we focus on how to perform a word study while avoiding common pitfalls.
As we continue our look at Matthew 23:1-2, we will see how false religion pursues self-exaltation, while true religion works to please God above all else.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information visit LegacyRBC.org.
In John 15:1-8, Jesus delivers the seventh of the 'I am' statements recorded in John's gospel: "I am the vine, you are the branches."
In this sermon we will explore the profound implications this metaphor has on how we are to rightly understand the Christian life. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit apart from the vine, we cannot live the Christian life without full dependence on Christ.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information visit LegacyRBC.org.
After having many confrontations with the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus proceeds to explicitly warn His disciples and the crowd against following their example. Listen to part one of this two part message on Matthew 23:1-12.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
*Audio did not start until a few minutes into the lecture.
In this lesson Brother Rylan discussed some of the distinctives of Legacy RBC.
Continuing our course of how to study the Bible. In this session we focused on understanding the historical - cultural context of the text.
In Matthew 22:41–46, Jesus asks the Pharisees a profound question: “Whose son is the Christ?” They reply, as expected, “The son of David.” But Jesus takes them deeper, revealing that the Messiah is not merely David’s descendant—He is David’s Lord.This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
One of our Deacons, Brother Rick, teaches the second lesson of our New Members / Get to know Legacy material.
In this lesson we go over what it means to be a Reformed Baptist. How is that different from other kinds of Baptist, and while we are at it, what makes a Baptist.
We tackle the issue by looking at some history, and what we call the 3 C's: Confessional, Covenantal, Calvinistic.
As they continue their efforts to trip Jesus up, His opponents ask the question "Which is the great commandment in the Law?”
Jesus answer reveals that the entirety of the law and prophets depend on two things: Loving God and loving others.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
The first session of our latest New Members / get to know Legacy RBC class put on during second hour.
Primer to the New Members course, focusing on understanding the church, and why church membership is important.
We will all experience hard times in this life. How should we respond during seasons of suffering or sorrow?
Psalm 13 provides us with a blueprint for the process of lament, in which we bring our concerns to God in the midst of our desperation.
In this sermon we will explore the central elements of biblical lament and why this neglected practice is important as we face trials.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
As we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, we look to the Gospel of Luke for his account of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ and consider the critical importance of this doctrine to the Christian faith.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 22:23-33, the Sadducees attempt to trap Jesus with an absurd hypothetical scenario regarding the resurrection of the dead, despite the fact that they rejected this doctrine.
In this sermon you'll hear how Jesus responds to their question and learn how we can respond to similar attempts to trip us up - as well as what the Bible says about more sincere questions regarding life in heaven.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit https://www.LegacyRBC.org.
Unable to undermine Jesus through ridicule or intimidation, the religious leaders turn to flattery—seeking to ensnare Him with insincere praise and a politically loaded question.
In this sermon, we’ll see how Jesus’ response not only silences their efforts to impede His ministry but also exposes their hypocrisy.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In yet another confrontation with the religious leaders, Jesus makes two remarkable claims - Each highlighted by Jesus' words "Truly, truly I say to you." In the first, Jesus declares that if anyone keeps His word, they will never see death. In the second, He says "before Abraham was, I am."
In this sermon on John 8:48-59 we will consider what these two statements have to teach us about sin, salvation, and the deity of Christ.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In the parable of the wedding feast, Jesus reveals that one man who had not wedding clothes was tossed out into utter darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. How are we to understand this part of the parable, and what group of people are spiritually represented here? Listen to part two of this 2-part sermon on Matthew 22:1-14.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Matthew 22 begins with Jesus telling a parable about a king who's invitation to attend the wedding feast of his son is refused by his subjects and his servants that carry his message are abused and even killed.
Listen as we learn how this parable served as a rebuke to the religious leaders of Israel and what it teaches us about the patience of God.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org
In this second sermon on the parable of the tenants recorded in Matthew 21:33-46, we consider what Jesus meant by His statement to the chief priests and Pharisees that "the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits."
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
One of the most important questions people ask themselves is "Who am I?" For the believer, the answer to who we are is firmly grounded in our relationship to Jesus Christ.
In this sermon on 1 John 2:12-14, we gain insight into the identity of the Christian and consider how we should live in response.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 21:33-46, Jesus tells a parable in which the tenants of a vineyard beat and kill the servants of the vineyard owner and, ultimately, kill his son.
This parable served as a picture of the rejection of God's prophets in the past and a foreshadowing of the death of the Son, and it has much to teach us about our own attitude towards God.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In this life, we will all experience suffering. How are we to rightly understand this reality, and how should we respond? In this sermon, we will consider how we are to respond to suffering both as individuals and as a church.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
After being challenged by the chief priests and the elders, Jesus told a parable of two sons each given a task by their Father. While one initially refuses before obeying, the other responds with empty words of obedience without actually doing the will of the Father.
In this sermon we will see how this parable serves as a rebuke to the self-righteous in both Jesus' day and in our own.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visitLegacyRBC.org.
When Jesus entered the Temple, the chief priests challenged His authority in front of the crowds in an effort to discredit Him. Jesus' response revealed the true motives of his questioners and serves as an instruction for our own interactions with unbelievers.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Upon finding a fig tree that bore no fruit, Jesus cursed it, saying “May no fruit ever come from you again!”
While this is different than the sorts of miracles we typically see from Jesus, it has much to teach us about the dangers of religious hypocrisy as well as the power of prayer.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN.
For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Upon entering Jerusalem, Jesus cleansed the Temple of those who had turned His Father's house into a den of robbers. In this sermon on Matthew 21:12-17, we consider why this event took place and what we learn from Jesus' righteous indignation.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In this session in our study on hermeneutics we consider the importance of understanding the different genres of Scripture.
Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophesy, and the crowds welcomed Him with glad shouts of "Hosanna in the highest!"
In this sermon on Matthew 21:1-11, we will consider how these events came to pass and their importance in the earthly ministry of Jesus.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, when the kingdom of Israel had been torn in half, and the northern kingdom was already undone, God gave the southern kingdom a promise of deliverance, peace, and a child who would bring it all about.
Jesus is the promised child. He did secure the deliverance of His people, and brought about peace between God and man, and man and man.
Listen as Deacon Rylan brings a message of encouragement and hope based on one of the most beloved Christmas prophecies. Preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN.
The Incarnation brough the appearance of Christ, a new and better High Priest of a new and better covenant, offering a new and better sacrifice than the blood of bulls and goats.
In this sermon from the book of Hebrews, we'll consider Jesus' role as our Great High Priest.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Part two of our series on how to study the Bible. Focusing in on reading carefully and what to look for in sentences.
As Jesus and His disciples begin the final leg of theirjourney toward Jerusalem, they come through Jericho among a great crowd of fellow travelers. As they leave the city, they come across a couple of blind men, desperate to get Jesus’ attention.
Listen as Pastor Caleb contrasts the desperate need of theblind men against the seeming cold-hearted indifference of the crowd. Be reminded of the importance of the title “Son of David.” Consider the only natural response to seeing Jesus and believing in Him.
A sermon preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church on 12-8-24. legacyrbc.org
After two of Christ's disciples sought permission to sit at His right and left hand in the coming kingdom, Jesus explained that although the world seeks positions of power and authority, those who would be great in God's eyes should seek to live as a servant towards others.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN.
For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 20:20-24, the mother of James and John asked Jesus to allow her sons to sit at Jesus' right and left hand in His kingdom.
This request, and their assertion that they were able to 'drink the cup' that Jesus was to drink reveals they did not grasp the suffering that Christ was about to endure. Although Jesus did not grant their request, His answer makes clear that His followers will suffer for His name's sake.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
The Apostle Paul experienced many dangers and difficulties. As he writes the book of Philippians, he is in prison. Yet he encourages the church in Philippi to see his chains as God's means of advancing the gospel.
How can we learn from his example and that of other faithful believers when it comes to our own hardships?
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information visit LegacyRBC.org.
Outside of Christ, all of humanity is dead in trespasses and sins. Though our flesh seeks to earn salvation through our works, Scripture is clear that it is only available as a free gift of God's grace.
Learn about the importance of the doctrine of sola gratia — salvation by grace alone — in this sermon on Ephesians 2:1-10.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
This audio is from our study on hermeneutics, which deals with the study and interpretation of Scripture.
In chapter 20 of Matthew's Gospel, Jesus warns His disciples for the third and final time that He was about to be given into the hands of His enemies and put to death.Although this solemn prophesy pointed to coming sorrow, it also included a word of hope: on the third day He would rise again.This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 20, Jesus tells a parable of a master who hires laborers to work in his vineyard. Although they agreed to work for a fair wage, those who worked the longest were upset to find that those who worked the least received the same pay.
What does this parable teach us about the kingdom of heaven and how we should view the blessings that God bestows on us? Listen as Pastor Caleb preaches on Matthew 20:1-16.
This sermon was preached as Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
After seeing the rich young ruler fail to forsake his riches, the disciples ask what they shall have for leaving everything behind in order to follow Jesus.
Rather than rebuke the question, Jesus gives us insight into the rewards that await those who leave all for His name's sake.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information visit LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 19, Jesus taught that "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
But what does this mean, and what does this teach us about the nature of salvation?
Listen as Pastor Caleb preaches on Matthew 19:16-30, with an emphasis on verses 23-30.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
A wealthy young man asks Jesus, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" While he believes it’s something he can earn, Jesus challenges him by listing the commandments, which the man claims to have kept.
But when Jesus tells him to sell his possessions and follow Him, the man walks away sorrowful, unable to let go of his wealth. This passage raises a crucial question: What are we holding onto that keeps us from fully following Jesus?
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 19:13-15 we get a glimpse of Jesus' tender affection towards children and we see what our disposition towards children should be within the church and the home.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Like so many Psalms, Psalm 16 is ultimately about Jesus Christ. And because it is about Christ that it is able to be applied to each and every person who follows Him.
It is because of Jesus that we can say with the psalmist David “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
In Romans 12:3-8, we read that Because Christians are members of one body in Christ, the health and effectiveness of a church depends on the health and effectiveness of each individual believer.
In this passage the Apostle Paul urges his reader to pursue humility, unity, and responsibility as they seek to grow as individual believers and as healthy congregations.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In the short book of Philemon, we learn much about Christian fellowship and treating one another as equal members of the family of God.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
When the Pharisees attempted to trap Jesus with a question about divorce, they revealed that they were approaching the topic from the wrong starting point. Christ's answer looked to creation to reveal God's intention for the lasting bond of marriage.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information visit LegacyRBC.org.
When the Pharisees sought to trap Christ, they asked Him “Is it lawful to divorce one's wife for any cause?” Their question reveals much about their misunderstanding of God's design for marriage, and Christ's response provides a much needed correction for our own day.This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
After surprising His disciples with an almost endless number of times that they were required to forgive one another when they had been wronged and the offending brother repents, Jesus offered a parable to illustrate why this was possible.
Christians forgive because we have been forgiven. Listen as Pastor Caleb works us through a parable of Jesus that was designed to punch the audience in the gut and clearly illustrate a necessary implication of the Gospel message.
A sermon preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on 8-18-24.
In Galatians 6:7-10, the Apostle Paul encourages his reader to "not grow weary of doing good."
As we mark the third anniversary of Legacy Reformed Baptist Church, we reflect on the work of God in and through the congregation with a prayer that He would continue to enable us to "do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Jesus gives His disciples a lot of instruction in Matthew 18:15-20 about what to do if a fellow Christian sins against them and does not repent. That is, when church discipline doesn’t work the way we were hoping it would. In this sermon, we consider what needs to happen if it works as desired and the sinning brother is brought to repentance.
We know that we should forgive others when they sin against us, but that is easier said than done. Listen as we look at what it means to have genuine repentance and genuine forgiveness, and why both are necessary to restoring relationship within the church.
A sermon preached by Pastor Caleb at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on 8 August 2024.
In this message on Matthew 18:15-20, we examine what Jesus meant when saying that "where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Despite its frequent misuse, the context of this passage reveals that Christ's statement has to do with the solemn yet sometimes necessary work of church discipline.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Just as one cannot see the entire Mississippi river from its headwaters, believers initially see only a part of their salvation when they come to Christ. Romans 8:28-30 provides a high enough vantage point to reveal that God’s work in salvation begins in eternity past with His foreknowledge and extends into eternity future with our glorification. This full view assures believers of the certainty and security of their salvation, providing comfort amid present sufferings and confidence in God’s unchanging purpose.This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 18:15-20 Jesus taught His disciples how theyshould respond when Christians sin against each other within the church. The systematic approach serves as a guide for handling sin in the church in general. It serves to advocate biblical justice, protect the reputation of everyone involved as much as possible, guard the purity of the church, and restore believers when they stumble.
In Part 2 of a look at this passage we consider how conflict in the church over sin should be handled when a private rebuke does not bring an offending party to repentance. Ultimately either the sinning brother will be brought to repentance and the peace and unity in the body will be restored, or else the hypocrisy of their confession will be exposed as their actions fail to line up with what they claim to believe.
A sermon preached by Pastor Caleb at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on 7-14-24.
Matthew 18 lays out the process of how Christians are to respond when they are sinned against by a fellow believer. But how can we know when it is appropriate to enter into this process and when it is best to overlook an offense? In this sermon we will examine the step in the process of church discipline.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information visit LegacyRBC.org.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for His flock and He goes in search of His sheep when they go astray. In this sermon on Matthew 18:10-14 we get a look at the compassionate care of Christ.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information visit LegacyRBC.org.
What does the Bible really teach about angels and demons? Much of our understanding of these spiritual beings comes more from man's imagination than from God's Word. In part one of this sermon on Matthew 18:10-14, Pastor Caleb provides an overview of what Scripture teaches us about God's angels.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Philippi was considered a "Rome away from Rome," as much of the population had Roman citizenship and endeavored to live their lives as though they were within Rome itself.
In his letter to the Philippian church, Paul reminds the believers that their true citizenship is in heaven. Just as Philippi was a colony of Rome, the church is a colony of heaven, an outpost in a foreign land. Although our geographical location may be here, our greatest loyalty lies with our true kingdom — the kingdom of heaven.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6, the Apostle Paul reminds the church in Thessalonica of how he served them as a faithful minister of the Gospel and not for selfish gain. In this passage, we not only learn about the conduct of Paul but we are given a picture of what a faithful pastor looks like.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
When Jesus’ disciples asked who would be the greatest in the Kingdom, Jesus said that those who humbled themselves like a small child would be greatest. They needed to change their perspective and their attitude.
In that context, Jesus continued and warned of the greatjudgment that awaited any who would undermine and ruin the faith of a disciple having immature or weak faith. We will all face temptation, but woe to the one through whom it comes.
We also have to deal with temptation from within. Jesus said that if we were not willing to do whatever it takes to be free of those things that will bring inner temptation, we risk the fires of hell.
A sermon preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on 6/2/24.
Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? That is a question that Jesus’ disciples privately discussed and debated. When Jesus answered the question, He did so in a way that they were surely not anticipating. Unless they became like children, they would not even enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
The disciples needed a change of heart and mind. Many of us do as well. We must humble ourselves and become like children. We need the accept the humble position of a young child within the household. We need a childlike faith which holds and implicit trust and confidence in the character, word, and commands of the heavenly Father.
A sermon preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on 5-26-24.
Romans 8:28 is a well-known and well-loved verse, but it is often misunderstood and misapplied. The true promise of this verse is not that God is working out ‘all things’ to give you comfort in life, but that He is working out all things to bring you into conformity with Christ.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In this passage from Matthew's Gospel we see both Jesus' prophetic statement that He was "about to be delivered into the hands of men" and an interaction between Him and Peter regarding paying the Temple tax.
Although seemingly unrelated, both of these events have much to teach us about Jesus' identity as the Son of Man.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 17 and in the parallel passage found in Mark 9, Jesus' disciples are unable to heal a boy possessed by a demon who often through him into the water or into the fire. After Jesus casts out the demon, He explains to His disciples that it is by faith — even faith the size of a mustard seed — that we can accomplish great things to the glory of God.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
After seeing Jesus in His glory standing with the prophet Elijah, the disciples were left with some big questions. They were confused about what it could mean that Jesus was the Messiah, but yet the scribes said that Elijah was supposed to come first. Listen to hear Jesus' answer. A sermon from Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN.
In this message we consider the significance of Elijah and Moses appearing with Christ during the Transfiguration, and how their presence signals an end to and fulfillment of the law and prophets.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
The disciples Peter, James, and John were privileged to witness a remarkable event known as the Transfiguration, in which Jesus' "face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light" and Elijah and Moses appeared with Him.
Learn about what this event reveals about who Christ is in this sermon, the first of three messages on Matthew 17:1-13.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In Romans 10, the apostle Paul declares that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
After this glorious promise, he asks four rhetorical questions: "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?"
This passage makes clear that having heard, believed, and called upon Christ ourselves, every Christian should be committed to going and proclaiming the excellencies of Christ to others.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In Acts 2:22-36, the apostle Peter delivers a bold sermon declaring that Jesus, who had been crucified, had raised from the dead and that "that God has made him both Lord and Christ."
In this sermon we see how the Old Testament points forward to this event and how Jesus' death and resurrection reveals Him to be Lord and Christ.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem before His crucifixion was marked by both joy and sorrow. His followers rejoiced, proclaiming “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
And yet Jesus expressed profound sorrow for those in Israel who rejected the Prince of Peace. His response of compassion for the lost should impact how we view those who reject God in our own day, desiring that they would find peace with God through Jesus Christ.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 16 Jesus makes use of His favorite self-designation: The Son of Man. In this passage we read that the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.In this sermon we consider the meaning of this judgment as well as what it means that "there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
The Christian life is not to be focused on self-fulfillment but self-denial. As Christ said to His disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
In this sermon we consider what this looks like practically in the life of the believer, and how we can maintain the proper perspective to focus on heavenly rather than earthly things.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Scripture is clear that in this life we will all experience trials. God’s Word is equally clear that these trials are meant to refine us, purifying our faith and making us more like Christ.
In this sermon on 1 Peter 1:3-7, we see that our hope is great, our trials are short, and our suffering is purposeful.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Immediately after being commended by Jesus for recognizing Him to be the Messiah, Peter was then rebuked by Jesus for unwittingly being a stumbling block on His way to the cross.
In this message on Matthew 16, we'll examine why Peter's limited view of God's plan caused him to be a hindrance rather than a help to Jesus and consider how we can avoid making similar errors.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information visit LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 16, Jesus speaks of the "keys of the kingdom of heaven." What is meant by this phrase, and how does having the keys to bind and loose apply to the church today?
Listen as we examine this important passage from Matthew's Gospel in this final sermon examining 16:13-20.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In Titus 3:1-7, the apostle Paul is instructing Titus to remind these Christians of how they are to live lives pleasing to God in a pagan land.
In doing so, he provides three reminders that are crucial for us as well as we seek to rightly engage the world around us.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church. For more information, visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
Jesus declared that He would build His church, and that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." But what exactly does this mean, and why do some versions of Scripture say 'hell' while others say 'hades'?
Listen as we examine this important promise that Christ has made His church.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 16, Christ says "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church..." But what does this mean? Does the 'rock' upon which Christ will build His church refer to Himself, to Peter, or to Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ?
Listen to this sermon on Matthew 16:13-20 as we explore this important question.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. Visit LegacyRBC.org to learn more.
When asked by Jesus "Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
To this Jesus responded “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven."
In this sermon on Matthew 16:13-20 we examine just how remarkable it is that Peter recognized and confessed Jesus of Nazareth to be the long-awaited Messiah.
After condemning the adulterous generation epitomized by the Pharisees and Sadducees who had come out to challenge Jesus, He and His disciples headed out across the lake. One they way, Jesus gave the disciples a warning that they did not immediately understand. They were to beware the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. That is, they were to guard themselves against their teaching. The teaching that marked the spirit of that age.
We must learn the lesson of Jesus’ warning. We must be guarded both against the kind of errors that marked the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees, as well as understand the spirit of this age and guard ourselves against the prevalent dangers we now face.
A sermon preached by Pastor Caleb Stomberg at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on 1/14/2024.
In Matthew 16:1-4 we see the Pharisees and the Sadducees teaming up to challenge Christ. Despite their animosity towards each other, these groups found common cause in seeking to suppress the influence of Jesus.
Sadly, we continue to see this in our own day as worldviews which would otherwise be at odds with one another unite in their opposition to God and His Word.
In this message we'll see how Christ responded to these groups and how Christians should respond today.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
As we start the year, it is good for us to remind ourselves that whatever we face in the days to come, God's ways are better than our ways. He is working in ways we can't comprehend to bring about His glory and our good. We can trust in Him and choose contentment and joy in Him no matter what His good providence may bring. A sermon preached by Rylan Setness at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN.
In the 2nd chapter of Luke’s gospel, we come to the familiar passage recounting the birth of Jesus and the angelic announcement of “good news of great joy” to the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night.
As remarkable as this passage is, its familiarity can cause us to look without seeing, and hear without listening.
In this sermon we seek to approach these verses with a fresh perspective, eager to take in all of the wonder and amazement that we ought to have as we reflect on the truth that God took on flesh and dwelt among us.
At first glance, the miraculous event of feeding the 4,000 in Matthew 15 might appear as a mere echo of Jesus' earlier feeding of the 5,000. However, what we see in this event is an advancement of the Gospel.
Here, Christ extends His divine compassion beyond the children of Israel, performing an equally astounding miracle for a predominantly Gentile audience.
This passage foreshadows the sweeping embrace of the Gospel, affirming that salvation through Jesus Christ is destined for people of every tribe, tongue, and nation.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 15:21-28, we see a remarkable interaction between Jesus and a Canaanite woman. Although the Gospel was to be proclaimed first to the house of Israel, Christ's conversation with this woman of great faith and humility further reveals that it was always God's plan to bring even those of Gentile nations into the household of God.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
The Pharisees and scribes were convinced that it was the external things that defiled a man. Jesus corrected their misunderstanding of the Law to show that it was that which is in the heart of man that defiles him, not what he eats or whether or not he ceremonially washes his hands before eating.
Jesus’ strong rebuke offending the religious leaders of the day. While that made His disciples nervous, it is not wrong to offend the wicked and the hypocrite by the clear teaching of God’s truth.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit https://LegacyRBC.org.
When the Scribes and Pharisees attempted to entrap Jesus and accuse His disciples of sin, He rebuked them and made clear that we are to hold to the Word of God above the traditions of men.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 14:22-36, we see Christ miraculously walking on water to the fearful surprise of His disciples as well as Peter's attempt to walk towards Jesus before he begins to sink.
While there are certainly personal applications to be made, we must be cautious when we approach familiar passages such as this so that we do not turn these miraculous displays of the Son of God into an inspirational story focused on ourselves more than on Jesus.This passage is first and foremost about Christ. The boat, the wind, the disciples, and every other detail is the backdrop of a display of the power and person of the Savior.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
The miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 is the only miracle to be recorded in each of the four Gospels – which ought to reveal just how important this event is in the ministry of Christ. This miracle reveals Jesus to be the new and better Moses, feeding a multitude of Israelites in the wilderness. However, Jesus’ greatest act of compassion in feeding the 5,000 was not that he took away their hunger, but that this miracle revealed to them that He was the one who had come to take away their sin.
This sermon was preached on November 5, 2023 at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In the fourteenth chapter of Matthew's Gospel we learn the fate of John the Baptist. John was put to death by Herod at the request of his wife, Herodias, because he rebuked their sinful relationship.
In this sermon we examine the lessons we learn from the bold life and gruesome death of John the Baptist.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in Grand Forks, ND. Learn more at www.LegacyRBC.org.
John Murray wrote that “union with Christ is the central truth of the whole doctrine of salvation.”
Romans 6:1-11 reveals that we have been united to Christ both in His death and in His resurrection.
In this passage the apostle Paul makes clear that because Christ died for sin, we are to be dead to sin and that because we were made alive in Christ, we are able to live for Him.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Many rejected Jesus because they thought they already knew all there was to know about Him - "Is not this the carpenter's son?"
Sadly, many still fail to grasp who Jesus truly as, as they have become content with a superficial understanding of who He is and what it means to truly follow Him.
In this message on Matthew 13:53-58, we examine the concept of 'familiarity bias' and how it pertains to our view of Jesus Christ.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
After concluding His parables, Jesus asked His disciples if they had understood His teaching. Although they answered 'Yes,' it is clear throughout the Gospels that they did not fully grasp everything that Jesus had revealed to them.
Although they gladly accepted what they understood, there was much that still needed to be made plain to them. Thankfully, we have the benefit of Scripture - both the Old and New Testaments - to guide us in understand who Christ is and what He taught.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Jesus Christ is Lord, whether someone recognizes Him as such in this life or not. Ultimately we will all stand before the Lord, either as a forgiven child or as a rebellious sinner.
In the parable of the net, we see that at the end of the age those who do not know Christ will be separated from those who do and will be cast into the fiery furnace.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In Christ we are no longer under the law, but under grace. Does that mean that we are free to remain in sin? In the most emphatic way possible, no! Why? Because we have been freed from that cruel master and been made slaves of Christ instead. We cannot serve Christ and continue to fight for His enemy.
A sermon by Caleb Stomberg on Romans 6:12-18 preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on 9-24-23.
In the parable of the Good Samaritan we have a powerful example of what it means to truly love your neighbor as yourself. But is this the primary purpose of this parable?
In this message we examine Luke 10:25-37 to see how it calls us to not only love our neighbor, but to also abandon our efforts to justify ourselves through our good works.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 13:44-46 Jesus tells two parables: One of a man who sells all he has to purchase a field containing treasure, and a second about a merchant of pearls who sells all to purchase a pearl of great price.
Listen as Pastor Caleb shares how these two parables point to the all-surpassing worth of the Kingdom of God.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit https://www.LegacyRBC.org.
As we conclude our look at the kingdom parables of the mustard seed and the leaven, we see the power of the Gospel to make continued, steady progress in furthering Christ's kingdom here on earth.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 13, Christ compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed, which starts small but grows to tower over the other garden plants. Watch as Pastor Caleb shares how God uses the seemingly insignificant to build His kingdom.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit https://www.LegacyRBC.org.
In this sermon we look at Philippians 2:12-16 and see that as believers we are called to serve as a light for others who remain in the darkness. It is our duty and our privilege to point them to the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.
As we see in this passage, in order to shine as lights in a dark world, we must work out our salvation by God’s power.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit https://www.LegacyRBC.org.
In the parable of the wheat and tares, the master tells his servants not to pull the weeds that have been sewn into his field, "lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them."
In explaining the meaning of this parable to His disciples, Jesus revealed that the weeds represent the 'sons of the evil one" while the good seed represents the sons of the kingdom of God.
So what does this parable have to tell us about the nature of the church, and how we are to respond to those who are not true disciples of Christ?
Pastor Caleb explores this question in this sermon on Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43).
The title that Jesus used for Himself most often was "Son of Man." But what does this title mean, and what Scriptural images would have immediately come to mind for Jesus' Jewish listeners?
In the sermon from Matthew 13, Pastor Caleb continues our look at the Parable of the Wheat and Tares with an examination of the title, Son of Man.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit https://www.LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 13:24-30, Jesus tells the parable of the wheat and tares and explains its meaning to His disciples in verses 36-43.
In this sermon, Pastor Caleb examines what this parable has to teach us about God's Kingdom.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Our prayers almost always end with some variation of “in Jesus’ name, amen.”
But have you ever really stopped to think about what this phrase means or why we say it?
In this sermon, we will see that to pray in Jesus’ names means that we approach God based on Christ’s merit and not our own, that we seek to please Jesus and not ourselves, and that we treasure God’s glory above our desires.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
In the Parable of the Sower, Christ tells His hearers about seed that falls on rocky ground and ground covered in thorns - both of which represent those who do not experience salvation. However, He also tells of a third type, which falls on good ground and produces fruit.
In this sermon, Pastor Caleb completes our examination of the Parable of the Sower by examining those who respond to the Gospel with faith in Jesus Christ.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. Learn more at www.LegacyRBC.org
Part two of a three-part study on the Parable of the Sower. In this part we look at the third type of soil Jesus pictured for us, representing someone who receives the message of the Kingdom of Heaven, yet is held back by the cares of the world and never produces any fruit.
This pictures a false convert who may remain within the church yet is shown by their lack of fruit to be outside of Christ. There is in fact no such thing as a carnal Christian, just as it is impossible to serve two masters.
A sermon preached by Pastor Caleb at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on July 9, 2023.
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus describes seed that fell on rocky ground, among thorns, and on good soil in order to illustrate how people respond to the Gospel. In part one of this exposition on this parable, Pastor Caleb examines those who tragically reject the Word - either immediately or after appearing at first to have accepted it.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
Many of us have heard it said that Jesus taught in parables because these simple stories helped His hearers better understand His teaching. But is this what Scripture teaches? Listen as Pastor Caleb explains the true purpose of Jesus' parables.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit www.LegacyRbc.org.
Pastor Matthew Cooke of Maynardville Fellowship Baptist Church of Maynardville, TN, serves as guest preacher at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church on 6-18-23. He addresses the issue of Gossip; helping us understand what it is, and why it is so destructive to the unity of the church.
In Romans 13:11-14, the apostle Paul calls his readers to recognize that Christ will return and to live lives that reflect that truth. In short, he calls us to live in light of eternity. Because "the night is far gone and the day is at hand" we are to "cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light." Listen as we examine what this command means for believers as we live in a fallen world.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
In Mathew 12:46-50, we see that when Jesus is told that His mother and brothers wished to speak with Him, He replied "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" before stating "whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." What did Christ mean by this, and what impact does it have on how we rightly understand the family of Christ?
Listen as Pastor Caleb expounds on this text and reveals what it means to value Christ far above all other relationships.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 12:43-45, Jesus gave a parable of a man who had been under demonic influence. The unclean spirit left him for a time, but later came back ,and finding the house put in order, it brought seven more spirits with it. The final state of the man was fare worse than before the spirit left him. The momentary relief was betrayed by much greater torment in the end.
Jesus said that this is what it was like for that generation in Israel. They had been given some relief from the demonic oppression and influence under the ministry of Jesus, yet in the end, after they rejected the Messiah, they would find themselves in a far worse spot than that in which they started.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on May 28, 2023. For more information, visit https://www.LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 12:38-42, the Scribes and Pharisees demand a sign from Jesus and instead receive a rebuke from Him. Watch as Pastor Caleb explains how a demand for a sign on top of what God has plainly revealed is often an excuse for unbelief or disobedience.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on May 21, 2023.
For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
As Jesus continues His rebuke of the Pharisees, He reveals that it our outward actions are a result of what is in our inward hearts, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."
Listen as Pastor Caleb preaches on Matthew 12:33-37.
This sermon was preached on May 14, 2023 at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information visit us online at LegacyRBC.org
In Matthew 12:31 we read "every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven." This verse has been the source for much debate, confusion, and trepidation.
In this sermon on Matthew 12:22-32, we seek to examine the context of this passage to better understand what blasphemy against the Spirit is, what it is not, and why those who commit this sin will not be forgiven.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on May 7, 2023. For more information visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 12:15-21, we see the words of the prophet Isaiah applied to Christ: "a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench." What is meant by this word picture, and how are we to understand it in the context of this passage? Listen as Pastor Caleb explains the meaning of this metaphor and what it reveals about the character of God.
This sermon was preached on April 30, 2023 at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
Listen as Pastor Caleb examines the important topic of the Christian Sabbath. This is part two of a two-part message Matthew 12:1-14.This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on April 23, 2023. For more information, visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
When the Pharisees tried to accuse Jesus and His followers of profaning the Sabbath, He did not engage in a discussion of technicalities - Instead, He made clear that He is Lord of the Sabbath.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on April 16, 2023. For more information visit LegacyRBC.org.
The Resurrection of Christ is the most pivotal event of all of human history and it is foundational for our faith. As Paul wrote in 1 Cor 15, “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” In this sermon on Matthew 28, we will examine the reality of the Resurrection, the reactions to the resurrection, and the right response to the resurrection.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
As Jesus entered Jerusalem prior to His crucifixion, he stated that "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." But how is it that this terrible event brought glory to Him? Listen as Pastor Caleb expounds on John 12:12-26 and answers this important question.
This sermon was preached on Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org
Where does the Bible teach us to place our trust when it comes to our salvation? Do we hope in our being a good person? Do we assume that our growing up in a Christian culture or a godly family will guarantee our salvation?
When we are confronted with doubts and despair, the only place to turn for comfort are the simple promises of the Gospel. There, in Christ, we will find the comfort we seek and the hope we need.
A sermon from Caleb Stomberg delivered at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church on 26 March, 2023.
It often pleases God to allow the spiritually proud to remain in their spiritual blindness, while He opens the eyes of the poor and needy. He did this in the nation of Israel as the Messiah walked the land, and He still often does this today. It is not the greatness of the man, but the sovereign grace of God, that gives sight to the blind. The burden of the Law weighted heavily on everyone trying to repair their relationship with God by their own righteousness. Jesus instead called on those who would listen to accept His yoke instead. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Sermon delivered by Brother Rylan Setness at Legacy RBC on 3-19-2023.
In this passage from Matthew's Gospel, Jesus makes clear that those who have had God's truth revealed to them in great measure and yet still reject it will incur greater judgement on themselves. Listen to hear how this truth provides a warning for our own day.
This sermon was preached on March 5, 2023 at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN.
Learn more at LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 11:7-15, Jesus asks three rhetorical questions to reveal that, of those born of woman, there were none greater than John the Baptist. Watch as Pastor Caleb explains how the true measure of greatness is Christlikeness.
This sermon was preached on February 26, 2023 at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 11:1-6 we see that John the Baptist, who had witnessed the Holy Spirit descend on Christ like a dove, had developed doubts about whether Jesus was the promised one who was to come. Listen as Pastor Caleb explores how this passage speaks to issues of doubt and the great evidence given that reveals Jesus to be the Messiah.
This sermon was preached on February 19, 2023 at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 10:40-42 Jesus assures His followers that they will not encounter only rejection and persecution as they proclaim God's kingdom to others. They will also experience the joy of having people receive both them and their message. Remarkably, Jesus tells them that "Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me." Additionally, we learn that God rewards those who receive His messengers. Listen and learn how we can rightly apply these truths to our daily lives.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on February 12, 2023. For more information, visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
It can be shocking to read your Bible and see that Jesus said "I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." What does this mean, and how does this impact our understanding of how we are called to live as followers of Christ?
Listen as Pastor Caleb explains how finding peace with God through the Gospel of Christ will put us at odds with the world around us.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on February 2, 2023. For more information, visit LegacyRBC.org
In Matthew 10:24-33, Christ warns His disciples that "a disciple is not above his teacher" and that they would face harsh treatment as they proclaimed His gospel. At the same time, He offered encouragement to remain faithful in the face of persecution and a stern warning against denying Jesus before men.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on January 29, 2023. For more information, visit www.LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 10:16-23 Jesus begins His warning to His disciples, saying "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." In this sermon, Pastor Caleb shares why believers must be wise to the persecution which believers are likely to face as a result of living for Christ in an increasingly hostile world.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on January 22, 2023. For more information, visit www.LegacyRBC.org
As a king would commission his messengers to proclaim his message and carry out his business throughout the land, so too did Christ commission His disciples to proclaim His Gospel and even act on His behalf – performing miraculous works in His name and by His power.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on January 15, 2023.
For more information visit LegacyRBC.org
Jesus looked with compassion on the people of Israel as "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." How did they come to be this way? In this sermon on Matthew 9:35-38 we will see how the Pharisees did not fulfill their role in shepherding God's people and how Jesus Christ came to gather and provide for His flock as the Good Shepherd.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on January 8, 2023. Learn more about Legacy at www.LegacyRBC.org
When faced with the miracles of Jesus, the Pharisees accused Him of obtaining His power over demons through the prince of demons. Unable to accept Jesus for who He was or to explain away the reality of His miraculous works, they sought to attribute His power to Satan. In this sermon on Matthew 9:27-34, we see that all mankind still must come to terms with the person of Jesus Christ. Was He a demon, or is He the Messiah?
As we celebrate the incarnation of Christ at Christmas it is important that we remember how this event fits in to the larger context of the spiritual warfare between God and Satan. In Revelation 12 we are given a glimpse of this struggle and are reminded of how Christ is victorious and His people will be sustained by His power.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church on December 25, 2022.
Learn more about Legacy at www.LegacyRBC.org
God the Son taking on flesh did not come as a Plan B after man’s failure to uphold the religious system they were entrusted with; even a cursory reading of the Old Testament reveals that redemptive history was always steadily marching towards the appearance of God’s Messiah who would bring salvation to His people.
What we see here in the first chapter of Luke’s Gospel is the revelation that this long-awaited moment had come – that He who made man would become man in a matter of months. The Messiah was soon to arrive.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on December 18, 2022. Learn more at www.LegacyRBC.org.
In Matthew 9:18-26 we witness Jesus perform the miracles of healing a woman and raising a young child from the dead. In each case we see the selfless service of our Lord as well as His power over sickness and even death.
This sermon was preached on December 11, 2022 at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. Learn more at LegacyRBC.org
In Matthew 9:14-17 we see the disciples of John asking Jesus why He and His disciples do not fast as they and the Pharisees do. At first glance, Christ's response can seem enigmatic. Listen as Pastor Caleb explains how the imagery of the bridegroom, unshrunk cloth, and new wine serve to illustrate how the Gospel differs from the works-based religion of the day.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on December 4, 2022. Learn more about Legacy at www.LegacyRBC.org.
In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 we find the apostle Paul's warning that the unrighteous—those living in patterns of sin—will not enter into God’s kingdom, but will be instead shut out. This passage also contains a great encouragement to believers: That God’s people have a new identity and new behavior through the Gospel. Taken together, we come away with a great appreciation for what Christ has done for us and an empathy that drives us to call others to repentance and faith.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN on November 27, 2022. Learn more about Legacy at www.LegacyRBC.org.
In recent weeks we have seen Matthew recounting the many miracles performed by Jesus at the outset of His earthly ministry – many which focused on healing the sick from their afflictions and restoring health to the blind, the deaf, the mute, the lame, and others.
As we continue into the 9th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel we shall see how such miracles are but a precursor and a tangible manifestation of Christ’s greater purpose: bringing salvation to sinners.
This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks on November 20, 2022.
Learn more Legacy RBC at www.LegacyRBC.org
When a paralytic is brought to Jesus, our Lord demonstrated that He has the power and authority not only to heal but to forgive sins. This sermon was preached on November 13, 2022 at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church.
Learn more at https://LegacyRBC.org
Matthew 9:1-8
And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
In Matthew 8:28-34 we see the remarkable account of Jesus' encounter with two demon possessed men. Having just demonstrated His power over nature during the storm on the Sea of Galilee, we now see Him demonstrate His power and authority over Satan.
To Learn more about Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN please visit https://www.LegacyRBC.org
In the New Testament there are two offices which Christ has appointed for the benefit of the church: elders and deacons. While elders lead ministry, deacons are called to help facilitate ministry and all believers are called to do the work of the ministry. In this sermon, Pastor Caleb provides an overview of what Scripture says about the role of deacons.
Unfortunately, the primary message of Matthew 8:23-27 is often minimized or missed altogether.
The ultimate lesson here is not about Jesus calming the storms in your life, nor do we find a promise here that Jesus will get you safely to every destination you set for yourself.
The calming of the storm on the Sea of Galilee is first and foremost about being confronted with the nature of Jesus Christ: truly man yet truly God.
Unless we rightly understand this we cannot rightly apply this passage to our lives.
During Jesus' earthly ministry there were many who were intrigued by Him and wanted to follow Him, but not always for the right reasons. In this message on Matthew 8:18-22 we see Jesus' response to those who would seek to follow Him without putting Him above all else.
Matthew 8:18-22:
Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”
As Jesus went about during His earthly ministry, His miraculous healings provided the proof of His Messianic mission. They were the evidence that testified to the arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven, and the real change it brought. Jesus proved His authority over both the physical and spiritual realms, as He healed sickness and disease, as well as cast out demons from those who were oppressed.
Listen as Pastor Caleb preaches about some of the miraculous healing that Jesus performed during His ministry in Capernaum. See His authority over the physical and spiritual forces unleashed by the curse. Consider the unique time and place in history into which Jesus arrived. Jesus has borne our griefs and our sorrows. He has taken our sicknesses and our diseases.
As Jesus entered into Capernaum, He encountered a centurion seeking Him out because he was concerned for his valued servant who was suffering and close to death. This centurion exemplified the heart of the citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven demonstrated in the Beatitudes of Matthew 5. In him, Jesus found faith that He had not seen in Israel.
Listen as Pastor Caleb shows how Matthew continues the Gospel themes of revealing the authority of Christ, and the inclusion of the Gentiles in the Kingdom of Heaven. Understand the true nature of authority, and how the centurion’s confidence in the authority of Jesus to heal was a claim of faith in His divinity.
Christ taught with an authority that separated Him from the teachers and spiritual leaders of His day. His authority extended beyond His teaching, as He proved He had the authority over sickness as He healed a leper.
Listen as Brother Clay preaches about Jesus' healing of a man with leprosy. Christ displayed His authority and His compassion. Realize that in the Gospel we have received a far greater healing than the leper. He couldn't help but tell what Jesus had done. Are we so eager to tell of what Christ has done for us?
The message of Christ in the Sermon on the Mount demanded action. What may sound comforting and familiar to us, was certainly revolutionary and shocking to the crowds that surrounded Christ as He taught. Having proclaimed the arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven, Jesus warned them of impending doom, rebuked the traditions of their religious leaders, told them what God truly required from them, and called them to action. To believe Him was to obey Him. There was no way someone could believe him and continue as they had been.
Listen as Pastor Caleb explains the illustration from Jesus about the wise man who does the words of Christ and builds his house on the rock, and the fool who does not and builds his house on the sand. In the end, it will not be the quality of their houses that will save them, but the foundation on which they stand.
Not everyone who says that Jesus is Lord will be saved. Those are heavy words, yet Christ is clear. On the day of judgement there will be many who adamantly claimed that Jesus was Lord in their lives, and yet their boast before the throne will not be in the power of the Gospel, but in the might of their deeds.
Listen as Pastor Caleb preaches from this challenging text to help us understand Christ’s warning about false believers that will be found within the church. Their hypocrisy will be found out. Anyone who boasts in anything other than Christ when they stand before the judgement throne will be sent away to destruction. The Christian’s only boast, and their only hope, is Christ.
Christ warned us that there would be false teachers who would seek to lead God’s people astray. God’s people must be diligent and wise. We must use discernment and hold everyone, student and teacher alike, to the revealed Word of God.
Listen as Brother Clay helps us understand how we can be careful to avoid false teachers. If we look, we will be able to see the evidence in their lives that reveals they are not faithful messengers from God. We will know them by their fruit.
There is a special call on husbands and fathers to protect those under their care. Husbands, if you see your wife talking to a snake, do something about it.
How different would Jesus’ Gospel call be from that which is common in the modern evangelical church? Listen as Pastor Caleb preaches on Jesus’ call to action at the end of His exposition of the Christian life found in the Sermon on the Mount.
The arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven, and the judgement that it promised, demanded a call to action. After explaining the ethic of the Kingdom and the character that distinguished its citizens, Jesus ended the Sermon on the Mount with a call to action with warnings and hard teachings. This week we look at the precarious state of people on the wide and easy path, and the need to enter the narrow path through the narrow gate to find life and escape the destruction they were running toward.
This verse may sound familiar to many bits of wisdom found in a myriad of religious and philosophical traditions, yet it remains uniquely Christian. Jesus, in line with the rest of the teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, directed this teaching to the heart of His disciples, and not to what they hoped to receive from others. They were to love others by treating them in the most gracious and loving way possible, the way they would desire to be treated.
Listen as Brother Clay helps us better understand and apply this well known verse to our lives.
As we approach the final weeks of our study of the Sermon on the Mount we take a moment to review. Listen as Pastor Caleb reviews the themes and context of the Gospel according to Matthew and within it the Sermon on the Mount. Along with giving a review and walking through the context of Jesus’ teaching, he reads straight through the Sermon on the Mount, helping us more easily feel the flow of the larger teaching, as well as observe the themes of Matthew’s Gospel in Christ’s teaching.
What we believe about the character of God, and what we understand of fatherhood, has a huge impact on how we approach God in prayer. Our society may have lost any sense of what godly masculinity and fatherhood looks like, yet Scripture can teach us what it was meant to be. We need to recover a sense of true fatherhood if we would rightly approach God in confidence in prayer.
Even sinful fathers try, to the best of their wisdom and ability, to provide and care for their children. They do so imperfectly, and with only partial understanding. How much more should we be able to trust that God, who knows all and loves perfectly, can and will give good gifts to His children.
Listen as Pastor Caleb preaches from Jesus’ instruction for Christians to approach God in prayer as a child to a faithful father. Consider how earnest we are to be in asking, seeking, and knocking. God is faithful, and He will give us good gifts according to His abundance and grace.
As a balancing point to His command to not judge others with hypocrisy, Jesus told His disciples that they must use righteous judgement to know when to withhold the great treasure of the Gospel message from those who either do not see its value, or who respond to it with open hostility. That doesn’t mean that Christians determine who is worthy of hearing the Gospel message, or that we can tell who God will save, but that there is a time when we must learn to pause, take a step back, and pray.
Listen as Brother Clay gives the third of three messages from early in Matthew 7 dealing with the issue of how Christians ought to judge those around them.
Judgement is a prominent theme throughout the Gospel According to Matthew. The arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven meant that the traditions and beliefs of men would be weighed and measured against the new reality of Christ’s reign on this earth.
Jesus condemned the Pharisees for their hypocrisy in judging others harshly while ignoring the clear sin in their own lives. He illustrated the absurdity of their hypocrisy by describing a man with a large wooden beam sticking out of his eye attempting to remove a speck from the eye of his brother.
Listen as Pastor Caleb explains the meaning behind this comical picture that Jesus painted. See the danger of hypocritical judging and the need for dealing with your own sin before looking to the sin of others. Find out that God is in fact concerned with both the log and the speck.
You can’t judge me; the Bible says so… We arrive in our study of the Sermon on the Mount to the unbeliever’s favorite verst. But does it mean what they claim that it means?
Contrary to the careful scholarship of those who have never opened a Bible, Jesus didn’t forbid making judgements. He warned that people will be judged according to the standard and measure by which they judge others. This is a warning against being judgmental and over-critical, not being discerning and determining what is right and wrong, good and bad, helpful or harmful.
Listen as Pastor Caleb walks us through these verses, in their proper context, so that we can understand just what Jesus meant when He told His disciples not to judge.
Christ commanded His disciples not to be anxious about tomorrow. There are enough dragons for us to slay today, that we do not need to attempt to face tomorrow’s dragons before they arrive. Each day’s trouble is sufficient for that day.
Having learned from the past, we labor in faithful obedience today, as we keep an eye toward the future. Christ taught us to ask each day for our daily bread. The Father has shown us the Son’s victory, and told us of His great purpose for creation, yet He has not told us what trials each day will bring, nor what means He will use to provide for us during them. As we pursue the kingdom of God, we are given what we need for that day, but we are not shown where tomorrow’s help will come from. We must walk by faith.
Anxiety is an ancient and crafty foe, so we plead with you to listen and hear the words of Christ. The frailty of your body, the cares of this life, and the shouts of the world may all be directing your gaze backward, forward, or inward, yet we call your eyes heavenward.
Christ commanded us not to be anxious. Throughout the Gospels we see that His disciples were prone to anxiety, yet His consistent message was that they were not to be anxious about anything. We don’t have to look far to realize that we too are in need of the constant reminder not to be anxious.
We are not just given a command, but Christ has given us well reasoned evidence that should prove to us that we don’t need to be anxious. No matter what we face in this life. God knows our needs. God cares for us. God is able to much more than we could ever hope for or desire.
Instead of following the pattern of worry that we see lived out around us in the lives of unbelievers, Christians are called to seek the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and God will provide all that we need. Even if it is not what we expected, or thought was for our greatest good.
In a culture that despises absolutes, we come to a passage where Jesus clearly and powerfully declares that it is impossible to serve both God and the riches of this world. Not only that, but to the service of the one will bring about the hatred of the other. There is no neutrality when it comes to a person’s standing before God.
Pastor Caleb preaches from Matthew 6:24 and shows us how Christ clearly taught that we are either slaves of God or slaves of worldliness. This fits in well with the other images we are given in Scripture to understand the state of man. He is either righteous or wicked, in the light or dark, alive or dead, wheat or a tare, a good tree or bad. There are only two possible realities for mankind, two masters, and two destinies.
How we treat money or wealth has a lot to do with how we approach everything else in life. Brother Clay expounds a passage carrying a message that would have been clear to the first century Jews to whom it was written but requires a bit more work for us.
The idea of a good or wicked eye, and its tie to being generous or stingy and greedy with wealth was well known in first century Judea. Jesus pulled from this common imagery to continue teaching His disciples about what their relationship to money ought to be.
Where are you storing up your riches? Before you reply that you aren’t rich enough to store wealth, remember that the vast majority of us are wealthy in comparison to most people in the history of the world. On top of that, storing up riches also has to do with those things that we are investing our time, energy, and passion to, not just our material things or wealth.
Brother Clay preaches on this well-known passage in the Sermon on the Mount. Borrowing on Jim Elliot’s words, “You are no fool to give up what you cannot keep, to gain what you cannot lose,” he expounds on what you cannot keep, what you cannot lose, and what these things reveal about your heart.
Man apart from God is like the carpenter who cuts down a tree; with one part he heats his home, and with another he builds an idol and worships it. Apart from the true God, man will find himself in the very silly position of worshiping the creation of his hands. There is no future there. There is no hope there. God stands alone as Creator. He stands alone as Sovereign Ruler. He stands alone as the God who is worshiped by His creation.
Listen as Brother Kent preaches from Isaiah 46:3-4. There is no God like our God. Woven into this Old Testament prophetic passage is gospel imagery that points us to the Gospel and to Christ.
Do you practice fasting? Fasting is not the topic that most Christians get excited to talk about, in fact, you may think that fasting is only for the fringe, extremist Christians. You might think, “Surely fasting was meant for another time and another culture but is not meant to be for me today.”
In Matthew 6, Jesus contrasted the righteous works of the hypocrite against the way His disciples were supposed to practice them. Fasting is the third of these important acts of religious devotion that He contrasted.
Listen as Pastor Caleb helps us to understand the spiritual discipline of fasting. He will describe what biblical fasting looks like, showing how and when it was practiced in Scripture, and giving us multiple reasons why fasting should be practiced in our lives today.
How is it that Jesus can say that if we do not forgive others when they sin against us that our Father in heaven will not forgive us? Doesn’t that sound a lot like our actions cause God to forgive us? Doesn’t that sound like a works-based salvation? Jesus, like His earthly brother James, did not teach a works-based salvation. They also did not teach a powerless gospel. Salvation is the work of God. The work of God will be evident in the one who is saved. Without works no man will be saved.
Listen as Pastor Caleb preaches from this often misunderstood and avoided text. See how we can say, along with Scripture, that salvation is by grace alone, and that without works no one will be saved We cannot afford to ignore or explain away the clear warnings of God’s Word.
How are we to pray? Thankfully we aren’t left without an answer to that important question. Jesus taught His disciples how they were to pray, and this model prayer, or the disciple’s prayer, that Matthew records for us is a great place to learn what ought to be included in our prayers.
Jesus’ teaching here has so much more to teach us than simply reciting wrote memorization. Listen as Brother Clay opens up this well-known text to help us know how we ought to pray.
God’s people are to be a people of prayer. Prayer is as necessary to the Christian as the air that we breath. Even so, if we are not careful this needful practice and discipline can become a source of pride and cause us to sin. Jesus commanded His disciples to beware of the example of the hypocrites who prayed so that men might see and highly esteem them. He also warned against the kind of prayer that the pagans offer to their false gods.
Listen as Pastor Caleb digs into Jesus’ warning about the prayer of the hypocrites, and His encouragement to true, sincere prayer.
The hours and days between the death and resurrection would be the darkest followers of Jesus would ever know. There is nothing for the Christian without a living and reigning Christ. The disciples were in despair, yet we know the rest of the story, and we rejoice along with them as we read of them encountering the risen Christ.
Listen as Pastor Caleb preaches a Resurrection Sunday sermon focusing on the absolute necessity of the resurrection of Christ to the Christian religion and faith. It was the proof of Jesus’ claims, the vindication of His actions and for everyone who has trusted in the promises of God. It is the source of our new life and our salvation.
The Scribes and Pharisees taught that while you should love your neighbors you should hate your enemies. Where did they get that from, and what did the Law of God actually command? How did Jesus respond?
Listen as Pastor Caleb preaches from Jesus’ response and His call for His disciples to love and pray for their enemies. God’s common grace upon all men is set as the example that His children should follow. In light of the six teachings of the Jewish religious leaders, we are called to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. See how this charge is the natural conclusion to this section of Jesus’ teaching.
The Christian is called to a radical obedience by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount. The meek and the peacemaker, blessed at the arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven, will hear these words, and know that even if they are difficult, they are honoring to God.
Listen as Brother Clay preaches about the Christian call to not seek our own vengeance or repay insult with insult. We are called to rather be wronged than to escalate a situation by demanding what we are owed. We are called to be peacemakers, and to know that vengeance belongs to our God.
What was God’s intention for language and communication in creation? What does it mean to take the Lord’s name in vain? How does that affect how we talk to one another, and how well we stand by our word? What does the Bible teach us about making promises?
Pastor Caleb preaches from the Sermon on the Mount and what Jesus has to say to these questions. In the discussion is God’s design for language, the Law’s restraining of sin, the traditions of the Scribes and the Pharisees, Jesus’ correction of their traditions, and our Christian response. Will God’s people, called by His name, reflect His truthfulness and His faithfulness?
We return to our study of the Gospel According to Matthew and the Sermon on the Mount. Here Jesus continues His radical call to discipleship that those who embrace the Kingdom of Heaven must accept. Here, Jesus speaks to adultery and the breaking of the one-flesh marriage covenant that it represents.
Listen as Pastor Caleb preaches on the problem of divorce found throughout Scripture. Jesus responded clearly to the prevalence of divorce throughout Israel's history as He walked the land proclaiming the arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven. No doubt some of us will find the message that Jesus preached radical and hard just like those who were with him at that time struggled to grasp this difficult truth.
The Gospel is not simply a nice story to hear, or even something that is important to believe is true. The Gospel is a message that demands a response. You cannot help but make a response to the message of the Gospel. You will either continue in rebellion against your Creator, you will remain unsure and reflect and ponder, or you will repent and believe.
Brother Kent preaches the fourth in a four-part sermon series on the Gospel. We have already looked at God, man, and Christ, now we look at the possible responses to the Gospel.
Having previously looked to God as the Holy Creator, and the fall of man in Adam, we now turn to the heart of the gospel and the salvation that is found in Christ.
Brother Kent preaches the third of a four-part sermon series on the gospel. Listen as he talks about the life that we could not live, the life that Christ did live, and how in His resurrection the benefits of His perfect life and righteousness can be transferred to us by faith.
The Good news of the Gospel is only truly able to be appreciated against the desperate state of man apart from Christ. The fall of man, and the spiritual death that we all inherit from Adam, place the natural man in hopelessness and darkness. Praise God that in His mercy He didn’t leave us where we fell in our sin in Adam.
Listen as Brother Kent preaches from Genesis 2-3 to show us what we were, what we are, and what we have become in part 2 of a 4-part series on the Gospel.
The Gospel is the foundation of the Christian life and our relationship with God. May we never be so foolish as to think we are beyond being encouraged, rebuked, and sanctified by the message of the Gospel.
Listen as Brother Kent preaches the first of a four-part series on the Gospel, beginning with God as the Holy Creator.
Jesus gave His disciples a new paradigm in which they were to understand the nature of God, and the Law that flowed therefrom. God is not concerned only with the physical, but with the thoughts and heart of man. There is nowhere in which it is safe to sin against God.
Pastor Caleb preaches from the Sermon on the Mount as Jesus addresses fidelity, sins of the mind, and the seriousness of sin in general. God takes faithfulness extremely seriously. We cannot afford to take lightly the sexual immorality of which Scripture demands we must flee.
Obeying the commandment to not murder goes far beyond the prohibition to take a life without just cause. Christ taught us that it extends to the intentions of our hearts. Even the most basic commands have such high demands that we are completely incapable of perfect obedience. Praise God for the Gospel of Grace and the perfect righteousness of God's Son that is counted unto us by faith.
Listen as Brother Clay preaches from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:21-16.
What is the relationship between the Christian and the Law of God? How we understand the relationship between Christ and the Law will affect how we understand all of Scripture. The church has long understood the Law under the threefold distinctions of Moral Law, Ceremonial Law and Judicial Law. How do these distinctions help us understand why some commands are no longer followed like they used to be, and why others are considered timeless?
The Law is useful for convicting of sin, for restraining evil, and for understanding what is pleasing to God. Listen as Pastor Caleb preaches from Matthew 5:17-20 and the claim of Jesus that He came not to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill them.
Legacy RBC joined faithful churches around the US and Canada in preaching on Biblical Sexuality. This was done in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Canada to protest Bill C-4 that was passed into law and took affect last week. The language of this bill is so brad that it has the ability to make any teaching or counseling that seeks to uphold a biblical understanding of sexuality or personal identity illegal.
Listen as Pastor Caleb delves into the Scriptures to show that in the realm of human sexuality and identity Jesus is Lord, just as He is in every other area of creation. That is what defines what we will teach, and how we will live.
Jesus does not set His Spirit within a person, placing His light within, only to hide it away. The work of Jesus in the life of a Christian will be evident. God will be glorified by His children. God has purposed to put His children on display in this evil age. He will show His power and His glory through His people. Christians are the salt of the earth, making the world more pleasing to God, and holding back the rot and decay of the curse. It will bring about their persecution, but God is faithful, and He will receive all the glory.
Listen as Pastor Caleb preaches from Matthew 5:13-16 as Jesus told His disciples they were the salt of the earth, and a shining city on a hill.
Blessed are the peacemakers yet blessed are you when you are persecuted for righteousness’ sake and for Christ. This only seems like a contradiction. Peace is only possible when both sides are willing to submit to the same standard. Christians don’t pursue worldly peace, they pursue the peace that flows out of the increase of the reign of Christ and the furthering of the kingdom of heaven. We labor to bring all things under the peace of Christ, purchased by the broken body and shed blood of Christ. How will the world respond? The ungodly will treat us just like they treated our Master.
As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “Discipleship means allegiance to the suffering Christ, and it is therefore not at all surprising that Christians should be called on to suffer. In fact, it is a joy and a token of His grace.”
Listen as Pastor Caleb finishes the Beatitudes and continues our study through the Sermon on the Mount.
Just in time for the new year, listen to Brother Kent Smith preach on the importance of ending the debate between license and legalism and turning instead to a true desire for the things of God and a true desire to be pleasing to God. Discipline is not the dirty word the world tells us it is, it is the consistent command of the Bible.
It may be easy to think the Beatitudes are just nice Christian platitudes that we ought to aspire to, but they contain so much more. These verses are filled with the Gospel. They portray our emptiness and need and the salvation and satisfaction that is found only in Christ. Listen as brother Clay Kraby preaches on what it means to hunger and thirst for righteousness, to be merciful, and to be pure in heart from Matthew 5:6-8.
The Sermon on the Mount served as a sort of Messianic Manifesto of the kingdom of heaven and the reign of God on this earth. The arrival of the kingdom had been announced, and now its King would tell the people what that would mean for them. For some that meant judgement, for others blessing and salvation.
The great paradox is that it wasn’t those who most expected to benefit from the arrival of the kingdom that were blessed. It wasn’t those who were sure of their righteousness, but those who knew they were spiritually bankrupt that Jesus counted blessed.
Listen as Pastor Caleb introduces the Sermon on the Mount with the first three beatitudes in the beginning of Jesus’ Messianic Manifesto found in Matthew chapters 5-7.
As Jesus traveled this earth, He displayed His power over the effects of sin time and again. Each time He healed the sick, rebuked the forces of darkness, and spoke clearly the words of God, Jesus proved that He has the power to overcome the curse brought on by sin. As Jesus taught and healed the masses, He proved that the reign of the kingdom of heaven was at hand.
The general call of Jesus, as John the Baptist before, had been "Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand." The call was for everyone to repent and be made right with God. When Jesus called His disciples, however, it wasn't the broad generic call made to all, but a personal command of a master who truly knew and understood the one which He called. When Jesus calls you, will you follow the example of these disciples and leave everything to follow?
The people in Galilee were in great darkness at the arrival of the Messiah. Even as the world was, and in most places is today. Then, as now, the only hope in the darkness was the light of the gospel of Christ. Then, as now, it was only received by the grace of God. Then, as now, it was only received by those who understood their brokenness and who chose to embrace light rather than to love the darkness. Then, as now, it was the humble who were ready to hear and believe.
In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus is led up into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tempted by Satan after fasting for forty days. By facing temptation, Christ can ultimately identify with us in our temptations and trials. As Christians we can both draw encouragement from this event in the life of Christ, as well as learn from Christ’s example concerning how we should respond to temptation in our own lives.
John baptized with water for repentance of sin and preparation for the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit and with fire, unto salvation or unto judgement. Jesus received John’s baptism to identify with His people that they might find their identity in Him. Christians are now baptized to profess their identifying with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.
When you weigh the cost of living for Christ, consider the cost of Him dying for you. When you consider the cost of living for Him, consider well the cost of being ashamed of Him. It was costly for Jesus to identify with His people, and it will be costly for His people to find their identity in Him. The alternative is friendship with the world and eternal judgement from God. See, believe, and follow Christ.
John the Baptist’s message to Israel carried a great urgency. The Day of Judgment was not something far in the future. It was in fact very near, it was tied to the arrival of the Messiah. The people needed to repent and serve God as He desired, or they would face judgment. The coming of the kingdom of heaven demanded either repentance, or judgment. There was no other option, there was no delaying.
Beneath the theme of God’s providential care for His Son in the early days of His human life on this earth, we see the contrast between the faithfulness and self-sacrifice of Joseph with the murderous self-interest of Herod. In a nation that has embraced the spirit of Herod, follow the example of Joseph.
In this sermon, Clay Kraby takes a deeper look at Matthew 2:1-12. In this passage there are three separate responses to the birth of Christ. King Herod the Great's response was one of anger and jealousy. The chief priests and scribes responded to the news of the Messiah's birth with apathy. The Magi from the East, on the other hand, responded with worship as they traveled because of the star signaling the arrival of a new king.
We often think of God being silent during the four centuries between the Old and New Testaments. In fact, God was active bringing about everything He had shown Daniel. He was changing the face of the earth to set the global stage for the arrival of the Messiah.
The promise God made to David that his house and his kingdom would stand before God forever was not conditional on his descendant's faithfulness. It was made according to the faithfulness of God. Praise God for that!
Join Pastor Caleb as he continues the series on the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel. This week we look at how God remained faithful to the promise He made to David through the reigns of the kings of Judah beginning with the divided kingdom and ending with the deportation to Babylon.
We don't find Saul in the genealogy of the Messiah. We find the one who came after. Not the king the people demanded, but the king God chose. A very unlikely king. A man through whom God would establish a throne that would reach beyond the sinful desire of the people for a king, to provide for the salvation of all who truly believed for the glory of God alone.
Join Pastor Caleb as he digs deeper into the genealogy of Christ in Matthew's Gospel, this week focusing on David and his importance in the history of Israel and in preparing the way for the Messiah.
Pastor Caleb continues the study of the geneology of Jesus found in Matthew 1:1-17. This week the women of the geneology was the focus.
Pastor Caleb preaches from Matthew 1:1-2, as we begin a new sermon series through the Gospel According to Matthew. As we work through the geneology of Christ, we will pay special attention to the major figures and how their stories prepare us for the Messiah who was to come.
Pastor Caleb preaches from Hebrews 1:10-14 on Christ having a greater destiny than the angles. Even though in taking on human flesh, the eternal Son of God was made for a little while lower than the angels, His destiny was supremecy in all things.
Pastor Caleb preaches from Hebrews 2:5-9 on God's design for man in creation, and how their purpose is designed to glorify Christ and show Him as supreme in all things.